start the day right

What are some things you simply must have to start your day off right? Well, one of my necessities is brewing downstairs and the other is sitting on the end table beside me. A hot cup of tea puts the "good" in my morning, but the leather-bound book at my elbow filled with underlines and red words gives meaning to my life. But I am sometimes guilty of neglecting it. Somehow it seems easier to pour a second cup of tea than to peel open the cover of God's Word and drink it in. Really, it makes no sense because those words on holy pages would outlast the effects even a good cup of tea has on me.

But with every morning comes the opportunity to begin it right. This morning has the potential to launch a wonderful day given the right fuel. And so with a steaming mug of tea in hand, I open wide the beautiful gilded pages that history and time couldn't erase and pray my heart listens. It's going to be a good day.

traveling stories

This morning I am waking up in a dimly lit hotel room (due to a spur of the moment family trip) where I am enjoying the freedom of this moment. My electric tea kettle just clicked off (folks, never leave your tea kettle behind) and now the pleasant and familiar aroma of black tea fills my little corner of the room. Pulling back the curtains allows the sunshine to breathe through the window and awakes my slumbering siblings. Good morning.

Traveling is always reflective for me. It influences me see in the third person, as if I am the narrator of a traveling story. It's a good chance to simply observe the surroundings without actually engaging in them, to watch people without having to know or fix every detail of their lives (as if that is possible).

But coming and going can also leave a person disconnected. And strangely I believe that is what most people feel even living in their own stories. We are just fraying humans searching for a common thread to connect us to something valuable and important. This is the tapestry of the world. If one could find the missing seam maybe our stories would make sense.

"The people who were sitting in darkness saw a great Light, and those who were sitting in the land and the shadow of death, upon them a Light dawned." (Matt. 4:16) "In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was the true Light which coming into the world, enlightens every man." (John 1:4-5, 9)

Only in His story do our stories make sense.

Giver of Wisdom

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.—If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.—For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.—But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise . . . so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.

The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.—I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth.—“No one ever spoke like this man!”—He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom and our righteousness and sanctification and redemption.

Prov. 2:6; Prov. 3:5; Jas. 1:5; 1 Cor. 1:25; 1 Cor. 1:27, 29; Ps. 119:130; Ps. 119:11; Luke 4:22; John 7:46; 1 Cor. 1:30 (Read full verses...)

This was my Daily Light this morning. I found it to be a great comfort and a reminder of where true wisdom is found. Hope it is a blessing to you as well.

Off-White Comparision

While unloading the dishwasher the other day, I wiped dry one of my favorite tea mugs and prepared to place it in the cabinet. I noticed behind the rows of coffee mugs, deep in the shadows of the cabinet, the glimpse of a familiar mug I had been looking for. Reaching far back into the dark space, I pulled out the lost cup. Pleased at my findings, I sat my two mugs side by side on the self as to not forget to use them both. Only then did I notice an obvious difference between them. Designed to be identical, one of the elegant white cups now looked altered. The mug I had retrieved from the dishwasher was slightly darker than the recently rescued one.

I quickly concluded that my daily black tea had quietly stained my frequented cup. I hadn't noticed the difference until I compared it with the originally intended color. "Funny how things can change without me noticing," I thought to myself. I shrugged off the matter and went on to unload the rest of the dishwasher.

It wasn't until a little later that God used the incident to remind me of a principle He had been teaching me. Someone I know had recently brought up the question, "Why do we need to study God's Word?" I thought it to be an absurd question. We are Christians ... reading the Bible is what we do. But that is no answer for a skeptic, or a Christian. Studying God's Word is like holding up the perfect, unstained coffee mug to the one we use every day. Do they compare? Are they the same color? Where and how are we stained?

God's Word is the standard, not the environment around us. Oftentimes I pardon myself by comparing my character, responses, and worldview with the people around me. "Oh, I am not as bad as them..." kind of stuff. This is why we must daily be confronted with the Word. It flatters nothing. It holds the truth about how we are to live and grow. And it shows us where we are getting stained.

Like my tea mug, becoming stained happens quietly. Every morning the color of my mug grew darker in it's complexion, but ever so slightly. If not for the rediscovery of the unsoiled mug, I wouldn't have known anything was different about my cup, or that it needed a better scrubbing. The Bible is the same way. It shows us the perfect standard. Paul compared it to "looking in a mirror," it reveals the true person.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. (James 1:22-25)

Now on to the "doing" ...  and the scrubbing.

