12 Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech— 13 unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. 15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. 16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 3:12-17
This passage astounds me. Lately, I have been learning more about hearing from God. One of the things I am learning is boldness. Sometimes I question: is this God or is this me? I over-analyze or, as John Paul Jackson put it, I "outsmart" myself. It is good and honoring to make sure that I am not misattributing the voice of the Lord. Yet, as I learned a couple of months ago, with important decisions I can tend to live in fear of "doing the wrong thing." One of the strengths God has placed in me is a determination to "do the right thing", even if it is to my own cost. However, when I am not 100% sure what the right thing is, I am not so good at relaxing and being patient.
If God is a good Father, then He will not let me go down the wrong road when I am earnestly seeking His guidance. The incredible thing is that we have direct access to God! Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty! The Spirit of the Lord is in my heart. I have liberty to access all the fullness of God, the abundant life that Jesus came to give. God is transforming me into the image of His Son. The lesson I have been slow to learn over the past few months is this: when He is silent, I will be patient and continue to pursue Him instead of being fixated on my questions and/or living in fear of doing the wrong thing. As I have shifted into pursuing God instead of only God's will, He has given me more insights and more guidance.
The second lesson I have learned over the past two and half weeks is to take the germ of what God is telling me and plant it. Again, God is good. If it's from Him, He will water it and increase my faith. If it's not from Him, He will correct my wrong thinking as I continue to pursue Him. Again, I need to be bold to make a start with what He gives me instead of sitting in doubt: is this from you? What if I'm wrong? We have to start somewhere! In the Bible, faith is referred to as a "gift" and as existing in different "measures." Instead of agonizing over my unbelief or uncertainty, I should ask God to increase my gift of faith. Also, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen." (Hebrews 11:1) At times, God gives us hope for things but does not tell us it will happen. Faith is knowing that it will happen. It's expectation. I'm convinced that oftentimes God wants to turn our hope into faith, but we're too timid. He can and will help us with this if we let Him!
Occasionally people have asked me how I hear from God. How do you know when God is speaking? As you have probably surmised from this post, I'm not always sure! However, usually it is because I recognize His voice. When I have not been listening to Him for awhile, I am not as sure. It's more "fuzzy." However, in seasons of faithfulness, I just "know." Oftentimes this is because I have a thought or an impulse that is not from me. I know it's not from me, I know it's not from Satan, so that leaves God. It's okay to question, "Oh, is that You?" He usually confirms it. I've learned to obey even when I'm not 100% sure, and when I get in a pattern of obeying, I start feeling nervous in my stomach if I do not obey. It's the same feeling I get when I think I'm making a bad decision.
For example, Friday night at the church service, I felt I should pray for an individual. I had no desire to do so! As I waited without moving, that nervousness increased. As soon as I stood up to approach, it dissipated. If God is telling you to do something, He always comes through for you. He gave me a prayer for this individual that fit specific teaching he had been hearing and circumstances he had been enduring. Today, I felt I should check my work email. On a Saturday? Why? Turns out last night after 5pm, the payroll people sent an email saying our last timesheet had to be signed by 10am Monday morning in order for us to get paid. I have the day off Monday and would have missed the email, so an ordeal was thus saved. Meaningful conversations with people, being in the right place at the right time, even getting good deals--these things happen to me on a regular basis. If I can do it, so can you! It does take practice and boldness, and a willingness to do things you do not want to do.
There is a great liberty in letting God control your life. Do I give to this homeless person or not? Do I buy this dress or not? Do I take this job or not? Do I pursue this friendship or not? Or, what do you have for me today? How should I spend my free time? Who should I call? Where should I go to dinner? Living an abundant life is much more interesting and creative than what we can come up with ourselves. God will speak to us in creative ways as well. He has certainly done so for me.
