As predicted, life took hold and my jump start enthusiasm fizzled along with my energy after the move, getting settled, the gift of company in town, beating pregnancy nausea, and the stomach flu. I continued to read in Matthew, but spent a lot more time processing the verses I was in and remembering the sweet nuggets I found earlier in the month. I realized that the words of Christ were becoming my sustaining, life-giving reminder of hope and perseverance. Not just a snack for the road, but a full meal that satisfied me to the core.
I've been in chapter 24 for 4 days now. What a chapter! Here's a summary of where we find Jesus and His entourage in the days before His death:
Jesus is in Jerusalem and has just toured the temple with His disciples. The disciples understandably want to know when He will come in glory and when that age will end. He begins to tell them about the signs of the end of the age. Phrases found throughout this passage:
"Wars and rumors of wars"
"Famines and earthquakes in various places"
"They will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death"
"False prophets will arise and lead many astray"
"The Gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to the nations, and then the end will come."
As I read through this familiar passage I was struck by the finality of it. Everything that the Lord has said will happen in His Word, has happened. Every promise He made to the nation of Israel- good or bad, came to pass. This is definite. This has been in motion since He first set the earth on it's axis and breathed life into Adam. His game plan is in motion and we are part of it; either as "trophies of His grace or objects of His wrath." (A quote from one of our favorite pastors)
While looking up "images of the apocalypse" and "Jesus return" in google images (which I highly recommend- it's hilarious) I came across a website on the failed doomsday predictions in history. One of them was May 21st, 2011. A date that was obviously a flop. There is something fascinating about wanting to predict when all of this is going to happen. But, Jesus clearly says in 24:36 "Concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only."
Like so many generations of believers before me, I pray that I see my Lord's coming in my lifetime. Although, from the description in this passage, it sounds like the events leading up to it are pretty terrifying. No matter what you believe about eschatology, we know the end result. Victory is already His.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Day 20
I've been getting butterflies in my stomach as I get nearer to the end of Matthew. They aren't good butterflies, they're dreadful and sad. I've spent almost a month examining the life and ministry of the man who is God that I call my Lord and Savior and though I've heard the rest of the story for most of my life, my heart is preparing itself for the inevitable. The brutal betrayal, torture, murder, death, and separation of ultimate unity. I know that it doesn't stop there, but the depth of pain He experienced for my sake is not something that is pleasurable to ponder.
The beginning of the end that leads to the beginning...(haha) starts in chapter 21- The Triumphal Entry. Jesus is welcomed by Jerusalem with celebration and palm leaves. He knew those shouting "Hosanna" would be the same that would shout "Crucify Him!" only days later.
After His arrival, He stopped at the temple to rebuke some moneychangers, healed some lame and blind, and was then encountered by the religious leaders. The next day, He's confronted by them again and He tells them two parables- in both of them, they lose out on eternal life.
As I read more about the scribes and pharisees and chief priests of the temple, my heart breaks for their state of blindness. These guys have dedicated their entire lives to The Law, the Torah. The Pharisees were also known as chasidim, which means loyal to God, or loved of God. It is tragically ironic that the very God these guys spent their lives striving to please came to earth as a man, stood in front of them, taught in their temples, healed their sick, and challenged their hypocrisy, only to be hated and eventually killed by them. Which was of course, all part of His plan.
I'm humbled by the fact that indeed all my righteous acts are as filthy rags to Him and as I lay helpless, He took away my blindness and made me see.
Thank you, my gracious and all powerful Father for rescuing me, for clothing me in robes of righteousness, for setting me free.
The beginning of the end that leads to the beginning...(haha) starts in chapter 21- The Triumphal Entry. Jesus is welcomed by Jerusalem with celebration and palm leaves. He knew those shouting "Hosanna" would be the same that would shout "Crucify Him!" only days later.
After His arrival, He stopped at the temple to rebuke some moneychangers, healed some lame and blind, and was then encountered by the religious leaders. The next day, He's confronted by them again and He tells them two parables- in both of them, they lose out on eternal life.
As I read more about the scribes and pharisees and chief priests of the temple, my heart breaks for their state of blindness. These guys have dedicated their entire lives to The Law, the Torah. The Pharisees were also known as chasidim, which means loyal to God, or loved of God. It is tragically ironic that the very God these guys spent their lives striving to please came to earth as a man, stood in front of them, taught in their temples, healed their sick, and challenged their hypocrisy, only to be hated and eventually killed by them. Which was of course, all part of His plan.
I'm humbled by the fact that indeed all my righteous acts are as filthy rags to Him and as I lay helpless, He took away my blindness and made me see.
Thank you, my gracious and all powerful Father for rescuing me, for clothing me in robes of righteousness, for setting me free.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Day 19: Becoming a child
Matt 18:1-5
I love that this chapter begins with the disciples fishing for compliments. "Soooo, Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" (emphasis added) I can totally relate to the little bum-kissers. I've fished for compliments from way-less worthy people than the King of the Universe. Jesus brings a small child from the crowd and sets him before them and responds:
"Assuredly I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives me."
This is about to get really personal...
As I've written previously, we have been given the beautiful opportunity to be part of a team of people planting a church here in Boulder, Colorado. We are up and running now with about 75% of our regular attendees under the age of 7. What a gift! With that gift comes some major responsibility- regular childcare. With only 8 of us able to volunteer in the nursery at this point, that leaves 6 that are not leading in the service in some capacity to take turns hanging with the kids. Two workers must be present each week, so we are on rotations every 2-3 weeks. One of my kids is in the nursery, so I say this with all respect. It is truly a tiring hour and a half of boogers, separation anxious cries, cheerio crumbs, sippy cup spills, and poopy diapers. And it is the most important role that can be filled in our church at this point. This service allows for the parents that are joining in worship to have some precious moments being filled with the Word, joining in corporate worship of the King, and making connections with fellow believers and unbelievers. Do I have this attitude about it all the time? No.
I, like the disciples, think about greatness in terms of stature, position, recognition, power, mature knowledge, and esteem from others. Jesus defines greatness as follows:
1. Becoming like a child
2. Humility like a child
3. Receiving a little child
In pondering this, I've thought a lot about my own little one. Stella has not yet formed a "mask" or a facade to put on for reputation's sake. We had a new couple over for dinner the other night and right in the middle of devouring her chicken, Stella made the announcement "I tootin!" Hahaha. No mask. Just really honest about exactly what she was feeling at the moment.
She innately trusts. At this point, she puts her trust fully in what Seth or I or her friends tell her. Which is absolutely terrifying. Her soft little heart hasn't developed any calluses that give reason not to trust everyone.
I have no difficulty receiving my own child. It's one of the greatest joys I've ever known. Receiving other's kids can be harder. Especially when they're extra stinky, dirty, or annoying. But, Jesus gives NO exception to this rule. He says that receiving little children like this means receiving Him. He doesn't say giving the most money at church, or singing the best on the worship team, or having all the right answers in Sunday school, or inviting the most people to come with you will make you greatest. These are all good things, but it isn't HIS answer to His disciples question about greatness. Are you willing to lay aside your definition of greatness to truly become great?
I love that this chapter begins with the disciples fishing for compliments. "Soooo, Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" (emphasis added) I can totally relate to the little bum-kissers. I've fished for compliments from way-less worthy people than the King of the Universe. Jesus brings a small child from the crowd and sets him before them and responds:
"Assuredly I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives me."
This is about to get really personal...
As I've written previously, we have been given the beautiful opportunity to be part of a team of people planting a church here in Boulder, Colorado. We are up and running now with about 75% of our regular attendees under the age of 7. What a gift! With that gift comes some major responsibility- regular childcare. With only 8 of us able to volunteer in the nursery at this point, that leaves 6 that are not leading in the service in some capacity to take turns hanging with the kids. Two workers must be present each week, so we are on rotations every 2-3 weeks. One of my kids is in the nursery, so I say this with all respect. It is truly a tiring hour and a half of boogers, separation anxious cries, cheerio crumbs, sippy cup spills, and poopy diapers. And it is the most important role that can be filled in our church at this point. This service allows for the parents that are joining in worship to have some precious moments being filled with the Word, joining in corporate worship of the King, and making connections with fellow believers and unbelievers. Do I have this attitude about it all the time? No.
I, like the disciples, think about greatness in terms of stature, position, recognition, power, mature knowledge, and esteem from others. Jesus defines greatness as follows:
1. Becoming like a child
2. Humility like a child
3. Receiving a little child
In pondering this, I've thought a lot about my own little one. Stella has not yet formed a "mask" or a facade to put on for reputation's sake. We had a new couple over for dinner the other night and right in the middle of devouring her chicken, Stella made the announcement "I tootin!" Hahaha. No mask. Just really honest about exactly what she was feeling at the moment.