Blessings from the Word

Here are a few notes that I took in my quiet time this morning from Psalm 19:

"The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul."
God's Word is undisputedly perfect in word and purpose. It speaks to every need, rebukes every lie, strengthens every weakness, and most wonderfully revives the human soul with faithful grace for every deficiency. When my soul is weary and needy, I must go to no other place than the Word for the restoration.

"The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple."
Timeless in it's truth, the testimony of the Word is solid in foundation. It can and must be leaned upon. In every generation seeking wisdom, no greater resource can be found for lasting, applicable knowledge than the Scriptures. Our minds begin in the world as empty but eager storehouses waiting to be filled with truth and wisdom.

"The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart."
God's Word is right in all things, and it maintains the absolute standard for deciding what is right and wrong. The Word can be trusted and built upon. This causes the ultimate rejoicing for the heart, knowing that our greatest joy can be found in God's truth and perfect authority.

"The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes."
His holiness is refining, which causes every Word to be pure and righteous. He does not use His commands as weapons for wounds, but His commands are pure, causing the refining of the heart in obedience. It brings light and revelation to our eyes of understanding making us see firsthand the glory of God.

"The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever."
Fearing the Lord brings more blessing than one might first assume. The fear of the Lord is wisdom - for He is much to be feared. All power, control, good, and evil rest in His hands motivated by a gracious heart. Our fear is clean and holy, enabling us to endure.

"The rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether."
God's Word, His rules, and commands are proven to be true and righteous by the authority of God Himself and by hundreds of generations before us. "The word of the Lord proves true..." (Ps. 18:30) Anyone who casts herself (or himself) on the foundation of the Word will not be ashamed of doing so. Every time the Word proves true.

"More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; in keeping them is great reward." Psalms 19:7-11

Amen.

Devotion and Deception

I would like to share a verse that is very special to my own heart:

"But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ." 2 Corinthians 11:3

Devotion to Christ - ah yes, the goal and purpose of every true child of God, including myself. This is my passion, my very heartbeat... to be zealously devoted to Jesus. And I have sincerely attempted to communicate that purpose to you my readers in hopes of encouraging your hearts to be fully devoted to Him above all else. But, as this verse clearly warns, it is an easy weakness to fall away from that holy purpose by deception of mind. I have been deceived and wandered from it far too many times.

We see here that devotion to Christ is simple and pure. It's uncomplicated (until I make it complicated!) and flawless, genuine and clear. If I am honest, I would have to tell you that many times I have struggled to write a new post here only because I didn't think I had any new revelations or surpassingly wise comments to share. How foolish... how deceived.

My mind was led astray from 1) the simplicity of devotion to Christ 2) the truth that I, apart from Christ, have nothing of worth to share with you. If our mind is the battlefield for devotion and deception, then what should we be sharing and speaking to others for encouragement and conviction if they have been led astray?

Nothing but the piercing Word of God and the power of our testimony. (Heb. 4:12, 1 John 5:9-11) I can speak nothing to bring encouragement and conviction like the Word of God can. I cannot renew your mind so that it stays protected and guarded from deception from the evil one... but the Word can. So truthfully and seriously the only thing I have to give you is the Word.

"For the Word of God is living and active and sharper that any two edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able o judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 

That is powerful - and a challenge to us. Have we allowed our hearts to be pierced with the Word today? Has it cut us to the soul by judging our thoughts (guarding our minds from deception) and revealing the true intentions of our hearts?

Let's be honest, sometimes this is actually very painful and incredibly humbling. But it is good - really good - for us. It brings intimacy with our God and undistracted and pure devotion to Christ. And that is what we really desire, right? That passionate devotion to Jesus that transforms our lives and impacts all those around us?

Don't be led astray. Devotion to Jesus is simple and pure. Protect your mind from deception with the all-powerful Word of God that renews and reveals.

Like A Rose...

Like the unfolding of a rose, our hearts are developing in the tender hands of God; unfolding slowly into womanhood. This process is delicate and of the utmost importance, requiring diligent protection and faithful guardianship from the world's bitter frost and deadly diseases. To ensure a maiden's heart survives and blooms in the fullness of life and beauty, she must be hidden in the Living God, her Savior Jesus Christ, entrusting her heart to the Maker of the rose and the Author of her very life.

Our Wonderful Counselor

How often do you ask God for His wonderful wisdom? Have you ever made your plans without consulting Him first?

I am asking myself these questions for God has kindly brought to my attention my own self-reliance. Honestly, I lean on my own understanding more than I seek His kingdom first. (Matt. 6:33)

This realization actually reveals to me what I think about God, and myself. If I am quick to depend on my wisdom and my plans, what am I saying about God? That He is not as wise as I?! Oh my, we all know the answer to that!