July 31, 2010
July 28, 2010
Again
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
July 27, 2010
Giving to God
A couple days ago I was thinking about things that I give to God. It's an interesting concept because everything we have comes from God in the first place, right? It's like kids coming up with birthday presents for their parents. I've given God everything in my life. Some things I have to keep giving Him over and over, because I tend to take them back or think I have some claim to them. This is a topic I often ponder, but the new thought was this: What are my motivations for giving things to God? Often it's because I know giving something to God is the right thing to do. It's the best way to live my life. It's how things should be. I realize that He is more than worthy of anything I have. I want Him to control my life. I choose to trust Him. Yet, how often is it from an emotional outpouring of love?
Now, love is not always manifested in emotional outpourings. Jesus said, "If you love Me, obey my commands." When we love people, we often do things we do not want to do because we are motivated by love. However, how much more joyous would it be if all these things that I surrender or gift to God were surrendered not only out of trust and obedience but also because I love Him so much that I want to give Him my very best? Think about it. BTW, I think we were created to demonstrate love differently. I often demonstrate love to God through service which comes from an emotional outpouring in my heart. Don't assume you have to do something a certain way unless the Bible specifically tells you to do so. God is creative.
Sometimes too, circumstances are outside of our control and we cannot give God something that we do not have. However, we can give Him our desires. We can give Him any claim we think we have to the object of our desire. Hopes, dreams, and desires are often some of the things we hold most valuable, aren't they?
Finally, I would say, if God gives you something, hold on to it! Glorify Him in it! Be generous with it! Give it away or give it back to Him if He requests, but I imagine He is hurt sometimes when He gives us something and we doubt it or try to give it back to Him. What God wants He gets. We're not going to be able to keep something or someone by offering it to God and hoping that He is satisfied with that. Have faith that your Father will give you good things and be sure to give Him the glory. Amen.
Now, love is not always manifested in emotional outpourings. Jesus said, "If you love Me, obey my commands." When we love people, we often do things we do not want to do because we are motivated by love. However, how much more joyous would it be if all these things that I surrender or gift to God were surrendered not only out of trust and obedience but also because I love Him so much that I want to give Him my very best? Think about it. BTW, I think we were created to demonstrate love differently. I often demonstrate love to God through service which comes from an emotional outpouring in my heart. Don't assume you have to do something a certain way unless the Bible specifically tells you to do so. God is creative.
Sometimes too, circumstances are outside of our control and we cannot give God something that we do not have. However, we can give Him our desires. We can give Him any claim we think we have to the object of our desire. Hopes, dreams, and desires are often some of the things we hold most valuable, aren't they?
Finally, I would say, if God gives you something, hold on to it! Glorify Him in it! Be generous with it! Give it away or give it back to Him if He requests, but I imagine He is hurt sometimes when He gives us something and we doubt it or try to give it back to Him. What God wants He gets. We're not going to be able to keep something or someone by offering it to God and hoping that He is satisfied with that. Have faith that your Father will give you good things and be sure to give Him the glory. Amen.
Christian response to anti-gay bill
I copied this from a blog called "Compassion in Politics".
What do Christians say about the Anti Gay Bill (the Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009) in Uganda?
Last winter Uganda passed an ordinance which criminalized homosexuality and subjected the practice to imprisonment and in some cases the death penalty. Two large faith based groups stood up against the anti-gay injustice and virulent hate which was in those Ugandan bills:
Christian leaders who are themselves divided over homosexuality have joined forces to oppose a proposed Ugandan law that calls for the death penalty for some homosexual behavior.
“Our Christian faith recognizes violence, harassment and unjust treatment of any human being as a betrayal of Jesus’ commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves,” reads the statement released Monday and signed by dozens of leaders. “As followers of the teachings of Christ, we must express profound dismay at a bill currently before the Parliament in Uganda.”
The bill calls for those convicted of involvement in homosexual acts to be sentenced to life in prison and those convicted of “aggravated homosexuality” to receive the death penalty.
