If you haven't noticed, a lot of my posts have been about sharing the gospel and being passionate about it and living out what we say we believe. It has definitely been on my heart. But there's a new thought that God's put in my heart recently. Why is it so hard to make sharing the gospel a regular thing? Why do I have to try so hard to make it a part of my day or to even remember to do it? If we truly love Christ as our Lord and Savior for what He has done for us shouldn't we want to talk about it all of the time?
Francis Chan says, " When you are truly in love, you go to great lengths to be with the one you love. You'll drive for hours to be together, even if it's only for a short while. You don't mind staying up late to talk. Walking in the rain is romantic, not annoying. You'll willingly spend a small fortune on the one you're crazy about. When you are apart from each other, it's painful, even miserable. He or she is all you think about; you jump at any chance to be together."
That really hit me hard! I should be deeply in love with Christ! When you are deeply in love with someone (not that I speak from experience) you want to be with them all the time. And when you aren't with them you think about them all the time. And you want to tell all your friends and the people around you about that person and how much they mean to you. You want to write them letters and talk to them. You want to hear what they have to say. God loves us deeply and wants to be with us, but do we return that love and that desire to be with Him always? That love and that passion comes from getting to know Him and the sacrifice He made for us. The more time you spend with someone that is special to you the more you come to love them. The more you learn about someone and the more you get to know their heart, the more they mean to you. God is the same way!!! I know it isn't hard for me to spend time with my family and friends. I love them and want to be them as often as possible. I want to know them inside and out. I want to tell everyone about them and what they mean to me. So why am I not that way with Christ? I'm spending more time in His Word each day and more time talking with Him and the more I do those things the more I want to do those things! I'm learning to fall in love with my Savior!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
God's Greatness
"Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or as His counselor has informed Him? With whom did He consult and who gave Him understand? And who taught Him in the path of justice and taught Him knowledge and informed Him of the way of understanding?" --Isaiah 40 :13-14
"To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare with Him?" --Isaiah 40:18
"It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, who stretches out the heavens like a curtain and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. He it is who reduces rulers to nothing, who makes the judges of the eart meaningless." --Isaiah 40:22-23
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strangth; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary." --Isaiah 40:28-31
"To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare with Him?" --Isaiah 40:18
"It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, who stretches out the heavens like a curtain and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. He it is who reduces rulers to nothing, who makes the judges of the eart meaningless." --Isaiah 40:22-23
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strangth; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary." --Isaiah 40:28-31
Monday, September 20, 2010
Lukewarm?
It's been a while since my last post, because I've just had so much going on, but I have TONS to share so hopefully I'll get back into the swing of things this week! I'm still reading Crazy Love and I just started going to a bible study on Sunday nights called Flame where we are going through Colossians and learning how to be small group leaders. So I've got a bunch of different things on my mind, but I will try my hardest to condense them into one main thought...or maybe a couple of main thoughts. :)
First of all, Crazy Love! The last chapter I read was about being a lukewarm Christian. In otherwards, saying you are a Christian, but not really living like you are one. And by that, I don't mean, that you say you're a Christian but you smart off to your parents or gossip about someone. I mean, you call yourself a Christian and maybe you are a "good person" and you even go to Bible studies and do the "extra" stuff, but do your really live passionately for Christ? Do you have this fire burning inside of you? This deep desire to share the wonderful love displayed on the cross with everyone you see! Do you live with the constant understanding of how we absolutely do NOT deserve the precious grace that our Savior has lavished upon us? Do you have a heart that is deeply burdened for the lost and for those who don't know this great love? That's what I mean, by not being a lukewarm Christian! We should be utterly amazed and in awe of our Savior and His love for us and equally discusted with the filth of this earth that we live in!
