Nothing Important

Things have been so busy this week that posting has taken a backseat to everything else. But in the midst of business I still see God's grace and mercy poured out on my life. It is so good to be loved by God! I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Openness
Lord of immortality, before whom angels bow and archangels veil their faces, enable me to serve Thee with reverence and godly fear. Thou who art Spirit and requirest truth in the inward parts, help me to worship Thee in spirit and in truth. Thou who art righteous, let me not harbour sin in my heart, or indulge a worldly temper, or seek satisfaction in things that perish.
I hasten towards an hour when earthly pursuits and possessions will appear vain, when it will be indifferent whether I have been rich or poor, successful or disappointed, admired or despised. But it will be of eternal moment that I have mourned for sin, hungered and thirsted after righteousness, loved the Lord Jesus in sincerity, gloried in His cross. May these objects engross my chief solicitude! Produce in me those principles and dispositions that make Thy service perfect freedom.
Expel from my mind all sinful fear and shame, so that with firmness and courage I may confess the Redeemer before men, go forth with Him hearing His reproach, be zealous with His knowledge, be filled with His wisdom, walk with His circumspection, ask counsel of Him in all things, repair to the Scriptures for His orders, stay my mind on His peace, knowing that nothing can befall me without His permission, appointment and administration.
~Valley of Vision~

Morning Reflections: "To Live Is Christ"

"Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have." - Philippians 1:18-30

The pursuit of holiness has been on my mind and heart a lot recently. I mean, it always should be, but it has been more than usual. This passage in Philippians is a great reminder of why to strive toward holiness. Sometimes when life gets hard and the pursuing gets tiresome, we may wish to "depart and be with Christ", but as long as He keeps us here on earth, there is a reason and I pray that I can bring Him glory in living in that reason to the best of my ability. ~O God, help me to live for Your glory in all that I do. May I live a life worthy of the gospel and not grow weary. Thank you for knowing the plans You have for me and for sovereignly ruling over my life. May I praise You as long as I have breath. Amen~

Morning Reflections: "Spiritual Helps"

Eternal Father, it is amazing love, that Thou hast sent Thy Son to suffer in my stead, that Thou hast added the Spirit to teach, comfort, guide, that Thou hast allowed the ministry of angels to wall me round; all heaven subserves the welfare of a poor worm. Permit Thy unseen servants to be ever active on my behalf, and to rejoice when grace expands in me. Suffer them never to rest until my conflict is over, and I stand victorious on salvation's shore. Grant that my proneness to evil, deadness to good, resistance to Thy Spirit's motions, may never provoke Thee to abandon me. May my hard heart awake Thy pity, not Thy wrath, And if the enemy gets an advantage through my corruption, let it be seen that heaven is mightier than hell, that those for me are greater than those against me. Arise to my help in richness of covenant blessings, keep me feeding in the pastures of Thy strengthening Word, searching Scripture to find Thee there.
If my waywardness is visited with a scourge, enable me to receive correction meekly, to bless the reproving hand, to discern the motive of rebuke, to respond promptly, and do the first work. Let all Thy fatherly dealings make me a partaker of Thy holiness. Grant that in every fall I may sink lower on my knees, and that when I rise it may be to loftier heights of devotion. May my every cross be sanctified, every loss be gain, every denial a spiritual advantage, every dark day a light of the Holy Spirit, every night of trial a song.

~Valley of Vision~

Amazing Mercy

This song never fails to bring tears to my eyes and an overwhelming sense of the truth the God is amazing in His love and mercy. I know that my days would be dark and hopeless without the new mercies of God every morning. ~O Lord, how great are Your ways and Your faithfulness. Thank you, thank you, thank you for Your mercy when I've fallen and strayed. For Pursuing my heart. And for never withdrawing from me, even in the face of my sin. May I love You more and follow You better. Amen~

Mercies Anew

Every morning that breaks

There are mercies anew

Every breath that I take

Is Your faithfulness proved

And at the end of each day

When my labors are through

I will sing of Your mercies anew

When I've fallen and strayed

There were mercies anew

For you sought me in love

And my heart you pursued

In the face of my sin

Lord, You never withdrew

So I sing of Your mercies anew

And when the storms swirl and rage

There are mercies anew

In affliction and pain

You will carry me through

And at the end of my days

When Your throne fills my view

I will sing of Your mercies anew

And Your mercies, they will never end

For ten thousand years they'll remain

And when this world's beauty has passed away

Your mercies will be unchanged

Morning Reflections: "His Promises"

The following Psalm has been on my mind almost every day this week. I believe the Lord is wanting me to meditate on His truths and promises and hold fast to them. How can I read this psalm and not give God glory?! He calls forth my ardent praise with every verse. How great is our God!

