The cliche of Hollywood is that another actor or actress is going to have a stint in rehab, or they've started doing crack or something in the like. We always expect it to happen to them because they have so many problems bladdy bladdy blah.
But what I've been seeing as I grow up is that everyone has problems. There are so many things that we deal with on a regular basis and we choose to hold it inside. We look around at our friends and family and wonder what's so bad about their lives. Reality is, we all have our struggles. God didn't tell us life with him would be a walk in the park, no sirree, he told us that he would never leave us nor forsake us. We always have the strength to push past stuff, to run from temptation, to see the good in the seemingly horrible, because he is with us. I know, I know, you've heard it all before.
For me today, this was a reminder and a rejuvenation to my heart and soul. Do you know why? Because it means that my hardships are just as legitimate as yours. You and I have very different lives. We are different people. Regardless, your struggles were meant for you, and mine were meant for me.
The problem? Most of the time we judge people according to the problem they're going through. And more often than not, we think that it's "not as bad as it seems." Sad? Yeah, you should feel bad. How is that showing someone else compassion? It's not. Our job isn't to judge others issues, it's to show them love. To be an example of Christ to everyone we come in contact with. We're called to show grace like God gave his grace freely to us.
Each of us have struggles. We are given struggles, hardships, trials, whatever you call them...so that we cling to Jesus even more. A couple of days ago I was laying in bed thinking about this; the struggles I'm having and God brought Psalm 23 to mind.
The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell[a] in the house of the LORD
Forever.
Psalm 23
This is in New King James Version cause that how I memorized it when I first learned it. And I absolutely love the phrasing. Remember that God has got you, he loves you very much and he WILL protect you.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Worship
A long time ago, I was talking with a friend about worship. We were comparing the type of worship we had at our churches; he sang hymns and I sang contemporary songs. He said it wasn't about the music, worship was about the heart. In my naive state of mind, I thought he was wrong. Ever since then, I've been striving for that to be my worship. It's not just about the music or the way it's played. It's the words that we sing.
There have been so many times during the praise and worship time at church, or college group or whatever that I just don't seem to get into the songs. But when I look outside of myself and just bask in the glory of Jesus, my heart isn't focused on anything besides him. And that's what worshiping is to me. Letting everything around me become invisible, and just sitting with my Savior. My eyes aren't looking around at other people, they are set on Jesus. Nothing else in the world matters at that moment.
That worship is is something I've had to learn. It wasn't taught to me, it was spoken, all those years ago, from a young man who simply knew how to worship. His worship impacted my life, even though he'll probably never know that.
Sing to the Lord, you saints of his; praise his holy name.
Psalm 30:4
Every action, every thought, every thing, needs to be surrendered to Him. Worship is a lifestyle. It's choosing to not say something just because you want people to like you. It's making the choice to take every thought captive. It's choosing to love people when you don't want to. It's choosing to not scream at the driver that just cut you off. It's choosing to care, even when you don't feel cared for. Worship can be one of the most amazing things. If you allow yourself to fall away. To worship. But that looks different for each person. I encourage you to seek after God and find out what worship looks like for you.
There have been so many times during the praise and worship time at church, or college group or whatever that I just don't seem to get into the songs. But when I look outside of myself and just bask in the glory of Jesus, my heart isn't focused on anything besides him. And that's what worshiping is to me. Letting everything around me become invisible, and just sitting with my Savior. My eyes aren't looking around at other people, they are set on Jesus. Nothing else in the world matters at that moment.
That worship is is something I've had to learn. It wasn't taught to me, it was spoken, all those years ago, from a young man who simply knew how to worship. His worship impacted my life, even though he'll probably never know that.
Sing to the Lord, you saints of his; praise his holy name.
