Key Verse: "Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you..." (Genesis 26:3a)
In Genesis 26, a famine came upon the land of Gerar. Isaac and his family were living there, and Isaac planned to go to Egypt to escape. However, God spoke to him, and told him that if he would stay, God would bless him: “Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham” (verse 3). Though he was unsure, Isaac followed God’s command and stayed. The Philistines did not believe in God, and Isaac even created trouble for himself by lying to the king, but God protected him and was with him.
God continued to bless him and made him prosperous: so much so, that the Philistines became envious and even King Abimelech asked him to leave. Isaac complied and moved into the valley to avoid conflict, and reopened his father’s wells (which the Philistines had covered over after Abraham’s death). The Philistines, however, quarreled with them and took them back, claiming ownership of the wells. Isaac moved and his servants dug a new one, but his envious neighbors took it back. This happened twice before the Philistines finally left the well alone. His blessing brought hardships to him and his family. In the end, however, God blessed Isaac’s stay in Gerar. Abimelech the king recognized God’s work in Isaac’s life and made a treaty with him, also. Isaac forgave them and even held a feast for him and his officials. Isaac relied on God, and God blessed his obedience.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Genesis 25
Key Verse: “Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. The LORD answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant.” (Genesis 25:21)
Isaac and Rebekah encountered the same problem that Abraham and Sarah did: Rebekah was barren, and they could have no children. Instead of turning to his own means as his father had done, Isaac approached the Lord and prayed to him on his wife’s behalf. Isaac prayed diligently for twenty years—and for twenty years, they had no sons. During that time, God grew Isaac and Rebekah as a man and woman of prayer; it was training for them to be patient and wait for God’s timing. They learned to seek God in their struggles, to wait on Him, and also to talk to God in humility and closeness. Finally, God blessed Rebekah and she was pregnant, eventually giving birth to twins Esau and Jacob. When the babies were still in the womb, they struggled constantly, and Rebekah approached God with her practical problem. Her training during the last twenty years paid off, for even after her major problem was taken care of, she still was able to come to God in her need. Because of her faith, God blessed her and showed her a vision of her sons’ futures: that “'Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.”
When Isaac and Rebekah prayed and were diligent in prayer, God blessed them not only with an answer to their prayers but also by showing them part of His plan for the future. They sought Him with their lack of children, and God blessed them with not one but two sons. When Rebekah suffered in her pregnancy and approached God with it, He explained her suffering and showed her a glimpse of her sons’ futures. At the same time, He even blessed them through their spiritual training, to be able to be close to God and able to talk with Him about all their deepest desires and their struggles.
Isaac and Rebekah encountered the same problem that Abraham and Sarah did: Rebekah was barren, and they could have no children. Instead of turning to his own means as his father had done, Isaac approached the Lord and prayed to him on his wife’s behalf. Isaac prayed diligently for twenty years—and for twenty years, they had no sons. During that time, God grew Isaac and Rebekah as a man and woman of prayer; it was training for them to be patient and wait for God’s timing. They learned to seek God in their struggles, to wait on Him, and also to talk to God in humility and closeness. Finally, God blessed Rebekah and she was pregnant, eventually giving birth to twins Esau and Jacob. When the babies were still in the womb, they struggled constantly, and Rebekah approached God with her practical problem. Her training during the last twenty years paid off, for even after her major problem was taken care of, she still was able to come to God in her need. Because of her faith, God blessed her and showed her a vision of her sons’ futures: that “'Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.”
When Isaac and Rebekah prayed and were diligent in prayer, God blessed them not only with an answer to their prayers but also by showing them part of His plan for the future. They sought Him with their lack of children, and God blessed them with not one but two sons. When Rebekah suffered in her pregnancy and approached God with it, He explained her suffering and showed her a glimpse of her sons’ futures. At the same time, He even blessed them through their spiritual training, to be able to be close to God and able to talk with Him about all their deepest desires and their struggles.
Monday, May 10, 2010
What's Going On?
As you can see, I've updated the blog with my older testimonies. Most of them used to reside at my testimony-only LiveJournal, but since no one reads them now and I like Blogger/Wordpress so much better... I decided to move them all here. It was fairly simple to do, but all the little editing I had to do for some of the formating was a pain. Oh well-- it's done now, and I'll never have to do it again! :) So, if you feel so inclined, you are free to read any of my old testimonies (as well as a few new ones I forgot to post that are now here).