My heart has been so heavily burdened these past few weeks! I have been going from one thing to the next and loving my life, but at the same time I always go to bed feeling unfullfilled. I lay down and think, "I did everything I was supposed to do today and I even had time to hang out with friends and have fun, but I don't feel satisfied." And God finally hit me on the head and said, "Hello Katie! I'm right here!! You're trying so hard to be everywhere and do everything and never 'miss out' on anything that you're missing the whole point of life! It's me!!!" I know this sounds simple and it's something I've heard my whole life! But hearing it and believing it are two completely different things!! And I've just been hearing it.
In the book, Francis Chan gives a "Profile of the Lukewarm". I was SO convicted by it!! So I've decided to share it! :) Maybe not all of these things characterize you, but I know for sure that many of them characterize me. Here they are:
LUKEWARM PEOPLE...
1. Attend church fairly regularly. It is what is expected of them, what they believe "good Christians" do, so they go.
2. Give money to charity and to the church...as long as it doesn't impinge on their standard of living.
3. Tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict. They desire to fit in both at church and outside of church; they care more about what people thing of their actions ( like church attendance and giving) than what God thinks of their hearts and lives.
4. Don't really want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin. They don't genuinely hate sin and aren't truly sorry for it; they are merely sorry because God is going to punish them.
5. Are moved by stories about people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not act. They assume such action is for "extreme" Christians, not average ones. Lukewarm people call "radical" what Jesus expected of all His followers.
6. Rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends. They do not want to be rejected, nor do they want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private issues like religion.
7. Gauge their morality or "goodness" by comparing themselves to the secular world. They feel satisfied that while they aren't as hard-core for Jesus as so-and-so, they are nowhere as horrible as they guy down the street.
8. Say they love Jesus, and He is, indeed, a part of their lives. But only a part. They give Him a section of their time, their money, and their thoughts, but He isn't allowed to control their lives.
9. Love God, but they do not love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength. They would be quick to assure you that they try to love God that much, but that sort of total devotion isn't really possible for the average person; it's only for pastors and missionaries and radicals.
10. Love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves. Their love of others is typically focused on those who love them in return, like family, friends, and other people they know and connect with.
11. Will serve God and others, but there are limits to how far they will go or how much time, money, and energy they are willing to give.
12. Think about life on earth much more often than eternity in heaven. Daily life is mostly focused on today's to-do list, this week's schedule, and next month's vacation. Rarely, if ever, do they intently consider the life to come.
13. Are thankful for their luxuries and comforts, and rarely consider trying to give as much as possible to the poor.
14. Do whatever is necessary to keep themselves from feeling too guilty. They want to do the bare minimum, to be "good enough" without it requiring too much of them.
15. Are continually concerned with playing it safe; they are slaves to the god of control. This focus on safe living keeps them from sacrificing and risking for God.
16. Feel secure because they attend church, made a profession of faith at age twelve, were baptized, come from a Christian family, vote Republican, or live in America. Just as the prophets in the Old Testament warned Israel that they were not safe just because they lived in the land of Israel, so we are not safe just because we wear the label Christian or because some people persist in calling us a "Christian nation".
17. Do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to.
18. Probably drink and swear less than average, but besides that, they really aren't very different from your typical unbeliever. They equate their partially sanitized lives with holiness, but they couldn't be more wrong.
I know, I know...it's a lot to take in right?! I was slightly overwhelmed when I read all of that (and there's way more detail in the book so you should read it!), but at the same time it was much needed in my life! I hope that it was as rude of an awakening for you as it was for me!! But now...I must go to class! So I shall post more later. So much more that I want to share, but not enough time! Plus, I'm thinking it's better to do it piece by piece...kinda have to peel back everything that's crammed in my brain one layer at a time. haha. Have a wonderful afternoon and don't forget to ask yourself--Are you lukewarm?