Psalm 30:4
Every action, every thought, every thing, needs to be surrendered to Him. Worship is a lifestyle. It's choosing to not say something just because you want people to like you. It's making the choice to take every thought captive. It's choosing to love people when you don't want to. It's choosing to not scream at the driver that just cut you off. It's choosing to care, even when you don't feel cared for. Worship can be one of the most amazing things. If you allow yourself to fall away. To worship. But that looks different for each person. I encourage you to seek after God and find out what worship looks like for you.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Beauty Will Rise
Beauty is so prevalent in each of our lives. Sometimes we choose not to see it, sometimes we see it but don't appreciate it, but more often than not we focus on ourselves and miss it altogether. When we take the time to look around and see the beauty that is all around us, we see it in every single thing. Every person is beautiful, whatever shape and size they are. Every tree, plant, even rock. It's not simply because of the physical aspect, it's the fact that it was created by God.
Pain is so prevalent in each of our lives. The type of pain may be different, but nonetheless, it's there. That pain can be so overwhelming that it can look like our saving grace. What it looks like and what it actually is, are two very different things. That "saving grace" can mean the end to the gift God has freely given you, life. Pain is not a thing to be dwelt upon, it can turn you bitter, sad, depressed and broken in so many places. But that pain can also be a thing to change how you live your life. For me, pain shows me how much more I need Jesus. Every experience that I know I can't handle, reminds me of how much I can't handle this life on my own.
I'm not usually one for songs speaking to me but there have been a couple this week where the lyrics really spoke to my heart.
The italicized part of the songs are the lines that really spoke to my heart. So much of the time, I have to be the strong one. I have this idea that people need me to be that, and when I'm alone, then I can show my feelings. But for some reason, I forget that God don't give me more than I can handle with Him. He's so awesome to do that! We don't deserve it, but he tells us that his yoke is easy and his burden is light. And even in the pain, beauty will rise from the ashes. Those truths are enough to take my breath away.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11: 28-30
He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
1 Corinthians 1:8-9
Each of us have times in our lives, when we are overwhelmed, when we want to give up, when we want to give into the pain and let it be our "saving grace." In reality, our real saving grace, is Jesus Christ. He is the one that brings your beauty up from the ashes. Will you let him?
Pain is so prevalent in each of our lives. The type of pain may be different, but nonetheless, it's there. That pain can be so overwhelming that it can look like our saving grace. What it looks like and what it actually is, are two very different things. That "saving grace" can mean the end to the gift God has freely given you, life. Pain is not a thing to be dwelt upon, it can turn you bitter, sad, depressed and broken in so many places. But that pain can also be a thing to change how you live your life. For me, pain shows me how much more I need Jesus. Every experience that I know I can't handle, reminds me of how much I can't handle this life on my own.
I'm not usually one for songs speaking to me but there have been a couple this week where the lyrics really spoke to my heart.
Strong Enough by Matthew West
You must
You must think I'm strong
To give me what I'm going through
Well, forgive me
Forgive me if I'm wrong
But this looks like more than I can do
On my own
I know I'm not strong enough to be
everything that I'm supposed to be
I give up
I'm not stong enough
Hands of mercy won't you cover me
Lord right now I'm asking you to be
Strong enough
Strong enough
For the both of us
Well, maybe
Maybe that's the point
To reach the point of giving up
Cause when I'm finally
Finally at rock bottom
Well, that's when I start looking up
And reaching out
I know I'm not strong enough to be
Everything that I'm supposed to be
I give up
I'm not strong enough
Hands of mercy won't you cover me
Lord right now I'm asking you to be
Strong enough
Strong enough
Cause I'm broken
Down to nothing
But I'm still holding on to the one thing
You are God
and you are strong
When I am weak
I can do all things
Through Christ who gives me strength
And I don't have to be
Strong enough
Strong enough
I can do all things
Through Christ who gives me strength
And I don't have to be
Strong enough
Strong enough
Oh, yeah
I know I'm not strong enough to be
Everything that I'm supposed to be
I give up
I'm not strong enough
Hands of mercy won't you cover me
Lord right now I'm asking you to be
Strong enough
Strong enough
Strong enough
You must think I'm strong
To give me what I'm going through
Well, forgive me
Forgive me if I'm wrong
But this looks like more than I can do
On my own
I know I'm not strong enough to be
everything that I'm supposed to be
I give up
I'm not stong enough
Hands of mercy won't you cover me
Lord right now I'm asking you to be
Strong enough
Strong enough
For the both of us
Well, maybe
Maybe that's the point
To reach the point of giving up
Cause when I'm finally
Finally at rock bottom
Well, that's when I start looking up
And reaching out
I know I'm not strong enough to be
Everything that I'm supposed to be
I give up
I'm not strong enough
Hands of mercy won't you cover me
Lord right now I'm asking you to be
Strong enough
Strong enough
Cause I'm broken
Down to nothing
But I'm still holding on to the one thing
You are God
and you are strong
When I am weak
I can do all things
Through Christ who gives me strength
And I don't have to be
Strong enough
Strong enough
I can do all things
Through Christ who gives me strength
And I don't have to be
Strong enough
Strong enough
Oh, yeah
I know I'm not strong enough to be
Everything that I'm supposed to be
I give up
I'm not strong enough
Hands of mercy won't you cover me
Lord right now I'm asking you to be
Strong enough
Strong enough
Strong enough
Beauty Will Rise by Steven Curtis Chapman
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11: 28-30
He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
1 Corinthians 1:8-9
Each of us have times in our lives, when we are overwhelmed, when we want to give up, when we want to give into the pain and let it be our "saving grace." In reality, our real saving grace, is Jesus Christ. He is the one that brings your beauty up from the ashes. Will you let him?