"Oh the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!" Romans 11:33

We do well to take heed to His warnings:

"Do not be wise in your own estimation..." Rom. 12:17

"Lean not on your own understanding..." Prov. 3:5

...But in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths. How often I have overlooked Proverbs 3:5-6 assuming I truly know the meaning of it. But if I really planted this verse into my reality it would transfuse throughout every area of my life and change every situation I encounter.

God has made Himself available for us to trust completely and seek devotedly. He is our Wonderful Counselor, "who has made His counsel wonderful and His wisdom great." (Is. 28:29) Our meager worldly wisdom is foolishness to God (1 Cor. 1:20) for we can not predict or see one minute into the future, but God holds the future in His hands.

Seeking God's wisdom first and above our own is the result and overflow of a heart in utter dependance on God; an attitude of humility possessed by the truly devoted Christian.

Let us not follow in the Israelites steps, who, in rebellion, relied on their own wisdom rather than consulting the Lord their God:

"Woe to the rebellious children," declares the Lord, "who execute and plan, but not Mine, and make an alliance, but not of My Spirit, in order to add sin to sin; who proceed down to Egypt without consulting Me..." Isaiah 30:1-2 

Let us rely on the abounding wisdom of our Wise Counselor, our Father who cares greatly. And let us not be wise in our own eyes, but, in total dependance, lean on His understanding in complete trust.

Eyewitnesses of His Majesty

 

Have you ever had one of those moments when God completely blows your mind with a verse(s) of Scripture?

I had one of those moments today (and I wish they would happen more often), as I read in the book of Psalms of David's realization of God's greatness and majesty, but also His intimacy.

"O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth, who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens! ... When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained; what is man that You take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him? ... O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!" 

How great is it that the God who paints the sunsets, breathed the stars, and commands the ocean's limits is the very same God that thinks and cares for you and me. It is almost more than I can take in...

This knowledge of God's ultimate majesty and intimate delicacy should inspire our hearts to worship and adore Him more - but yet oftentimes I fail to gain a real appreciation of His majesty. My knowledge of His greatness tends to be superficial, because I do not take the time to reflect on His majesty and bow before Him in humble adoration and worship. How I wish every morning my heart awoke in awe and reverence of His greatness and majesty.

"For the Lord is a great God and a great King above all gods, in whose hand are the depths of the earth, and the peaks of the mountains are His also. The sea is His, for it was He who made it, and His hands formed the dry land. Come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand." (Ps. 95:3-7)

It is not easy to quickly grasp the full meaning and splendor of these verses, so just let them soak in and stir your heart until you feel compelled to bow your heart in humble adoration before the throne of Grace. I have found that when my heart is quiet, and I fully take in the surpassing greatness of who God really is, can I truly bow in genuine worship.

In the moments when I am not beholding a breathtaking sunset or relishing in His wonders around me, my focus can slip from His great majesty and forget the tender care and thoughts He has for me. And I wonder how can I keep His majesty in sight? The words of Andrew Murray were a great comfort to me this morning:

"The Word declares,"Oh the depths of the riches...the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgements, and His paths beyond tracing out" (Rom. 11:33) Our hearts should respond, "Indeed, how wonderful, Lord, are all Your thoughts! How deep are your purposes!" Our meditations upon what God is ought always to fill us with holy reverence and deep longing to know and honor Him. When you worship God, therefore, cry out, "How great is the glory of the Lord who is my God and Father!" Confess with shame how little you have tried to get to know Him, or how reluctant you have been to wait upon Him to make Himself known to you. Then start believing that the incomprehensible and wonderful God will begin to work in your heart and life, enabling you to know, to love, and to serve Him better."

So I cry out to God, "Lord God, You are great and Your majesty is breathtaking... I am sorry I have lost sight of Your splendor by focusing on my minor problems - forgetting that by Your greatness You are able to help and supply the very needs I worry about. Thank You, kind Father, that You care for and think of me, even while You hold the entire world in Your hands. Continue to complete the good work You began in me; work in my heart to know, love, and serve You better. I want to see Your majesty. I love You. In Jesus, Your Son's name, Amen.

White As Snow

   When I woke up this morning, God had a delightful surprise waiting for me... Snow! Yes, our whole yard was wrapped in it's pure white blanket. I am always mesmerized by snow; I could simply sit and stare at it for hours. It is amazing how the bland canvas of winter can be transformed into a wonderland of soft and comforting masterpiece. It is one of God's captivating wonders.

God began to use this milky wonder to quiet and soften my heart to feel His guiding presence. What a testimony this snow is to the longings in my heart for sanctification. As I had mentioned in my last post, God has been teaching me a lot pertaining to sanctification in my life. 