She innately trusts. At this point, she puts her trust fully in what Seth or I or her friends tell her. Which is absolutely terrifying. Her soft little heart hasn't developed any calluses that give reason not to trust everyone.
I have no difficulty receiving my own child. It's one of the greatest joys I've ever known. Receiving other's kids can be harder. Especially when they're extra stinky, dirty, or annoying. But, Jesus gives NO exception to this rule. He says that receiving little children like this means receiving Him. He doesn't say giving the most money at church, or singing the best on the worship team, or having all the right answers in Sunday school, or inviting the most people to come with you will make you greatest. These are all good things, but it isn't HIS answer to His disciples question about greatness. Are you willing to lay aside your definition of greatness to truly become great?
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Day 18
I've been reading, just not blogging my thoughts. Sorry for the silence the past couple of days.
I don't have anything really profound to say about this chapter, just some observations:
1. The Pharisees are creepers. They stalk Jesus and His disciples, waiting for a slip-up so they can tattle-tale. They must be watching closely, because all they could come up with in verse 2 is "Why don't your disciples wash their hands before they eat?" Jesus, of course, comes back with a brilliant example of their hypocrisy and their breaking of God's commands. Then, He continues on talking to the multitudes that follow Him everywhere. I know that I've been a hypocrite several times in my life, but these guys irritate the heck out of me!
2. Verse 11: "Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man."
How much time do you think we spend thinking about what goes INTO our mouths? Personally, it probably amounts to several hours per week. Planning meals for the days ahead. Time spent at the grocery store. Time spent thinking about what I'm craving. Sitting in a restaurant contemplating the menu. Sitting in church thinking about lunch plans (yes, we have all done it.) Talking about food while eating food! I live in one of the most health-conscious cities in America- people here make food their life. They spend their lives counting calories and carbs, eliminating gluten, meat, and dairy, reviewing restaurants and getting snobby about going local. We have made it a religion. Jesus is referring to the Pharisee's preoccupation with their religion: it included ceremonial washings and dietary regulations. They were so focused on their rules, they completely missed what truly matters- their hearts.
"Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man." Matt 15:19-20
I don't have anything really profound to say about this chapter, just some observations:
1. The Pharisees are creepers. They stalk Jesus and His disciples, waiting for a slip-up so they can tattle-tale. They must be watching closely, because all they could come up with in verse 2 is "Why don't your disciples wash their hands before they eat?" Jesus, of course, comes back with a brilliant example of their hypocrisy and their breaking of God's commands. Then, He continues on talking to the multitudes that follow Him everywhere. I know that I've been a hypocrite several times in my life, but these guys irritate the heck out of me!
2. Verse 11: "Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man."
How much time do you think we spend thinking about what goes INTO our mouths? Personally, it probably amounts to several hours per week. Planning meals for the days ahead. Time spent at the grocery store. Time spent thinking about what I'm craving. Sitting in a restaurant contemplating the menu. Sitting in church thinking about lunch plans (yes, we have all done it.) Talking about food while eating food! I live in one of the most health-conscious cities in America- people here make food their life. They spend their lives counting calories and carbs, eliminating gluten, meat, and dairy, reviewing restaurants and getting snobby about going local. We have made it a religion. Jesus is referring to the Pharisee's preoccupation with their religion: it included ceremonial washings and dietary regulations. They were so focused on their rules, they completely missed what truly matters- their hearts.
"Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man." Matt 15:19-20
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Days 16,17: All about the kingdom
Matt 12 and 13
I watched a ridiculous movie the other night. Seth warned me and tried to remind me that we had seen it already and it was profusely dumb, but I needed to remember for myself. The movie is titled "What Dreams May Come" and it's all about what happens when we die. I might be considered morbid, but I am absolutely intrigued by movies, books, conversations... that deal with life after death. I'm not obsessed with it in an unhealthy way- I just find it fascinating.
In this particular movie, the main character dies in a tragic car accident and finds himself in "heaven." They portray heaven as though it's up to the individual's interpretation. His heaven is what "he wanted it to be." He visits his kid's heaven and it is completely different. It was a combination of earthly dreams and fantastic imaginings all rolled into one. He asks if God is there and his heavenly guide tells him that He's somewhere up there just screaming out ways that He loves us. To add to that, if you get bored with your heaven, just go back to earth and be "reborn". (Spoiler alert!) Which is what the lead characters ended up doing in the end. They reincarnated themselves so that they could have another lifetime adventure and start all over again.
All of this gave me an abysmal pit in my stomach. (It also could have been the pickled cauliflower I had just eaten as well... pregnancy cravings). To think of a heaven that you interpret based solely on YOUR finite imagination and that the God you desired to know your whole life is still as far away as He seemed on earth, is depressing.
Thank goodness we have a more accurate, more fulfilling description given to us in scripture! No one knows all the details, but we do know that it is not an obscure and abstract dream world based on individual creativity. It's a perfect reality centered around our all-knowing, all-powerful, loving, creative Father. Finally, the beginning of what life was meant to be; deep and intimate communion with our Creator for eternity. *warm fuzzies*
In Matthew 13, Jesus talked in parables to multitudes of people about the kingdom of heaven. I assume that this subject would be a favorite of our Lord's to talk about. It's His home and the ultimate destination for those whom He draws to Himself. He tells 8 parables back to back that begin with "The kingdom of heaven is like..." Some are straightforward and some are confusing and some are just scary.
Verse 49: The Parable of the Dragnet
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, which when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw away the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth."
This is straight from Jesus' mouth. There is nothing "politically correct" about this statement; and it doesn't leave any excuse to beat around the bush. There will be judgement and there will be a separation of wicked and just ("Just" meaning justified through Christ alone. See Romans 5:8,9).
I urge you to read this for yourself. The Holy Spirit is much more sufficient in revealing these truths to you.
Another good read about the kingdom of heaven: "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn. I read it several years ago and it was an incredible way to refocus on an eternal perspective throughout my day. Such joy and hope come through knowing that this is not it!
I watched a ridiculous movie the other night. Seth warned me and tried to remind me that we had seen it already and it was profusely dumb, but I needed to remember for myself. The movie is titled "What Dreams May Come" and it's all about what happens when we die. I might be considered morbid, but I am absolutely intrigued by movies, books, conversations... that deal with life after death. I'm not obsessed with it in an unhealthy way- I just find it fascinating.
In this particular movie, the main character dies in a tragic car accident and finds himself in "heaven." They portray heaven as though it's up to the individual's interpretation. His heaven is what "he wanted it to be." He visits his kid's heaven and it is completely different. It was a combination of earthly dreams and fantastic imaginings all rolled into one. He asks if God is there and his heavenly guide tells him that He's somewhere up there just screaming out ways that He loves us. To add to that, if you get bored with your heaven, just go back to earth and be "reborn". (Spoiler alert!) Which is what the lead characters ended up doing in the end. They reincarnated themselves so that they could have another lifetime adventure and start all over again.
All of this gave me an abysmal pit in my stomach. (It also could have been the pickled cauliflower I had just eaten as well... pregnancy cravings). To think of a heaven that you interpret based solely on YOUR finite imagination and that the God you desired to know your whole life is still as far away as He seemed on earth, is depressing.
Thank goodness we have a more accurate, more fulfilling description given to us in scripture! No one knows all the details, but we do know that it is not an obscure and abstract dream world based on individual creativity. It's a perfect reality centered around our all-knowing, all-powerful, loving, creative Father. Finally, the beginning of what life was meant to be; deep and intimate communion with our Creator for eternity. *warm fuzzies*
In Matthew 13, Jesus talked in parables to multitudes of people about the kingdom of heaven. I assume that this subject would be a favorite of our Lord's to talk about. It's His home and the ultimate destination for those whom He draws to Himself. He tells 8 parables back to back that begin with "The kingdom of heaven is like..." Some are straightforward and some are confusing and some are just scary.
Verse 49: The Parable of the Dragnet
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, which when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw away the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth."
This is straight from Jesus' mouth. There is nothing "politically correct" about this statement; and it doesn't leave any excuse to beat around the bush. There will be judgement and there will be a separation of wicked and just ("Just" meaning justified through Christ alone. See Romans 5:8,9).
I urge you to read this for yourself. The Holy Spirit is much more sufficient in revealing these truths to you.
Another good read about the kingdom of heaven: "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn. I read it several years ago and it was an incredible way to refocus on an eternal perspective throughout my day. Such joy and hope come through knowing that this is not it!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Day 15: the easy yoke
This is going to be really simple and not too profound, but definitely quenching water for my soul in this season of life...