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Here comes....Satan?
Well, there ya have it. Satan is at it again. Every time things seem to be looking up, he wants them to keep looking back down. The funny thing is, I can't even pinpoint the real issue here. I know all of the things he's poking at are just symptoms of a deeper issue. Too bad I don't know yet. Good thing God does.
I really don't understand why the week has been so rough. It started off fine enough. It's the week of school starting, the Basileia dance performance, and Monday was even a holiday. I was actually excited about it. CRASH! My excited faded as my week went from good to sour in literally an instant. I'm sure you don't want to hear about the horribleness of it, so instead I shall share with you the awesome things about it. I know, I know, my optimism is wonderful :)
But really. Let me tell you how God moved.
Monday I got to spend time with my family, which I haven't done in some time. I also got to eat eggies and tortillas, which is one of my favorite meals. It's a Lee family thing.
Tuesday I had off. I looked over my class stuff, since I'm taking it online. And I kinda freaked out. Okay, not really kinda. I majorly freaked out. But, because of that freak out I got to see my favorite mentor and her kids. Those kids are joy from God himself to me. I kid you not.
Wednesday rehearsals begin. Only 2 hours that day. Nothing particularly bad had happened that day, I was just tired already and it was hot.
I could go on but I'm getting bored reading this as I type it, which means I've probably put some of you to sleep. First, let me tell you a story. I'm prayer partners with one of the girls in the dance company and we agreed to pray every time before rehearsals this week. Let me interject for a moment and tell you that this has not been a "I want to love people" week. Anyways, Thursday rolls around and I have a headache. I asked her to pray for me. But she doesn't pray out loud. I knew this fact, yet I still asked her to pray. We talked for a couple minutes, and she fought it, of course. But she eventually gave in. And it wasn't just a 2 sentence prayer. She went on for like 8 sentences. This from the girl who says she doesn't pray out loud. I couldn't believe it. I was so proud of her. You don't even know. Even in my brokeness and wretched horrible humanness, God used me. It blows my mind. I still don't think he should be using me, but he did. He uses the weak. He humbled me. I am yours, Father. In the lowest of lows, he is my strength, my all, my love.
Thank you, Father. Amen.
I really don't understand why the week has been so rough. It started off fine enough. It's the week of school starting, the Basileia dance performance, and Monday was even a holiday. I was actually excited about it. CRASH! My excited faded as my week went from good to sour in literally an instant. I'm sure you don't want to hear about the horribleness of it, so instead I shall share with you the awesome things about it. I know, I know, my optimism is wonderful :)
But really. Let me tell you how God moved.
Monday I got to spend time with my family, which I haven't done in some time. I also got to eat eggies and tortillas, which is one of my favorite meals. It's a Lee family thing.
Tuesday I had off. I looked over my class stuff, since I'm taking it online. And I kinda freaked out. Okay, not really kinda. I majorly freaked out. But, because of that freak out I got to see my favorite mentor and her kids. Those kids are joy from God himself to me. I kid you not.
