God is in the Darkness

In Exodus 20:1-17 God had just given Moses The Ten Commandments. Afterward the people were afraid of God's presence and that's where we'll pick up.

18 When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear.  They stayed at a distance 19 and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die." 20 Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning." 21 The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.

Interesting to note, Moses approached the darkness where God was. Now if we're honest most of us would admit we don't believe God is in the darkness, in fact we go to great lengths to avoid the darkness.  

When you were little did you ever fear the dark? You might have even ran to your parents to find comfort in their arms.  As adults or Christians we may or may not be afraid of the physical dark but we often dread dark seasons in life, we even avoid them if at all possible.  Has it ever occurred to you that maybe God is in the dark times and He is just calling us to draw near. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven." Maybe we need to take a lesson from children and humble ourselves and run to our Father's arms. Instead of running away or avoiding the situation when we are afraid, may we embrace the darkness where God is.

Strengths Can Turn to Weaknesses

Has it ever occurred to you that one of your strengths could become a weakness?  I hadn't until recently.  Think about this:  good looks or wealth can lead to pride.  Excessive privilege can invite hardheartedness and injustice. Leadership can turn into control or manipulation. Generosity can lead to overspending on others.  Physical strength can turn into abuse. Friendliness can turn into inappropriate flirtation.  Obsessive planning can destroy spontaneity and cause rigidity.  

Maybe yours isn't listed here but I dare you to ask yourself, "What strength could potentially turn into a weakness?" I realized amongst those listed was one glaring me straight in the face and I never would have thought it could become a weakness.  My need for structure, calendars and obsessive planning can definitely create a barrier to spontaneity.  I need to learn to be open to the unplanned, unscheduled events of life.  Just because they didn't make my calendar doesn't mean it wasn't on God's calendar.

So how do we avoid this? Only by becoming aware of your strengths and asking for God's protection of those strengths to be used for his glory and his plan for your life.

Thanksgiving 2008

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Here a just a few pictures that were taken.

Painting in Mexico

We spent the day with our youth group in Mexico painting a church in Mexic0.  I had the privilege of first meeting the Pastor of this church and his family 8 years ago when I came to Master's.  We have remained in touch and continue to work alongside them in Mexico during our outreaches.  

Joanna, Pastor Camarillo's daughter.  We have been friends for 8 years, it was so good to see her.

Before and after we painted the church outside.

Keith (left) Kourtni (right)

Heather (left) David (right)

Me and a group of kids that were hanging around.

Before and after we painted the inside of the church.

Eating authentic tomales - yum! 

 

Kourtni eating a sandwich.

We were blessed to get to minister alongside our youth and serve a local church in Mexico.  It was a wonderful day - To God be the glory!

Helping the Community

Last night Master's volunteered at a local Christian school (CCA) to help with a colonial night. Here's a few pics.  Glad we could help the community even though it was "freezing" (for the valley of course).

Me & Micah:)

Testing out the rides.

Me & Kourtni

Keith helped with the horse rides. The rest of us helped with inflatables.

David 

Micah eating a turkey leg.

He Chose Me

I just have to say, God is absolutely amazing!  It keeps me humbled to think God would use me to move in the gifts of the spirit.  I grew up in an unchurched, broken, dysfunctional family with many excuses to not serve Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.  But He chose me!  Me, to speak with a bold confidence of the scriptures, truth, and knowledge I've learned.  On any given typical day I'd be shy, not eloquent in speech and timid.  However, the closer I draw to Him and the more I hide his word in my heart the less I can contain it.  Not preaching to the multitudes or anything, just being sensitive to his leading to speak and minister in my own manner as necessary.  

God is Big Enough for Your Fears

We all struggle with fears, some paralyzing, others mildly nagging.  Fear can motivate you to seek God's strength and power, or it can keep your from embracing new opportunities, including those that would help you fulfill his plan for your life.

This morning's service was quite powerful as we looked at the life of Moses, his fears, and truths to hold on to.  God called Moses to bring the Israelites out of Egypt promising to be with him, that he'd bring the Israelites out of Egypt, the elders of Israel would listen to him, and the Egyptians will respond favorably.

