I'm blogging in class. Not sure I should really admit that, but there it is.
In the midst of this class I am thinking through the details of World Christian Week and am excited about it. I'm mostly excited because being on the planning committee I know the great things we have planned, but I also know the areas that are weak and where we just don't know how it will turn out. And that's exciting because it makes way for God to work in ways we cannot imagine or expect.
That's the thrilling thing about being a Christian and following God where he is leading, acting upon what God has shown you to do: He will ultimately work in ways that we cannot imagine in and through us. God is going to do something through World Christian Week NOT because of our work and effort in preparing, but because he is God. He will definitely use our preparation and the things planned, but those events of themselves are nothing - it is God working in and through them that will produce a great result.
I am so thankful that it is not my efforts, but that it is God's working in and through people (and events) that brings the result.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
No Pain, No Gain
I love the fact that I have an athletic background, I find that as Paul used the analogy of an athlete (2 Tim 2:5), there are many lessons I learned through swimming that apply to my walk with Christ. One of which is the old saying "no pain, no gain."
I don't know when I truly realized what this means, but it hit me one swim practice that to get good, I mean really good, I had to work my butt off every practice, leaving my all in the pool and dealing with the pain that entails... only to do the same the next day. It wasn't a one-time thing. It was a daily practice of exerting myself to the max. I remember the first practice I did that over winter break, and I definitely remember the results the following spring as my times dropped substantially and I qualified for better meets.
Recently I have been thinking through the personal pain that sin brings and the willingness to look and deal with it. Even though in my swimming days I was willing to deal with the pain a practice caused I knew when it would be over, I knew I could slack if I wanted; it was my choice. I didn't love the pain, but I knew it would bring something good. Dealing with sin is painful and it can be a little more scary as the certainty of the end point is not there. God is the one to be trusted in walking you through it. But the results - the fruit of the Spirit, increased intimacy with God - are so worth it. I have jumped into some areas of growth recently forgetting that there would be pain... and subsequently getting a little mad at God for it. I forget very easily that the pain this has caused me is not bad pain; there is an aspect in this pain that God is training, growing and strengthening me through this. And if it's worth it to put in the work for something as fleeting as a sport, how much more so for having the reality of a closer relationship with God and a deeper and greater intimacy with Him.
I don't know when I truly realized what this means, but it hit me one swim practice that to get good, I mean really good, I had to work my butt off every practice, leaving my all in the pool and dealing with the pain that entails... only to do the same the next day. It wasn't a one-time thing. It was a daily practice of exerting myself to the max. I remember the first practice I did that over winter break, and I definitely remember the results the following spring as my times dropped substantially and I qualified for better meets.
Recently I have been thinking through the personal pain that sin brings and the willingness to look and deal with it. Even though in my swimming days I was willing to deal with the pain a practice caused I knew when it would be over, I knew I could slack if I wanted; it was my choice. I didn't love the pain, but I knew it would bring something good. Dealing with sin is painful and it can be a little more scary as the certainty of the end point is not there. God is the one to be trusted in walking you through it. But the results - the fruit of the Spirit, increased intimacy with God - are so worth it. I have jumped into some areas of growth recently forgetting that there would be pain... and subsequently getting a little mad at God for it. I forget very easily that the pain this has caused me is not bad pain; there is an aspect in this pain that God is training, growing and strengthening me through this. And if it's worth it to put in the work for something as fleeting as a sport, how much more so for having the reality of a closer relationship with God and a deeper and greater intimacy with Him.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Accomplishing What?
The days are starting to slip past me. World Christian Week is next week and there are all of those random last minute details that pop up.
In and through it, I've really enjoyed the time and haven't minded how busy it has made me. I think part of that is the fact that after the week I will be able to take a deep breath, look back and say "Wow, look at that!" There will be proof of the work that I have put in, proof of accomplishment.
I compare this with last semester - when I didn't do as much, did not have as much visible accomplishment and pause. It is so easy to get wrapped up in a sense that doing things is more important and valuable then all else. But doing things does not determine our worth and value. Yes, there are biblical records of the many things the saints of old did, but there are countless years that are not told of where apparently these saints did not do much; where they were in a time or season of waiting or resting.