Matt 11:28-30
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and I will give you rest. Take my Yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Even as I began typing the passage above, I took a long, deep sigh of relief. I love that this is SO counter-cultural for us. We are so ridiculously busy and heavy-laden and rest-deprived that we don't know what this begins to look like. When was the last time your soul was at rest?
In my commentary, it reads that those Jesus is referring to as "heavy laden" are the Jews who are suffering under the weight of religious responsibilities put on them by the scribes and pharisees- the religious leaders of that day. Our "religion" does that. It places weights and burdens on us that the One whom we really are desiring to please doesn't require. He desires mercy, not sacrifice (Hosea 6:6). He desires intimate knowledge of who He is, not mere head knowledge and a list of duties carried out to check off a list. To know Him, we must know His Son. Knowing His Son means that we have confessed He is Lord, that He has taken every single sin from us and nailed it to the cross. HE took our heavy burden and in return, invites us to take His..."My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
A beautiful exchange.
Matt 11:28-30
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and I will give you rest. Take my Yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Even as I began typing the passage above, I took a long, deep sigh of relief. I love that this is SO counter-cultural for us. We are so ridiculously busy and heavy-laden and rest-deprived that we don't know what this begins to look like. When was the last time your soul was at rest?
In my commentary, it reads that those Jesus is referring to as "heavy laden" are the Jews who are suffering under the weight of religious responsibilities put on them by the scribes and pharisees- the religious leaders of that day. Our "religion" does that. It places weights and burdens on us that the One whom we really are desiring to please doesn't require. He desires mercy, not sacrifice (Hosea 6:6). He desires intimate knowledge of who He is, not mere head knowledge and a list of duties carried out to check off a list. To know Him, we must know His Son. Knowing His Son means that we have confessed He is Lord, that He has taken every single sin from us and nailed it to the cross. HE took our heavy burden and in return, invites us to take His..."My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
A beautiful exchange.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Days 12-14: The Harvest
Here are some things that I've learned in the past few days as I've taken a little "think break" from blogging...
#1- I can't come close to completing this challenge adequately in 28 days. There is so much meat, so much to ponder in these verses that I feel as though I'm short-changing myself by breezing through chapters for the sake of a schedule. So the name of this whole endeavor will be changed to "The 28 day, or however long it needs to take, Jesus challenge."
#2- I'm truly a narcissist. It feels super good to look at the blog stats and see who's been checking out the blog and how many page views I have per day. During my little break, I was reminded about how this is not about me.
#3- I'm not a super-mom. This "all-day" morning sickness has kicked my heinie. I haven't cleaned well since we moved in, used my oven to cook for my family, or really exercised in a couple of weeks. It's extremely humbling to have a weakness that you can't snap out of or just suck up and barrel through. I'm learning to accept gifts of service that others offer me (like my mom preparing loads of meals for us to thaw and cook over the next month).
Now onto the good stuff. Matt Chapter 9:37,38
"Then He said to His disciples, 'The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.'"
This verse gives me butterflies of excitement and makes my heart quicken like it never has before when I've read it. In this season of our lives, we have the incredible opportunity to be on the ground-floor of a church plant. This has been 2+ years in the making and we just had our official launch today! I am moved to tears as I write these words thinking of the prayers, plans, and work that has gone into preparing for the harvest here in Boulder. There were 45 people there today. Numbers don't matter one bit, but what does matter are the people who have expressed interest in being the "laborers." The Lord of the harvest HAS SENT LABORERS!! They are people that we are only beginning to get to know, but we love them and are so thankful they have been called into His kingdom and are obedient to do His work. I love the truth that is in what Jesus says:
The harvest is PLENTIFUL
The laborers are FEW
It's the LORD'S harvest
Ask Him to send laborers
It's like standing before a vast field of- I'm gonna go ahead and pick my favorite crop- Strawberries. They are plentiful. They are ripe. They are ready for picking. The owner and master of the field has people at His disposal that can come alongside and help to harvest this crop, we need only ask.
Jesus has done the hard work. The Father has already chosen those who will believe. The Holy Spirit gives us boldness and authority through His Word. We just need to get out there and begin harvesting.
Father, thank you for rescuing me out of my dead, rotting state and for breathing life into me. Thank you for killing your only Son and my sins with Him so that I, the most unworthy of sinners, could have a place with you in eternity. Thank you for the harvest ahead of us. Please send laborers into Your harvest.
#1- I can't come close to completing this challenge adequately in 28 days. There is so much meat, so much to ponder in these verses that I feel as though I'm short-changing myself by breezing through chapters for the sake of a schedule. So the name of this whole endeavor will be changed to "The 28 day, or however long it needs to take, Jesus challenge."
#2- I'm truly a narcissist. It feels super good to look at the blog stats and see who's been checking out the blog and how many page views I have per day. During my little break, I was reminded about how this is not about me.
#3- I'm not a super-mom. This "all-day" morning sickness has kicked my heinie. I haven't cleaned well since we moved in, used my oven to cook for my family, or really exercised in a couple of weeks. It's extremely humbling to have a weakness that you can't snap out of or just suck up and barrel through. I'm learning to accept gifts of service that others offer me (like my mom preparing loads of meals for us to thaw and cook over the next month).
Now onto the good stuff. Matt Chapter 9:37,38
"Then He said to His disciples, 'The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.'"
This verse gives me butterflies of excitement and makes my heart quicken like it never has before when I've read it. In this season of our lives, we have the incredible opportunity to be on the ground-floor of a church plant. This has been 2+ years in the making and we just had our official launch today! I am moved to tears as I write these words thinking of the prayers, plans, and work that has gone into preparing for the harvest here in Boulder. There were 45 people there today. Numbers don't matter one bit, but what does matter are the people who have expressed interest in being the "laborers." The Lord of the harvest HAS SENT LABORERS!! They are people that we are only beginning to get to know, but we love them and are so thankful they have been called into His kingdom and are obedient to do His work. I love the truth that is in what Jesus says:
The harvest is PLENTIFUL
The laborers are FEW
It's the LORD'S harvest
Ask Him to send laborers
It's like standing before a vast field of- I'm gonna go ahead and pick my favorite crop- Strawberries. They are plentiful. They are ripe. They are ready for picking. The owner and master of the field has people at His disposal that can come alongside and help to harvest this crop, we need only ask.
Jesus has done the hard work. The Father has already chosen those who will believe. The Holy Spirit gives us boldness and authority through His Word. We just need to get out there and begin harvesting.
Father, thank you for rescuing me out of my dead, rotting state and for breathing life into me. Thank you for killing your only Son and my sins with Him so that I, the most unworthy of sinners, could have a place with you in eternity. Thank you for the harvest ahead of us. Please send laborers into Your harvest.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Day 11: A day in the life of Jesus
Matt Chapter 8
I'm being spoiled today. My folks are in town and my mom is hanging with Stella while I sit on my back porch and spend some sweet time in the Word. What a treat!
Due to my extra helping of time today, I was able to read through this chapter a few times and ponder the context. I noticed that under each new heading the paragraph began with a transition "When He had come down from the mountain" (v1) "When Jesus had entered Capernaum" (v5) "When Jesus had come into Peter's house..." (v14). From the way the chapter flows this looks as if it is all in one day. (Please don't quote me on that, I'm not by any means a Biblical or historical scholar, I'm just noting how the context reads.)
If this truly is one day, this is what Jesus' consisted of:
-He came down from teaching two chapter's worth on a mountain and healed a leper
-He walked to Capernaum and was immediately greeted by a centurion whose daughter was sick
-He finally got to Peter's house (I imagine that is where he was hoping for dinner and a good night's sleep) and Peter's Mother-in-law was sick so He healed her and she got up and served them
-"When evening had come" (v16) he cast out several demons
-"When Jesus saw great multitudes about Him, He gave a command to depart to the other side." Then a few guys started recruiting themselves for His inner circle
-When He finally got to the boat a huge "tempest" arose on the sea and His disciples started freaking out. He got up and told the sea to be calm.
-When Jesus arrived at His destination two "exceedingly fierce" demon-possessed men met Him there. He said one word in this whole exchange "Go" and the demons relocated to a herd of swine.
-The city was in such an uproar about this that they begged Him to leave.
-He got back into the boat (I'm sure this is the morning of the next day) and He begin all over again
This is extraordinary to me! I've never read the gospels like this before, in the context of time. Jesus was fully man and fully God, so He needed food and rest. No wonder He was a bit irritated with the guys when they frantically woke Him from sweet sleep during the storm. He said "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" They just saw him perform a days worth of incredible miracles and healings and they immediately lose faith. He's just trying recoup from a hectic day when they wake Him.
