Today = Luke 14:1-24 + Genesis 25 + Psalm 18
Well I usually post early in the morning when I get up, but I'm posting a bit later since this morning was filled with architecture, light tables, and rabid skunks. To be honest, I'm feeling exceptionally stressed right now. I have an enormous amount of work to do, and very little time to do it. I would love to have multiple iterations completed and extensive research toward my studio project, but with all of this first-week-back-craziness, I don't feel as accomplished as I would have hoped. I feel as though I have wasted hours and hours of precious time, which I cannot regain. So, in the stress of reading about Shakers and crazy archie-diagramming madness, I decided to take a 'break' and finally post. I was praying for something with an ounce of encouragement, anything to get me through this night, this week. Luke and Genesis are good today, but Abraham dying and a list of unpronounceable names was not exactly the encouragement I was hoping for. Thankfully, the end of my reading today included a Psalm with some hope. Psalm 18 is pretty long, otherwise I would just post the whole thing. But in a nutshell it speaks of God's faithfulness and steadfastness. Yep, just what I needed.
"To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd. You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty. You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. he is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For how is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. Your give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn. I pursued my enemies and overtook them; I did not turn back till they were destroyed. I crushed them so that they could not rise; they fell beneath my feet." (Psalm 18:25-38)
Yeah, I feel so much better now. It makes it a lot easier when I know that I have a Great and Mighty God on my side in the battle against stress, worry, and the perils of archi-torture :)
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
.narrow doors.
Today = Luke 13:18-35 + Genesis 24 + Psalm 17
In the reading in Luke, Jesus speaks of entering through the narrow door:
"Someone asked him, 'Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?' He said to them, 'Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.'" (Luke 13:23-24)
He goes on to speak of people coming to the door, pleading with the owner of the house to let them in, saying they ate and drank with him, but the owner insists that he does not know them and tells them to leave. I may not have the perfect interpretation of this ( and probably not), but I think the story speaks of how many people will play with the idea of following Christ, but they never act on it. They come to church or they do 'good' things, but they do not seek Him, which is the whole point. It is a very very narrow door. Some days I realize that more than others. We are not living to a cultural standard of being a 'good person,' but a holy and perfect standard created by God. Obviously we can't stand blameless in front of him. Jesus is the only way to do that. And following him is hard. It's not natural or easy. It is simple, but it is not easy. And it is worth it. To be able to enter into God's house is worth it, no matter how narrow the door is.
In the reading in Luke, Jesus speaks of entering through the narrow door:
"Someone asked him, 'Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?' He said to them, 'Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.'" (Luke 13:23-24)
He goes on to speak of people coming to the door, pleading with the owner of the house to let them in, saying they ate and drank with him, but the owner insists that he does not know them and tells them to leave. I may not have the perfect interpretation of this ( and probably not), but I think the story speaks of how many people will play with the idea of following Christ, but they never act on it. They come to church or they do 'good' things, but they do not seek Him, which is the whole point. It is a very very narrow door. Some days I realize that more than others. We are not living to a cultural standard of being a 'good person,' but a holy and perfect standard created by God. Obviously we can't stand blameless in front of him. Jesus is the only way to do that. And following him is hard. It's not natural or easy. It is simple, but it is not easy. And it is worth it. To be able to enter into God's house is worth it, no matter how narrow the door is.
Friday, January 29, 2010
.more and less.
Today = Luke 13:1-17 + Genesis 23 + Psalm 16
I might be stuck on Psalms, but I really like Psalm 16. I am excited to be discovering all these new wonderful Psalms to keep on hand :) Anyway, Psalm 16 is another hymn of praise. I love them because they are so sincere. David's life might be falling apart at the moment, or maybe not, but regardless he praises his God. It makes sense why it is said that he was a man 'after God's own heart.' I really hope to be that one day, someone who is truly searching for God. Here is the second half of the passage:
"I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One (your faithful one) see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with you in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." (Psalm 16:7-11)
I love that we are not shaken because God is with us. We can rest because he will not abandon us. It's not that he wants to give us eternal life because then we can live forever, it's because we can praise him forever. Honestly, it's really not about us at all. We aren't calling the shots, God is counseling us. We aren't supposed to be consumed with thoughts of ourselves and our problems, but we are supposed to be filled with his presence. We will let ourselves down each and every day, but he will always be faithful and never abandon us. More and more I see how ...well.. lame I am. How much I really don't deserve him, this love. It's amazing how he does begin to mold and transform me into someone who is slowly but surely filled with a little more Him and a little less me.
P.S - We met back for the first New Tribe after Christmas break last night, which was amazing! It was back to the normal loudness, excitement, and seemingly perpetual rabbit trails, but it was definitely good. I missed it a lot. I'm so thankful to have such a group that is so supportive and likes exploring the Bible and truly searching after God.
I might be stuck on Psalms, but I really like Psalm 16. I am excited to be discovering all these new wonderful Psalms to keep on hand :) Anyway, Psalm 16 is another hymn of praise. I love them because they are so sincere. David's life might be falling apart at the moment, or maybe not, but regardless he praises his God. It makes sense why it is said that he was a man 'after God's own heart.' I really hope to be that one day, someone who is truly searching for God. Here is the second half of the passage:
"I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One (your faithful one) see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with you in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." (Psalm 16:7-11)
I love that we are not shaken because God is with us. We can rest because he will not abandon us. It's not that he wants to give us eternal life because then we can live forever, it's because we can praise him forever. Honestly, it's really not about us at all. We aren't calling the shots, God is counseling us. We aren't supposed to be consumed with thoughts of ourselves and our problems, but we are supposed to be filled with his presence. We will let ourselves down each and every day, but he will always be faithful and never abandon us. More and more I see how ...well.. lame I am. How much I really don't deserve him, this love. It's amazing how he does begin to mold and transform me into someone who is slowly but surely filled with a little more Him and a little less me.