Psalm 103
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul,and all that is within me,bless his holy name!

2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,and forget not all his benefits,

3 who forgives all your iniquity,who heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit,who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

5 who satisfies you with goodso that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The Lord works righteousnessand justice for all who are oppressed.

7 He made known his ways to Moses,his acts to the people of Israel.

8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

9 He will not always chide,nor will he keep his anger forever.

10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,nor repay us according to our iniquities.

11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;

12 as far as the east is from the west,so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

13 As a father shows compassion to his children,so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.

14 For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.

15 As for man, his days are like grass;he flourishes like a flower of the field;

16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,and its place knows it no more.

17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,and his righteousness to children's children,

18 to those who keep his covenantand remember to do his commandments.

19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,and his kingdom rules over all.
20 Bless the Lord, O you his angels,you mighty ones who do his word,obeying the voice of his word!

21 Bless the Lord, all his hosts,his ministers, who do his will!

22 Bless the Lord, all his works,in all places of his dominion.Bless the Lord, O my soul!

Morning Reflections: "Our Christian Walk"

"But we all with open face, beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." 2 Corinthians 3:18

Is your knowledge of God a transforming knowledge? Have you so become acquainted with God as to receive the impress (as it were) of what God is?—for a true knowledge of God is a transforming knowledge. As I look upon the glory of God I am changed into that glory; and as my acquaintance with God deepens, I become more like God. There is a transfer of God's moral image to my soul. Is your knowledge then transforming? Does your acquaintance with God make you more like God—more holy, more divine, more heavenly, more spiritual? Does it prompt you to pant after conformity to God's mind, desiring in all things to walk so as to please God, and to have, as it were, a transfer of the nature of God to your soul? Examine, therefore, your professed acquaintance with God, and see whether it is that acquaintance which will bring you to heaven, and will go on increasing through the countless ages of eternity.And I would say to God's saints—trace the cause of much of our uneven walking, of our little holiness, and, consequently, of our little happiness, to our imperfect acquaintance with what God is. Did I know more of what God is to me in Christ—how He loves me, what a deep interest He takes in all my concerns—did I know that He never withdraws His eye from me for one moment, that His heart of love never grows cold—oh! did I but know this, would I not walk more as one acquainted with God? Would I not desire to consult Him in all that interests me, to acknowledge Him in all my ways, to look up to Him in all things, and to deal with Him in all matters? Would I not desire to be more like Him, more holy, more divine, more Christ-like? Yes, beloved; it is because we know Him so little, that we walk so much in uneven ways. We consult man rather than God; we flee to the asylum of a creature-bosom, rather than to the bosom of the Father; we go to the sympathy of man, rather than to the sympathy of God in Christ, because we are so imperfectly acquainted with God. But did I know more clearly what God is to me in the Son of His love, I should say—I have not a trial but I may take that trial to my Father; I am not in a perplexity but I may go to God for counsel; I am in no difficulty, I have no want, but it is my privilege to spread it before my Father—to unveil my heart of sin, my heart of wretchedness, my heart of poverty, to Him who has unveiled His heart of love, His heart of grace, His heart of tenderness to me in Christ. As I become more acquainted with God, my character and my Christian walk will be more even, more circumspect, more holy, and consequently more happy.

~Octavius Winslow~

Fun Times This Weekend

Friday: My dad got back into town on Friday, so we had a family night at home, which was great! Dinner together and fellowship followed by a movie. The Astronaut Farmer. Very quirky, but it was good. =) I'm so thankful for my family and the blessing they are in my life!