First of all, Crazy Love! The last chapter I read was about being a lukewarm Christian. In otherwards, saying you are a Christian, but not really living like you are one. And by that, I don't mean, that you say you're a Christian but you smart off to your parents or gossip about someone. I mean, you call yourself a Christian and maybe you are a "good person" and you even go to Bible studies and do the "extra" stuff, but do your really live passionately for Christ? Do you have this fire burning inside of you? This deep desire to share the wonderful love displayed on the cross with everyone you see! Do you live with the constant understanding of how we absolutely do NOT deserve the precious grace that our Savior has lavished upon us? Do you have a heart that is deeply burdened for the lost and for those who don't know this great love? That's what I mean, by not being a lukewarm Christian! We should be utterly amazed and in awe of our Savior and His love for us and equally discusted with the filth of this earth that we live in!
My heart has been so heavily burdened these past few weeks! I have been going from one thing to the next and loving my life, but at the same time I always go to bed feeling unfullfilled. I lay down and think, "I did everything I was supposed to do today and I even had time to hang out with friends and have fun, but I don't feel satisfied." And God finally hit me on the head and said, "Hello Katie! I'm right here!! You're trying so hard to be everywhere and do everything and never 'miss out' on anything that you're missing the whole point of life! It's me!!!" I know this sounds simple and it's something I've heard my whole life! But hearing it and believing it are two completely different things!! And I've just been hearing it.
In the book, Francis Chan gives a "Profile of the Lukewarm". I was SO convicted by it!! So I've decided to share it! :) Maybe not all of these things characterize you, but I know for sure that many of them characterize me. Here they are:
LUKEWARM PEOPLE...
1. Attend church fairly regularly. It is what is expected of them, what they believe "good Christians" do, so they go.
2. Give money to charity and to the church...as long as it doesn't impinge on their standard of living.
3. Tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict. They desire to fit in both at church and outside of church; they care more about what people thing of their actions ( like church attendance and giving) than what God thinks of their hearts and lives.
4. Don't really want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin. They don't genuinely hate sin and aren't truly sorry for it; they are merely sorry because God is going to punish them.
5. Are moved by stories about people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not act. They assume such action is for "extreme" Christians, not average ones. Lukewarm people call "radical" what Jesus expected of all His followers.
6. Rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends. They do not want to be rejected, nor do they want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private issues like religion.
7. Gauge their morality or "goodness" by comparing themselves to the secular world. They feel satisfied that while they aren't as hard-core for Jesus as so-and-so, they are nowhere as horrible as they guy down the street.
8. Say they love Jesus, and He is, indeed, a part of their lives. But only a part. They give Him a section of their time, their money, and their thoughts, but He isn't allowed to control their lives.
9. Love God, but they do not love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength. They would be quick to assure you that they try to love God that much, but that sort of total devotion isn't really possible for the average person; it's only for pastors and missionaries and radicals.
10. Love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves. Their love of others is typically focused on those who love them in return, like family, friends, and other people they know and connect with.
11. Will serve God and others, but there are limits to how far they will go or how much time, money, and energy they are willing to give.
12. Think about life on earth much more often than eternity in heaven. Daily life is mostly focused on today's to-do list, this week's schedule, and next month's vacation. Rarely, if ever, do they intently consider the life to come.
13. Are thankful for their luxuries and comforts, and rarely consider trying to give as much as possible to the poor.
14. Do whatever is necessary to keep themselves from feeling too guilty. They want to do the bare minimum, to be "good enough" without it requiring too much of them.
15. Are continually concerned with playing it safe; they are slaves to the god of control. This focus on safe living keeps them from sacrificing and risking for God.
16. Feel secure because they attend church, made a profession of faith at age twelve, were baptized, come from a Christian family, vote Republican, or live in America. Just as the prophets in the Old Testament warned Israel that they were not safe just because they lived in the land of Israel, so we are not safe just because we wear the label Christian or because some people persist in calling us a "Christian nation".
17. Do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to.
18. Probably drink and swear less than average, but besides that, they really aren't very different from your typical unbeliever. They equate their partially sanitized lives with holiness, but they couldn't be more wrong.