P.S - We met back for the first New Tribe after Christmas break last night, which was amazing! It was back to the normal loudness, excitement, and seemingly perpetual rabbit trails, but it was definitely good. I missed it a lot. I'm so thankful to have such a group that is so supportive and likes exploring the Bible and truly searching after God.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
.the oath.
Today = Luke 12:32-59 + Psalm 15 + Genesis 22
The passage I'm focusing on today is pretty short - Psalm 15, but it's really good. I don't think I ever noticed it before.
"Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken." (Psalm 15)
It is so humbling to see the kind of person God wants in his kingdom and compare it to who I am. I definitely can't say my walk is blameless, or that I always speak truth from my heart. I think the greatest challenge is the part in verse 4 where it says "who keeps his oath even when it hurts." How powerful is that!? It is so easy to just give up when things get hard. I admit I've done it many many times. I think a lot of times we feel that God wouldn't want us to have any pain, that we should have to go through it. Newsflash: the Christian life is not pain-free nor easy. We follow a homeless man who was tortured and hung up on a tree to die. If we're truly following him, we might come to that same end. It is worth it, but it doesn't come without sacrifice. Some days I don't feel like making that sacrifice, but I know it's the only way to dwell in his sanctuary.
The passage I'm focusing on today is pretty short - Psalm 15, but it's really good. I don't think I ever noticed it before.
"Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken." (Psalm 15)
It is so humbling to see the kind of person God wants in his kingdom and compare it to who I am. I definitely can't say my walk is blameless, or that I always speak truth from my heart. I think the greatest challenge is the part in verse 4 where it says "who keeps his oath even when it hurts." How powerful is that!? It is so easy to just give up when things get hard. I admit I've done it many many times. I think a lot of times we feel that God wouldn't want us to have any pain, that we should have to go through it. Newsflash: the Christian life is not pain-free nor easy. We follow a homeless man who was tortured and hung up on a tree to die. If we're truly following him, we might come to that same end. It is worth it, but it doesn't come without sacrifice. Some days I don't feel like making that sacrifice, but I know it's the only way to dwell in his sanctuary.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
.my favorite!.
Today = Luke 12:1-31 + Psalm 14 + Genesis 21
Well, as much as I would love to write about the awesome passages in Psalms or Genesis, I'm just way too excited about Luke. You see, it's probably one of my absolute favorites. I memorized Luke 12:22-34 a few years back - maybe 9th grade? Anyway, it always seems to bring me comfort when I need it the most, and comes to mind at the most random times.
"Then Jesus said to his disciples: 'Therefore I tell you , do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and you Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."(Luke 12:22-34)
I realize it's a little long.. but I LOVE it! I love that God provides for birds and flowers so well, so obviously he will provide for us. I always use this passage when I'm ridiculously stressed out with school or something else. I know that no matter what, God will provide for me. It might not be what I had hoped for, but it will be what I need.
I love that we look pretty ridiculous worrying about food and clothes. We buy magazines and catalogues with all the new stuff we 'just have to have,' and billions of dollars are spent on diet books and gym memberships because we worry about how our body looks. Botox, plastic surgery, hair treatments, skin whatchamacallits, and constant manicures and pedicures fill our lives because we must be beautiful. When did you last see a gorgeous rose getting surgery so it's petals can be in the right arrangement? How ridiculous is the though?! But this is what we do all the time. We can sit back and trust in the simple, gorgeous beauty God has given each of us. I like the part that says that God knows that we need these things, that we worry about all of it, and if we seek him first, all of them will fall into place - even these things will be given to us as well.
These verses always challenge me because they remind me how ridiculous it is for me to be worrying about foolish things. It also reminds me of how abundantly God loves me despite my ridiculousness. And I'm always challenged to make sure my heart is focused and filled with the things of heaven. Because it is true, that where your treasure is, your heart will be also. What you invest in, that is what will consume your thoughts and actions. And there is no greater investment than my Saviour and his ridiculous abundant love.
Well, as much as I would love to write about the awesome passages in Psalms or Genesis, I'm just way too excited about Luke. You see, it's probably one of my absolute favorites. I memorized Luke 12:22-34 a few years back - maybe 9th grade? Anyway, it always seems to bring me comfort when I need it the most, and comes to mind at the most random times.
"Then Jesus said to his disciples: 'Therefore I tell you , do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and you Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."(Luke 12:22-34)
I realize it's a little long.. but I LOVE it! I love that God provides for birds and flowers so well, so obviously he will provide for us. I always use this passage when I'm ridiculously stressed out with school or something else. I know that no matter what, God will provide for me. It might not be what I had hoped for, but it will be what I need.
I love that we look pretty ridiculous worrying about food and clothes. We buy magazines and catalogues with all the new stuff we 'just have to have,' and billions of dollars are spent on diet books and gym memberships because we worry about how our body looks. Botox, plastic surgery, hair treatments, skin whatchamacallits, and constant manicures and pedicures fill our lives because we must be beautiful. When did you last see a gorgeous rose getting surgery so it's petals can be in the right arrangement? How ridiculous is the though?! But this is what we do all the time. We can sit back and trust in the simple, gorgeous beauty God has given each of us. I like the part that says that God knows that we need these things, that we worry about all of it, and if we seek him first, all of them will fall into place - even these things will be given to us as well.
These verses always challenge me because they remind me how ridiculous it is for me to be worrying about foolish things. It also reminds me of how abundantly God loves me despite my ridiculousness. And I'm always challenged to make sure my heart is focused and filled with the things of heaven. Because it is true, that where your treasure is, your heart will be also. What you invest in, that is what will consume your thoughts and actions. And there is no greater investment than my Saviour and his ridiculous abundant love.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
.abnormalcy?.