In other news, stuff on the job front is going pretty well. Target is a very friendly place to work, and the work is simple if monotonous. Thankfully the other cashiers make up for it (Jolene, Shaleca, Carolyn-- I love you!!). It's fun most of the time. My only complaint is the montony, really, and the fact that I don't get to move around much. Standing in one little cubicle-like area for 8 hours is not my (nor anyone's) idea of fun. ;)
Also... I GET PAID FRIDAY YAY!!
My sister graduated on Friday. :) I'm immensely proud of her. I know it hasn't been easy; she's had to juggle school, her job, her boyfriend, MSNA stuff, and everything else in her life and she still made it through. Autumn is a very hard worker and dedicated student with a heart for people, and I could not be happier for her. Preceptorship in June and then boards July/August (?)... so still a little ways to go but she's almost there!! Love you, sissy!
In other news, I'm feeling kind of creative lately. I don't know where that's going to find an outlet yet, but I'm hoping that however it chooses to manifest will keep me occupied for a while and hopefully spark something a little more. I just feel so... emotionally dead without being able to create something. I need more of that in my life right now...
Countdown to Travis' high school graduation: 27 days!
In other news, stuff on the job front is going pretty well. Target is a very friendly place to work, and the work is simple if monotonous. Thankfully the other cashiers make up for it (Jolene, Shaleca, Carolyn-- I love you!!). It's fun most of the time. My only complaint is the montony, really, and the fact that I don't get to move around much. Standing in one little cubicle-like area for 8 hours is not my (nor anyone's) idea of fun. ;)
Also... I GET PAID FRIDAY YAY!!
My sister graduated on Friday. :) I'm immensely proud of her. I know it hasn't been easy; she's had to juggle school, her job, her boyfriend, MSNA stuff, and everything else in her life and she still made it through. Autumn is a very hard worker and dedicated student with a heart for people, and I could not be happier for her. Preceptorship in June and then boards July/August (?)... so still a little ways to go but she's almost there!! Love you, sissy!
In other news, I'm feeling kind of creative lately. I don't know where that's going to find an outlet yet, but I'm hoping that however it chooses to manifest will keep me occupied for a while and hopefully spark something a little more. I just feel so... emotionally dead without being able to create something. I need more of that in my life right now...
Countdown to Travis' high school graduation: 27 days!
Genesis 24
Key Verse: "I want you to swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I am living, but will go to my country and my own relatives and get a wife for my son Isaac." (Genesis 24:3-4)
This testimony was very hard for me to write. I grew up in a very well-grounded Christian home, and my parent’s marriage is one that I greatly respect and use as a model for my own. I have always considered my parents to be excellent models of a Christian relationship. Yes, they still struggle, and they do fight and have their own differences, but there are a lot of things that I draw from them. Their commitment to the Lord is the main aspect, and how they include God in their decision-making has always impressed me.
Reading Genesis 24, I took a lot of that from the Bible as well. Abraham and his servant both prayerfully approached the situation with their concerns, but ultimately it was God who brought Isaac and Rebekah together. Through Abraham’s faith, the servant’s obedience, and Rebekah’s family’s humility and servitude to God, Isaac and Rebekah were brought together. Seeking God in my own marriage must be of utmost importance.
This testimony was very hard for me to write. I grew up in a very well-grounded Christian home, and my parent’s marriage is one that I greatly respect and use as a model for my own. I have always considered my parents to be excellent models of a Christian relationship. Yes, they still struggle, and they do fight and have their own differences, but there are a lot of things that I draw from them. Their commitment to the Lord is the main aspect, and how they include God in their decision-making has always impressed me.
Reading Genesis 24, I took a lot of that from the Bible as well. Abraham and his servant both prayerfully approached the situation with their concerns, but ultimately it was God who brought Isaac and Rebekah together. Through Abraham’s faith, the servant’s obedience, and Rebekah’s family’s humility and servitude to God, Isaac and Rebekah were brought together. Seeking God in my own marriage must be of utmost importance.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Genesis 22:1-19
Key Verse: "I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me." (Genesis 22:17-18)
Abraham was tested by God. Though he did not know it, this was God’s intent from the beginning. God spoke to Abraham and told him to go and sacrifice his son upon the mountain. God knew the pain this would cause Abraham; Isaac was Abraham’s only precious son, and he was dearly loved by his father. At this point, Abraham had had several years to enjoy Isaac and keep him to himself; the boy could speak well, think for himself, and was old enough and strong enough to accompany his father on the journey into the mountains.