I know, I know...it's a lot to take in right?! I was slightly overwhelmed when I read all of that (and there's way more detail in the book so you should read it!), but at the same time it was much needed in my life! I hope that it was as rude of an awakening for you as it was for me!! But now...I must go to class! So I shall post more later. So much more that I want to share, but not enough time! Plus, I'm thinking it's better to do it piece by piece...kinda have to peel back everything that's crammed in my brain one layer at a time. haha. Have a wonderful afternoon and don't forget to ask yourself--Are you lukewarm?
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
All For Him
"Intellectually we all know that we will die, but we do not really know it in the sense that the knowledge becomes a part of us. We do not really know it in the sense of living as though it were true. On the contrary, we tend to live as though our lives would go on forever."
--Frederick Buechner
Today I ready chapter two of Crazy Love. The title of this chapter is "You Might Not Finish This Chapter"....comforting right?! Well, let me just warn you...comforting isn't exactly the first thing that came to my mind as I read this chapter! haha. Not to say that it isn't comforting to know that God is bigger than us...BUT the word that I think better describes this chapter is "humbling".
Francis Chan challenges the readers of this chapter to consider how we go through our days making plans and how we live each day. Do you wake up in the morning and think, "This could be my last day on this earth!" or "This could be my last chance to tell someone I love them." or "This could be the last opportunity I have to share the love of Jesus with those who I come in contact with."? I know that definitely isn't my habit! I usually wake up and think, first of all, "I don't want to be awake." Then I think, "Shoot! Did I do all of my homework for today?!"...then, "Wonder what I'm gonna wear today...since I didn't do laundry yesterday I guess I'll be wearing the last pair of clean shorts and whatever t-shirt I can find that maybe semi-matches..." Then, I get out of bed and start rummaging through my clothes looking for anything that even remotely goes together and still looks and smells clean." After picking something out I hurry to brush my teeth, put my hair into a messy bun, grab my backpack, and rush off to class, often in not the best of moods because the last thing I want to be doing is sitting in a desk listening to a 70-year-old man talk about World Literature.
What a great start to my day, right?! NO!! I almost always start my day out thinking of myself, whether that may be what I'm going to wear or what all I have to do that day or who I'm going to go to lunch with! There is so much more to life than these small, insignificant details that I often spend so much time worrying about. And ultimately it is a waste of my time because I may spend an hour trying to figure out how to even begin my Spanish paper and for all I know I might not be alive to turn it in the next day! I know that sounds kinda morbid, but it's the truth! We have not been promised any amount of time on this earth! And even if we live a long life of 90 years are these minuscule things really going to matter in the grand scheme of things? No, they aren't. (Not saying that school isn't important..we should do it to God's glory, but ultimately it's not worth stressing over.)
WARNING: THIS NEXT QUOTE FROM THE BOOK JUST ABOUT KNOCKED THE BREATH OUT OF ME...YEAH, IT'S THAT CONVICTING!!! (Don't say I didn't warn you. lol.)
"I used to believe that in this world there are two kinds of people: natural worriers and naturally joyful people. I couldn't really help it that I was the worrying kind. I'm a problem solver, so I have to focus on things that need fixing. God can see that my intensity and anxiety are ministry related. I worry because I take His work seriously. Right? But then there's that perplexing command: 'Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!' (Phil 4:4). You'll notice that it doesn't end with '...unless you're doing something extremely important.' No, it's a command for all of us, and it follows with the charge, 'Do not be anxious about anything' (v. 6). That came as a pretty staggering realization. But what I realized next was even more staggering. When I am consumed by my problems--stressed out about my life, my family, my job--I actually convey the belief that I think the circumstances are more important than God's command to always rejoice. In other words, that I have a 'right' to disobey God because of the magnitude of my responsibilities." (Told ya it was convicting!!!)
