When I think about love in today's society I think about how abused the word is. We meet someone and at the end of that same day we say "I love you!" and act like we genuinely do. Yes, I bet said guy or girl is pretty great, but do you really love them? Also, we use the word Love too lightly in regards to materialistic things. "I love my new shoes, pants, shirt, etc." We even do this with food! Do you really love that chipotle or is it just very good? Maybe chipotle was a bad example, because I think I may genuinely love chipotle, but that is beside the point. The God we worship is love. If you want to define God or describe him in one word God is love. With God being love I most certainly do not think we can put materialistic things,other people, or food on even close to the same level as God. That is absurd.
To be completely honest, I am constantly looking for love in the wrong places and giving love to the wrong things. Love is meant for God and for people, this is our Lord's biggest commandment. I struggle with seeking love from people alone and not from a God who never stops loving me. That would be too easy right? To accept love from my everlasting God who never stops giving it?
I am obsessed with looking for love from everyone else. I feel the need to gain the approval of everyone around me and do whatever it takes to please man. I am not on this earth to please man and my efforts should be invested in pleasing Christ not man. I find myself saying or doing certain things to make people like love me. God loves me and if I be myself and pray that God works through me people will love me too and I will not need to seek and obsess over their approval. Seeking out man is like putting man above God and I do not worship man, so why do I want man to love me so much?
Speaking of man loving me, this is another struggle I have to admit. I look for love in relationships with the opposite sex to make me feel whole. Relationships are an amazing thing that using a guy to complete you will never work. I have been in several relationships and they failed because I was seeking out a selfish love that I was using to make me feel good about myself. Relationships are meant to glorify God and his love together as believers, NOT this "you complete me" stuff. It may sound romantic, but it's a joke. Only God's love can complete you-- no one elses.
Ladies, I do not want to discourage you. It's great to be loved and to give love, but do it with God's will in mind. Do it while trying to seek after God's heart. God loves you and are purpose on this earth is to love him and find love in him, not things of this earth. Let the almighty God complete you. You can fulfill this if you recognize that you have a God that loves you and always will. We have this amazing never changing God that wants to consume you with his love, you just have to let him-- and not let someONE or someTHING else.
Love Wins,
Emily I.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Two-Facedness
I'm sorry for the delay and the fact that this will be a very short and somewhat scatter-brained lesson. This week we'll be continuing with the topic of issues that arise from poor self-image. As you probably guessed from the title, our focus for the week is on two-facedness.
We all know people we would call two-faced. Right now, we even have a new villain in an awesome movie whose name is Two-Face. It's not a term that we use as a compliment. Yet as much as we dislike people who are two-faced it's something that's hard to avoid in our own actions.
When I find myself acting dramatically different around different sets of people, it's usually out of a desire to fit in, fill a certain niche, or feel liked. This could demonstrate a lack of confidence in my actual personality.
Acting different around every group of people leads others to wonder which personality is really yours, and you could easily lose the people you changed yourself to fit in with.
Let me clarify something at this point. It is reasonable that there are certain things you do around some people and not around others. For example, I talk a lot more when I'm around certain people because I'm more comfortable with them, and I talk about slightly different topics with different people based on their interest and knowledge. Talking about new shoes with female friends rather than male friends is not two-facedness, it's sensible. Being a little more odd around your friends than you are around your family is not a crime.
We all know people we would call two-faced. Right now, we even have a new villain in an awesome movie whose name is Two-Face. It's not a term that we use as a compliment. Yet as much as we dislike people who are two-faced it's something that's hard to avoid in our own actions.
When I find myself acting dramatically different around different sets of people, it's usually out of a desire to fit in, fill a certain niche, or feel liked. This could demonstrate a lack of confidence in my actual personality.
Acting different around every group of people leads others to wonder which personality is really yours, and you could easily lose the people you changed yourself to fit in with.