Abraham readily accepted God’s command from the beginning. When God called him, he answered, “Here I am.” When God told him to take Isaac onto the mountain, he did so after only thinking about it for a night. It must have been a difficult decision for Abraham, but he still trusted God and his promise and followed God’s command. He took Isaac, one of his servants, and the supplies for the sacrifice up the mountain.
Abraham was tested by God. Though he did not know it, this was God’s intent from the beginning. God spoke to Abraham and told him to go and sacrifice his son upon the mountain. God knew the pain this would cause Abraham; Isaac was Abraham’s only precious son, and he was dearly loved by his father. At this point, Abraham had had several years to enjoy Isaac and keep him to himself; the boy could speak well, think for himself, and was old enough and strong enough to accompany his father on the journey into the mountains.
Abraham readily accepted God’s command from the beginning. When God called him, he answered, “Here I am.” When God told him to take Isaac onto the mountain, he did so after only thinking about it for a night. It must have been a difficult decision for Abraham, but he still trusted God and his promise and followed God’s command. He took Isaac, one of his servants, and the supplies for the sacrifice up the mountain.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Life Update... Again!
So... I have a job! :D I'll be working as a cashier at Target on Monroe Street. Kinda excited-- not for the work, necessarily, but to be earning money and using my time productively instead of having nothing to do. And new experiences are fun. :) Usually.
Easter in the new center was great. :D Everything was done very well-- praise and worship was great (as usual-- way to set the bar high, Johnny!), the message was good, special song, and communion-- which I miss... we used to do it quarterly at DBC, but... well, I can't even REMEMBER the last time we had communion there. It'd been over a year, to say the least! anyway, tangent-- communion was a very solemn, yet joyful time. I enjoyed seeing everyone and being able to celebrate the Risen Christ with my Toledo family. I love you guys, so much! [/end sappiness]
Student Night was also successful. It was a little lengthy, and dinner was a bit crowded and unorganized... but... well, trial-and-error! I was especially impressed that we had so many new faces among the testimony sharers! :D Kati did a great job with the message, and I was very proud of both the message itself and the confidence and spirit with which she delivered it. Keep up the good work, Kati-- I am so blessed to be your friend and be able to watch you grow in Christ! (Okay, so I lied about the sappiness being over with... but I'm done now, I swear!)
Will be doing praise and worship tomorrow and the following two Sundays, so... lots of practice to look forward to (especially being there an hour earlier than I'm used to... yuck! Ha ha... man, I really have become spoiled!). I'm curious to see how this stewardship series of messages turns out, too... Guess we'll see tomorrow!
Also... lunch at the Parks' for M. Peter's birthday celebration... Heck yeah.
Easter in the new center was great. :D Everything was done very well-- praise and worship was great (as usual-- way to set the bar high, Johnny!), the message was good, special song, and communion-- which I miss... we used to do it quarterly at DBC, but... well, I can't even REMEMBER the last time we had communion there. It'd been over a year, to say the least! anyway, tangent-- communion was a very solemn, yet joyful time. I enjoyed seeing everyone and being able to celebrate the Risen Christ with my Toledo family. I love you guys, so much! [/end sappiness]
Student Night was also successful. It was a little lengthy, and dinner was a bit crowded and unorganized... but... well, trial-and-error! I was especially impressed that we had so many new faces among the testimony sharers! :D Kati did a great job with the message, and I was very proud of both the message itself and the confidence and spirit with which she delivered it. Keep up the good work, Kati-- I am so blessed to be your friend and be able to watch you grow in Christ! (Okay, so I lied about the sappiness being over with... but I'm done now, I swear!)
Will be doing praise and worship tomorrow and the following two Sundays, so... lots of practice to look forward to (especially being there an hour earlier than I'm used to... yuck! Ha ha... man, I really have become spoiled!). I'm curious to see how this stewardship series of messages turns out, too... Guess we'll see tomorrow!