He then gives the example of being an extra in a movie. Say I'm in the movie for two fifths of a second and you see the back of my head and I get all excited and just want everyone to watch this movie with me in it! How ridiculous would that be? It's not even a big part of the movie and doesn't really have anything to do with the main idea or story line. It's just one little part used to make the movie and the director could have used the back of anyones head. It didn't have to be my head! I live my life like that person in the movie. My life is a vapor, two fifths of a second, in this movie of life and I act like it's such a big deal! I make my priorities, desires, and needs of great importance and put myself first so often. But this is God's earth. I am His vessel. My life belongs to Him and should be devoted to bringing Him glory!
Then he continues to ask the question "Are you ready?" You don't know when you're life will end. You don't know how much time God has given you. You could be living your last few minutes right now. We never know when God may choose to take our life from us. So are you ready? Have to made a difference on this earth? Have your shared Jesus with those who need to know about Him? Have you lived like someone who loves Jesus and made that love evident to those around you? If you were to die today what would be said at your funeral tomorrow? This life is short. Even if you live to be 100 years old, in the grand scheme of life 100 years is like a vapor that disappears in the wind. Don't take this life for granted! Stop and think about what you're doing with your life. Is it bringing glory to our Great and Mighty God? Think about it!
I want to leave you with the last two little paragraphs in this chapter. "A friend of mine has a particularly wise perspective on this subject. He was asked if he weren't spending too much of his time serving and giving too much away. His gentle but honest response was, 'I wonder if you'll say that after we're dead.' Friends, we need to stop living selfish lives, forgetful of our God. Our lives here are short, often unexpectedly so, and we can all stand to be reminded of it from time to time. That's why I wrote this chapter, to help us remember that in the movie of life, nothing matters except our King and God. Don't let yourself forget. Soak it in and keep remember that it is true. He is everything."
The Perfect Weekend
This weekend I got to go back to camp for Labor Day Family Camp! It was PERFECT!! God blessed us with beautiful weather! The sun was out and shining each day, making it just right for swimming and the slip n' slide, but not too hot for the zipline and scream swing. And then at night it would cool off with a light breeze, making it just right for family games and devotions around the bonfire. God really did give us the ultimate weather for the weekend!
Some things happened and plans changed and we got there and really didn't have enough staff. We made it work, but it was tight and people were running around like crazy trying to be everywhere at once and get everything done that needed to be done. God really provided though. Nothing critical was left undone and we had the important things covered. And most importantly we were able to love on the kids and hopefully all the parents had an encouraging time too!
Some things happened and plans changed and we got there and really didn't have enough staff. We made it work, but it was tight and people were running around like crazy trying to be everywhere at once and get everything done that needed to be done. God really provided though. Nothing critical was left undone and we had the important things covered. And most importantly we were able to love on the kids and hopefully all the parents had an encouraging time too!
It was a much needed blessing to get to spend time with the kids after two weeks at school! Life here is busy and I'm always with people my age. Not that I don't LOVE my friends! Because I most definitely do!! But...kids are my favorite! They put a smile on my face and a happy feeling in my heart! And when I'm here I don't get to spend all that much time with kids, so getting to have a weekend at camp, with kids I love was the best thing that God could have allowed me to do on such a lovely holiday weekend! We rotated which groups we worked with so I got to spend time with the 5 and under group and all the cute "little ones" and then I got to hang out with the 6 and older group too. They're all so fun and it was laid out really well so that I was able to do both.
And then, of course, there's all the staff there that I love! Chef Adam and all the kitchen crew, Miss Bobby, Lori....I loved seeing all of them! I always go to camp with the mindset that I'm giong to share Jesus with the kids, but God quickly reminds me that there are others there who need to know His love too! I have really grown to love Kirstie and Tiffany, two of the girls who work in the kitchen, and it was SUCH a blessing to get to talk with them a little bit! I've missed them a TON!!
Oh! And I got to help lead worship one night morning! Not that I sounded great or anything, cuz my voice was barely there, but it was still fun! I always love any opportunity I get to help lead others in worship!