Let me clarify something at this point. It is reasonable that there are certain things you do around some people and not around others. For example, I talk a lot more when I'm around certain people because I'm more comfortable with them, and I talk about slightly different topics with different people based on their interest and knowledge. Talking about new shoes with female friends rather than male friends is not two-facedness, it's sensible. Being a little more odd around your friends than you are around your family is not a crime.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Self-Image and Materialism
What comes to mind when you hear the word self-image? The word itself is pretty much self-explanatory - it's how you see yourself. But we hear this word tossed around so often, that it is in danger of becoming just another cliche term used for marketing and pep talks. It has been suggested that poor self-image is at the root of most - if not all - issues in the lives of females. Sounds pretty important, right? This month we'll be addressing a few problems that arise from poor self-image, and next month will be devoted to the truth about who we are and how we should see ourselves. Our self-image should be based on how God sees us. There really is no other adequate foundation on which to base our opinions of ourselves. Fortunately, God has a lot of good things to say about how he sees us. But I don't want to steal Jenny's thunder for next month, so let's move on to this month's issue.
Nevermind. I have one more thing to say. Even if what we discuss during these next weeks doesn't relate to your struggles, it's important that you know about how to deal with them in order to help others. In Hebrews, we are told to encourage one another so that we won't be deceived (Hebrews 3:13). Poor self-image is something we need to help pull our siblings in Christ out of.
Now it's time for this week's topic: materialism. The dictionary defines materialism as "attention or emphasis on material objects, needs, and considerations, with a disinterest in or rejection of spiritual values." When a person has no conifidence in their own personality, appearance, identity, or what-have-you, they can easily be driven to materialism. They may believe that they can earn respect or comrades through impressive possessions or the right look. When you think about it, this idea doesn't hold much water. Any respect you would earn would be respect for your stuff, not for yourself. Upon realizing this, the person's self-esteem would drop even lower, and they would likely fall into a cycle of trying ineffective ways of raising their self-image.
Their are three main shortcomings of materialism.
Nevermind. I have one more thing to say. Even if what we discuss during these next weeks doesn't relate to your struggles, it's important that you know about how to deal with them in order to help others. In Hebrews, we are told to encourage one another so that we won't be deceived (Hebrews 3:13). Poor self-image is something we need to help pull our siblings in Christ out of.
Now it's time for this week's topic: materialism. The dictionary defines materialism as "attention or emphasis on material objects, needs, and considerations, with a disinterest in or rejection of spiritual values." When a person has no conifidence in their own personality, appearance, identity, or what-have-you, they can easily be driven to materialism. They may believe that they can earn respect or comrades through impressive possessions or the right look. When you think about it, this idea doesn't hold much water. Any respect you would earn would be respect for your stuff, not for yourself. Upon realizing this, the person's self-esteem would drop even lower, and they would likely fall into a cycle of trying ineffective ways of raising their self-image.
Their are three main shortcomings of materialism.
- It's impractical.
It costs a lot of money to keep at the front of fashion and technology to keep the respect that your possessions lend you. No matter how much you have, you'll have to keep accumulating more. (Ecclesiastes 5:10) - It's transient.
Nothing material lasts. Things break or get lost. Plus, the "friendships" you build based on your stuff will wink out of existence as soon as your stuff leaves. (Luke 12:15-21, Matthew 6:19-21, 1 John 2:17) - It's distracting.
Focusing on material things will take your focus away from God, the source of your life, salvation, and true self-image. This separation will hurt both you and God. (Matthew 6:24, Luke 8:14, 1 John 2:15-16)
How should one go about getting rid of materialism? One solution is to "starve" it out. Fast from shopping, media, make-up, or some other material commodity. It will help break bad habits, and you may realize that you prefer life with more simplicity. Come up with your own challenges to bring yourself or others out of a materialistic mindset.
I love you all, and you're in my prayers.
-Maria
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
The Bible is Meant to be Read.