And yet Moses had 3 objections.

1. What if they don't believe or listen to me?  Truth: Be faithful with whatever you've already been entrusted with.
2. Pardon your servant, I've never been eloquent in speech. Truth: You never have to fear that you are not qualified - God qualifies you.
3. Pardon your servant, Lord please send someone else.  Truth: The most courageous thing you can do is ask for help.

On a personal note I am anticipating Micah's return home tomorrow after an 11 day ministry trip. I've missed him soooo much!  I think I need to ban him from traveling any more this year... oh wait, he leaves again in 2 weeks to go to El Salvador :(

The Call of God

Three questions may help clarify the call of God.

1. Have I made up my mind to do what He says, no matter what the cost?
2. Am I faithfully reading His Word and praying?
3. Am I obedient in what I know today of His will?

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.  Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." (Psalm 143:8 NIV)

Reflections from Luke 2:48-50

In Luke 2:48 Mary asked Christ a question.  In verse 49, Christ gave her an answer.  Verse 50 tells us, however, that she didn't understand the answer He supplied.  So there you have it: we might ask Christ a question and receive an answer, though we still may not understand the answer - until later.  Maybe much later.  

On another note, Jesus had to be about his Father's business (v. 48).  I just want to be about God. Not about titles, or positions.  Not about ministry. Not about my own agenda and to do's. Not about me at all.  If anything could be said about me may it be that I was about God.

Continuing to Be Still

A few weeks ago I was approached by a lady in our church, wanting to know if I would be interested in helping her part-time with some data-entry stuff.  

Having not worked for the past 3 months I have to admit my heart leaped at the thought of more income.  Then I was heart broke at the lack of confidence and gratefulness in God who is our ultimate provider.  He promises to provide for our needs not our wants.  These last few months have been some of the most rewarding as I have sat back and watched God provide as well as having drawn near to him like never before.  I have been so filled with joy yet found myself wanting more, more that was not for me to have.  I had to repent that my heart got the better of me in wanting materialist things.  However, I was willing to consider this opportunity as an avenue through which God might want to provide.  

Although initially I was torn about what to do, I did very seriously consider the options.  I never felt complete peace one way or the other so I did what I knew to do - I went back to the last thing I knew the Lord had spoken to me and that was to be still.  At this time I did not feel this position was for me.  Micah was supportive on the matter and we felt complete peace with that decision. So I will continue to be still.

Getting What We Want

"Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.  In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths." (Prov. 3:5-6)

Ever want something and didn't get it, only to state, "but I deserve it"? Too often, we Christians expect life to be perfect and for everything to go smoothly for us.  We expect success, happiness, joy, peace, and everything else.  When something stands in the way, we pout or complain.  

Although God does want us to have a good life, there will be times when we must be patient and endure not getting our way.  These disappointments test our character and level of spiritual maturity.  

Why do we think we should always be first while others have to endure the lesser position?  Why do we think we are entitled to the perfect life?  Perhaps sometimes we think more highly of ourselves than we ought to.  A humble mind enables us to take a back seat and wait for God to move us to the front.  God's Word says that we inherit the promises through faith and patience. Believing God is good, but can we continue to believe God and trust Him when we don't feel that life is fair?

The secret of the Christian life is that we commit ourselves fully to God.  If we surrender our wills to God, what happens doesn't make us angry.  If God doesn't give us what we want and ask for, our faith is strong enough to say, "Not my will, but Yours."

God help me, I often have strong desires, and when I don't get what I want, I get upset.  Forgive me.  Remind me that Jesus didn't want to die on the cross, but He lived in total submission to Your will.  I ask You, through Jesus Christ, to help me live in total submission and be content with what You give me.

The Words of our Mouth

Words are powerful and can have an incredible impact on our lives with laughter, memories or tears both for good and bad.  I pray Lord, give me ears to hear the words which will edify, sharpen, bless and draw me closer to You. May I have the strength to let the words which are meant for harm to roll off my back, and the discernment to know the difference between the two.