Today = Luke 11:29-54 + Genesis 19 + Psalm 12
"How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, O Lord my God. give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death; my enemy will say, 'I have overcome him,' and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me." (Psalm 13)
I've decided that the writers of the Psalms are not normal guys. They were just ordinary men but their faith has made them extraordinary. There are very few people, when persecuted heavily, will react with praise. It's just not something that is humanly natural. But when God has a hold of someone's heart, it's pretty obvious. Even though David feels like God has forgotten him, has extreme sorrow, and has enemies that are rejoicing in his failures, he still says that he will trust in God's love and rejoice in his salvation. There is something more to Christianity - the following of Christ than meets the eye. It's not following rules and adhering to guidelines, for that is religious and is not out of the ordinary or radical at all. But being able to praise like this when things are bad and trusting with a full heart that God's got it under control - that is a pretty radical though. Faith is by no means 'normal.'
"How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, O Lord my God. give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death; my enemy will say, 'I have overcome him,' and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me." (Psalm 13)
I've decided that the writers of the Psalms are not normal guys. They were just ordinary men but their faith has made them extraordinary. There are very few people, when persecuted heavily, will react with praise. It's just not something that is humanly natural. But when God has a hold of someone's heart, it's pretty obvious. Even though David feels like God has forgotten him, has extreme sorrow, and has enemies that are rejoicing in his failures, he still says that he will trust in God's love and rejoice in his salvation. There is something more to Christianity - the following of Christ than meets the eye. It's not following rules and adhering to guidelines, for that is religious and is not out of the ordinary or radical at all. But being able to praise like this when things are bad and trusting with a full heart that God's got it under control - that is a pretty radical though. Faith is by no means 'normal.'
Monday, January 25, 2010
.ask.seek.knock.
Today = Luke 11:1-28 + Genesis 19 + Psalm 12
The passage in Luke is uber-famous, but it is good, especially when I look at it a second time:
"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you fathers, if you son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (Luke 11:9-13)
I love that. It challenges me still some. I feel like it is so easy to accuse God of 'giving me a bad gift' and doing something unwise or harmful. But really, we are just humans and sinful and evil, and we know how to give good gifts. God is, well, God! How much more will he give us! How much better are our gifts from him?! God does answer our prayers and our inquiries, but sometimes I think I'm too stupid to realize that I'm asking for a scorpion or a snake, when God would much rather give me something good, something worthwhile, and something of worth. How twisted our perception of gifts is. I think I really need to work on that this week, realizing that God's gifts truly are good, and I will receive if I ask.
The passage in Luke is uber-famous, but it is good, especially when I look at it a second time:
"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you fathers, if you son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (Luke 11:9-13)
I love that. It challenges me still some. I feel like it is so easy to accuse God of 'giving me a bad gift' and doing something unwise or harmful. But really, we are just humans and sinful and evil, and we know how to give good gifts. God is, well, God! How much more will he give us! How much better are our gifts from him?! God does answer our prayers and our inquiries, but sometimes I think I'm too stupid to realize that I'm asking for a scorpion or a snake, when God would much rather give me something good, something worthwhile, and something of worth. How twisted our perception of gifts is. I think I really need to work on that this week, realizing that God's gifts truly are good, and I will receive if I ask.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
.VeggieTales flashback.
Today = Luke 10:21-42 + Psalm 11 + Genesis 18
The passage in Luke is the story of the Good Samaritan. I think each time I have read this, I see something different. I know at first I just thought the priest and the Levite were just jerks, and the Samaritan was the only one that was normal and actually stopped to help. Later, when watching a very good animated Veggie Tales short, I finally realized that the Samaritan was not 'normal' at all, but was actually going against culture and the rules he had grown up with. The two different groups HATED each other, yet he went out of his way, provided care, food and shelter for a complete stranger who by all means could be dangerous. And this is what we are called to do; it is not just the people we are close to that we need to look out for, but those that are different from us as well. Of course, sometimes this seems like the hardest thing in the world to do, but following Christ is by no means easy.
Personally, I definitely feel convicted about this. Honestly I can be lazy caring for the people I like, much less the people I don't like. I think it's easy most days to feel 'ok' about not stepping in and helping out when people are in need. We find that we always have something better to do. Yet this is one of the two biggies God asks us to do: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind,' and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Luke 10:27) I think it is going to become one of my goals, to truly step beyond my comfort zone and care for those I don't feel like caring for.
The passage in Luke is the story of the Good Samaritan. I think each time I have read this, I see something different. I know at first I just thought the priest and the Levite were just jerks, and the Samaritan was the only one that was normal and actually stopped to help. Later, when watching a very good animated Veggie Tales short, I finally realized that the Samaritan was not 'normal' at all, but was actually going against culture and the rules he had grown up with. The two different groups HATED each other, yet he went out of his way, provided care, food and shelter for a complete stranger who by all means could be dangerous. And this is what we are called to do; it is not just the people we are close to that we need to look out for, but those that are different from us as well. Of course, sometimes this seems like the hardest thing in the world to do, but following Christ is by no means easy.
Personally, I definitely feel convicted about this. Honestly I can be lazy caring for the people I like, much less the people I don't like. I think it's easy most days to feel 'ok' about not stepping in and helping out when people are in need. We find that we always have something better to do. Yet this is one of the two biggies God asks us to do: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind,' and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Luke 10:27) I think it is going to become one of my goals, to truly step beyond my comfort zone and care for those I don't feel like caring for.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Transition back to RPI... and lots of reading..