I love the definition of sanctification: to make clean, render pure; to consecrate, devote, set apart from a common use to a sacred use, to regard and venerate as holy. I appreciate that definition because it beautifully describes what I want to become; clean and pure, devoted and holy, set apart for a sacred use. Snow is a precious reminder of being sanctified - this advancing work of the Spirit in our hearts.

Listen to David's prayer in Psalm 51:

"Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow ... Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." verses 6-7, 10 

Is this your heart's cry today? David is such a great example for us to see a heart abandoned and surrendered to God. He wanted purity; and he longed for an unstained heart. He wanted to be white as snow in the eyes of the Lord.

God desires (and demands) us to be white as snow in His sight. He wants our hearts to be pure, and to live holy lives. Listen to His pleading voice:

"Come now, let us reason together," says the Lord, "Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be a white as snow; though they be like crimson, they will be like wool. If you consent and obey, you will eat the best of the land." Isaiah 1:18-19

"By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." Hebrews 10:10

Because of Jesus blood shed for our sins, we have been made pure and clean - white as snow. He has and is sanctifying us to become more like He is; and He is setting us apart for His sacred use.

May you be blessed this day, my Snow White sisters.

This is the view from our back yard... isn't it beautiful?!

Refining Purity

The doors in the back of the church open. The music begins to resound throughout the room. The guests stand and hold their breath. The groom's knees go weak. The bride enters...

Can't you just picture this cherished scene with me? Do you have this moment rehearsed in your mind as you dream of the future?

The beautiful bride gracefully strolls down the aisle, all who gaze upon her are captivated by her beauty, grace, radiance and ... most of all ... her purity. Isn't that what a bride represents - an absolute purity in it's most delightful sense? I think, apart from worldly and tainted exceptions, a bride still does represent to us this symbol of purity we so admire in the face and presence of a bride. 

In Scripture, we often read of God's demands for purity in our lives, especially as women. (Titus 2:5, 1 Tim. 2:9, 5:6, 1 Peter 3:2) Purity should be an extensive part of our lives, especially as young women pursuing godliness; it should be something we pray for, study about, and strive to display. Our lives and hearts should be the aroma of the purity in Christ for all to inhale.

But, sadly, purity is a depressing subject for most (I think to everyone), because we all too clearly remember the bitter failings and mistakes we have made in regard to our purity. We have been tricked by our enemy to believe that we only get one chance - one try - at purity. (2 Cor. 11:3) And for all of us, we think we have lost our only chance of ever becoming that delicate and pure bride walking down the aisle to join hands with our prince. This deception leaves us incapacitate, dejected, and heartbroken, and always battling the suffocating guilt.

Dear sisters, God did not give us just one shot at purity; just like He goes not give us only one try at patience, tolerance, or unconditional love, etc. His grace covers all areas of our lives. And purity is not the exception. God has a great and vital lesson tucked away in His Word for us to discover - one that will give us amazing hope and assurance with this issue of our purity.

 Pure As...

You might be surprised to know that the first mention of the word "pure" in the Bible was not in reference to a person's morality; physical or emotional. It was in reference to gold. (Ex. 25:11) And not just any gold... gold for the Ark of the Covenant. God commands the children of Israel to take pure gold and build the Ark of the Covenant with this material.

Now, think with me for a moment about gold. Does gold start out pure on it's own? Did it begin it's existence in purity? ... No. Gold must be refined. 

When gold is discovered, it is usually sent to a mint to be purified. There are naturally impurities in it, like traces of silver or other minerals, that make the gold impure. So the gold goes through a refining stage, usually involving a heat source or furnace to rid the gold of it's impurities.

Now think about our purity in relation to gold. When God reaches down in love and pulls us out of the mud, dusts us off and claims us as His own, we begin the purity process. God begins to use methods, heated trials and experiences, to purify us. The more we grow and mature in the Lord, the impurities of our lives come to the surface and are removed by our Heavenly Goldsmith.

Purity is not a one time opportunity that is either lost or gained - it is a venture and process that slowly manifests and cleanses. Purity is refining; God purges us from our impurities and disinfects us from harmful substances. 

"Many will be purged, purified and refined..." Daniel 12:10

"In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:6-7

Your faith in God is more precious than gold refined - and if you are losing your faith in Him because of the shame in your purity, this is deadly to your faith. And it won't result in praise, glory and honor either. Rejoice in your refinement.