"May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." (Psalm 19:14)

Success

The world's definition of success is centered around the things of this world - things you can earn, buy, demand, manipulate, be, or make.  God views success distinctly different: it is that we glorify him by obeying him.  

The Lure of Success

What type of success beckons you?  Is it fame, wealth, possessions, power, perfection, or popularity?  Is it an impressive job title, getting invited to the right parties, or being a size eight? Is it having a company car and a key to the executive elevator?  Is it academic excellence, looking good, meeting deadlines, or having an expense account?  Is it being known on a first-name basis at the country club or having a reputation as a big tipper at restaurants? Or, is it more closely aligned with worshipping God with your life?

How Do You Define Success?

To me success is: Finding God's will for your life and doing it.  I believe seasons of our life will look different so at times God's will may be different.  We just have to obey what we know to do. Right now I feel like I am being a success-finally to be able to serve my husband with full abandon, the calling I felt God birth in me 6 years ago.  I am for the first time in a long time at a place where God truly is first, (Mt. 6:33) and to me that is success.

All Things Work for Good

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good  of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28 

Not all things that happen to us are good in and of themselves, but God is good and He can cause them to work toward our good if we trust him.  God makes this promise to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.  We must love God with all of our hearts, and we must want His will.  We must be willing to submit to His plan at all times.  

God's will:  to be molded into His image.  Sounds spiritual but in reality it hurts.  Just think of clay being pressed into a mold.  If the clay had feelings, being changed into an entirely different shape would probably be painful.  

If we take a lump of clay and press it into a mold, there is always too much clay and some must be discarded.  Often times there is more of us than will fit into the mold of Jesus, so thoughts, words and actions have to be discarded.  

We must learn to remain steadfast, knowing that no matter how things appear now, God will work them out for our good-and in the process , He will use them to make us better people.  His purpose in everything is to make us more like Jesus.  

God is Big Enough

Do you ever wrestle with fear, worry or being anxious? Interesting to note: In New York Times there was an article about a Scientist working on a human genome project and they've identified the cell they call the worry gene.  People short of this chromosome are especially prone to worry.  

But God's promise is "fear not for I am with you."  I am bigger than your problems, I'm bigger than your failures.  I'm bigger than your regrets, many though they may be.  I'm bigger than your sin and guilt though I know what it is. And if you will let me and if you will try me and if you will open the door of your heart, I will come into your life and I will be your forgiver, and I will be your strength and I will be your friend. 

Our pastor is doing a series called God is Big Enough, click on the link if you'd like to hear the rest of the message.  It's an amazing truth we all need to hear.

Girl's Night

Last night I hosted 8 of the PVC staff/staff wives at my house.  We did a potluck of ingredients to make Pad Thai for dinner as we relaxed and had great fellowship.  Not being on staff and only passing on the weekend between 3 busy services I was feeling a bit disconnected from everyone.   I was stirred to challenge everyone to share something God was doing in their life and it was a very enlightening time as we gained insight, encouragement and direction to pray for one another.  

Praise from God

Was up in the wee hours last night writing a blog I entitled "God Noticed".  During this morning's devotions I found myself stuck yet again on a verse to meditate.  "True circumcision is not a cutting of the body but a change of heart produced by God's Spirit. Whoever has this kind of change seeks praise from God, not from people." Romans 2:29  I've realized in light of the big picture it's all a matter of our heart.  Yes, God is the one that has wired us to need people and their deposits in our life but essentially if we seek praise from God we won't need/depend on praise from people because we'll find our significance/fulfillment in Christ.  

God Noticed

Too many seasons in my life have been consumed and driven by the satisfaction of peoples praise. For a few weeks now God has been trying to get my attention and I found myself revisiting this verse in Luke 17:10.  Jesus said, "When you obey me you should say, 'We are not worthy of praise.  We are servants who have simply done our duty.'"

If we have obeyed God we have only done our duty and we should regard it as a privilege.  Do you sometimes feel that you deserve extra credit for serving God?  Remember obedience is not something extra we do; it is our duty.  Jesus is not rendering our services as meaningless or useless, nor is he doing away with rewards.  He is attacking unwarranted self-esteem and spiritual pride.