The American mindset emphasizes accomplishment; it emphasizes having proof of one's worth. Yet, even in the seasons of busyness may we not forget our seasons of waiting and may we not forget that it is ultimately God who determines our worth and value - whether we are "accomplishing" things or not.
In and through it, I've really enjoyed the time and haven't minded how busy it has made me. I think part of that is the fact that after the week I will be able to take a deep breath, look back and say "Wow, look at that!" There will be proof of the work that I have put in, proof of accomplishment.
I compare this with last semester - when I didn't do as much, did not have as much visible accomplishment and pause. It is so easy to get wrapped up in a sense that doing things is more important and valuable then all else. But doing things does not determine our worth and value. Yes, there are biblical records of the many things the saints of old did, but there are countless years that are not told of where apparently these saints did not do much; where they were in a time or season of waiting or resting.
The American mindset emphasizes accomplishment; it emphasizes having proof of one's worth. Yet, even in the seasons of busyness may we not forget our seasons of waiting and may we not forget that it is ultimately God who determines our worth and value - whether we are "accomplishing" things or not.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Tithe or Give?
I finished my taxes yesterday, yay! AND I'm getting a refund. As a friend said, "isn't nice to be so poor you just get all your money back?" Yes, yes it is.
When I realized I was getting money back my first thought was "Do I need to tithe this money?" I felt a little guilty, thinking I probably should in some sort, but a little irritated because, well, it's my money.
The idea quickly fell out of my mind as other, more pressing things pushed their way in.
Later, I had a very different thought as I was finishing up my taxes, it was, "Wow, I can give some of this away." It made me contemplate my view of money and God's provision. Because really, I have a choice with my money. I can view it as mine and feel that I "have" to tithe to be a "good Christian" or I can constantly hold it to God with open hands and realize that he's allowing some of it to fall back into my hands and out of thankfulness I can freely give.
Without a job, it's so much easier to hold onto every penny, but really it's all his. He has obviously provided for me thus far and he will continue to. I have trusted him and can continue to trust him to provide, and he's trusting me with this.
So hey, I can give some of this money away.
When I realized I was getting money back my first thought was "Do I need to tithe this money?" I felt a little guilty, thinking I probably should in some sort, but a little irritated because, well, it's my money.
The idea quickly fell out of my mind as other, more pressing things pushed their way in.
Later, I had a very different thought as I was finishing up my taxes, it was, "Wow, I can give some of this away." It made me contemplate my view of money and God's provision. Because really, I have a choice with my money. I can view it as mine and feel that I "have" to tithe to be a "good Christian" or I can constantly hold it to God with open hands and realize that he's allowing some of it to fall back into my hands and out of thankfulness I can freely give.
Without a job, it's so much easier to hold onto every penny, but really it's all his. He has obviously provided for me thus far and he will continue to. I have trusted him and can continue to trust him to provide, and he's trusting me with this.
So hey, I can give some of this money away.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Planning ahead...
This is probably one of my down-falls in that I try to over plan things and anticipate disaster, failing to allow God to work in and through the situation. But in this case, I'm really ok with it.
Because even though it's a few weeks ahead, I'm planning for Lent, which in turn leads to preparing the heart for Easter. This will only be my third observance of Lent. In the past two years I have enjoyed taking some intentional time to think of Christ and the sacrifice he made in dying on the cross for my sins.
The past two years I have given up various food items. I'm not quite sure if I will do any specific fast in that way, but I have decided on something else to give up: facebook. I never really thought I would, but coming to seminary I have been surprised by the frequency with which I use facebook and the strange way it creeps into my day and homework time.
So it will go, but it will be replaced. Joshuaproject.net will replace my random facebook wanderings. Now, instead of stalking various friends I can learn more about the unreached and be motivated to pray for them - that they may know the power of the cross.
As there is still time before Lent, I encourage everyone to consider ways to prepare your heart for Easter through the lenten time.
Because even though it's a few weeks ahead, I'm planning for Lent, which in turn leads to preparing the heart for Easter. This will only be my third observance of Lent. In the past two years I have enjoyed taking some intentional time to think of Christ and the sacrifice he made in dying on the cross for my sins.