So basically, this weekend was filled with everything I love so much--my family, sweet kids, camp (and everyone who works there), good worship, beautiful weather, and time with my Great God!! I miss it already, but it was a wonderful time of being refreshed, encouraged, and reminded of what I'm passionate about! Now I'm ready to hit this campus hard and make a lasting impact!! Pray, pray, pray as Jesus moves here!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
"Crazy Time"
So, the other day I was in Taylor's room and we were just talking and I looked over and saw "Crazy Love" sitting on her bookshelf. I commented on how I had never read it before and she said it was a must read and let me borrow it. Tori also had the book but hadn't read it yet and when I said I was going to read it she got excited and said "Oh Katiebug! Let's read it together and then talk about it! We can call it 'Crazy Time'!!" So....two days ago, I began reading the book that has already started to change my life! I think I'm in for a loooong ride with this one! :) So here goes the first of many posts about what I'm learning, I'm sure!
I started with the preface thinking I would just get an overview of what the book was going to be about, but not expecting to really get into it yet. I was WAY wrong about that! lol. I was only on the second or third page when I came to this..."The core problem isn't the fact that we're lukewarm, halfhearted, or stagnant Christians. The crux of it all is why we are this way, and it is because we have an inaccurate view of God. We see Him as a benevolent Being who is satisfied when people manage to fit Him into their lives in some small way. We forget that God never had an identity crisis. He knows that He's great and deserves to be the center of our lives. Jesus came humbly as a servant, but He never begs us to give Him some small part of ourselves. He commands everything from His followers." So....are you as blown away as I was?? lol.
After reading this I realized that I have this view of God. I think I'm doing something good when I sit down and spend 30 minutes reading His Word or talking to Him or even just listening to Him. But why do I think that 30 minutes out of 24 hours in a day is enough? Why do I think that God is so pleased with me when I do that? That's not to say that God isn't pleased when we take time to spend with Him, but why should I have to stop and make a conscious effort to spend time with Him? If Christ is my Savior I should be living, breathing, and doing everything completely centered around Him! Everything I do should be for His glory! And I should include Him in every aspect of my life. Whether I'm praying for the people I pass on the sidewalk as I walk to class or just consciously thinking of how I can serve or bless those around me. He is always with me and I was put on this earth to bring Him glory and that is what I am praying that He will teach me and help me to do! So..that's my thought for the day! Hope you're convicted and encouraged! :)
I started with the preface thinking I would just get an overview of what the book was going to be about, but not expecting to really get into it yet. I was WAY wrong about that! lol. I was only on the second or third page when I came to this..."The core problem isn't the fact that we're lukewarm, halfhearted, or stagnant Christians. The crux of it all is why we are this way, and it is because we have an inaccurate view of God. We see Him as a benevolent Being who is satisfied when people manage to fit Him into their lives in some small way. We forget that God never had an identity crisis. He knows that He's great and deserves to be the center of our lives. Jesus came humbly as a servant, but He never begs us to give Him some small part of ourselves. He commands everything from His followers." So....are you as blown away as I was?? lol.
After reading this I realized that I have this view of God. I think I'm doing something good when I sit down and spend 30 minutes reading His Word or talking to Him or even just listening to Him. But why do I think that 30 minutes out of 24 hours in a day is enough? Why do I think that God is so pleased with me when I do that? That's not to say that God isn't pleased when we take time to spend with Him, but why should I have to stop and make a conscious effort to spend time with Him? If Christ is my Savior I should be living, breathing, and doing everything completely centered around Him! Everything I do should be for His glory! And I should include Him in every aspect of my life. Whether I'm praying for the people I pass on the sidewalk as I walk to class or just consciously thinking of how I can serve or bless those around me. He is always with me and I was put on this earth to bring Him glory and that is what I am praying that He will teach me and help me to do! So..that's my thought for the day! Hope you're convicted and encouraged! :)
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