Also... lunch at the Parks' for M. Peter's birthday celebration... Heck yeah.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Spring Conference Review Testimony
Key Verse: “Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34a)
I. The Work of God I Experienced
This spring conference was a much needed break for me. I have been stressed out about a lot of things. I felt very frustrated for a good two weeks before conference, and worried about where the money was going to come from and what, if anything, I should do. I will admit I was burnt out with praise and worship, with Narrowgate, with dealing with my family (from being home all the time), and constantly searching for a job with no visible fruit. The last thing I wanted to do was stress out about writing a testimony that my heart obviously wasn’t moved to write; it was a selfish motive, really, but that was how I felt. Conference was my chance to “get away from it all” and be able to recharge.
From past experience, I knew that God could work in me at the conference if I let Him, and I knew I needed that. I needed, more than wanted, to hear the message of the Cross, to take time away from the things that were worrying me and just focus on Jesus. Still, the issue of money was one that I couldn’t get around. I have been unemployed since January, and money at my house is tight, so I was wary to shell out the money for the conference from my own pocket, and even more reluctant to ask my parents for help. I finally decided just to pay for it, that it would be worth the cost and that somehow I would just work with what I had left. The week of the conference, my grandmother sent me a check to give me a little spending money, knowing I was unemployed; it was just enough to cover the cost of conference. I turned in the money the next day and completed my registration.
I. The Work of God I Experienced
This spring conference was a much needed break for me. I have been stressed out about a lot of things. I felt very frustrated for a good two weeks before conference, and worried about where the money was going to come from and what, if anything, I should do. I will admit I was burnt out with praise and worship, with Narrowgate, with dealing with my family (from being home all the time), and constantly searching for a job with no visible fruit. The last thing I wanted to do was stress out about writing a testimony that my heart obviously wasn’t moved to write; it was a selfish motive, really, but that was how I felt. Conference was my chance to “get away from it all” and be able to recharge.
From past experience, I knew that God could work in me at the conference if I let Him, and I knew I needed that. I needed, more than wanted, to hear the message of the Cross, to take time away from the things that were worrying me and just focus on Jesus. Still, the issue of money was one that I couldn’t get around. I have been unemployed since January, and money at my house is tight, so I was wary to shell out the money for the conference from my own pocket, and even more reluctant to ask my parents for help. I finally decided just to pay for it, that it would be worth the cost and that somehow I would just work with what I had left. The week of the conference, my grandmother sent me a check to give me a little spending money, knowing I was unemployed; it was just enough to cover the cost of conference. I turned in the money the next day and completed my registration.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Life Status Update
So... I'm pretty excited. :) I got a call this morning, and the lady from Target (in Toledo-- the one on Monroe St.) wants me to come in for an interview Thursday morning at 10am. Whoo hoo! I've been filling out apps all this week and last, and it's nice to at least get a call back. ♥ You guys know I've been jobless for a while, now, so.... some income would be nice! Really praying that I find a job that lets me maintain my UBF activity-- I don't want to miss a thing! So pray for a job offer (God willing!) and that they'll be flexible enough to let me work when UBF/Narrowgate isn't having a meeting! :D
Secondly, and this is another thing I'm praying about: my parents have never been to UBF. Never. I've asked them to come to Sunday service a few times, but Mom tends to work on Sunday mornings and... well... you all know the situation with my dad. (Sigh.) At any rate, Student Night is coming up and it could be the last one of the (school) year, so... I thought it might be nice if they would come. So... I asked. And get this: Mom works every day this week EXCEPT Friday, and with Dad's new job he's home every weekend. ♥ Dad seems kinda happy about it; told me to get him directions and he would definitely be there. :3 So pray they don't change their minds, ha ha! I really want them to meet all of you, and to know where I disappear to all the time.
And, of course, pray for Student Night itself. Kati's testimony-message, all the testimony sharers (ah, that reminds me... I need to work on my conference review. Augh, I haven't even started!!), praise and worship, and all that fun stuff. First Student Night in the new center! ♥ Oh, I'm so excited!