Saturday: Helping my mom at the house. Having lunch and shopping with my mom. (One of our O so fun traditions!) Hanging out with the family. And then Capture the Flag at the Watt's.
A few favorite moments from that night:
* Eleven people all dressed in black running around.
* Knowing I was going to end up in the river or in someone else's yard because of how dark it was. (Thankfully, neither accord.)
* Crawling on the ground in covert operation
* Hearing hurried footsteps right before someone would burst through the bushes. ( It was just a funny noise?)
* Justin and Kevin running into each other. (Sorry, I know that must have hurt!)
* Hearing about Landon biffing it...bad.
* Annsley running back to base when she wasn't suppose to...and hiding the flag when she wasn't suppose to =) (I think I started jogging back too before I remembered!)

Least favorite moments:
* Running around in the hot and sticky weather.
* Crawling through a bush right into a huge spider web. (I was quietly flailing around trying to make sure a large spider hadn't fallen on me. Gross!)
* Not being able to outrun any of the guys. So annoying! But I guess God had His reasons in making guys faster than girls.

Anyway, it was fun and I hadn't played Capture the Flag in years!

Sunday: A wonderful church service, complete with fellowship, being able to worship God and a great message about God working in the life of Abraham. Lunch with all the girls at Mimi's and then a game. Hanging out with friends and playing volleyball.

"The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance." - Psalm 16: 5-6

Morning Reflections: "Trusting God in the Emotional Trials"

Following the storm theme from last week, I was once again caught off guard by this passage today. I am called to not be anxious about anything. That means physical circumstances and emotional. When I am tempted to feel anxious or defensive because of someones observation, I must examine my heart to see if there is any truth and trust God to work in my heart or that other person's heart accordingly. I must not be negligent about it in a careless way, but trust Him with a God glorifying abandon. I'm not sure of what particular situation Elisabeth Elliot was thinking about when she wrote this, but the Lord has used it to speak to me concerning my trust in Him when I don't like or agree with what someone has to say. 'O Lord, help me to have a humble heart and to trust You! To work and watch but never to worry, to do gladly whatever I am given to do, and to leave all else with God'

"Jesus slept on a pillow in the midst of a raging storm. How could He? The terrified disciples, sure that the next wave would send them straight to the bottom, shook Him awake with rebuke. How could He be so careless of their fate?
He could because He slept in the calm assurance that His Father was in control. His was a quiet heart. We see Him move serenely through all the events of His life--when He was reviled, He did not revile in return. When He knew that He would suffer many things and be killed in Jerusalem, He never deviated from His course. He had set His face like flint. He sat at supper with one who would deny Him and another who would betray Him, yet He was able to eat with them, willing even to wash their feet. Jesus in the unbroken intimacy of His Father's love, kept a quiet heart.
None of us possesses a heart so perfectly at rest, for none lives in such divine unity, but we can learn a little more each day of what Jesus knew--what one writer called the negligence of that trust which carries God with it. Who would think of using the word negligence in regard to our Lord Jesus? To be negligent is to omit to do what a reasonable man would do. Would Jesus omit that? Yes, on occasion, when faith pierced beyond reason.
This "negligent" trust--is it careless, inattentive, indolent? No, not in His case. Jesus, because His will was one with His Father's, could be free from care. He had the blessed assurance of knowing that His Father would do the caring, would be attentive to His Son's need. Was Jesus indolent? No, never lazy, sluggish, or slothful, but He knew when to take action and when to leave things up to His Father. He taught us to work and watch but never to worry, to do gladly whatever we are given to do, and to leave all else with God."

~Elisabeth Elliot~

Morning Reflections: "Our Great Commodore"

"There were also with him other little ships." - Mark 4:36

Jesus was the Lord High Admiral of the sea that night, and his presence preserved the whole convoy. It is well to sail with Jesus, even though it be in a little ship. When we sail in Christ's company, we may not make sure of fair weather, for great storms may toss the vessel which carries the Lord himself, and we must not expect to find the sea less boisterous around our little boat. If we go with Jesus we must be content to fare as he fares; and when the waves are rough to him, they will be rough to us. It is by tempest and tossing that we shall come to land, as he did before us.When the storm swept over Galilee's dark lake all faces gathered blackness, and all hearts dreaded shipwreck. When all creature help was useless, the slumbering Saviour arose, and with a word, transformed the riot of the tempest into the deep quiet of a calm; then were the little vessels at rest as well as that which carried the Lord. Jesus is the star of the sea; and though there be sorrow upon the sea, when Jesus is on it there is joy too. May our hearts make Jesus their anchor, their rudder, their lighthouse, their life-boat, and their harbour. His Church is the Admiral's flagship, let us attend her movements, and cheer her officers with our presence. He himself is the great attraction; let us follow ever in his wake, mark his signals, steer by his chart, and never fear while he is within hail. Not one ship in the convoy shall suffer wreck; the great Commodore will steer every barque in safety to the desired haven. By faith we will slip our cable for another day's cruise, and sail forth with Jesus into a sea of tribulation. Winds and waves will not spare us, but they all obey him; and, therefore, whatever squalls may occur without, faith shall feel a blessed calm within. He is ever in the centre of the weather-beaten company: let us rejoice in him. His vessel has reached the haven, and so shall ours.