I love that by the time He meets the fierce demon-possessed guys, He says one word.
Oh! I just LOVE my Savior! I've never ever experienced a day even close to this caliber of busyness or importance and I get overwhlemed.
I'm so encouraged by our High Priest's example as I remember these commands in Paul's letters:
Galatians 6:9 "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."
2 Thessalonians 3:13 "But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good."
Hebrew 12:3 "For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls."
What a joy it is to know that we are bearers of His torch. Our Savior and Creator. The One who did the will of His Father at the cost of His comfort, food, rest, and His life. Thank you, Jesus for going before us.
I'm being spoiled today. My folks are in town and my mom is hanging with Stella while I sit on my back porch and spend some sweet time in the Word. What a treat!
Due to my extra helping of time today, I was able to read through this chapter a few times and ponder the context. I noticed that under each new heading the paragraph began with a transition "When He had come down from the mountain" (v1) "When Jesus had entered Capernaum" (v5) "When Jesus had come into Peter's house..." (v14). From the way the chapter flows this looks as if it is all in one day. (Please don't quote me on that, I'm not by any means a Biblical or historical scholar, I'm just noting how the context reads.)
If this truly is one day, this is what Jesus' consisted of:
-He came down from teaching two chapter's worth on a mountain and healed a leper
-He walked to Capernaum and was immediately greeted by a centurion whose daughter was sick
-He finally got to Peter's house (I imagine that is where he was hoping for dinner and a good night's sleep) and Peter's Mother-in-law was sick so He healed her and she got up and served them
-"When evening had come" (v16) he cast out several demons
-"When Jesus saw great multitudes about Him, He gave a command to depart to the other side." Then a few guys started recruiting themselves for His inner circle
-When He finally got to the boat a huge "tempest" arose on the sea and His disciples started freaking out. He got up and told the sea to be calm.
-When Jesus arrived at His destination two "exceedingly fierce" demon-possessed men met Him there. He said one word in this whole exchange "Go" and the demons relocated to a herd of swine.
-The city was in such an uproar about this that they begged Him to leave.
-He got back into the boat (I'm sure this is the morning of the next day) and He begin all over again
This is extraordinary to me! I've never read the gospels like this before, in the context of time. Jesus was fully man and fully God, so He needed food and rest. No wonder He was a bit irritated with the guys when they frantically woke Him from sweet sleep during the storm. He said "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" They just saw him perform a days worth of incredible miracles and healings and they immediately lose faith. He's just trying recoup from a hectic day when they wake Him.
I love that by the time He meets the fierce demon-possessed guys, He says one word.
Oh! I just LOVE my Savior! I've never ever experienced a day even close to this caliber of busyness or importance and I get overwhlemed.
I'm so encouraged by our High Priest's example as I remember these commands in Paul's letters:
Galatians 6:9 "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."
2 Thessalonians 3:13 "But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good."
Hebrew 12:3 "For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls."
What a joy it is to know that we are bearers of His torch. Our Savior and Creator. The One who did the will of His Father at the cost of His comfort, food, rest, and His life. Thank you, Jesus for going before us.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Day 10: Sick and hot
I'm headed to a much needed rest tonight. Today was rough, but so revealing of how weak and unable to function I am when my "ducks" aren't in a row. Between morning sickness that lasted the day and a hot house with no AC, I was not spending a whole lot of my brain power on Matthew 7. I'm hoping for more energy tomorrow.
Thank you, Lord for sustaining me in my day to day when I don't even acknowledge that I'm being sustained. Thank you for the comforts of sunshine, a cozy bed, a husband that works hard as unto you, my daughter's laugh, and the precious life that you are knitting together inside of me. Jesus, thank you for leaving your kingdom of complete perfection to lay down your life for unworthy sinners. Thank you for conquering death and sin through your resurrection and for the promise that you are preparing a place for me in eternity.
Thank you, Lord for sustaining me in my day to day when I don't even acknowledge that I'm being sustained. Thank you for the comforts of sunshine, a cozy bed, a husband that works hard as unto you, my daughter's laugh, and the precious life that you are knitting together inside of me. Jesus, thank you for leaving your kingdom of complete perfection to lay down your life for unworthy sinners. Thank you for conquering death and sin through your resurrection and for the promise that you are preparing a place for me in eternity.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Day 9: Planks and specks
Matt 7:1-6
When I was in first grade, I remember doing a skit with my little sister, Jule' based on this passage of Scripture. I'm not sure where we heard it or got the idea, but we had my mom sit down in the dining room (I can't wait for those days to come!) and acted it out. I was the guy with the plank in my eye and held a stick or baton up to my face while I was trying to get close enough to hers to pick out the piece of sawdust that was bothering me. It was silly and melodramatic, but the point has stuck with me since then. We constantly walk around with logs hanging out of our faces while we are so quick to point out the tiny piece of dust in our spouses, friends, brother's, and neighbor's eyes.
To that nonsense Jesus replies "Hypocrites! First remove the plank from your own eye and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." v5
He doesn't command us to IGNORE the speck and go on with our business, but instead says that we must deal with our sin before pointing out our brother's. I love that this simple concept I grasped as a 7 year old, is still a complexity in my day to day relationships. My flesh would much rather ignore my sin and every one else's. But, our command is two-fold: Square up with your sin before the Lord and then be honest about the sin you see in those around you.
Then comes verse 6:
"Do not give what is holy to the dogs, nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces."
Yikes! I had to research this a bit to gain some understanding. My commentary reads as follows: "Dogs and swine refer to people who are enemies of the gospel, as opposed to those who are merely unbelievers. Such enemies are to be left alone."
Jesus is saying not to waste your time on this sort of malicious person.
An example of this person in Scripture is Herod Antipas, the guy who beheaded John the Baptist because his scandalous step-daughter asked him to. Later, when Jesus was brought before him (see Luke 23:8,9) He said nothing.
I'm still mulling all of this over in my brain. I want to hear your thoughts... Any insight on this passage?
When I was in first grade, I remember doing a skit with my little sister, Jule' based on this passage of Scripture. I'm not sure where we heard it or got the idea, but we had my mom sit down in the dining room (I can't wait for those days to come!) and acted it out. I was the guy with the plank in my eye and held a stick or baton up to my face while I was trying to get close enough to hers to pick out the piece of sawdust that was bothering me. It was silly and melodramatic, but the point has stuck with me since then. We constantly walk around with logs hanging out of our faces while we are so quick to point out the tiny piece of dust in our spouses, friends, brother's, and neighbor's eyes.
To that nonsense Jesus replies "Hypocrites! First remove the plank from your own eye and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." v5
He doesn't command us to IGNORE the speck and go on with our business, but instead says that we must deal with our sin before pointing out our brother's. I love that this simple concept I grasped as a 7 year old, is still a complexity in my day to day relationships. My flesh would much rather ignore my sin and every one else's. But, our command is two-fold: Square up with your sin before the Lord and then be honest about the sin you see in those around you.
Then comes verse 6:
"Do not give what is holy to the dogs, nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces."
Yikes! I had to research this a bit to gain some understanding. My commentary reads as follows: "Dogs and swine refer to people who are enemies of the gospel, as opposed to those who are merely unbelievers. Such enemies are to be left alone."
Jesus is saying not to waste your time on this sort of malicious person.
An example of this person in Scripture is Herod Antipas, the guy who beheaded John the Baptist because his scandalous step-daughter asked him to. Later, when Jesus was brought before him (see Luke 23:8,9) He said nothing.
I'm still mulling all of this over in my brain. I want to hear your thoughts... Any insight on this passage?
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Day 8: No worries
Matthew 6:25-31
This past year in Boulder has been a lesson in trust. It's been full of joy, excitement, and incredible evidence of how God is working, but I've had my moments of panic. It's interesting looking back. We never skipped a meal, were evicted from our apartment, had no vehicle, or had to declare bankruptcy. On paper, numbers were extremely tight and I didn't know if we would have enough in our checking account to pay rent. Certain weeks were more stressful than others because every dollar was going towards a bill and not towards savings or that elusive "vacation fund." But, the Lord provided. Every time we paid rent on time it was a testimony to His provision.
I love that Jesus spends 9 verses in this chapter on worry. Oh how well He knows his people!
"Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?"