I don’t read my Bible enough. I always blame it on time but I know that is no excuse. Jesus made time to die on the cross for my sins, so I think I should make time to give him the credit he deserves. I say that so casually, Jesus died on the cross for my sins! How do I not say that in capital letters with exclamation points with more excitement in my tone? I don’t because I like many others become lazy in my faith, I don’t pray enough and I don’t make time to read my Bible. Reading your Bible is so important when it comes to yourrelationship with God. The Bible is God inspired words that are meant to be read.The first way to overcome lazy habits is to designate a certain time to read your Bible daily. If you just say “I’ll read it before bed” by then you’ll probably be too tired and you’ll say you’ll do it the next day.I fall into this often, so that is why you need to pick a specific time.
This is where I would say “My day is already full” but this is just another excuse. The come back to that is to wake up early. Yes, I said it wake up early for the sake of your relationship with God. I find this to be a challenge but it is the most rewarding. If you start your day in in the scriptures it is likely what you read will stick with you all day and play apart in how you conduct yourself that day. This is especially true if you read about something you’re struggling with because then it will be on your mind. If waking up early sounds completely out of reach then find a time during the day to designate for reading your Bible. By designating a time and doing it daily it will be easier to keep consistent.
Now that you’re reading it, you have to make the words come to life. It is so easy to read something and let it completely go over your head. I know for school all the time I just skim to get by. There is no point in skimming your Bible. I’m guilty of doing this and it’s so pathetic. Like by skimming I get some sort of cool points with God, but he’s probably just disgusted that I am to prideful to be honest with him and say “Hey God, I don’t want to read.” God would much rather hear your honesty. We haveto read these words and make them apart of our lives. When designating a time to read, it’s also a good idea to pick a topic. It could be a stumbling block for instance. Pick your time, pick your problem and dig into it.
It sounds so simple to be disciplined in this way, but it is difficult. By doing Being disciplined in the
Bible it will change your life and attitude. This brings me to the last point, accountability. This is difficult to achieve and because of that it is good to have someone hold you accountable to ask you if you’re reading. You could even read the same thing about discuss what you’ve read. To achieve this discipline it takes spiritual discipline and prayer—together these three disciplines can be a powerful foundation for your relationship with Christ.
This is where I would say “My day is already full” but this is just another excuse. The come back to that is to wake up early. Yes, I said it wake up early for the sake of your relationship with God. I find this to be a challenge but it is the most rewarding. If you start your day in in the scriptures it is likely what you read will stick with you all day and play apart in how you conduct yourself that day. This is especially true if you read about something you’re struggling with because then it will be on your mind. If waking up early sounds completely out of reach then find a time during the day to designate for reading your Bible. By designating a time and doing it daily it will be easier to keep consistent.
Now that you’re reading it, you have to make the words come to life. It is so easy to read something and let it completely go over your head. I know for school all the time I just skim to get by. There is no point in skimming your Bible. I’m guilty of doing this and it’s so pathetic. Like by skimming I get some sort of cool points with God, but he’s probably just disgusted that I am to prideful to be honest with him and say “Hey God, I don’t want to read.” God would much rather hear your honesty. We haveto read these words and make them apart of our lives. When designating a time to read, it’s also a good idea to pick a topic. It could be a stumbling block for instance. Pick your time, pick your problem and dig into it.
It sounds so simple to be disciplined in this way, but it is difficult. By doing Being disciplined in the
Bible it will change your life and attitude. This brings me to the last point, accountability. This is difficult to achieve and because of that it is good to have someone hold you accountable to ask you if you’re reading. You could even read the same thing about discuss what you’ve read. To achieve this discipline it takes spiritual discipline and prayer—together these three disciplines can be a powerful foundation for your relationship with Christ.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
some thoughts on prayer
If I were to be honest (which is probably the best route), often my prayer life is pretty pathetic. It is a frail old man with spindly arms, hobbling about and shaking his cane at people. Sickly, mostly because I hardly feed him, and embarrassing. In contrast to this image, prayer should be a glorious activity, holy communion with an infinite God who is dying for us to get the picture of His love. That doesn’t mean that it is always easy, but it does mean that there is so much more to it than a 15 minute list of requests with punctuating thank you’s (something my prayer life often reverts to.) Why does this happen? Why do we so often let our prayer life slide? For everybody the answer is different. Probably the best way to figure out is to pray about it. Imagine that! When I am feeling extra wiggly during prayer, it usually means something is going on below the surface that I don’t even realize. Sometimes it is that I really don’t think it will make much of a difference whether I pray or not. I don’t trust God that there is a spiritual battle going on. Especially while I brush my teeth or am stuck in Winton Road traffic. I have a feeling that if we only saw a glimpse of His power and tenderness towards us and our needs, we would be praying constantly, but for whatever reason, He has set it up where there is great spiritual blessings given to the people who seek His face. If you’ve ever noticed, a lot of the Psalms seem like one long verizon wireless commercial, Can you hear me now? Prayer makes us frustrated, but it makes us hungry for more of Him, and often this will drive us closer and closer to His heart, which is really where He wants us to be.