Busy, busy week! Time with Jesi/Kati on Wednesday, spending the night so I can hit Daily Bread and the NG Cabinet meeting Thursday morning, interview, and then we sisters are meeting for dinner @ BDubs so we can catch up with Meredith (who I miss very much!). Whew... and then Bible Study/Student Night on Friday!
I think that's all for now. Aah, it's good to be busy. ♥ I love Toledo.
Secondly, and this is another thing I'm praying about: my parents have never been to UBF. Never. I've asked them to come to Sunday service a few times, but Mom tends to work on Sunday mornings and... well... you all know the situation with my dad. (Sigh.) At any rate, Student Night is coming up and it could be the last one of the (school) year, so... I thought it might be nice if they would come. So... I asked. And get this: Mom works every day this week EXCEPT Friday, and with Dad's new job he's home every weekend. ♥ Dad seems kinda happy about it; told me to get him directions and he would definitely be there. :3 So pray they don't change their minds, ha ha! I really want them to meet all of you, and to know where I disappear to all the time.
And, of course, pray for Student Night itself. Kati's testimony-message, all the testimony sharers (ah, that reminds me... I need to work on my conference review. Augh, I haven't even started!!), praise and worship, and all that fun stuff. First Student Night in the new center! ♥ Oh, I'm so excited!
Busy, busy week! Time with Jesi/Kati on Wednesday, spending the night so I can hit Daily Bread and the NG Cabinet meeting Thursday morning, interview, and then we sisters are meeting for dinner @ BDubs so we can catch up with Meredith (who I miss very much!). Whew... and then Bible Study/Student Night on Friday!
I think that's all for now. Aah, it's good to be busy. ♥ I love Toledo.
Friday, April 2, 2010
A Blessing in Song
On a whim, I sent in my reply to a contest and actually won the new Sanctus Real album Pieces of a Real Heart from Yes FM (my most favorite radio station ever!), and have been quite happy with it. :) As I neared the end of the CD, though, I found myself greatly moved by the last track.
Lately (especially before our spring conference), I had been very burnt out, doubtful, and disbelieving. I frequently fall into cynicism when things get rough, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. We all fall into this pattern of getting frustrated and giving up, especially in our spiritual lives, when things aren't going our way. We need Jesus to open our hearts again, to renew our spirits and make us whole, and to remind us that He should be the source of our joy and not our circumstances.
Just thought I would share that with all of you; perhaps you will be as inspired as I was-- or at least get something out of it. So... enjoy! <3
Lately (especially before our spring conference), I had been very burnt out, doubtful, and disbelieving. I frequently fall into cynicism when things get rough, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. We all fall into this pattern of getting frustrated and giving up, especially in our spiritual lives, when things aren't going our way. We need Jesus to open our hearts again, to renew our spirits and make us whole, and to remind us that He should be the source of our joy and not our circumstances.
Just thought I would share that with all of you; perhaps you will be as inspired as I was-- or at least get something out of it. So... enjoy! <3
Post with a Purpose
So... welcome to my blog! :) Happy to have you visit. There's a 99% chance that you're from our Narrowgate fellowship, and if so, HI GUYS! :D If you're not, then welcome anyway.
I'm hoping that you all will check this regularly, so we can keep in touch and get to know each other a little better. Feel free to post your thoughts, suggestions, anecdotes... whatever you feel applies. :) Love you, and God bless!
I'm hoping that you all will check this regularly, so we can keep in touch and get to know each other a little better. Feel free to post your thoughts, suggestions, anecdotes... whatever you feel applies. :) Love you, and God bless!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Luke 9:46-62
Key Verse: "Then he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all—he is the greatest." (Luke 9:48)
This passage made me think about my attitude toward Christ and toward his call for my life. The story begins with Jesus’ disciples arguing over who was the greatest among them. One or two may have thought that they were Jesus’ favorite disciple, and each knew their own strengths and weaknesses and held them over each other during the fight. No doubt they wondered who would be in charge when Jesus left; or at least who was the leader among them, but Jesus quickly put a stop to their bickering. Verses 47 and 48 say that “Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. Then he said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all—he is the greatest."”
This contradictory statement likely confused the disciples, as it would to anyone with a worldly perspective. But Jesus, as always, speaks here with a spiritual objective in mind. Our society values things such as individuality, self-confidence, and independence. However, God values humility and despises arrogance, and that is what Jesus was trying to make the disciples understand. To welcome a child—to interact with, take care of, and value that child—often means lowering oneself to their level. It means giving of one’s own time, effort, resources, and most often our pride. Raising a child takes a very long time and is a very thankless (and seemingly fruitless) job.