Purity Refined

If you leave with only one thought from my heart from this post, it is that God is still refining your purity. It is a process just like everything else in your life. Will you still make mistakes? Yes. Will you get back up and cling to God more than ever for His purifying presence in you? That's up to you. Purity, like every other virtue, takes practice - and it takes patience.

But be confident (have faith) in your God. He is purifying you; He's refining you through your circumstances, your hardships, your "fiery furnaces", your devotion to Him, and your journey with Him hand-in-hand...

He is purifying you to be His bride; to walk down the aisle glowing in white garments to symbolize your purity, refining you for His purpose.

He is making you pure as gold.

A Heart Hidden in Christ

"A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ, that a man should have to seek Him first to find her." --Author Uncertain

As most of you know, I have this quote posted on the sidebar of this blog. It has a beautiful meaning and vision to me personally - and I think to every woman who reads it, for two reasons:

1) Our hearts long to be hidden (safe, adored, secure) in something or someone.

2) And the thought of a man seeking God to know our heart is so tender and precious, and would leave any woman feeling extremely loved and cherished.

I would like to discuss each reason in a little more depth.

Yes, our hearts long to be hidden in someone who will protect, love and cherish us immensely for who we are and who we are becoming. But to many women, this quest to be hidden in someone ends in broken hearts, consuming emptiness, and wasted lives.

Take a look at the culture around you. What are most young women "hiding" themselves in? Boyfriends? Appearance? Clothes? Diets? Drugs? Sadly, the answer is yes. Sinful human nature will lead you right to these for satisfaction and happiness. A woman's identity in this world is based on her man, body, and status. If you don't have these, you will stand out - in a negative way.

As a result of this unbiblical mindset, young girls are cast into the world scrambling to be hidden in something just to fit in, and to find their own happiness. How cruelly they are deceived when a boyfriend doesn't make you feel safe, your image changes, and at the end of the day you are still fighting that awful, gnawing hunger for something more in the core of your soul.

Is there a better way? Can women be hidden is something that really satisfies? YES! Sinful woman needs a Savior - and that is Jesus Christ.

"Set your mind on things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God." Col. 3:2-3

Dying to the world and it's ways, we can set our hearts on Someone else. Self has died - and life is hidden in Christ! This word "hidden" can also be translated "planted", like a seed that is buried in the earth. How astounding that we who have died to sin are like a seed, dead in itself; yet in Christ hidden and buried we become alive and fruitful! We are safe and secure in the refuge of Christ, and our hearts are finally at peace and satisfied in His transforming and fulfilling presence. Our hearts are hidden in Christ alone and this is where we belong.

But we must be prepared to realize that we will not "fit in" by the world's standards. This quest for a hidden heart in Christ results in a set apart lifestyle that is lived differently than those who are in the world. We don't (shouldn't) act, dress, talk, or behave like the world, because we don't seek the things the world seeks. We seek that which is above - that is Jesus our Lord and the virtues He bestows.

And what blessings this hidden life brings! We have Christ and His Word to comfort and encourage, urging us to press on, stay hidden in Him, and live for Him; conforming to His image and persevering in our sufferings. It is in this set apart life lived for Jesus alone that we embrace the hidden heart and it's pleasures forevermore.

Our hearts seek no one else for the happiness we find in Jesus. And if it be His will, He blesses us with an earthly man who can represent to us Christ Himself in many ways. For the woman whose heart is truly hidden in Christ is favored to receive a man seeking after God's heart in all his ways - including finding her.

May your heart stay hidden in Jesus.

A Work in Progress...

Hello Everyone and welcome to the newly modified Alabaster Box! 

I decided to finally make the switch to Wordpress, and I am loving it. Please bare with me as I find my way around and replace the pictures, links, etc., from my old blog. I hope you like the new look, and are encouraged by the Lord's workings in me.

A few days ago, the Lord began teaching me more about "sanctification" and the whole idea about being "a work in progress". I don't know about you, but I have many days in which I am overwhelmed and discouraged by my lack of progress, maturity, and growth in the Lord. So many areas in my life need a "makeover" and spiritual improvements! And I was having one of those days when the Lord, in His graciousness, gave me these precious verses that I have been quoting to myself:

"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He will also bring it to pass."  1 Thess. 5:23-24

What comfort! God knew just what I needed, and these verse brought such hope to my heart. Yes, I am a work in progress, and God WILL sanctify me - spirit, soul, and body! I know this because God is faithful... so very faithful. He will bring it to pass. 

I hope this has been a comfort for you too. We all are being sanctified entirely, being conformed into the image of His Son. (Rom. 8:29) A precious thought.