There are tons of other reasons we stop praying, one of the biggest for me is that I start to get embarrassed. So many times, I shy away if it’s been “too long.” Repentance, and turning back toward Him with all that we are and have can be so hard! Perhaps what we need to pray for is more courage, courage to show God our brokenness and to face it ourselves. Sometimes I get so depressed, and I just don’t feeeeel like praying. And so I don’t. And then it’s so hard to come back because He is my strength and I have been disconnecting myself from Him. Sometimes I think it is a miracle that He gives us the grace and strength to come back at all. And the fact that He runs towards us, like in the prodigal son parable, is just outrageous.
So that would be pretty sweet if somehow we could repent turn around and have a solid hour of prayer each day. Confess, worship, give thanks, supplicate, etc. But He wants even more than that as far as our prayer life! Pray continuously!? It is something that we have probably all heard before, but something I think I’ve only been recently starting to understand. One reason that it is so hard to understand or even talk about is that often it is wordless. Often it is an orientation of the heart towards Christ, in recognition of our mutual indwelling. Abide in me, He says, as I abide in you (John 15:4). Colossians 3:3 tells us our lives are now hidden with Christ in God. There are other verses as well that help me to understand the wordless prayer that should be part of our lives. For example, “be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). One of my favorites is, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” (Romans 8:26). I know how that feels! I guess the best way I know how to describe wordless prayer is a lover’s gaze on our Beloved, knowing that He looks down on us with a love that is broader than our minds. I think secretly I used to think that people who lived in perpetual adoration of the Lord were probably boring and a little weird. Since then though I have met some brothers and sisters like that, and they are some of the most fun and free people I have ever met. I know it sounds corny, but I leave conversations with them feeling like I’ve just learned how to breathe.
I think I’ve probably been rambling, but some suggestions I have for praying continuously are figure out what roadblocks are in your way to putting yourself before God. Confess them to someone. Set aside time in your day to pray, but remember that a lot of prayer during the day is a blossoming of your heart towards God and an awareness of His presence as you go through your daily activities. Wash dishes for God. Be open to just taking random breaks in what you are doing to just stop and praise Him. I think the Muslim custom of praying 5 times a day and stopping in the middle of whatever they are doing to get on their face to pray is amazing. That kind of pausing our daily activities can really help prioritize our minds and even our bodies (they are so connected!) Send up prayers knowing that your prayers mingle with the saints throughout all time and space. People have been wrestling with prayer since the beginning. You are not alone! Sometimes for me, praying other people’s written prayers is really helpful. It also gets me to pray about things I might not have thought about to pray for. In closing, feel free to comment, to disagree or to add. I would love to hear what you have to say about prayer and what your own prayer life is like. This is a beautiful old prayer written by the Puritans back in the day.
Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly; Thou has brought me to the valley of vision where I live in the depths but see thee in the heights; hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold thy glory. Let me learn by paradox that the way down is the way up; that to be low is to be high, that the broken heart is the healed heart; that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit; that the repenting soul is the victorious soul; that to have nothing is to possess all; that to bear the cross is to wear the crown; that to give is to receive; that the valley is the place of vision. Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells, and the deeper the wells, the brighter thy stars shine. Let me find thy light in my darkness, thy life in my death, thy joy in my sorrow, thy grace in my sin, thy riches in my poverty, thy glory in my valley.