Wednesday rehearsals begin. Only 2 hours that day. Nothing particularly bad had happened that day, I was just tired already and it was hot.
I could go on but I'm getting bored reading this as I type it, which means I've probably put some of you to sleep. First, let me tell you a story. I'm prayer partners with one of the girls in the dance company and we agreed to pray every time before rehearsals this week. Let me interject for a moment and tell you that this has not been a "I want to love people" week. Anyways, Thursday rolls around and I have a headache. I asked her to pray for me. But she doesn't pray out loud. I knew this fact, yet I still asked her to pray. We talked for a couple minutes, and she fought it, of course. But she eventually gave in. And it wasn't just a 2 sentence prayer. She went on for like 8 sentences. This from the girl who says she doesn't pray out loud. I couldn't believe it. I was so proud of her. You don't even know. Even in my brokeness and wretched horrible humanness, God used me. It blows my mind. I still don't think he should be using me, but he did. He uses the weak. He humbled me. I am yours, Father. In the lowest of lows, he is my strength, my all, my love.
Thank you, Father. Amen.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Too Much
"I have a plan for you // I have a plan for you //
It's gonna be wild// It's gonna be great // It's gonna be full of me"
For some reason, when we were singing this song on Sunday the part, "It's gonna be wild," really hit me. I don't think of God's plan for me being wild. I guess I should, as I've lived my life and it has been pretty wild thus far. But it just hit me. God doesn't have this boring, set plan for my life that I'm going to be disappointed with. He has a wild plan for me.
It's gonna be wild. It won't be ordinary. It will be extraordinary. It won't be easy. But he'll give me strength. It won't be horrible. But it will feel like it sometimes. God's plan for you, is just the same. I don't care what you're dealing with right now, he's got a wild plan for you. Are you willing to experience the freedom that he wants to give you though? I forget about the freedom that he wants to give me.
"Being bound in Satan is bondage, being bound in Christ is freedom"
So true. I want to be all wrapped up in Christ and experience the freedom that he desires to bless me with. He wants to lavish us with Himself. But we cling to our wounds, our pain, our bonds. But God tells us in His Word...
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Moved
There are so many times where I'm moved by something specific. Whether it be the encouraging words of a friend, a hug from a family member or a situation in which a friend doesn't have any say. Whatever it is, there are days that I am just moved. Today I was moved to tears on several occasions.
What was it that moved me?
A friend growing up and proposing to his girlfriend soon.
A little brother shining with Jesus' love.
A friend walking with the world.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Praise God for his faithfulness. If it weren't for him, my heart would be so weighed down. Watching the pain that people are walking in is so sad. But so real. And all I can do is wait, and pray. Pray I shall.
A friend growing up and proposing to his girlfriend soon.
A little brother shining with Jesus' love.
A friend walking with the world.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Praise God for his faithfulness. If it weren't for him, my heart would be so weighed down. Watching the pain that people are walking in is so sad. But so real. And all I can do is wait, and pray. Pray I shall.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Most Important
The most important relationship in your life is you and God.
[I know I may talk about relationship a lot but it's because it is something so near and dear to my heart that I can't help but talk about it. So forgive me, now keep reading]
The most important relationship we can have is with Jesus, our Father, our Savior. But even when that isn't the most important in our mind, he is STILL faithful! It just amazes me how much God seeks us and loves each one of us. I can't help but be grateful for the faithfulness he shows us constantly.
It's the father/child relationship that God has instilled into us as humans. We need that.
"...the basic common denominator inherent in all relationships is man's relationship to God, the father/child relationship...that was lost at the fall."
-Be Transformed, Lesson 4
"For a child of God to know God as Father brings that child into such intimacy with God, producing such worship of God and service for God..."
-Be Transformed, Lesson 4
It is not about MY failings, it is about HIS faithfulness. It is not about MY insecurities, it is about HIS security. It is not about MY faults, it is about HIS perfection. It is not about MY Godliness, it's about HIM. Him. God. My love. My hearts desire.