You can read the rest of the pledge at Faith in Public Life, which suggest the anti-gay agenda in Uganda which is violent and virulent stands in opposition to scripture and Biblical teachings:
As Americans, some may wonder why we are raising our voices to oppose a measure proposed in a nation so far away from home. We do so to bear witness to our Christian values, and to express our condemnation of an injustice in which groups and leaders within the American Christian community are being implicated. We appeal to all Christian leaders in our own country to speak out against this unjust legislation.
In our efforts to imitate the Good Samaritan, we stand in solidarity with those Ugandans beaten and left abandoned by the side of the road because of hatred, bigotry and fear. Especially during this holy season of Advent, when the global Christian community prepares in hope for the light of Christ to break through the darkness, we pray that they are comforted by God’s love.
Regardless of the diverse theological views of our religious traditions regarding the morality of homosexuality, in our churches, communities and families, we seek to embrace our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters as God’s children worthy of respect and love. Yet we are painfully aware that in our country gays and lesbians still face hostility and violence. We recognize that such treatment degrades the human family, threatens the common good and defies the teachings of our Lord — wherever it occurs.
Whatever your opinions of gays and lesbians, it seems this Uganda law or the “Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2009″ while perhaps well intended, runs contrary to the Biblical principles of compassion and love that we’re called to live out on a daily basis. The message it sends also erodes some of the possibility of dialouge, healing, reconciliation, and rebirth which is (probably) necessary for personal behaviour change which is out of faith rather than fear of punishment.
What do Christians say about the Anti Gay Bill (the Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009) in Uganda?
Last winter Uganda passed an ordinance which criminalized homosexuality and subjected the practice to imprisonment and in some cases the death penalty. Two large faith based groups stood up against the anti-gay injustice and virulent hate which was in those Ugandan bills:
Christian leaders who are themselves divided over homosexuality have joined forces to oppose a proposed Ugandan law that calls for the death penalty for some homosexual behavior.
“Our Christian faith recognizes violence, harassment and unjust treatment of any human being as a betrayal of Jesus’ commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves,” reads the statement released Monday and signed by dozens of leaders. “As followers of the teachings of Christ, we must express profound dismay at a bill currently before the Parliament in Uganda.”
The bill calls for those convicted of involvement in homosexual acts to be sentenced to life in prison and those convicted of “aggravated homosexuality” to receive the death penalty.
You can read the rest of the pledge at Faith in Public Life, which suggest the anti-gay agenda in Uganda which is violent and virulent stands in opposition to scripture and Biblical teachings:
As Americans, some may wonder why we are raising our voices to oppose a measure proposed in a nation so far away from home. We do so to bear witness to our Christian values, and to express our condemnation of an injustice in which groups and leaders within the American Christian community are being implicated. We appeal to all Christian leaders in our own country to speak out against this unjust legislation.
In our efforts to imitate the Good Samaritan, we stand in solidarity with those Ugandans beaten and left abandoned by the side of the road because of hatred, bigotry and fear. Especially during this holy season of Advent, when the global Christian community prepares in hope for the light of Christ to break through the darkness, we pray that they are comforted by God’s love.
Regardless of the diverse theological views of our religious traditions regarding the morality of homosexuality, in our churches, communities and families, we seek to embrace our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters as God’s children worthy of respect and love. Yet we are painfully aware that in our country gays and lesbians still face hostility and violence. We recognize that such treatment degrades the human family, threatens the common good and defies the teachings of our Lord — wherever it occurs.
Whatever your opinions of gays and lesbians, it seems this Uganda law or the “Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2009″ while perhaps well intended, runs contrary to the Biblical principles of compassion and love that we’re called to live out on a daily basis. The message it sends also erodes some of the possibility of dialouge, healing, reconciliation, and rebirth which is (probably) necessary for personal behaviour change which is out of faith rather than fear of punishment.
July 26, 2010
My soul will choose to say, Lord blessed be Your name.