This passage made me think about my attitude toward Christ and toward his call for my life. The story begins with Jesus’ disciples arguing over who was the greatest among them. One or two may have thought that they were Jesus’ favorite disciple, and each knew their own strengths and weaknesses and held them over each other during the fight. No doubt they wondered who would be in charge when Jesus left; or at least who was the leader among them, but Jesus quickly put a stop to their bickering. Verses 47 and 48 say that “Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. Then he said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all—he is the greatest."”
This contradictory statement likely confused the disciples, as it would to anyone with a worldly perspective. But Jesus, as always, speaks here with a spiritual objective in mind. Our society values things such as individuality, self-confidence, and independence. However, God values humility and despises arrogance, and that is what Jesus was trying to make the disciples understand. To welcome a child—to interact with, take care of, and value that child—often means lowering oneself to their level. It means giving of one’s own time, effort, resources, and most often our pride. Raising a child takes a very long time and is a very thankless (and seemingly fruitless) job.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Luke 9:28-45
Key Verse: "A voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him."" (Luke 9:35)
Eight days after Peter’s confession of faith, Jesus took Peter, James and John up onto a mountain to pray. These three were like the leaders of the disciples, key members that the other disciples looked up to and drew encouragement and knowledge from. They were also those that Jesus focused on training. He could have been frustrated with their immaturity and lack of growth, but instead he sought out spiritual encouragement and went to pray. While they were there, Jesus became a changed man; it says that “the appearance of his face changed, and his cloths became as bright as a flash of lightning” (v. 29).
Then Moses and Elijah came down from heaven and spoke with Jesus. These spiritual giants, representatives of both God and the Old Testament, came to encourage Him. They had been God’s servants before Jesus’ time, prophets and leaders of God’s people. Most importantly, they had known suffering during their time and knew of the suffering that Jesus would go through soon. “They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment in Jerusalem” (v. 31).
Eight days after Peter’s confession of faith, Jesus took Peter, James and John up onto a mountain to pray. These three were like the leaders of the disciples, key members that the other disciples looked up to and drew encouragement and knowledge from. They were also those that Jesus focused on training. He could have been frustrated with their immaturity and lack of growth, but instead he sought out spiritual encouragement and went to pray. While they were there, Jesus became a changed man; it says that “the appearance of his face changed, and his cloths became as bright as a flash of lightning” (v. 29).
Then Moses and Elijah came down from heaven and spoke with Jesus. These spiritual giants, representatives of both God and the Old Testament, came to encourage Him. They had been God’s servants before Jesus’ time, prophets and leaders of God’s people. Most importantly, they had known suffering during their time and knew of the suffering that Jesus would go through soon. “They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment in Jerusalem” (v. 31).
Friday, January 29, 2010
Hebrews 11:23-29
Key Verse: “He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.” (Heb 11:26)
Most of us know the story of Moses: how an angry and jealous pharaoh enslaved the Jews and became so fearful of them that they were ordered to kill all baby boys; how his parents, who by faith and through their great love for Moses were unafraid of the pharaoh’s laws and hid their son until he could not be hidden anymore; how he was set in a basket made of reeds and floated down the Nile under the watchful eye of his sister, Miriam; and how the Pharaoh’s daughter found baby Moses and took him in as her own. Young Moses grew up in the palace as an Egyptian prince instead of being treated as a slave like his family and his people. As a prince, he was privileged and taken care of. His life was easy and comfortable—everyone served him and treated him with respect. Moses became well-educated and was, essentially, master of his own life.
Most of us know the story of Moses: how an angry and jealous pharaoh enslaved the Jews and became so fearful of them that they were ordered to kill all baby boys; how his parents, who by faith and through their great love for Moses were unafraid of the pharaoh’s laws and hid their son until he could not be hidden anymore; how he was set in a basket made of reeds and floated down the Nile under the watchful eye of his sister, Miriam; and how the Pharaoh’s daughter found baby Moses and took him in as her own. Young Moses grew up in the palace as an Egyptian prince instead of being treated as a slave like his family and his people. As a prince, he was privileged and taken care of. His life was easy and comfortable—everyone served him and treated him with respect. Moses became well-educated and was, essentially, master of his own life.