Well, I really have no time to write unfortunately, but I wanted to comment on Psalm 9, which is another Psalm of praise and thanksgiving. I wish I was this adamant about praise to my God. I"m working on it. My goal is to praise God like like Psalm 9:
"I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to you name, O Most High. My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you. For you have upheld my right and my cause; you have sat on your throne, judging righteously." (Psalm 9:1-4).
I definitely don't always praise my King with all my heart or tell of his wonders all the time. I think just living in America with a consumerist attitude, it's easy to want "stuff" from God, but no care about the true wonders. Stuff comes and goes; it's taken out with the trash regularly on Wednesday mornings. The wonders of God are eternal and all-consuming. Why do we ever covet shiny metal things in stores that have cool buttons, but we never wish for God's grace, peace, and truth which are far more valuable?
"I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to you name, O Most High. My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you. For you have upheld my right and my cause; you have sat on your throne, judging righteously." (Psalm 9:1-4).
I definitely don't always praise my King with all my heart or tell of his wonders all the time. I think just living in America with a consumerist attitude, it's easy to want "stuff" from God, but no care about the true wonders. Stuff comes and goes; it's taken out with the trash regularly on Wednesday mornings. The wonders of God are eternal and all-consuming. Why do we ever covet shiny metal things in stores that have cool buttons, but we never wish for God's grace, peace, and truth which are far more valuable?
Thursday, January 21, 2010
.first post from NY.
Well I'm back in Troy safe and sound. It's "chilly" so the pilot said.. pssshh.. it's 36 degrees! Practically summer! haha. Anyway, it's weird being back at school, but kind of nice at the same time. I just wish I could move into my dorm! Tomorrow will come soon enough....
Today = Luke 9:1-27 + Genesis 15 + Psalm 8 + Luke 8:26-56 + Genesis 13-14 + Psalm 7 (from yesterday)
Well, I'm going to try to address everything without this becoming a ridiculously long post..
Of the reading I really like, well, all of it, but especially Luke 8:40-48. It tells the story of Jesus going out and healing the sick, and going on his way to heal the daughter of one of the Jewish rulers. On his way a woman reaches out and touches him because she knows that even by just touching him she may be healed. I think her faith is so powerful. To be perfectly honest, I think for a while I kind of looked down on this woman, thinking she was from the slums and was a little to sketchy just to ask Jesus to heal her. But it's really not about that - she acted on faith. People can say things and conjure up this great "faith" that never seems to be put to the test. But the woman reached out and touched because she knew. I think it's pretty cool. I think I just need to do things more than talk about them more often. It's easy to say that you trust God and that you rely on him, but it's a heck of another story when you actually have to act on it.
Psalm 8 is the other part of the reading that really caught my eye - It seems to be one of the ultimate praise Psalms, like David was out-of-his-mind in love with God and how awesome and majestic He is. Every time I read it I feel humbled. I wish I could say I praise God like this all the time, that these are the words that spurt out from my lips, that I don't 'hide it under a bushel' sometimes. I'm working on it. I have definitely noticed that it's much easier to praise God continually when you are closer to him, because then you actually take the time to notice His glory and you finally look past your own.
"When I consider your heavens, the work of you fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you take care for him?" (Psalm 8:3-4)
Today = Luke 9:1-27 + Genesis 15 + Psalm 8 + Luke 8:26-56 + Genesis 13-14 + Psalm 7 (from yesterday)
Well, I'm going to try to address everything without this becoming a ridiculously long post..
Of the reading I really like, well, all of it, but especially Luke 8:40-48. It tells the story of Jesus going out and healing the sick, and going on his way to heal the daughter of one of the Jewish rulers. On his way a woman reaches out and touches him because she knows that even by just touching him she may be healed. I think her faith is so powerful. To be perfectly honest, I think for a while I kind of looked down on this woman, thinking she was from the slums and was a little to sketchy just to ask Jesus to heal her. But it's really not about that - she acted on faith. People can say things and conjure up this great "faith" that never seems to be put to the test. But the woman reached out and touched because she knew. I think it's pretty cool. I think I just need to do things more than talk about them more often. It's easy to say that you trust God and that you rely on him, but it's a heck of another story when you actually have to act on it.
Psalm 8 is the other part of the reading that really caught my eye - It seems to be one of the ultimate praise Psalms, like David was out-of-his-mind in love with God and how awesome and majestic He is. Every time I read it I feel humbled. I wish I could say I praise God like this all the time, that these are the words that spurt out from my lips, that I don't 'hide it under a bushel' sometimes. I'm working on it. I have definitely noticed that it's much easier to praise God continually when you are closer to him, because then you actually take the time to notice His glory and you finally look past your own.
"When I consider your heavens, the work of you fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you take care for him?" (Psalm 8:3-4)
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
No post :(
I won't be able to post tonight due to frantic packing and an early flight. So I'm going to have a double post tomorrow if all goes well. I can't believe I'm going back to school. It feels so normal and so weird all at the same time. I'll write more soon :)
.this little light of mine.
Today = Luke 8:1-25 + Psalm 6 + Genesis 12
Again, I'm posting ridiculously late, but I haven't really been home since this morning.... so it makes it a bit difficult. I'm frantically trying to get everything together to go back out to school. It should be interesting...
I love today's verses in Luke. They are extremely familiar, but really really challenging. The passage includes the parable of the sower, the lamp on a stand, and Jesus calming the storm. The lamp on the stand stood out a little more just because it brought me back to the first days of Sunday school singing "This Little Light of Mine." Of course, now it's stuck in my head... "This little light of mine / I'm gonna let it shine / This little light of mine / I'm going to let it shine.. / Hide it under a bushel? / No! (screamed loudly by many excited small children) / I'm going to let it shine / Let it shine / Let it shine / Let it shine..