There are tons of other reasons we stop praying, one of the biggest for me is that I start to get embarrassed. So many times, I shy away if it’s been “too long.” Repentance, and turning back toward Him with all that we are and have can be so hard! Perhaps what we need to pray for is more courage, courage to show God our brokenness and to face it ourselves. Sometimes I get so depressed, and I just don’t feeeeel like praying. And so I don’t. And then it’s so hard to come back because He is my strength and I have been disconnecting myself from Him. Sometimes I think it is a miracle that He gives us the grace and strength to come back at all. And the fact that He runs towards us, like in the prodigal son parable, is just outrageous.
So that would be pretty sweet if somehow we could repent turn around and have a solid hour of prayer each day. Confess, worship, give thanks, supplicate, etc. But He wants even more than that as far as our prayer life! Pray continuously!? It is something that we have probably all heard before, but something I think I’ve only been recently starting to understand. One reason that it is so hard to understand or even talk about is that often it is wordless. Often it is an orientation of the heart towards Christ, in recognition of our mutual indwelling. Abide in me, He says, as I abide in you (John 15:4). Colossians 3:3 tells us our lives are now hidden with Christ in God. There are other verses as well that help me to understand the wordless prayer that should be part of our lives. For example, “be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). One of my favorites is, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” (Romans 8:26). I know how that feels! I guess the best way I know how to describe wordless prayer is a lover’s gaze on our Beloved, knowing that He looks down on us with a love that is broader than our minds. I think secretly I used to think that people who lived in perpetual adoration of the Lord were probably boring and a little weird. Since then though I have met some brothers and sisters like that, and they are some of the most fun and free people I have ever met. I know it sounds corny, but I leave conversations with them feeling like I’ve just learned how to breathe.
I think I’ve probably been rambling, but some suggestions I have for praying continuously are figure out what roadblocks are in your way to putting yourself before God. Confess them to someone. Set aside time in your day to pray, but remember that a lot of prayer during the day is a blossoming of your heart towards God and an awareness of His presence as you go through your daily activities. Wash dishes for God. Be open to just taking random breaks in what you are doing to just stop and praise Him. I think the Muslim custom of praying 5 times a day and stopping in the middle of whatever they are doing to get on their face to pray is amazing. That kind of pausing our daily activities can really help prioritize our minds and even our bodies (they are so connected!) Send up prayers knowing that your prayers mingle with the saints throughout all time and space. People have been wrestling with prayer since the beginning. You are not alone! Sometimes for me, praying other people’s written prayers is really helpful. It also gets me to pray about things I might not have thought about to pray for. In closing, feel free to comment, to disagree or to add. I would love to hear what you have to say about prayer and what your own prayer life is like. This is a beautiful old prayer written by the Puritans back in the day.
Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly; Thou has brought me to the valley of vision where I live in the depths but see thee in the heights; hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold thy glory. Let me learn by paradox that the way down is the way up; that to be low is to be high, that the broken heart is the healed heart; that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit; that the repenting soul is the victorious soul; that to have nothing is to possess all; that to bear the cross is to wear the crown; that to give is to receive; that the valley is the place of vision. Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells, and the deeper the wells, the brighter thy stars shine. Let me find thy light in my darkness, thy life in my death, thy joy in my sorrow, thy grace in my sin, thy riches in my poverty, thy glory in my valley.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Spiritual Discipline: Books outside of the Bible.
Hello Ladies!!
Spiritual discipline is a huge thing! In the lesson you heard Maria talk about the fact that we are called to discipline ourselves in everything! (Acts 2:42 memorize it!) Right now, however, we’re going to discuss aspects of studying materials outside of the Bible. Discloser: Do not mistake the need to pick up and read your Bible everyday! It is the Word of God and as such should be read daily, it is not to be replaced or place below other reading what-so-ever. Also important to remember is that balance is key. Balance your mind-hurting books with the spiritual up-lifting books. It’s different for everyone so find your balance. Just an add-on thought is that your balance will change as your brain grows. It is a great balance to read both types of books. With that being said, we are going to look at four different forms of outside-the-Bible study. First, there are commentaries. Second, devotional books. Third, Leisure. And fourth, other books (don’t worry I will go into what I mean by ‘other’ books).