Everyone has seen a bird. There are over 10,000 different species of birds across the globe (wikipedia). Some people make a hobby out of just watching them, armed with their safari caps and binoculars. Jesus reminds us that these tiny winged beauties are fed and taken care of by our Father and that we are of much more value in His sight. He also points to the glorious clothing of the grass and lilies of the field. If God cares so much to clothe the fragile grass, how much more does He care about clothing us "O you of little faith."
I am of "little faith." One day I'm singing His praises for a miraculous provision and the next I'm wringing my hands over a bill with a late fee attached to it. Instead of this, I'm to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all of these things will be added unto (me)".
He was the one to decided to knit me together, He was the one who chose me before the foundation of the world, He is the one who has numbered my days, and He is the one who gives life and takes it away.
I'm free to live, free of worry.
This past year in Boulder has been a lesson in trust. It's been full of joy, excitement, and incredible evidence of how God is working, but I've had my moments of panic. It's interesting looking back. We never skipped a meal, were evicted from our apartment, had no vehicle, or had to declare bankruptcy. On paper, numbers were extremely tight and I didn't know if we would have enough in our checking account to pay rent. Certain weeks were more stressful than others because every dollar was going towards a bill and not towards savings or that elusive "vacation fund." But, the Lord provided. Every time we paid rent on time it was a testimony to His provision.
I love that Jesus spends 9 verses in this chapter on worry. Oh how well He knows his people!
"Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?"
Everyone has seen a bird. There are over 10,000 different species of birds across the globe (wikipedia). Some people make a hobby out of just watching them, armed with their safari caps and binoculars. Jesus reminds us that these tiny winged beauties are fed and taken care of by our Father and that we are of much more value in His sight. He also points to the glorious clothing of the grass and lilies of the field. If God cares so much to clothe the fragile grass, how much more does He care about clothing us "O you of little faith."
I am of "little faith." One day I'm singing His praises for a miraculous provision and the next I'm wringing my hands over a bill with a late fee attached to it. Instead of this, I'm to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all of these things will be added unto (me)".
He was the one to decided to knit me together, He was the one who chose me before the foundation of the world, He is the one who has numbered my days, and He is the one who gives life and takes it away.
I'm free to live, free of worry.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Day 7: When you pray
It's been a week already! And what a week it has been. I'm so thankful for the deliberate time in the Word that the Lord has allowed me to enjoy. Through abiding daily in His truth, He's been my rest, my peace, my joy, and my humble reminder of how human I am.
Matt 6:5-13 in summary: When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites. They stand outside in public for everyone to hear. Instead, go to your room, shut the door, and your Father, who is in the secret place will reward you openly. Also, don't pray with vain repetition like the heathens. They think they're being heard because they have a lot to say.
Jesus then shares the Lord's prayer. Our example of how to pray. I prayed the Lord's prayer several times today, thinking about each line that is so familiar to me and so easily becomes "vain repetition." I tried substituting different words that mean the same thing so I could think through what it means. Something like this:
My Father, who resides in heaven on high,
HOLY is your name
Your kingdom come (quickly!)
Whatever you will is done
Here in Boulder, CO, USA, Earth
As it is done in heaven.
Please give me today my portion of food
And forgive me of my sins (named)
As I forgive those who have wronged me.
Please don't allow me to fall into temptation\
But deliver me from Satan.
To you belongs ALL of creation, ALL power,
and ALL glory. Forever and ever and eva. AMEN.
Something else that struck me as I was reading this passage is how Jesus says "when you pray" three times in a row. He doesn't say "If" you pray or "when you get around to it" or "When you pray only at mealtimes." Nope, it's a given. An understood command. When you pray...
This is another discipline that I stink at. After reading this passage today I began praying the Lord's prayer and making it personal as I did above. Then, right in the middle of it, I fell asleep. Granted, my very favorite way to fall asleep at night is resting in the arms of my Father as I'm debriefing my day Him. But, when it comes to really deliberate prayer, it is such a challenge to keep my mind from drifting to the dishes in the sink, the plans for the day, my grumbling stomach. All of those distractions are REALLY poor substitutes for a focused conversation with the Creator of everything and Savior of my soul. This will be a constant battle between spirit and flesh until that glorious day when I'll fly away to glory. I'll fly away (in the morning...)
Matt 6:5-13 in summary: When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites. They stand outside in public for everyone to hear. Instead, go to your room, shut the door, and your Father, who is in the secret place will reward you openly. Also, don't pray with vain repetition like the heathens. They think they're being heard because they have a lot to say.
Jesus then shares the Lord's prayer. Our example of how to pray. I prayed the Lord's prayer several times today, thinking about each line that is so familiar to me and so easily becomes "vain repetition." I tried substituting different words that mean the same thing so I could think through what it means. Something like this:
My Father, who resides in heaven on high,
HOLY is your name
Your kingdom come (quickly!)
Whatever you will is done
Here in Boulder, CO, USA, Earth
As it is done in heaven.
Please give me today my portion of food
And forgive me of my sins (named)
As I forgive those who have wronged me.
Please don't allow me to fall into temptation\
But deliver me from Satan.
To you belongs ALL of creation, ALL power,
and ALL glory. Forever and ever and eva. AMEN.
Something else that struck me as I was reading this passage is how Jesus says "when you pray" three times in a row. He doesn't say "If" you pray or "when you get around to it" or "When you pray only at mealtimes." Nope, it's a given. An understood command. When you pray...
This is another discipline that I stink at. After reading this passage today I began praying the Lord's prayer and making it personal as I did above. Then, right in the middle of it, I fell asleep. Granted, my very favorite way to fall asleep at night is resting in the arms of my Father as I'm debriefing my day Him. But, when it comes to really deliberate prayer, it is such a challenge to keep my mind from drifting to the dishes in the sink, the plans for the day, my grumbling stomach. All of those distractions are REALLY poor substitutes for a focused conversation with the Creator of everything and Savior of my soul. This will be a constant battle between spirit and flesh until that glorious day when I'll fly away to glory. I'll fly away (in the morning...)
Friday, August 19, 2011
Days 6: Grace experienced
Continuing on with Matt 5:38-48...
I had in mind yesterday when I wrote "to be continued" on the subject of going above and beyond in your actions towards others, that I would get to write about ways I was able to do just that. I had 2 hang-ups with that today. First of all, the very next section I read this morning reads "Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them." (Matt 6:1) Haha. In other words, don't toot your own horn. Point taken. There will be no horn-tooting here. But, I do need to sing some other people's praises. People in my life that went above and beyond today to go an extra mile with me, give more than what was asked for, and just plain blessed my socks off. Here are the examples: (I hope you all don't mind that I'm writing about this!)
1. A member of the extended family, Jon- we actually figured out yesterday that he's Seth's first cousin-once-removed- came to stay the night with us last night. Apart from being completely delightful, incredible with Stella, and not whiny at all about our 85 degree third story guest room; he treated us to some much needed fans and rugs from Home Depot for our new place. When Seth protested, He said "Nope, that's what family is for." What a GIFT.
2. My sweet friend, Ari, whom I've mentioned before, put her day on hold not once, but twice to help me unpack boxes, bring lunch and dessert, be a listening ear, and organize my kitchen. Though she has PLENTY on her plate -She is a mother of an adorable 1 year old, friend to many, constant host, and wife of our pastor at The Well (www.boulderwell.org)- she went above and beyond in showing me kindness and grace and servanthood today.
3. Another dear friend, Kim came to help me organize and refresh my wardrobe. I don't know if it's because I'm pregnant and hormonal or just plain discontent, but I stand in front of my clothes in the morning for 5 minutes becoming frustrated at my "lack of outfits." That is super dumb and is really humiliating to write, but it's true. So, Kim spent 3 hours of her afternoon off (after a particularly long week at work for her) and gave me a full on wardrobe consult. She put together amazing outfits that I never would have imagined, staged them and took pictures, and on top of all of it went and bought me a cozy gray cardigan to complete my ensemble.
My heart is full and my eyes welling as I write about the gifts given to me in just one day! This is community. This is the body of Christ being lived out towards one another before a world that is watching closely. What did I do to merit any of this? Not a thing. In the same way "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
I had in mind yesterday when I wrote "to be continued" on the subject of going above and beyond in your actions towards others, that I would get to write about ways I was able to do just that. I had 2 hang-ups with that today. First of all, the very next section I read this morning reads "Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them." (Matt 6:1) Haha. In other words, don't toot your own horn. Point taken. There will be no horn-tooting here. But, I do need to sing some other people's praises. People in my life that went above and beyond today to go an extra mile with me, give more than what was asked for, and just plain blessed my socks off. Here are the examples: (I hope you all don't mind that I'm writing about this!)