I was being sifted of just that.  There arose a need to help the church... after two weeks of meticulous detail in preparing and setting up for 15 group fellowships there was a sigh of relief when we had an evening off.  I was not asked/expected to attend these meetings.  I was available and I genuinely did it to support my church.  When it was all said and done a lengthy e-mail had been sent out thanking each individual that took part in making this event possible.  As I was reading through the e-mail feeling quite good about myself and all that "I" had accomplished I noticed my name had not been mentioned.  Now to someone who has lived their life for praise and pleasing people there was a moment of disbelief that I had not been noticed.  But God gently reminded me of Luke 17:10 and ultimately I knew my motive was to serve God and to bring glory to him.  I'd do it again in a heartbeat knowing God was truly glorified through my services.  

Once God was sure that any spiritual pride left had been crushed out of me, He rewarded me. God is well aware of how we're wired and the little things that keep us going... The next day I happened to run into the pastor and he said, "Oh, by the way wanted to say thanks for all your hard work helping with the group fellowships."  Honestly at that moment it wasn't about the pastor's recognition at all... I felt like God was smiling down from Heaven saying, "Just so you know, I did notice, thank you!"

To Be Tempted

A person has not shown true obedience if he or she has never had the opportunity to disobey. Thus we need to be tempted.

The word tempted is translated from the verb that means "examine or test to learn another's true nature or character."  When pressed by testing, tempting times, it can strengthen our resolve to remember that trials and temptations are not the real enemy. Eternally, perhaps our greatest enemy on earth is losing perspective and beginning to value our fragile surroundings more than God's faithful friendship in our lives.  From that point of view, if God's presence has led us into trying places, is there really any other place we would rather be? Both James and Peter call us to rejoice when we, like Jesus, experience testing times (James 3:2-4).

"The choices we make in the place of trial today are greatly the fruit of choices we have made in our yesterdays and every choice we make today is an investment in a future we cannot see."

Satan's basic methods have not changed since Jesus' stay in the Judean wilderness or, for that matter, Adam and Eve's stay in the Garden of Eden.  The same tempting invitations have sounded from generation to generation.  New packaging, for sure, but each shiny, modernized package contains the same tactics.  Thankfully, the power of Jesus' choices has also not changed.  His decisions-and the process by which he made them-can guide us safely through every tempting trial.  (Matthew 4:1-11)

To Be a Part of Jesus' Family

"Your word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You" (Psalm 119:11).  Hiding (keeping) God's Word in our hearts is a deterrent to sin.  This alone should inspire us to memorize Scripture.  But memorization alone will not keep us from sin; we must also put God's Word to work in our lives, making it a vital guide for everything we do.  How do we do this?  By reading God's word and doing what it says.   

I am a firm believer that you cannot give what you don't have and you can't pray what you don't know.  So don't expect great things/results without great prayers.  I'm not talking eloquent, polished prayers...  I'm talking humble, confident prayers from knowing the Word of God.  

Only in God's eternal Word will we find lasting solutions to our problems and needs.

As with any career you pursue, or walk of life you choose you must be educated on the subject matter to fully understand and execute that task implemented.  If you were going to be a surgeon you'd probably learn how to use a scalpel.  Well if you call yourself a Christian you should also read the Word of God so as not to take Lord's name in vain (to misuse/misrepresent God).  To truly be a part of Jesus' family we must hear and do (obey) his words (Luke 8:21).  You can't obey an instruction if you've never heard it before, so we must read God's word so we can obey what it says to do.  

We are sanctified (cleansed and made holy) by truth through believing the Word of God.  God's word is truth.  Daily application of God's Word has a purifying effect on our minds and hearts.   Scripture points out sin, motivates us to confess, renews our relationship with Christ, and guides us back to the right path.  "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105).

"Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise.  Use his words to teach and counsel each other... and whatever you do or say, let it be a representation of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father" (Col. 3:16-17).