This last week and a half has been the most difficult experience of my admittedly short and blessed life. The interesting thing is that because it is so difficult, it is easier for me to trust God! I have what seems to be an impossible situation, thus only God can help me. As Bob Pierce said, it's the concept of "God room." Only when something is not humanly possible does it require faith. We need to confess our inadequacy. We are only strong in Christ.
I've been singing this song by Casting Crowns, particularly last night when I drove back to Anaheim with a long week ahead. I know God will use me not because I am so fabulous but because He uses broken and humble people, and He is transforming me to be one of those. I've always liked songs that talk about how we must choose God. We must choose to praise Him, we must choose truth, we must choose to die to ourselves. Now I'm really living it! Ginny Owens has some encouragement along these lines as well if you're looking for musical verse. BTW, the part at the end of this song below is from the Psalms, I believe.
Praise You in This Storm
I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.
Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I particulary like the part that says "and as Your mercy falls, I lift my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away" as well as "I will lift my hands for You are Who You are, no matter where I am" and "though my heart is torn, I will praise You in this storm." Okay, I realize that I just quoted half the song, but I did leave out the second verse from the post. Just like in "Blessed Be Your Name" I like the part--well, I like most of the parts--that says, "You give and take away; my heart will choose to say, 'Lord, blessed be Your name.'" This paragraph is a punctuation nightmare, but you catch my drift.
Church camp started today with Sa-Rang church, and I was blessed to meet the head pastor. It has been such an encouragement to me to watch this church began to love their community. Two weeks ago, the social work intern and I found three more kids at one of the notorious motels who were eligible, and they all showed up this morning! Praise Jesus for how He is going to use this.
I've been singing this song by Casting Crowns, particularly last night when I drove back to Anaheim with a long week ahead. I know God will use me not because I am so fabulous but because He uses broken and humble people, and He is transforming me to be one of those. I've always liked songs that talk about how we must choose God. We must choose to praise Him, we must choose truth, we must choose to die to ourselves. Now I'm really living it! Ginny Owens has some encouragement along these lines as well if you're looking for musical verse. BTW, the part at the end of this song below is from the Psalms, I believe.
Praise You in This Storm
I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.
Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I particulary like the part that says "and as Your mercy falls, I lift my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away" as well as "I will lift my hands for You are Who You are, no matter where I am" and "though my heart is torn, I will praise You in this storm." Okay, I realize that I just quoted half the song, but I did leave out the second verse from the post. Just like in "Blessed Be Your Name" I like the part--well, I like most of the parts--that says, "You give and take away; my heart will choose to say, 'Lord, blessed be Your name.'" This paragraph is a punctuation nightmare, but you catch my drift.
Church camp started today with Sa-Rang church, and I was blessed to meet the head pastor. It has been such an encouragement to me to watch this church began to love their community. Two weeks ago, the social work intern and I found three more kids at one of the notorious motels who were eligible, and they all showed up this morning! Praise Jesus for how He is going to use this.
July 24, 2010
Kevin Toqe Music
I don't think I've every spotlighted my amazing friend Kevin Toqe. Check him out! http://www.kevintoqe.com/
He loves Jesus and has great music. You can download his music straight from his website and contribute what you see fit. Blessings.
He loves Jesus and has great music. You can download his music straight from his website and contribute what you see fit. Blessings.
Today's Encouragement
I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able. (2 Tim. 1:12)
Able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. (Eph. 3:20)
Able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. (2 Cor. 9:8)
Able to aid those who are tempted. (Heb. 2:18)
Able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. (Heb. 7:25)
Able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy. (Jude 24)
Able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. (2 Tim. 1:12)
Who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. (Phil. 3:21)
“Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” “According to your faith let it be to you.” (Matt. 9:28-29)
Able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. (Eph. 3:20)
Able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. (2 Cor. 9:8)
Able to aid those who are tempted. (Heb. 2:18)
Able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. (Heb. 7:25)
Able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy. (Jude 24)
Able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. (2 Tim. 1:12)
Who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. (Phil. 3:21)
“Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” “According to your faith let it be to you.” (Matt. 9:28-29)
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