I butchered that a bit.. but you get the idea. The story makes a lot of sense. It seems like a pretty easy concept, and it is: if you have a light, you don't cover it. Duh. But when referring to faith and following Christ, it's very easy to sidestep this. We don't want to offend people, or it's not 'politically correct' to talk about your faith, or it's somehow 'your little secret.' If anyone is truly following a leader, they don't keep it a secret. They tell the world that their leader is worthy of following, is laudable. Jesus was the greatest leader this world has ever seen. He was not politically correct, and I'm pretty sure he offended quite a few people. If we say we follow him, yet are too scared to step on people's toes a little, I think there is a problem. We Christians have been accused often of 'not believing the product we're selling.' It's hard to trust, and to go out on a limb and probably look a bit foolish in the eyes of the world. But it's a lot more foolish to keep the greatest Truth a secret and try to hide the Light.
Again, I'm posting ridiculously late, but I haven't really been home since this morning.... so it makes it a bit difficult. I'm frantically trying to get everything together to go back out to school. It should be interesting...
I love today's verses in Luke. They are extremely familiar, but really really challenging. The passage includes the parable of the sower, the lamp on a stand, and Jesus calming the storm. The lamp on the stand stood out a little more just because it brought me back to the first days of Sunday school singing "This Little Light of Mine." Of course, now it's stuck in my head... "This little light of mine / I'm gonna let it shine / This little light of mine / I'm going to let it shine.. / Hide it under a bushel? / No! (screamed loudly by many excited small children) / I'm going to let it shine / Let it shine / Let it shine / Let it shine..
I butchered that a bit.. but you get the idea. The story makes a lot of sense. It seems like a pretty easy concept, and it is: if you have a light, you don't cover it. Duh. But when referring to faith and following Christ, it's very easy to sidestep this. We don't want to offend people, or it's not 'politically correct' to talk about your faith, or it's somehow 'your little secret.' If anyone is truly following a leader, they don't keep it a secret. They tell the world that their leader is worthy of following, is laudable. Jesus was the greatest leader this world has ever seen. He was not politically correct, and I'm pretty sure he offended quite a few people. If we say we follow him, yet are too scared to step on people's toes a little, I think there is a problem. We Christians have been accused often of 'not believing the product we're selling.' It's hard to trust, and to go out on a limb and probably look a bit foolish in the eyes of the world. But it's a lot more foolish to keep the greatest Truth a secret and try to hide the Light.
Monday, January 18, 2010
.a hidden lesson for archies?.
Today = Luke 7:18-50; Genesis 11; Psalm 5
Today has been a busy day, full of Cuban food, thrifting, skiing, and my dad's tasty dinner. We've been frantically trying to get everything together for when I leave Thursday morning. I can't believe I'm leaving so soon! It's been so good to be home and to see everyone. I'm excited to go back, but I'm always sad to leave. I'm starting to really hate goodbyes.
Completely unrelated is today's reading. (And I'm actually posting before midnight!). Since I haven't really commented on Genesis much, and it is pretty important, I thought I would start with Genesis 11. It tells the story of the Tower of Babel, and then goes on to describe one of the numerous lineages in the Bible. The Tower of Babel is an interesting story for me, and I admit I don't quite understand it. It's crazy that God confused the languages for so many people so quickly. It would be crazy to wake up one morning and not understand anything your neighbor is saying. Languages have always been fascinating for me. I wish I was faster and more diligent at learning them, especially given my study abroad trip in Italy next fall. Anyway, the story of Babel basically describes a large group of people who decide to build a giant tower to reach to the heavens so that they can make a name for themselves.
When I first read the story, I wondered what cause God had to create mass confusion and rip a population of people apart. But I think a lot of it has to do with that part about "making a name for themselves." In truth, God's name is the only one that should ever be praised, he's the only one who should be really famous, and the only one who should ever be worshiped. But these people wanted that for themselves. Unfortunately this tradition continues to today, with everyone wanting their name known and anxiously waiting for their "fifteen minutes of fame" to begin. It's comical how we believe we deserve to get recognized for making witty comments on camera, pulling some backyard stunt, or even building a tower out of mud bricks. God made the whole earth just a few chapters back, and they thought they should be famous for using something he already made to make some baked tower in the desert. Smart. It reminds me of the all-important, yet sometimes instantly-forgettable lesson in humility; "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:5-7)
I find it interesting that people are always searching for power, strength, fame, money, ... even new clothes or a better house. But God doesn't ask us to take on any of that. He want's us to lean on him for might and power. We should never be anxious or worried about anything. And yet we always take our life into 'our own' hands. If the people were building that tower as an Ebenezer, or as some kind of praise to God, it would have been seen as a worthy venture. But because they made it to glorify their name, it is look at as pure foolishness. Which reminds me of the importance of this story for me: I'm going to have to check my motives with architecture often. It's easy to construct a Tower of Babel with your name stamped on it. It's difficult to surrender your talents and abilities to God, the one thing that actually matters. Buildings and towers and bridges and monuments all fall.
Today has been a busy day, full of Cuban food, thrifting, skiing, and my dad's tasty dinner. We've been frantically trying to get everything together for when I leave Thursday morning. I can't believe I'm leaving so soon! It's been so good to be home and to see everyone. I'm excited to go back, but I'm always sad to leave. I'm starting to really hate goodbyes.
Completely unrelated is today's reading. (And I'm actually posting before midnight!). Since I haven't really commented on Genesis much, and it is pretty important, I thought I would start with Genesis 11. It tells the story of the Tower of Babel, and then goes on to describe one of the numerous lineages in the Bible. The Tower of Babel is an interesting story for me, and I admit I don't quite understand it. It's crazy that God confused the languages for so many people so quickly. It would be crazy to wake up one morning and not understand anything your neighbor is saying. Languages have always been fascinating for me. I wish I was faster and more diligent at learning them, especially given my study abroad trip in Italy next fall. Anyway, the story of Babel basically describes a large group of people who decide to build a giant tower to reach to the heavens so that they can make a name for themselves.