1. A member of the extended family, Jon- we actually figured out yesterday that he's Seth's first cousin-once-removed- came to stay the night with us last night. Apart from being completely delightful, incredible with Stella, and not whiny at all about our 85 degree third story guest room; he treated us to some much needed fans and rugs from Home Depot for our new place. When Seth protested, He said "Nope, that's what family is for." What a GIFT.
2. My sweet friend, Ari, whom I've mentioned before, put her day on hold not once, but twice to help me unpack boxes, bring lunch and dessert, be a listening ear, and organize my kitchen. Though she has PLENTY on her plate -She is a mother of an adorable 1 year old, friend to many, constant host, and wife of our pastor at The Well (www.boulderwell.org)- she went above and beyond in showing me kindness and grace and servanthood today.
3. Another dear friend, Kim came to help me organize and refresh my wardrobe. I don't know if it's because I'm pregnant and hormonal or just plain discontent, but I stand in front of my clothes in the morning for 5 minutes becoming frustrated at my "lack of outfits." That is super dumb and is really humiliating to write, but it's true. So, Kim spent 3 hours of her afternoon off (after a particularly long week at work for her) and gave me a full on wardrobe consult. She put together amazing outfits that I never would have imagined, staged them and took pictures, and on top of all of it went and bought me a cozy gray cardigan to complete my ensemble.
My heart is full and my eyes welling as I write about the gifts given to me in just one day! This is community. This is the body of Christ being lived out towards one another before a world that is watching closely. What did I do to merit any of this? Not a thing. In the same way "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Days 3-5
Take a deep breath. Stop staring at boxes and open one. Get on the floor and hug Stella instead of ignoring her questions. Eat something before you pass out. Where is the box with the knives in it? I can't find the cups. 1 box down, 50 to go...
This is the flow of thoughts that have been littering my mind the past three days. A friend told us at dinner the other day that research has been done on some of the biggest stresses that a human can experience. They named #1 Death, #2 Divorce, and #3 Moving. I'm beginning to agree. I think that part of it is realizing how much junk you have (see blog post "the stuff of life") and the other is completely changing everything in your environment.
All of this to say, I have continued my reading and somewhat doing, we just don't have internet at the house yet. So here I am at the local coffee joint (courtesy of my sweet, understanding husband) with my decaf-iced americano, bible in hand, computer on my lap, ready to write. Here is a brief summary of my ponderings over the last 3 days:
Day 3: Matt 5:21-26 Rebuilding
This passage is about the heart. Jesus says that the law commands not to murder, but unwarranted anger and name-calling is judged just as harshly by the Father. It's so serious that He commands this: when you bring your gift to the altar and remember that your brother has something against you, to leave your gift and be reconciled. It's interesting to understand the scripture as remember that someone "has something against you." Not you are angry at someone else, but someone has been wronged by you. I feel like that is really hard to discern sometimes. It made me stop and think through the people in my life I may have wronged recently. To bring in the moving analogy (because that's what i was doing ALL DAY), I realized how swiftly you can "undo " a home. Take pictures off of walls, put books in a box, clear out cabinets... But it takes a considerably longer amount of time to rebuild. It takes thought, planning, organization, shelf liners (GRRR), and so on. It's the same with our relationships. In the past, my tone or just one angry word have hurt, damaged, and even ruined a relationship. It takes a second. To build that back up takes a long time and lots of hard work and forethought. I asked the Lord to remind me of people in my life that I need to reconcile with and one came to mind. I followed up and it was a joy. Thank you, Jesus for reconciling me to the Father!
Day 4: Matt 5:27-42 Let your Yes be Yes
Subjects in this passage: Adultery, Lust, Divorce, Breaking promises. Check, check, check, hmmmm. I'm a notorious plan and promise maker. I love to make plans, dream big, and semi-commit. I think I do it without even realizing it most of the time. I inherited the dreaming side from my Daddy. We can talk big about dreams all day and know that it probably won't happen, but it sure is fun to think about. It drives my sweet Mom nuts. When it becomes wrong for me is when my people-pleasing tendencies seep out and I commit to something that I haven't truly thought through. Here are 2 examples in the last 24 hours: Oh man. I told my dear friend Ari, that Stella and I would make it to Missional Community and I would bring ground beef. I realized while I was Target yesterday going in circles looking for those dadgum shelf liners while Stella was crying that it probably wasn't realistic for us to make it. She was extremely gracious with me. Then, I had told another friend, Julie that Stella and I could drop in on her daughter's going away party at 5pm. I took a necessary pregnant nap from 3-5 and woke up completely disoriented and unsure what to put on the box-filled table for dinner. She was gracious with me as well. This is really humbling to write, but it's such a good reminder to really discern what is best to commit myself to and what isn't. Sure, plans get cancelled, but if it becomes habitual nature it's not a great representation of our always faithful, completely true His promises Lord. Jesus says in verse 37 "But let your 'yes' be 'yes' and your 'no' be no'. For whatever is more than these is from the evil one."
Day 5: Matt 5:38-48 Common Grace
I urge you to go read all of these passages for yourself. Especially this one. To me, it is the epitome of amazing grace. Just the incomprehensible love of Jesus that I feel as if it will take me an eternity to wrap my mind around. In summary, Jesus says to turn your cheek when someone hits you, give them more when they steal from you, go an extra mile when they ask for one, love your enemies. Giving what others don't deserve, because your Father does. More on this tomorrow...
This is the flow of thoughts that have been littering my mind the past three days. A friend told us at dinner the other day that research has been done on some of the biggest stresses that a human can experience. They named #1 Death, #2 Divorce, and #3 Moving. I'm beginning to agree. I think that part of it is realizing how much junk you have (see blog post "the stuff of life") and the other is completely changing everything in your environment.
All of this to say, I have continued my reading and somewhat doing, we just don't have internet at the house yet. So here I am at the local coffee joint (courtesy of my sweet, understanding husband) with my decaf-iced americano, bible in hand, computer on my lap, ready to write. Here is a brief summary of my ponderings over the last 3 days:
Day 3: Matt 5:21-26 Rebuilding
This passage is about the heart. Jesus says that the law commands not to murder, but unwarranted anger and name-calling is judged just as harshly by the Father. It's so serious that He commands this: when you bring your gift to the altar and remember that your brother has something against you, to leave your gift and be reconciled. It's interesting to understand the scripture as remember that someone "has something against you." Not you are angry at someone else, but someone has been wronged by you. I feel like that is really hard to discern sometimes. It made me stop and think through the people in my life I may have wronged recently. To bring in the moving analogy (because that's what i was doing ALL DAY), I realized how swiftly you can "undo " a home. Take pictures off of walls, put books in a box, clear out cabinets... But it takes a considerably longer amount of time to rebuild. It takes thought, planning, organization, shelf liners (GRRR), and so on. It's the same with our relationships. In the past, my tone or just one angry word have hurt, damaged, and even ruined a relationship. It takes a second. To build that back up takes a long time and lots of hard work and forethought. I asked the Lord to remind me of people in my life that I need to reconcile with and one came to mind. I followed up and it was a joy. Thank you, Jesus for reconciling me to the Father!
Day 4: Matt 5:27-42 Let your Yes be Yes
Subjects in this passage: Adultery, Lust, Divorce, Breaking promises. Check, check, check, hmmmm. I'm a notorious plan and promise maker. I love to make plans, dream big, and semi-commit. I think I do it without even realizing it most of the time. I inherited the dreaming side from my Daddy. We can talk big about dreams all day and know that it probably won't happen, but it sure is fun to think about. It drives my sweet Mom nuts. When it becomes wrong for me is when my people-pleasing tendencies seep out and I commit to something that I haven't truly thought through. Here are 2 examples in the last 24 hours: Oh man. I told my dear friend Ari, that Stella and I would make it to Missional Community and I would bring ground beef. I realized while I was Target yesterday going in circles looking for those dadgum shelf liners while Stella was crying that it probably wasn't realistic for us to make it. She was extremely gracious with me. Then, I had told another friend, Julie that Stella and I could drop in on her daughter's going away party at 5pm. I took a necessary pregnant nap from 3-5 and woke up completely disoriented and unsure what to put on the box-filled table for dinner. She was gracious with me as well. This is really humbling to write, but it's such a good reminder to really discern what is best to commit myself to and what isn't. Sure, plans get cancelled, but if it becomes habitual nature it's not a great representation of our always faithful, completely true His promises Lord. Jesus says in verse 37 "But let your 'yes' be 'yes' and your 'no' be no'. For whatever is more than these is from the evil one."