~C.H. Spurgeon~

Morning Reflections: "He Is the Way"

"remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit." - Ephesians 2:11-22

You Are the Way
Dead In Transgressions And Sins
Without God, Without Hope In This World
Then, The Glorious Light Of Your Gospel Broke In
The Father Stood Up From His Throne
Opened His Arms As He Called Out My Name
Grace Irresistible Drew Me
Opened My Eyes To See

You Are The Way, You Are The Truth
You Are The Life, Jesus
The Only Way, The Only Truth
You Are My Life, Jesus

You Are The Source Of New Life
The Giver Of Every Good Thing
Withholding Nothing
You Lavish Your Kindness On Me
You Emptied Yourself, Became Poor
Humbled And Poured Out To Death
Now Highly Exalted Above All
Your Name Alone Can Save

Morning Reflections: "Mercy & Judgement"

"I will sing of mercy and judgment." - Psalm 101:1

Faith triumphs in trial. When reason is thrust into the inner prison, with her feet made fast in the stocks, faith makes the dungeon walls ring with her merry notes as she cries, I will sing of mercy and of judgment. Unto thee, O Lord, will I sing. Faith pulls the black mask from the face of trouble, and discovers the angel beneath. Faith looks up at the cloud, and sees that

'Tis big with mercy and shall break In blessings on her head.

There is a subject for song even in the judgments of God towards us. For, first, the trial is not so heavy as it might have been; next, the trouble is not so severe as we deserved to have borne; and our affliction is not so crushing as the burden which others have to carry. Faith sees that in her worst sorrow there is nothing penal; there is not a drop of God's wrath in it; it is all sent in love. Faith discerns love gleaming like a jewel on the breast of an angry God. Faith says of her grief, This is a badge of honour, for the child must feel the rod; and then she sings of the sweet result of her sorrows, because they work her spiritual good. Nay, more, says Faith, These light afflictions, which are but for a moment, work out for me a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. So Faith rides forth on the black horse, conquering and to conquer, trampling down carnal reason and fleshly sense, and chanting notes of victory amid the thickest of the fray.

All I meet I find assists me In my path to heavenly joy: Where, though trials now attend me, Trials never more annoy. Blest there with a weight of glory, Still the path I'll ne'er forget, But, exulting, cry, it led me To my blessed Saviour's seat.

~Morning & Evening (C.H.S)~

Morning Reflections: "Where Does My Help Come From"

The Lord is so faithful to care for us. He is not only concerned with our behavior, but He cares about our feelings and emotions. He is our great Comforter. I love Psalm 121 and how it reminds me where my help comes from. I have even more appreciation for it since I heard a message on it at church. How kind of God to assure His children that He will not let our feet be moved and will keep us from all evil. How great is our God!

Psalm 121

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?

2 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.

4 Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand.

6 The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.

8 The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.

(This would have been posted a lot earlier, but loss of power for several hours is a bit of a hindrance!)