Hebrews 11:8-22
(Originally written January 22, 2010)
Key Verse: “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8)
The second part of Hebrews 11 focuses primarily on Abraham and his calling. Most of us know the story of Abraham—how he was called to leave his country behind and go to the promised land. However it is when we look closer that we can really see and pick apart the story; we are then able to apply it to our lives.
Now Abraham lived in a place called Ur of the Chaldeans, and his family had settled there and been settled for a very long time. God then spoke to him and called him to “leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you” (Gen. 12:1). Abraham had no idea where he was going; and yet he obeyed the Lord. God promised to make him a blessing, to be blessed, and that he would be a great nation, and Abraham trusted in that promise and made the journey.
Key Verse: “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8)
The second part of Hebrews 11 focuses primarily on Abraham and his calling. Most of us know the story of Abraham—how he was called to leave his country behind and go to the promised land. However it is when we look closer that we can really see and pick apart the story; we are then able to apply it to our lives.
Now Abraham lived in a place called Ur of the Chaldeans, and his family had settled there and been settled for a very long time. God then spoke to him and called him to “leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you” (Gen. 12:1). Abraham had no idea where he was going; and yet he obeyed the Lord. God promised to make him a blessing, to be blessed, and that he would be a great nation, and Abraham trusted in that promise and made the journey.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Hebrews 11:1-7
Key Verse: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
Through Hebrews 11 we learn very much about faith: what it is, what it does, and how we can interact with God through it. Verse 1 says that “faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” In essence, faith is believing in invisible things—and in this case we are talking about God. Not only do we believe in invisible things but we can hope in them and experience them through our faith. In fact, we must have faith even to believe in the beginning of the world, for no one was there and the only account we have is through the Bible, which we then may or may not believe. Faith is not easy—it demands much of a person to put one’s trust in something unseen—and it is not passive but rather aggressive, requiring our action. Faith doesn’t just happen.
And thus, says verse 2, the ancients were commended for it. These ancients were people of faith, before Christ came to earth, who walked with God, hoped in God, and gave us a proper example of what it is to live by faith. This particular part of the passage singles out three: Abel, Enoch, and Noah. All three were righteous in the sight of the Lord, and the Bible describes them as men who “walked with God.” All three teach us about some aspect of what faith really means.
Through Hebrews 11 we learn very much about faith: what it is, what it does, and how we can interact with God through it. Verse 1 says that “faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” In essence, faith is believing in invisible things—and in this case we are talking about God. Not only do we believe in invisible things but we can hope in them and experience them through our faith. In fact, we must have faith even to believe in the beginning of the world, for no one was there and the only account we have is through the Bible, which we then may or may not believe. Faith is not easy—it demands much of a person to put one’s trust in something unseen—and it is not passive but rather aggressive, requiring our action. Faith doesn’t just happen.
And thus, says verse 2, the ancients were commended for it. These ancients were people of faith, before Christ came to earth, who walked with God, hoped in God, and gave us a proper example of what it is to live by faith. This particular part of the passage singles out three: Abel, Enoch, and Noah. All three were righteous in the sight of the Lord, and the Bible describes them as men who “walked with God.” All three teach us about some aspect of what faith really means.
2010 New Year’s Key Verse & Testimony
(Written during Young Disciples Conference, Dec 31, 2009-Jan 2, 2010)
2010 Key Verse:: “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.” (1 Corinthians 13:11)
2009 was, in all honesty, a big disappointment. That is what I think of when I think of this past year. A lot of bad things happened and already terrible situations got worse, and it is very hard to find the good. There was some, of course: for instance, at the Toledo UBF Spring Bible Conference here at Michindoh, I wrote, revised (several times), and shared my life testimony. Through that experience, I was able to examine my life so far and found the key verse Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” I had realized that my faith was my own and not the product of my parents’ or anyone else’s work; that God had raised me in a Christian home and in the environment He had so that I could do what He wants me to accomplish in the future: “good works, prepared in advance for me to do.”