When working with commentaries it is best to read the book in the Bible first and write questions/ideas with it. Do not try to read your commentary like a regular book! It doesn’t work; it just makes you frustrated. Trust me on this. It also makes you want to take a break from scripture, which should not happen!!!! Also when buying commentary and reading commentary you should chose and read it carefully. Just because the author has that thought behind the scripture doesn’t make it true. Make sure you use the minds God gave you. If something seems off about it double check. Get in the habit of checking yourself and looking into other views.
Devotional books can be good when you just need to get back to the basics of God. They are also awesome for when you and your mind need a break from overly-heavy thinking. I love taking in devotionals, but do not force yourself to read one if you are pushing for a study book. You won’t learn anything from it and will just go through the motions of reading it.
Leisure books are for you and just you. It is nice to just sit down and read a story. Take the time to just have the joy of reading a good book.
Other books: my favorite! Apologetics, science, and historical! Ok so those are my favorites. But I still highly recommend reading these subjects so you know your stuff! These are the books that I would call “make your mind cry ‘mama’” books. They make you think, you gain knowledge, your mind (as a muscle and as a being that holds knowledge) will grow/expand. It sucks at first and your mind hurts (really I remember feeling my brain hurt), but the knowledge that you are trying to love the Lord your God with your entire mind is awesome!! Start small if you are not used to studying hardily. Don’t know where to start? Sit down with Ben, Maria, me etc. and find out where to begin. Remember Jayson’s message at MOVE this year? WAKE UP know what you believe and why. Studying these subjects will help you find out why you believe and why you believe it is true. What does Peter say? “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). Get yourself prepared, Christian! You are called to be ready to give an answer. Does this mean you have to know all the answers? Of course not, but it means study. Learn. Be ready so that you can answer, and if you cannot answer it, be ready that you can look it up or talk to someone to find the answer.
The main point of this spiritual discipline is to transform our minds (Romans 12:2). You are called to be prepared to answer (1 Peter 3:15). You are also called to love the Lord your God with your entire mind (Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30). The mind is a muscle and as such needs to exercise and stretch. Therefore, reading will help expand your mind and knowledge of God. And by expanding your mind you are worshipping God!!!!
Love you girls,
Jenny
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Spiritual Discipline
Hello all! Here's the lesson I taught earlier in a written-out format. It's uber short. Please note that I'll have the memory verse for the month on the side-bar on the left of the screen. There will be another section of the sidebar listing upcoming events and ongoing groups that you can be involved in.
Spiritual discipline is a vital part of our Christian walk. Just like you have to practice a sport or instrument to get the most out of it, there are disciplines that help you grow closer to God. Not only will you grow closer to God by prayer and study, but you can also grow closer to your fellow Christians. As we grow closer to God and one another, we become better witnesses to the world.
Prayer is our way of talking to God. Any successful relationship requires communication.
Studying the Bible helps us understand what we believe and what God wants us to do.
Studying extra-Biblical books gives a deeper understanding of what's in the Bible along with explaining things that aren't really addressed in the Bible. They supplement and verify the scriptures.
Spiritual discipline is a vital part of our Christian walk. Just like you have to practice a sport or instrument to get the most out of it, there are disciplines that help you grow closer to God. Not only will you grow closer to God by prayer and study, but you can also grow closer to your fellow Christians. As we grow closer to God and one another, we become better witnesses to the world.
Prayer is our way of talking to God. Any successful relationship requires communication.
Studying the Bible helps us understand what we believe and what God wants us to do.
Studying extra-Biblical books gives a deeper understanding of what's in the Bible along with explaining things that aren't really addressed in the Bible. They supplement and verify the scriptures.
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