Another verse of hope:

"Being confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Phil.1:6)

To Love and Obey

I have lately been meditating upon the great call in a Christian's life for obedience - and it's relation to our position as Christ's bride.

It is true we find our joy, security, and satisfaction in Christ's abundant love for us, but I think we often times neglect the serious reality of the great commitment and cost there is to follow Jesus. While we adore Christ's love, and how He proved His love, we need to be reminded that our love for Christ has, or should have, a proof too. True love always has evidence.

Have you ever met someone who claims to follow Christ, and even boasts, "Oh I love Jesus!", but as you observe their life, it is void of the fruit of the Spirit's presence and genuine faith? What is lacking? And how can we avoid shallow devotion to Christ?

 Love and Obedience

Love coupled with obedience is the secret to a fulfilled, powerful, and fruitful walk with Christ. Our minds have been so polluted by the world's sinful standard that we have lost the earnest truth of loving Christ and what it looks like in our daily walk. The world would have us believe that love is based on mere feelings. God would have us to believe that love is based on truth, commitment, and obedience.

This is not to say that feelings are always irrelevant and wrong; only that when our feelings are not based on the truth and obedience of the love, we can err. This fault can be traced back to the bountiful amount of divorced couples. The apparent and sad motivation for many divorces is, "I just don't feel in love with them anymore." The simple truth is - love is not all about the feelings. Marriage is about commitment, faithfulness, and endurance. What happened to obedience to our vows, our lovers, and our God?

 Christ's Love and Obedience

When we look at Christ's life - His perfect life lived - we see that His definition of love is quite the opposite of our warped perception of love. He was a perfect lover; meaning He loved perfectly. When I read about His communion with the Father, how perfectly and purely He loved God, my heart is renewed to a flawless outlook. His love wasn't grounded in what He happened to be feeling at the moment. Think back to the garden of Gethsemane. The cross was hard, dreadfully hard, but He was obedient to the point of death to His Father.

"So that the world may know that I [Jesus] love the Father, I do exactly as the Father commanded Me." John 14:31

Jesus proved His love for God by obeying His Father's voice, doing exactly as God commended Him, "He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (Phil. 2:8)

Jesus lived as our example showing us that obedience, especially when it is hard and difficult for us, is how we prove to ourselves if we really love God. Our daily lives should reveal that we love Jesus. People should see in us a life lived in obedience that testifies of the love we speak of for Christ.

Loving Jesus is so much more than shallow Sunday prayers and fish-shaped decals on the bumper of our vehicles. It's about obedience to the God who loves passionately, forgives abundantly, and requires enormously a life lived holy and blameless - obedient to Him.

"He who has my commandments and keeps [obeys] them is the one who loves Me; and He who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and disclose Myself to him." John 14:21

"If anyone loves Me, he will keep [obey] My Word; and My Father will love him, and We will come and make Our abode with him." John 14:23

"But thanks be to God that though you were slaves to sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness." Romans 6:17-18 

 The Bride's Call to Obedience

In our passionate love relationship with Jesus, we must accept the call and command to live obedient lives to and for Christ. A bride of Jesus is not her own - she belongs to Another. She is committed, surrendered, and obedient to her Groom in all things. Those who look to her see plainly the evidence of her love for Him by her obedient lifestyle and nature. 

The calling to be a bride of Christ demands abundantly more than fleeting emotions and shallow loyalty; it is arduous and demanding, yet fulfilling and rewarding. Because as we kneel before the altar, we vow to adore and commit. We promise to love and obey.

Knowing Christ

What should be the goal of our lives? What should be the nucleus of all our resolutions, commitments, goals, and strivings? If our lives could have one mission - one focus - what should it be?

This morning as I spent time with God, I read in Philippians 3, which is one of my favorite passages. These verses were just what my heart needed to hear and believe, especially as I prepare to close off 2007, and renew my mind and heart for 2008.

Listen to God's amazing a restoring Word:

"But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted lost for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and I count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ ... that I may know Him." Phil. 3:7-8, 10

Knowing Christ - that is where our heart should be. All the things I accomplished this past year, all my fleshly improvements, achievements, goals reached, and plans accomplished - I count them but loss in view of the surpassing and incredible value and worth of knowing Jesus Christ more everyday of my life. This is the meaning a purpose of our lives: knowing Jesus.

Another verse just came to mind:

"Thus says the Lord, "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things," declares the Lord." Jer. 9:23-24

Our boasting - our worth - comes simply from knowing God. That's what He cares about, is us knowing more about Him. In a world that boasts in wealth and riches, success and fame, the Christian is commanded by God to find his wealth in the knowledge of Christ. We are to be "attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Col. 2:2-3)

Knowing Christ not only fulfills our purpose and meaning in life, but it brings hope and love, freedom and discovery in everyday. To live is Christ - we live to know, love, and live for Jesus. It's all about Him.