Day 5: Matt 5:38-48 Common Grace
I urge you to go read all of these passages for yourself. Especially this one. To me, it is the epitome of amazing grace. Just the incomprehensible love of Jesus that I feel as if it will take me an eternity to wrap my mind around. In summary, Jesus says to turn your cheek when someone hits you, give them more when they steal from you, go an extra mile when they ask for one, love your enemies. Giving what others don't deserve, because your Father does. More on this tomorrow...
Monday, August 15, 2011
Day 2: salt and light
I woke at 6:30 this morning to a wide-eyed toddler in a princess dress climbing onto to my side of the bed. As I peeled back my eyelids the list of our day came barreling into my mind... Pack, clear out leftovers, drop a load of hand me downs, pack, pick up boxes, goodbye dinner with neighbors, more packing. My choice was this: put a DVD in the laptop and get 30 min more of sweet rest or get up and start my day with some Matthew. It was a bit of a deliberation, but I chose the latter.
Today I read about Salt and Light. Jesus said to his disciples "You are the salt of the earth" and "You are the light of the world." I've heard this passage countless times, but haven't taken a whole day to think on and try to really put it to practice. After reading, I asked the Lord to bring about opportunities for me to be salty and bright. My first test came about midway through the morning in the midst of getting Stella dressed (in another princess dress) for errands, cleaning up from breakfast, and loading the car. As I was looking for purse or keys or something else equally frustrating to lose, Stella came in and said "BIG poop in the corner, Mama!" Hmmm. Sure enough. Bosley, our beast of a daschund had let loose on the carpet. And when I say "loose", I'm not exaggerating- he had a bad case of diarrhea. I stomped into the kitchen to get a paper towel sighing unreasonably loudly out of my nose; mostly out of irritation, but partly to get the smell out. Seth saw me on his way in and asked what was wrong. I immediately went into blame mode. "Why didn't Boz go out?" "He tried to go, but "nobody" let him." Full on blaming my man for dog poop on the floor. Fail.
Thankful for the recent marinating in the Word, I was quickly convicted of my attitude and wrongful blame shifting and asked for forgiveness. Here's what I'm still processing from today...
1. It's by grace that I've been saved, not of works so that I cannot boast. (Eph 2:8,9) I'm so thankful for that truth on days that I obviously fall short and Jesus reminds me that He nailed all of my sin to the cross.
2. It must start at home. To be salt and light out there I need to practice being salt and light to my family, my church community, and my neighbors. That concept I've heard so many times has got to be Holy Spirit driven and remembered constantly. Thank you, Jesus for your abounding grace.
Today I read about Salt and Light. Jesus said to his disciples "You are the salt of the earth" and "You are the light of the world." I've heard this passage countless times, but haven't taken a whole day to think on and try to really put it to practice. After reading, I asked the Lord to bring about opportunities for me to be salty and bright. My first test came about midway through the morning in the midst of getting Stella dressed (in another princess dress) for errands, cleaning up from breakfast, and loading the car. As I was looking for purse or keys or something else equally frustrating to lose, Stella came in and said "BIG poop in the corner, Mama!" Hmmm. Sure enough. Bosley, our beast of a daschund had let loose on the carpet. And when I say "loose", I'm not exaggerating- he had a bad case of diarrhea. I stomped into the kitchen to get a paper towel sighing unreasonably loudly out of my nose; mostly out of irritation, but partly to get the smell out. Seth saw me on his way in and asked what was wrong. I immediately went into blame mode. "Why didn't Boz go out?" "He tried to go, but "nobody" let him." Full on blaming my man for dog poop on the floor. Fail.
Thankful for the recent marinating in the Word, I was quickly convicted of my attitude and wrongful blame shifting and asked for forgiveness. Here's what I'm still processing from today...
1. It's by grace that I've been saved, not of works so that I cannot boast. (Eph 2:8,9) I'm so thankful for that truth on days that I obviously fall short and Jesus reminds me that He nailed all of my sin to the cross.
2. It must start at home. To be salt and light out there I need to practice being salt and light to my family, my church community, and my neighbors. That concept I've heard so many times has got to be Holy Spirit driven and remembered constantly. Thank you, Jesus for your abounding grace.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Day one: The arsenal
I was so excited about this new adventure that I could barely get to sleep last night (at 1am) and woke up 2 minutes before my alarm began it's little jingle. But, that's just how I roll. I'm a strong starter and a weak finisher. You'll see, in about a weeks time I'll be struggling to catch up with posts. Here's to some character discipline!
I began reading in Matthew 1 this morning and quickly remembered that it begins with three 14 generation sets of names leading up to Christ's birth and then continues on in the narrative to give the facts on His birth, His family's escape from Herod, John the Baptist, and Jesus' baptism. There aren't a whole lot of commands in these first three chapters, mostly historical fact. So I kept on reading. In chapter 4, verses 1-11 Jesus is "led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." Wow. What a way to start your ministry. He is fresh off of what I would think is a pretty extreme high. The heavens open, the Spirit descends on Him in the form of a dove, and then receives the ultimate in Fatherly encouragement. Then the next part of the plan is complete hunger and thirst in the WILDERNESS with the knowledge that the devil is on his way to thwart your plans.
After reading and praying over this section I realized it's the perfect passage to start this thing off. There are no direct, Jesus- speaking-to-His-disciples-commands in these verses, but the concept is consistent. Know your Word. When Satan throws the temptation at Jesus to prove He's the Son of God by turning stones to bread, Jesus answers with "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." Boom. Then the Liar uses scripture out of context to move God's hand to rescue Him from a leap off of the temple. Jesus says "You shall not tempt the LORD your God." In his last effort, the enemy tempts Him with false glory if He will just bow down and worship him. His reply, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.'"
Jesus has his arsenal stocked. His weapons were loaded and He was not deceived. That's the command I took away from today. Know my Word by heart. Commit it to memory. Love the Lord my God with my whole mind! I stink at consistently memorizing scripture, but that's not an excuse, it's just plain laziness. In my little notecard binder, I wrote down the three verses from Deuteronomy that Jesus quoted be to Satan. I figured that was a good place to start. I plan to build my arsenal of weapons as I continue this challenge. :)
I began reading in Matthew 1 this morning and quickly remembered that it begins with three 14 generation sets of names leading up to Christ's birth and then continues on in the narrative to give the facts on His birth, His family's escape from Herod, John the Baptist, and Jesus' baptism. There aren't a whole lot of commands in these first three chapters, mostly historical fact. So I kept on reading. In chapter 4, verses 1-11 Jesus is "led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." Wow. What a way to start your ministry. He is fresh off of what I would think is a pretty extreme high. The heavens open, the Spirit descends on Him in the form of a dove, and then receives the ultimate in Fatherly encouragement. Then the next part of the plan is complete hunger and thirst in the WILDERNESS with the knowledge that the devil is on his way to thwart your plans.
After reading and praying over this section I realized it's the perfect passage to start this thing off. There are no direct, Jesus- speaking-to-His-disciples-commands in these verses, but the concept is consistent. Know your Word. When Satan throws the temptation at Jesus to prove He's the Son of God by turning stones to bread, Jesus answers with "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." Boom. Then the Liar uses scripture out of context to move God's hand to rescue Him from a leap off of the temple. Jesus says "You shall not tempt the LORD your God." In his last effort, the enemy tempts Him with false glory if He will just bow down and worship him. His reply, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.'"
Jesus has his arsenal stocked. His weapons were loaded and He was not deceived. That's the command I took away from today. Know my Word by heart. Commit it to memory. Love the Lord my God with my whole mind! I stink at consistently memorizing scripture, but that's not an excuse, it's just plain laziness. In my little notecard binder, I wrote down the three verses from Deuteronomy that Jesus quoted be to Satan. I figured that was a good place to start. I plan to build my arsenal of weapons as I continue this challenge. :)
The 28 day Jesus Challenge...
Ok, here it goes. I'm ready to be a doer of the Word. A real DOER. DO-ER. Not just a hearer or writer or "blogger" of the Word.I want to walk away from what I read and take action; actually understand what the scripture commands and walk in obedience. I talked to Seth today about reading a chapter a day in the book of Matthew and whatever commands we come across, to do them. I heard of this idea several years ago when I heard a pastor's testimony. When he was just beginning his relationship with the Lord a dear friend of his challenged him to make the effort to get up early and spend time in the Word. He did and began to take every single commandment to heart. Not in a legalistic way- but in a literal way. It absolutely changed his life.
I want to carry out this challenge publicly for two main reasons: Accountability and Transparency.