The past two years I have given up various food items. I'm not quite sure if I will do any specific fast in that way, but I have decided on something else to give up: facebook. I never really thought I would, but coming to seminary I have been surprised by the frequency with which I use facebook and the strange way it creeps into my day and homework time.
So it will go, but it will be replaced. Joshuaproject.net will replace my random facebook wanderings. Now, instead of stalking various friends I can learn more about the unreached and be motivated to pray for them - that they may know the power of the cross.
As there is still time before Lent, I encourage everyone to consider ways to prepare your heart for Easter through the lenten time.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
When All Else Fails: Grace
I am frequently struck by the depths of my sinfulness. At times like this I love having friends around me who cry out "Grace!" It is such a blessing to be surrounded with people who so clearly understand that it's not about me, it's not about them, it's about God... and his lavish grace.
When we remember God as our loving heavenly Father, when we look to him and not to our circumstances or surrounding, then we will see his beauty and his grace. Then we will realize that our failures, mistakes and sins are nothing in comparison to him... and there we will realize that gazing at ourselves and our failures causes us to take our eyes off of his beauty and grace.
May we seek Christ first, may we seek to live and enjoy his beauty, may we seek to become more like him day by day, and may we accept God's grace and extend it to those around us readily and freely.
When we remember God as our loving heavenly Father, when we look to him and not to our circumstances or surrounding, then we will see his beauty and his grace. Then we will realize that our failures, mistakes and sins are nothing in comparison to him... and there we will realize that gazing at ourselves and our failures causes us to take our eyes off of his beauty and grace.
May we seek Christ first, may we seek to live and enjoy his beauty, may we seek to become more like him day by day, and may we accept God's grace and extend it to those around us readily and freely.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Uncomfortable Love
Over the years God has challenged my perception of love via his Word, friends and books.
One important thing I have learned is that love is not about me or how I feel. Hollywood portrays love as this thing that's supposed to make you feel wonderful all the time... but true love is hard. It means really considering others' needs, serving them, and thinking of them before yourself.
But one of the things I think that hit me hardest was realizing loving someone well means accepting them fully as they are and not trying to force them to meet some need you may have within yourself. People are made up differently. Different people have different capacities for friendship; some people won't want to have a deep friendship that you desire, some people may not be capable of it. There may be people who just have a habit that absolutely drives you crazy. But to love, to truly love others, means accepting them as they are, knowing what your limits are and learning to recognize their limits... and then freely loving them as they are. It isn't easy. It means realizing that a person may not respond as you wish when you unburden your heart. It means allowing someone you had been friends with, or had wanted to be better friends with, to go because they just don't want it.
It doesn't mean despising the person, treating them unkindly, or avoiding them. It means accepting them fully as they are - including what they can and cannot give. To love others well (to love them freely), you must love them out of a place of security in your relationship with God and from a place of stability with relationships with others. Something we all can learn and grow in... I know I am.
One important thing I have learned is that love is not about me or how I feel. Hollywood portrays love as this thing that's supposed to make you feel wonderful all the time... but true love is hard. It means really considering others' needs, serving them, and thinking of them before yourself.
But one of the things I think that hit me hardest was realizing loving someone well means accepting them fully as they are and not trying to force them to meet some need you may have within yourself. People are made up differently. Different people have different capacities for friendship; some people won't want to have a deep friendship that you desire, some people may not be capable of it. There may be people who just have a habit that absolutely drives you crazy. But to love, to truly love others, means accepting them as they are, knowing what your limits are and learning to recognize their limits... and then freely loving them as they are. It isn't easy. It means realizing that a person may not respond as you wish when you unburden your heart. It means allowing someone you had been friends with, or had wanted to be better friends with, to go because they just don't want it.
It doesn't mean despising the person, treating them unkindly, or avoiding them. It means accepting them fully as they are - including what they can and cannot give. To love others well (to love them freely), you must love them out of a place of security in your relationship with God and from a place of stability with relationships with others. Something we all can learn and grow in... I know I am.
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