All I once held dear, built my life upon, All this worlds reveres, and wars to own, All I once thought gain I have counted loss, Spent and worthless now, compared to this

Knowing You, Jesus, Knowing You, There is no greater thing, Your're my all, You're the best, You're my joy, my righteousness, And I love You, Lord

Now my heart's desire is to know You more, To be found in You and known as Yours, To posses by faith what I could not earn, All-surpassing gift of righteousness

Oh, to know the power of Your risen life, And to know You in Your sufferings, To become like You in Your death, my Lord, So with You to live and never die

Graham Kendrick  www.grahamkendrick.co.uk

I love this song... such a beautiful prayer and heart's cry to Jesus. "Now my heart's desire is to know You more..." as the song says, is the echo of my heart for this New Year and all my life. And I pray right now for you, that this coming year would be overflowing with the knowledge of Christ in your life; that you would seek Him first, know Him first, and love Him first and foremost in your life. 

Remember, a bride always seeks to know her groom more; it cultivates their love for one another. It is the same with us and Jesus, our Heavenly Groom; we must know Him to love Him. If you desire to love Christ passionately with all your soul, get to know Him through His Word. Daily spend time with Him praying, reading, and abiding in Him. He will captivate your heart and kindle a faithful love for Him in your soul. Loving Jesus = Knowing Jesus

Cultivate Faithfulness

In our world and culture today, many are focusing on making their resolutions for the upcoming year; losing weight, joining gyms, spending more time with family and friends, cooking healthy, improving character traits that are lacking, even purposing to spend more time with God. And yet, to me, I think we as children of God, brides of Christ, and aliens in this world should have a different approach to the New Year and the desire to make resolutions.

 Introducing: Faithfulness

Our lives should consist of more than "resolutions" that are enthusiastically made but then lose their appeal after just a few weeks. Rather our lives should maintain a faithfulness to God in every moment of our lives - January 1st or October 17th (just a random date). We look into the world and see a delight in short-lived experiments rather than life-long commitments. But sadly, Christians seldom differ from non-Christians in their faithfulness; to God, spouse, children, other relationships, jobs, education, etc. We suffer greatly from the lack of faithfulness.

Shouldn't we as Christians be setting the example of a faithful and loving bride waiting for her Husband to return? Aren't our marriages supposed to reflect the relationship of Christ and the church, especially in faithfulness? And to those of us who are single, aren't our lives of devotion and faithfulness to Jesus supposed to encourage curiosity as they wonder where we find our satisfaction, everlasting joy and unfailing love? We are losing our impact on the world because we struggle to remain faithful to God and to each other. We run from one thing to another looking for happiness in the wrong places - just like the lost. How can we recover? How can we reach the lost if we ourselves are too entangled in our unstableness and unfaithfulness to reach out in the power of a life lived faithfully for Jesus?

 Cultivating Faithfulness

 "Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness." (Psalms 37:3)

How do we begin to cultivate faithfulness? 

First I would say that a deep and steady relationship to the Lord is required. Daily spending time with Him, meditating on His Word, being devoted to prayer, and memorizing Scripture is a healthy recipe for faithfulness. There is no "list" on becoming faithful, only a present mind and correct attitude will help increase it. Just like in a marriage there is really no "10 steps to a great marriage", but rather an awareness of specific ingredients needed for a healthy relationship with your spouse. It is the same towards God. You must spend time with Him to know Him. You must talk (pray) and listen to communicate. Thinking about (meditating on) Him during your day will encourage deeper communion with Him. Naturally you will begin to memorize things about Him; you begin to know Him more. You become faithful.

  As your faithfulness increases, your life changes forever. Instead of seeking temporary happiness in other things or people, you run to the only God, the Faithful One, who embraces you in His arms of love and protection. When life gets tough and things happen you just weren't expecting, your faithfulness to God and His faithfulness to you will carry you through the fire. 

Faithfulness isn't easy. In fact, sometimes it is the hardest thing to do. But Jesus didn't say this ways going to be easy - it is hard. But His faithfulness is what makes this life so sweet. If we can remain steadfast and faithful to Him, He promises that we will be saved. (Mark 13:13) He will rescue us, like the Knight in shining armor that He is. How great is His faithfulness! 