Morning Reflections: "Abiding In God"

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." - John 15:4-5

Resting on God
O God, most high, most glorious, the thought of Thine infinite serenity cheers me, for I am toiling and moiling, troubled and distressed, but Thou art for ever at perfect peace. Thy designs cause thee no fear or care of unfulfilment, they stand fast as the eternal hills. Thy power knows no bond, Thy goodness no stint. Thou bringest order out of confusion, and my defeats are Thy victories: The Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
I come to Thee as a sinner with cares and sorrows, to leave every concern entirely to Thee, every sin calling for Christ's precious blood; revive deep spirituality in my heart; let me live near to the great Shepherd, hear His voice, know its tones, follow its calls. Keep me from deception by causing me to abide in the truth, from harm by helping me to walk in the power of the Spirit. Give me intenser faith in the eternal verities, burning into me by experience the things I know; Let me never be ashamed of the truth of the gospel, that I may bear its reproach, vindicate it, see Jesus as its essence, know in it the power of the Spirit.
Lord, help me, for I am often lukewarm and chill; unbelief mars my confidence, sin makes me forget Thee. Let the weeds that grow in my soul be cut at their roots; grant me to know that I truly live only when I live to Thee, that all else is trifling. Thy presence alone can make me holy, devout, strong and happy. Abide in me, gracious God.

~Valley of Vision~

Tim Challies Giveaway

Tim Challies (http://www.challies.com/) is giving away three prizes and I thought I'd share the link in case anyone else is interested. It's under the entry from September 4th. If you enter my referral ID number 11295 when you enter, it gives me a greater chance to win. You'll get an ID number you can pass along after you register as well. Here are the potential prizes:

1st Prize: All six commentaries
2nd Prize: Three commentaries
3rd Prize: One commentary

The Seriousness of Sin & The Permanancy of Forgiveness

Well, this weeks "Morning Reflections" may or may not get posted, as it is going to be a busy week, work wise for me. We'll see what happens, but I did want to post some things concerning an area I have been convicted about as of late. The area of sin. I've been convicted that I often don't think of sin as seriously as I should. I can become familiar with it and stop aggressively fighting it. I lose my awe filled fear of the Lord. In the dictionary, it defines the word sin as, "transgression against divine law". That sentence does not even begin to put into words the magnitude of our sin against God. I can sometimes go to two extremes concerning my sin.

The first is to be so upset over my sin that I make it bigger in my eyes, than what Christ accomplished on the cross for me. Through my actions, I'm telling God that His Son's sacrifice just wasn't enough and that I have to make myself feel as miserable as possible about my sin. In that moment, I'm trying to earn atonement. I'm trying to punish myself so that I feel like I've earned God's forgiveness.

The second scenario, is that when I know I've done something wrong, I feel bad about it (but not nearly as bad as I should), ask God's forgiveness and try to have some extended quiet times or do some extra curricular, goodness filled activity. What's worse is when I might have a check in my conscience about something, but do it anyway, thinking that if it turns out to be a bad choice, I can ask for forgiveness later. How twisted is that thinking?! Once again, I'm trying to atone for my wrongs by stepping up my "good deeds". I've taken advantage of the grace that God has given me. Sadly the reason I often feel bad about my sin is because of my failure to walk blamelessly. I'm more concerned with my failure at victory over sin, than I am with the fact that I've sinned against a Holy God.

I've seen how important it is to balance having a true grievance over our sin while still embracing God's forgiveness of that sin because of Jesus Christ dying on the cross for us. There is a line in a movie that I sometimes jokingly quote, "It's better to ask for forgiveness, than permission." I am deeply grieved at the fact that that is sometimes how a live my life with God. But God, in His goodness and mercy, is faithful to His children, even when we are unfaithful.

~Lord, I ask for Your continued work of grace in my life and an increased awareness of my sinfulness and Your holiness. I'm am beyond grateful for Your mercies that are new to me every morning and for Your patience with me. As King David prayed, create in me a pure heart and renew a right spirit within me. Help me to keep the cross ever before my eyes and know that I can not overcome sin on my own, but only through You. Amen~

"This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:5-9

"Primeval darkness heard the Almighty fiat, light be, and straightway light was, and the word of the Lord Jesus is equal in majesty to that ancient word of power. Redemption like Creation has its word of might. Jesus speaks and it is done. Leprosy yielded to no human remedies, but it fled at once at the Lord's I will. The disease exhibited no hopeful signs or tokens of recovery, nature contributed nothing to its own healing, but the unaided word effected the entire work on the spot and for ever. The sinner is in a plight more miserable than the leper; let him imitate his example and go to Jesus, beseeching him and kneeling down to him. Let him exercise what little faith he has, even though it should go no further than Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean; and there need be no doubt as to the result of the application. Jesus heals all who come, and casts out none." - Charles Spurgeon