When I first read the story, I wondered what cause God had to create mass confusion and rip a population of people apart. But I think a lot of it has to do with that part about "making a name for themselves." In truth, God's name is the only one that should ever be praised, he's the only one who should be really famous, and the only one who should ever be worshiped. But these people wanted that for themselves. Unfortunately this tradition continues to today, with everyone wanting their name known and anxiously waiting for their "fifteen minutes of fame" to begin. It's comical how we believe we deserve to get recognized for making witty comments on camera, pulling some backyard stunt, or even building a tower out of mud bricks. God made the whole earth just a few chapters back, and they thought they should be famous for using something he already made to make some baked tower in the desert. Smart. It reminds me of the all-important, yet sometimes instantly-forgettable lesson in humility; "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:5-7)
I find it interesting that people are always searching for power, strength, fame, money, ... even new clothes or a better house. But God doesn't ask us to take on any of that. He want's us to lean on him for might and power. We should never be anxious or worried about anything. And yet we always take our life into 'our own' hands. If the people were building that tower as an Ebenezer, or as some kind of praise to God, it would have been seen as a worthy venture. But because they made it to glorify their name, it is look at as pure foolishness. Which reminds me of the importance of this story for me: I'm going to have to check my motives with architecture often. It's easy to construct a Tower of Babel with your name stamped on it. It's difficult to surrender your talents and abilities to God, the one thing that actually matters. Buildings and towers and bridges and monuments all fall.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
.dwelling.
Today = Luke 7:1-17 + Psalm 4 + Genesis 8-10
Well I wasn't going to post today because I got back much much later than expected and I'm completely and totally exhausted. I could sleep until noon if my body got the chance.... but a certain family Cuban breakfast at 7:30 tomorrow will prevent that I'm afraid...
I've been commenting mostly on the reading in Luke, which is fine because I do love Luke, but I need to switch it up just a little. And hopefully I will have a little more time to write some days... Psalm 4 is the reading I really paid attention to today. It's a psalm of David, and speaks of deliverance and struggle and love. I'm just going to write the whole thing, well, because I can :)
"Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord will hear when I call to him. In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord. Many are asking, 'Who can show us any good?' Let the light of your face shine upon us O Lord. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." (Psalm 4)
I love seeing a glimpse of David's heart for God in this. He loves him and trusts him so much. He doesn't wish for anything more than God's love and is satisfied in it. I wish I could say the same. I wish I could always say "Your have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound..." Sometimes I'm not satisfied. Heck, most days I seem to be thirsting for something other than God. But in everything that I've ever thirsted for or sought after that wasn't God, it didn't give my that peace. God's peace is not a sunny cloudless day with no obligations or fighting or problems. God's peace is something that happens when there ARE problems, and turmoil and hardship and during those times of chaos we feel that we truly are dwelling in safety. That the Lord will hear us when we call. I also love the line from this psalm that says, "In your anger, do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent." (Psalm 4:4) I love the thought of just laying down on my comfy bed to rest, and examining the depths of my heart and just being silent and listening for God. Not with expectations of an epiphany or of angels popping out of the sky, but just of a heart-surrender to my God. Of waiting and listening and loving all that he is.
Well I wasn't going to post today because I got back much much later than expected and I'm completely and totally exhausted. I could sleep until noon if my body got the chance.... but a certain family Cuban breakfast at 7:30 tomorrow will prevent that I'm afraid...
I've been commenting mostly on the reading in Luke, which is fine because I do love Luke, but I need to switch it up just a little. And hopefully I will have a little more time to write some days... Psalm 4 is the reading I really paid attention to today. It's a psalm of David, and speaks of deliverance and struggle and love. I'm just going to write the whole thing, well, because I can :)
"Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord will hear when I call to him. In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord. Many are asking, 'Who can show us any good?' Let the light of your face shine upon us O Lord. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." (Psalm 4)
I love seeing a glimpse of David's heart for God in this. He loves him and trusts him so much. He doesn't wish for anything more than God's love and is satisfied in it. I wish I could say the same. I wish I could always say "Your have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound..." Sometimes I'm not satisfied. Heck, most days I seem to be thirsting for something other than God. But in everything that I've ever thirsted for or sought after that wasn't God, it didn't give my that peace. God's peace is not a sunny cloudless day with no obligations or fighting or problems. God's peace is something that happens when there ARE problems, and turmoil and hardship and during those times of chaos we feel that we truly are dwelling in safety. That the Lord will hear us when we call. I also love the line from this psalm that says, "In your anger, do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent." (Psalm 4:4) I love the thought of just laying down on my comfy bed to rest, and examining the depths of my heart and just being silent and listening for God. Not with expectations of an epiphany or of angels popping out of the sky, but just of a heart-surrender to my God. Of waiting and listening and loving all that he is.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
.a change of heart...
Today = Luke 6:27-49 + Genesis 6-7 + Psalm 3
Well once again I'm posting late... but it gave me lots of time since this morning to think about the verses!
Anyway, the verses in Luke are some of the more famous in the Bible, at least as far as popular culture goes.. The "Golden Rule" has been utilized by countless numbers of teachers, parents, and babysitters. Even in just my three days of reading through the Bible, I keep hitting verses that I think I am super familiar with, but look at a second time and find so much more meaning.