 Remember the Faithful One

When I struggle in my faithfulness to Jesus, the one thing that grips me and holds my life, my very heartbeat, is HIS faithfulness. God is a covenant God - He won't let go, ever. He was the One who, dying on a cross, endured - was faithful - in the midst of the pain, blood and tears, suffering at the wish of His Father so I might be saved from the eternal death that awaited me. When He prayed until He sweated blood that the cup might be taken away from Him, but wasn't, He surrendered His will to God and was faithful, obedient unto death - for you and me. (Phil. 2:8)

How this knowledge gives us the encouragement and dedication to be faithful to Jesus. I hope, even in the midst of your resolutions, that you determine to be faithful to Christ no matter what happens this year, or in this life.

Let us be called the faithful.

"These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is the Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful." (Rev. 17:14) 

A Bride of Christ

There are few greater fulfillment's in life than in becoming a bride. It is every woman's dream to be loved passionately by a devoted man, who lives and breathes loving you, and has chosen you to be his forever bride. We dream of the moments to be spent together; holding hands, feeling his protection and love, starting a new life as a couple. But for myself, and many other young women, this "fulfillment" found in a man's love is what it has always been...still a dream.But do we have to wait to live a fulfilled life here and now without having a husband? Is there a satisfaction to be had before marriage? Or do only the married women find ultimate happiness and joy?

Searching For Fulfillment

Not many years ago, I was asking these questions and searching for answers. My greatest desire in life was to get married and raise a godly family. These are not wrong desires...in fact they are good and biblical desires. But God was showing me something more, something I wasn't prepared to hear - that HE is what I should desire - even more, much more, than I desire a future husband and children. The empty, lonely place inside of me that I thought a husband would fill could only be filled with Christ Himself.What might surprise you is that I was already a Christian at this time of searching, and had been since I was very young. But I still had desires in my heart that weren't satisfied. I was thirsty for a "someone". God was showing me that HE was that Someone. He wanted me to embrace Him as my Lover and future heavenly Husband, and find the fulfillment and satisfaction my heart craved. I needed to delight in being a Bride of Christ.

Being a Bride of Christ

A bride is consumed with her groom; everything about him she adores. There is a beautiful radiance in her face, a brighter smile than she had before, and a contentment of heart and contagious joy that permeates her entire being. We can be this way towards Christ. He is a passionate Lover and pursuer of our hearts. We need to surrender to His love. I didn't love Jesus as I should. His love was (and is) always available for my longing heart and fervent desires. I was just searching in the wrong places. But that was about to change - I was about to taste and see for myself if Jesus "tasted" good and satisfied my hungry soul.When I was around fourteen or so, I noticed something unusual about my mother. Her walk with God was different that anyone I had ever seen. God and spending time with Him wasn't a burden to her, it was pure pleasure. Her eyes lit up when she talked about Him. She was always reading and sharing with us from God's Word and things that God was teaching her...and it was amazing! Her relationship with God was so full of passion, and I began to wonder what was with her. So one day I asked, and she told me. She was in love with Jesus.What?! How can you be "in love" with Someone you can't even see or talk to or look at? I didn't get it. But I wanted what she had. I told her my struggles and she prayed for me. Then she told me something I should do: first, begin praying to fall in love with Jesus. And second, start pursuing Him.

Finding True Love 

So I did what she said. I began fervently praying that I would fall in love with Jesus, and that He would give me eyes to see His amazing love for me and His infinite worth. I started setting aside time just to pursue Him; daily reading His Word and praying, taking walks just to talk with Him, and singing my heart out in complete adoration of Him. And slowly...and miraculously...I fell madly (or rather happily) in love with Jesus! He began to fill my lonely heart with unfailing love and a constant presence of peace. No longer was my walk with God a burden, but it was a pleasure my heart couldn't live without. I found satisfaction in Jesus - even if God chooses for me to remain single my entire life, I am at peace and will delight in Him. Falling in love with Christ was (and is) the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me. And the results are with me to this day.I am here to tell you that Jesus can not only be your Salvation and ticket to heaven, but He can be you Lover too. In fact, in Scripture we are described as Christ's bride waiting earnestly for His return. And the life we live now is a preparation for our Life to come. He will return to take us to His kingdom He has prepared for us. He asks us to be faithful and devoted to Him in this time we have on earth. To love Him above all else. To tell others of His love and return.

"Belonging to Jesus, sold out to Him. Saying "yes" to His plans and His voice...realizing that being His bride is the ultimate of all callings...can you be content, for now, as the bride of Christ? Can you set aside a period of time...and all your longings and desires...to serve Him exclusively? Can you trust Him with your future? With a mate? With His timing and plan for your life?" - Ann Kiemel Anderson

He's coming back for us...won't you be His faithfully watching and adoring bride?