That's what relationship looks like. God is never absent. He is ALWAYS around. He gives love unselfishly. He eagerly desires to serve us. But more than that, He is our Father. When we look at our relationship with God as a father/child relationship, we are able to grasp and the intimacy we can have with Him. If we look at His attributes alone, it is a sterile, non-emotional relationship. We live by rules and regulations; we live by what we should do out of duty. He wants us to live out our walk with him out of love, devotion, and worship to Him.
Judgement
Sometimes we feel judged, not respected, and put down. Who are you to judge anyone's relationship with God? That is between them and God. Who am I to judge? No one. We do not get that privilege. If we did, we would have to come up with the difference between right and wrong. We'd be taking on the entire world and saying that our view on life is right and everyone else has a wrong view. We would try to take on the role of God. Personally, I don't want that. I get so fed up with the world and people sometimes that I just want to run. Just go and be with God. Not have to work or to do anything. I definitely do not want to be God. But I want to serve Him. To worship Him. To do His will. To seek Him. To know Him. And ya know what, God desires us to know Him. Yeah, it's kind of a big deal.
"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."
Luke 6:37
"If anyone hears my words, but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it."
John 12:47
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. "
Luke 19:10
How can we not live in grace? Everything around us is trying to pull us down. We are on earth. But this is not our home. Our home is heaven. This time, right now, the present, has given to us as a gift to show those around us His love. We are to live in such a way that is glorifying to our King. But be careful, seek His wisdom. Do not bogged down with the "should's." Do what you know God is asking you to do. Be confident in that freedom He gave us when He sent His son.
My friends, go out into the world and preach the good news. Be a dynamic expression of Jesus. For that is who you were created to be.
[I know I may talk about relationship a lot but it's because it is something so near and dear to my heart that I can't help but talk about it. So forgive me, now keep reading]
The most important relationship we can have is with Jesus, our Father, our Savior. But even when that isn't the most important in our mind, he is STILL faithful! It just amazes me how much God seeks us and loves each one of us. I can't help but be grateful for the faithfulness he shows us constantly.
It's the father/child relationship that God has instilled into us as humans. We need that.
"...the basic common denominator inherent in all relationships is man's relationship to God, the father/child relationship...that was lost at the fall."
-Be Transformed, Lesson 4
"For a child of God to know God as Father brings that child into such intimacy with God, producing such worship of God and service for God..."
-Be Transformed, Lesson 4
It is not about MY failings, it is about HIS faithfulness. It is not about MY insecurities, it is about HIS security. It is not about MY faults, it is about HIS perfection. It is not about MY Godliness, it's about HIM. Him. God. My love. My hearts desire.
That's what relationship looks like. God is never absent. He is ALWAYS around. He gives love unselfishly. He eagerly desires to serve us. But more than that, He is our Father. When we look at our relationship with God as a father/child relationship, we are able to grasp and the intimacy we can have with Him. If we look at His attributes alone, it is a sterile, non-emotional relationship. We live by rules and regulations; we live by what we should do out of duty. He wants us to live out our walk with him out of love, devotion, and worship to Him.
Judgement
Sometimes we feel judged, not respected, and put down. Who are you to judge anyone's relationship with God? That is between them and God. Who am I to judge? No one. We do not get that privilege. If we did, we would have to come up with the difference between right and wrong. We'd be taking on the entire world and saying that our view on life is right and everyone else has a wrong view. We would try to take on the role of God. Personally, I don't want that. I get so fed up with the world and people sometimes that I just want to run. Just go and be with God. Not have to work or to do anything. I definitely do not want to be God. But I want to serve Him. To worship Him. To do His will. To seek Him. To know Him. And ya know what, God desires us to know Him. Yeah, it's kind of a big deal.
"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."
Luke 6:37
"If anyone hears my words, but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it."
John 12:47
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. "
Luke 19:10
How can we not live in grace? Everything around us is trying to pull us down. We are on earth. But this is not our home. Our home is heaven. This time, right now, the present, has given to us as a gift to show those around us His love. We are to live in such a way that is glorifying to our King. But be careful, seek His wisdom. Do not bogged down with the "should's." Do what you know God is asking you to do. Be confident in that freedom He gave us when He sent His son.
My friends, go out into the world and preach the good news. Be a dynamic expression of Jesus. For that is who you were created to be.
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