"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you...." (Luke 6:27-31)
This "Do to others as you would have them do to you" is the basic rule I've had pounded into my head since I was old enough to write my name with all the letters facing the right direction. But I think I never really took the preceding verses into account. I could never quite picture God asking us to act poor and defenseless, handing out our clothes to whoever might like them (which is an insane thought during the dead of winter in Minnesota.). But I think I feel like we're being called to something different, something more than just giving material items.
Thousands of people give to charity or donate their old used broken things to the local Salvation Army, or spare a quarter or two when they start ringing the bells for the red kettles. I think we are asked to give more than that. It's not our broken unused stuff that we should give because it is not truly giving; we aren't sparing anything, and it doesn't hurt us in the slightest. Lately it seems to be the 'holy' way of taking out the materialist trash. The thrift store or shelter takes our rejected stuff off our hands, and we get nifty tax breaks and brownie points for being 'Good Christians' or "Caring Citizens." Bogus. When have we truly given anything? Time, clothes, food, money.... we never give in an act of sacrifice and humanity; we always give out of our wealth.
I feel challenged to give of myself a little more. No, I don't have money, I'm a poor college student. No, I don't have time because I'm in a long-term relationship with this thing called 'Architecture.' No, I don't have a whole lot of wisdom or skills that I feel are worthy to teach. No, sometimes I feel like I don't have any clothes to spare, even though I have them falling out of every drawer and swallowing every hanger. But these are the excuses I find it all-too-easy to make for myself. But in this lack of 'stuff,' I find myself feeling a little rich. Because when I do give, I feel like I am giving much because I have little. And gosh, when you're poor you have to be creative! There are other things to give: prayer (when was the last time you had someone pray over you?), cooking a meal, sharing music, giving friendship, giving coffee (gotta love a cup of joe!), giving an old textbook instead of selling it.... We are never rich because we have things, but because we have a King who provides all that we need. We can be rich in love and joy, which are so much more satisfying. God's lending plan ("But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back" Luke 6:33) doesn't seem very sound in todays' market of sharks, but when looked at as an investment of love and kindness, it does make perfect sense.
I think my favorite of all the reading is Luke 6:45. "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." I think this verse challenges me so much. It's not about what I do that matters. In the end I can't control that. What I do and what I say will happen because of the state of my heart. So I think I need to stop asking myself, "What have I accomplished today, yesterday, this past year..?" and begin asking myself, "What have I done to change my heart?"
Well once again I'm posting late... but it gave me lots of time since this morning to think about the verses!
Anyway, the verses in Luke are some of the more famous in the Bible, at least as far as popular culture goes.. The "Golden Rule" has been utilized by countless numbers of teachers, parents, and babysitters. Even in just my three days of reading through the Bible, I keep hitting verses that I think I am super familiar with, but look at a second time and find so much more meaning.
"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you...." (Luke 6:27-31)
This "Do to others as you would have them do to you" is the basic rule I've had pounded into my head since I was old enough to write my name with all the letters facing the right direction. But I think I never really took the preceding verses into account. I could never quite picture God asking us to act poor and defenseless, handing out our clothes to whoever might like them (which is an insane thought during the dead of winter in Minnesota.). But I think I feel like we're being called to something different, something more than just giving material items.
Thousands of people give to charity or donate their old used broken things to the local Salvation Army, or spare a quarter or two when they start ringing the bells for the red kettles. I think we are asked to give more than that. It's not our broken unused stuff that we should give because it is not truly giving; we aren't sparing anything, and it doesn't hurt us in the slightest. Lately it seems to be the 'holy' way of taking out the materialist trash. The thrift store or shelter takes our rejected stuff off our hands, and we get nifty tax breaks and brownie points for being 'Good Christians' or "Caring Citizens." Bogus. When have we truly given anything? Time, clothes, food, money.... we never give in an act of sacrifice and humanity; we always give out of our wealth.
I feel challenged to give of myself a little more. No, I don't have money, I'm a poor college student. No, I don't have time because I'm in a long-term relationship with this thing called 'Architecture.' No, I don't have a whole lot of wisdom or skills that I feel are worthy to teach. No, sometimes I feel like I don't have any clothes to spare, even though I have them falling out of every drawer and swallowing every hanger. But these are the excuses I find it all-too-easy to make for myself. But in this lack of 'stuff,' I find myself feeling a little rich. Because when I do give, I feel like I am giving much because I have little. And gosh, when you're poor you have to be creative! There are other things to give: prayer (when was the last time you had someone pray over you?), cooking a meal, sharing music, giving friendship, giving coffee (gotta love a cup of joe!), giving an old textbook instead of selling it.... We are never rich because we have things, but because we have a King who provides all that we need. We can be rich in love and joy, which are so much more satisfying. God's lending plan ("But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back" Luke 6:33) doesn't seem very sound in todays' market of sharks, but when looked at as an investment of love and kindness, it does make perfect sense.
I think my favorite of all the reading is Luke 6:45. "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." I think this verse challenges me so much. It's not about what I do that matters. In the end I can't control that. What I do and what I say will happen because of the state of my heart. So I think I need to stop asking myself, "What have I accomplished today, yesterday, this past year..?" and begin asking myself, "What have I done to change my heart?"
Friday, January 15, 2010
Luke 6..... and a super late post
Luke 6:1-26; Psalm 2: Genesis 3-5
Unfortunately it is not exactly the 15th anymore.. but sometimes there are crazy busy days and I stay up late sewing with my mom :) I don't have time for a long post, but I really liked the reading. Especially Luke. And especially verses 20-26.
"Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers teated the prophets. But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets." (Luke 6:20-26)
This passage makes me happy and confused and .. almost saddened.. all at the same time! I love that God loves people so much, that in the midst of hardship they can be called blessed. And then weeping will turn to laughing, sadness to joy. I really never feel when I'm in the midst of those situations, though. When I'm hurt and people are abandoning me and I'm left out and feel alone, the last thing that comes across my mind is, 'Jump for joy!'