I read so many blogs and facebook statuses and interviews that are manufactured... and I am right at the forefront. Every word is weighed, every sentence tweaked, every thought re-invented to sound the very best. The best foot is forward. Well, I'm putting both feet forward and for those of you who have seen my feet, you know that is a bit humbling. It's not like it's a huge risk anyway. I think I have maybe 6 regular followers (Thanks, guys!) It's late, so I'll start tomorrow. I can't wait to see what's in those pages...
I want to carry out this challenge publicly for two main reasons: Accountability and Transparency.
I read so many blogs and facebook statuses and interviews that are manufactured... and I am right at the forefront. Every word is weighed, every sentence tweaked, every thought re-invented to sound the very best. The best foot is forward. Well, I'm putting both feet forward and for those of you who have seen my feet, you know that is a bit humbling. It's not like it's a huge risk anyway. I think I have maybe 6 regular followers (Thanks, guys!) It's late, so I'll start tomorrow. I can't wait to see what's in those pages...
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
{thriftin}
Our upstairs neighbor, Courtney has some amazing nuggets of vegetarian wisdom that she's graciously shared with me :) This is a delicious recipe for vegetable stock that helps you:
1. Save money
2. Use old veggies and scraps
3.Make AMAZING, healthy, low-sodium veggie stock!
As you're prepping your vegetables for a meal and you cut off stems, peel the skin, and discard the unwanted parts, throw all of it into a 1 gallon ziplock and keep it in the freezer. When the ziplock is full, put all the frozen veggie scraps in a pot with about a tablespoon of oil and roast for 8-10 minutes. Add 2 quarts of water (some salt), bring to a boil, and simmer on low for an hour. Strain out the veggies and you have rich, flavorful veggie stock! It's delicious as a base for sauces, soups, or whatever else you use stock or broth for! When it's boiling, I like to add a few cloves of garlic (the more the merrier :) and any veggies that need to be eaten quickly. Asparagus, radishes, and any other veggie with an overpowering flavor don't do well blending with the other veggies.
Enjoy!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
the beat goes on...
I need to take just a moment to brag on my man...
Since I've known Seth, he's blown me away with his mad musical skills. When we first met in 2001, he led worship for his local youth group. A year later, he started a band called Limit 32. In that band, he wrote a song for me called "Lullaby" and played a show for our youth group lock-in. Needless to say, I was completely star-struck by this passionate, handsome, guitar-playing heartthrob. Limit 32 eventually broke up as the guys went their separate ways after high school. In college, he started Something for Ahnnica- always mispronounced "something for hanukkah." The first few years of marriage, he was the lead guy/songwriter for Astoria Arms- a Christian hardcore band. Oh yes, it was hardcore. I had never heard Seth scream until I went to his first show. After realizing that this was going to be a huge part of our newlywed life, I began to really enjoy going to shows, hanging with the band, and selling the merch. He finished up with Astoria Arms shortly before our move to Lake City. The mountain fever finally got to him and he began writing folk music. Unlike the other bands, he doesn't tour or practice weekly- he writes and records the music, recruits other musicians to play on some tracks, and sometimes he lets me sing back-up :) His music is beautifully complex, soulful, and steeped in history. The folk project is called "To the Wolves." He has the album up online and it's available for purchase or for your listening pleasure. I hope you enjoy it as much as I get to. Check out the link below
www.wolffolk.bandcamp.com
Thursday, February 10, 2011
{thriftin}
Here's a new little portion of our blog dedicated to my favorite hobby recently... saving money! (mo money, mo problems)
As I find something new and fun that saves a bundle- I'll share it. Please share your creative money-saving tips as well!
Numero one:
Homemade Yogurt vs. Store-bought Yogurt
Thanks to my lovely mommy dearest, I am whipping up yogurt like nobody's business- mostly because our cutie 2 year old could eat it with EVERYTHING.
She shared this recipe with me over Christmas and I've been yogurt-making ever since and saving a bundle at the grocery store.
You need:
A crockpot
8 cups whole milk
1/2 cup plain active culture yogurt
A cheesecloth
Pour 8 cups of whole milk into your crockpot (I call it the wife) and cook on low for 2 1/2 hours. Then turn it off for 3 hours. Scoop 1 cup of the warm milk out of the crockpot and wisk 1/2 yogurt in. Add the mixture back to the crockpot, wrap the wife in a towel and let sit for at least 8 hours... and VOILA! You have yogurt.
To make it greek, strain the yogurt in a colander and chessecloth and let sit in the fridge for a few hours.
We add honey, syrup, preserves, applesauce, granola, or whatever else we have on hand you give it a little extra sweetness.
But wait...here's the best part
For half a gallon of greek-style strained yogurt it will cost you $43.92 at the store
To make the homemade version $1.50
Love it!
As I find something new and fun that saves a bundle- I'll share it. Please share your creative money-saving tips as well!
Numero one:
Homemade Yogurt vs. Store-bought Yogurt
Thanks to my lovely mommy dearest, I am whipping up yogurt like nobody's business- mostly because our cutie 2 year old could eat it with EVERYTHING.
She shared this recipe with me over Christmas and I've been yogurt-making ever since and saving a bundle at the grocery store.
You need:
A crockpot
8 cups whole milk
1/2 cup plain active culture yogurt
A cheesecloth
Pour 8 cups of whole milk into your crockpot (I call it the wife) and cook on low for 2 1/2 hours. Then turn it off for 3 hours. Scoop 1 cup of the warm milk out of the crockpot and wisk 1/2 yogurt in. Add the mixture back to the crockpot, wrap the wife in a towel and let sit for at least 8 hours... and VOILA! You have yogurt.
To make it greek, strain the yogurt in a colander and chessecloth and let sit in the fridge for a few hours.
We add honey, syrup, preserves, applesauce, granola, or whatever else we have on hand you give it a little extra sweetness.
But wait...here's the best part
For half a gallon of greek-style strained yogurt it will cost you $43.92 at the store
To make the homemade version $1.50
Love it!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
that the world may know
In my recent reading through the Gospel of John, I've had a hard time moving past chapter 17. In this chapter, Jesus has just finished revealing what is to come for Himself and his disciples at the last supper and begins to pray. He prays for himself and the task at hand, He then prays for his disciples that the Lord would not take them out of the world, but protect them from the evil one (v. 15), and finally He prays for all believers, "those who will believe in me through their word." (v.20) I am continually amazed that He PRAYS FOR US. It captivates me to think of my Savior interceding on my behalf before the Father. What?!
This time as I read the passage, something else stood out to me... In verses 20-23 Jesus prays 4 times that believers "may be one." Each time He prays this phrase, He follows it up with the comparison of the unity of Jesus and the Father. The reason He prays this?
"That the world may know that You have sent me, and have loved them as You loved me." (v. 23)
Our unity with each other and with God is our greatest witness to Christ as the Son of God to a lost and broken world.
Shortly after processing this thought, I realized how often we allow our unity as believers to be severed. Relationships break, churches split, marriages crumble, and believers choose to live in bitterness, resentment, and unreconciled differences with each other. We completely and totally settle for this way of life all the while claiming our rights and and our pride and our way or else. We walk in disunity with our brothers and sisters, our fellow heirs of salvation, and then strive to be salt and light to the lost around us.
Our enemy, "who prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8) knows our weaknesses. He has watched us for far to long to miss out on attacking us in the exact opposite way Jesus prayed for us the night before He was crucified.
I urge you to consider your life and relationships. Put on your armor and fight for unity with your brothers and sisters. Wage war against the temptation to let unity crumble around you. Pray as Jesus prayed for the church, His bride
"That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me..." John 17:21
This time as I read the passage, something else stood out to me... In verses 20-23 Jesus prays 4 times that believers "may be one." Each time He prays this phrase, He follows it up with the comparison of the unity of Jesus and the Father. The reason He prays this?
"That the world may know that You have sent me, and have loved them as You loved me." (v. 23)
Our unity with each other and with God is our greatest witness to Christ as the Son of God to a lost and broken world.
Shortly after processing this thought, I realized how often we allow our unity as believers to be severed. Relationships break, churches split, marriages crumble, and believers choose to live in bitterness, resentment, and unreconciled differences with each other. We completely and totally settle for this way of life all the while claiming our rights and and our pride and our way or else. We walk in disunity with our brothers and sisters, our fellow heirs of salvation, and then strive to be salt and light to the lost around us.
Our enemy, "who prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8) knows our weaknesses. He has watched us for far to long to miss out on attacking us in the exact opposite way Jesus prayed for us the night before He was crucified.
I urge you to consider your life and relationships. Put on your armor and fight for unity with your brothers and sisters. Wage war against the temptation to let unity crumble around you. Pray as Jesus prayed for the church, His bride
"That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me..." John 17:21
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