Later that spring however, that was shaken. My father, a pastor of many years, was “let go” from the church we had spent 7 years serving. Certain members used many superficial excuses to be rid of my father and our family, and to avoid conflict my father resigned in May. I felt a great sense of hurt and betrayal, and it angered me. I wondered who I could trust, if not the people of God—people I thought had the same ideals and hopes and dreams for our little town of Dundee. I was fortunate in this, as it gave me the opportunity to attend Sunday services at UBF without being conflicted between supporting my father and leaving the church I felt led to serve, but still I was unhappy.
2010 Key Verse:: “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.” (1 Corinthians 13:11)
2009 was, in all honesty, a big disappointment. That is what I think of when I think of this past year. A lot of bad things happened and already terrible situations got worse, and it is very hard to find the good. There was some, of course: for instance, at the Toledo UBF Spring Bible Conference here at Michindoh, I wrote, revised (several times), and shared my life testimony. Through that experience, I was able to examine my life so far and found the key verse Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” I had realized that my faith was my own and not the product of my parents’ or anyone else’s work; that God had raised me in a Christian home and in the environment He had so that I could do what He wants me to accomplish in the future: “good works, prepared in advance for me to do.”
Later that spring however, that was shaken. My father, a pastor of many years, was “let go” from the church we had spent 7 years serving. Certain members used many superficial excuses to be rid of my father and our family, and to avoid conflict my father resigned in May. I felt a great sense of hurt and betrayal, and it angered me. I wondered who I could trust, if not the people of God—people I thought had the same ideals and hopes and dreams for our little town of Dundee. I was fortunate in this, as it gave me the opportunity to attend Sunday services at UBF without being conflicted between supporting my father and leaving the church I felt led to serve, but still I was unhappy.
ARCHIVE: Luke 8:16-25
(Originally written September 28, 2009)
Key Verse: “‘Where is your faith?’ he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, ‘Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.’ ” (Luke 8:25)
When Sh. John Wilson gave this passage’s message last week, he made the point that it was a sequel passage to the parable of the sower. Each story included in the passage—the example of the lamp, the story of Jesus’s mother and brothers, and finally Jesus quelling the storm on the Sea of Galilee—represents a portion of Jesus’s message about having good heart soil. Respectively, they are hearing the word, retaining it, and putting into practice by persevering. The last section in particular touched my heart. I hear the word all the time, in Bible study, church service, even on the radio or on Facebook. Retaining it is harder but still comes easy to me; I have a fairly good memory and consider myself fairly knowledgeable about the Bible. It is putting it into practice and relying on God more than myself that I greatly struggle with.
And I am not alone. Verses 22-25 tell the story of a great storm and some fearful disciples who feared the elements more than they feared the power of God. One day, Jesus suggested that he and his disciples should travel to the other side of the lake. This would be a short break for the hard-working disciples, who were not used to the great crowds and extensive traveling they had done with Jesus so far. Doubtless excited for even a short reprieve, they got into a boat and set sail. On the way, it was such a peaceful ride that Jesus fell asleep, and the disciples were likely relieved for a moment.
Key Verse: “‘Where is your faith?’ he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, ‘Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.’ ” (Luke 8:25)
When Sh. John Wilson gave this passage’s message last week, he made the point that it was a sequel passage to the parable of the sower. Each story included in the passage—the example of the lamp, the story of Jesus’s mother and brothers, and finally Jesus quelling the storm on the Sea of Galilee—represents a portion of Jesus’s message about having good heart soil. Respectively, they are hearing the word, retaining it, and putting into practice by persevering. The last section in particular touched my heart. I hear the word all the time, in Bible study, church service, even on the radio or on Facebook. Retaining it is harder but still comes easy to me; I have a fairly good memory and consider myself fairly knowledgeable about the Bible. It is putting it into practice and relying on God more than myself that I greatly struggle with.
And I am not alone. Verses 22-25 tell the story of a great storm and some fearful disciples who feared the elements more than they feared the power of God. One day, Jesus suggested that he and his disciples should travel to the other side of the lake. This would be a short break for the hard-working disciples, who were not used to the great crowds and extensive traveling they had done with Jesus so far. Doubtless excited for even a short reprieve, they got into a boat and set sail. On the way, it was such a peaceful ride that Jesus fell asleep, and the disciples were likely relieved for a moment.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)