It reminds me that this life on earth is short, and the rewards we have.. and the trials we have are only momentary compared to infinite time.. I also feel guilty when reading this because compared to many I am rich. No, I don't have a shiny new car.... or even a brand new pair of jeans.. but compared to so many I have so much. I've been thinking about Haiti a lot today, and I'm starting to realize just how incomprehensible it is. It hits a little closer to home now that I have a fellow student that lives in Haiti. She has been on my mind a lot. Haiti has been on my mind a lot. I pray that though they weep now, they may one day laugh again.
Unfortunately it is not exactly the 15th anymore.. but sometimes there are crazy busy days and I stay up late sewing with my mom :) I don't have time for a long post, but I really liked the reading. Especially Luke. And especially verses 20-26.
"Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers teated the prophets. But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets." (Luke 6:20-26)
This passage makes me happy and confused and .. almost saddened.. all at the same time! I love that God loves people so much, that in the midst of hardship they can be called blessed. And then weeping will turn to laughing, sadness to joy. I really never feel when I'm in the midst of those situations, though. When I'm hurt and people are abandoning me and I'm left out and feel alone, the last thing that comes across my mind is, 'Jump for joy!'
It reminds me that this life on earth is short, and the rewards we have.. and the trials we have are only momentary compared to infinite time.. I also feel guilty when reading this because compared to many I am rich. No, I don't have a shiny new car.... or even a brand new pair of jeans.. but compared to so many I have so much. I've been thinking about Haiti a lot today, and I'm starting to realize just how incomprehensible it is. It hits a little closer to home now that I have a fellow student that lives in Haiti. She has been on my mind a lot. Haiti has been on my mind a lot. I pray that though they weep now, they may one day laugh again.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
1st Day!
Well, now for the first day! we'll just see how this goes..
Today's reading was Luke 5:27-39; Genesis 1-2; and Psalm 1
The passage in Luke is about the calling of Levi, who was a tax collector. i think my favorite thing is that all Jesus said was "Follow me" and Levi got up, left EVERYTHING and went with him. And then threw him a huge party! It always frustrates me to hear then the Pharisees asking about His association with the tax collectors and 'sinners.' Honestly, they sound so stupid when they are so self-righteous. It seems so obvious that they are so wrong sometime, and yet they never get it. I think what is truly scary about the Pharisees is that I see myself in them much too often. It is too easy to put myself and others in the right just because we've been Christians for a while, or because we belong to a certain church or group. it's sickening. my greatest fear is of becoming religious, but that fear becomes reality more than I'd like to admit. The line Jesus says in reply is one of my favorites:
"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." (Luke 5:31)
Why must Christians always parade around like we are so deserving of Christ? What in our lives deserves his love? Nothing.
"Come, all you who are thirsty, to the waters; and you who have no money, come buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk with no cost.. " (Isaiah 55:1)
I love Isaiah 55. It's one of my favorites. I love the imagery and that description of God giving to us freely - we have nothing to bring to the table, nothing to give him in exchange, but he gives to us so freely and so abundantly.
Also today is Psalm 1: "Blessed is the man.. his delight is in the law of the Lord and on his law he meditates day and night.. whatever he does prospers..." Oh I wish I could say I always loved what God had to say and had it on my mind 24/7. Definitely not there yet.. not even close. But I guess that is what I'm attempting to develop. it's not going to be easy I know, but my God is worth it.
The longest section from today was Genesis chapter 1 & 2. I know I've heard it a thousand times it seems. But each time I do hear something new. Today I realized what beautiful chaos that must have been when the world was created - to have sea and sky separating and everything going on at once. A beautiful mess it sounds like to me. It also sounds like God had fun :)
Friday, January 8, 2010
new year | new blog | new love | new challenge
Well I mostly have failed at this blogging stuff, mostly because architecture causes my life to border on a level of insanity due to busyness. I also never feel like I have anything worth writing about. That last fact may not change, but I thought I would try something new for the new year.
What brought me to this conclusion might be epically cheesy, but I think it would be amazing if it worked out. I sat down with my family the other night and watched "Julie & Julia," which if you haven't seen it, is about a woman who decides to cook all of Julia Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" recipes in one year. It intrigued me to write a blog about a challenge like that, which I know is not a new idea. When thinking about what I could possibly write about, many ideas came to (and left) my mind. I could write about my random happenings, as I have done .. and failed to do; I could challenge myself to do a drawing study every day, but the time consumed by that, though awesome, would be detrimental; I could write about food .. or design or architecture.. or something.. but I am not nearly an expert in any field, so I felt them all less than desirable.
After thinking for quite some time, I found that some sort of faith/Bible related thing could work. possibly... Any other subject I would write about might be interesting, but would probably not make a lasting impact, not in the way that impacting my faith, my core, would. I have always wanted to read through the Bible in a year.. but I never accomplished it. I have always been too busy, or too tired, or too separated from my Bible to keep on track. So thinking of blogging about reading the Bible in a year seems unrealistic, and in fact it might be. But whatever reading and writing I do complete, the outcome has to be positive. When did reading about God and thinking about God and writing about God ever hurt? I've been longing to have some excuse to fall madly back in love with my Savior, and now I think I may have found a challenge to do just that, by reading his Word: his love letter to the world.
Now, I really have no expertise in the Bible. Yes, I've been a follow of Christ for a while, but loads of technical Biblical knowledge is something I would not dream of pretending I had. I'm imagining this writing is going to be a bit rough, and I'm sure I will come to wrong conclusions... but my only goal with this challenge to myself is to go on an adventure and hopefully become more in love with my God, Savior, and very best Friend.
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