THIS WEEK was full of overflowing blessings. God has been using the people in my life to help me raise money formy mission trip - I'm up to about $1300 now! Last week God gave me the courage to go and give my teachers at school letters about my trip. From my teachers alone I've received $170, and from my Grandparents, who are visiting for my sister's 16th birthday party, I received $1000. My friends on my team are very encouraged by this, and so am I.
I know this is happening because God is blessing it. It reminds me of Ephesians 3:20-21. "[20] Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, [21] to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Besides this wonderful miracle, yet another one shines from the middle of this week like a small, bright jewel.
Beginning on Friday, I was worried all weekend because I was trying to find a very important assignment that I had lost. This assignment was a big stack of labs that I had turned in last year and had received back so that I could turn them in with this year's labs as well. I looked everywhere and tried to think where they could be, but they seemed to have been lost from the face of the earth. It would mean trouble for me if I couldn't find them, because they were an Internal Assessment required by IB. If I didn't have them, IB might not have me.
But as the weekend went on, although I was very concerned, I had increasing peace. I didn't feel hopeless, even though I didn't know if I would ever find them. This was because I was trusting in God completely and persistently.
I had a very good talk with Him where I told Him what He already knew - that I knew He could make anything possible, and that He is bigger than my problems. I remembered David's victory over Goliath, which was won because he stood up to honor God and because he had faith in Him. In the name of Jesus Christ I claimed God's promises that He answers prayers, that He is always victorious, and that He is looking out for me. He will never let us fall through the cracks and disappoint us, because He loves us very deeply.
I read John 15 not too long ago, and verse 7 stood out to me. Jesus says, "If you abide in Me, and I in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you." This gave me hope because it told me that if God agrees that what we ask is what is good for us, He will give us what we ask. The asking is itself an act of faith, since it shows that we know He will answer.
Neverthless we must trust God that He always knows better than we do. I read 2 Corinthians 12, which showed me that even Paul faced times when some nagging problem was troubling him. In this case it seems to have been an unnamed health problem.
v. 8-9 gave me hope: "[8] Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. [9] And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
It is my firm believe that there is no better way to respond to any problem than to trust God and to make the effort toward a solution. When we do this, God will make sure that whatever happens, we'll be okay. Whatever happens, His will will be done. It is the function of true faith to believe that He is still Lord over the situation, even when we cannot understand what is happening. He will see our faith and respond.
It was Wednesday, the day I needed to turn the labs in with this year's labs in the last class of the day. I had not found them, yet I was not worried. I had printed out copies of the few labs I had on my computer (the special lab reports). But those three were all I had of the labs from last year.
I was at my locker before lunch, with only my Physics class left in the day, and I was looking for an extra binder which I would use to hold the labs I had to turn in. I remember thinking, "Could it still be in here? Is it possible? No, it's not possible." And I opened up a binder that was filled with nineteen beautiful labs.
I was already crouching next to my locker, but now I fell backwards a little and sat down. One of my friends walked by and asked if I was alright. Oh, I was better than alright!!
I found them. I really found them. Praise God that I found them, just in time! I know that I had them in my locker all along, and I know it's not the loaves and the fishes. But this is a miracle, because God has directly and definitely answered my prayers.
Whoever you are, I want you to know that God does this for His people on a regular basis. He loves giving us reasons to trust Him more than we already do. He enjoys helping His people, and He wants to give us what He knows we need. It's our job to trust Him in all circumstances, to serve Him every day, and to praise Him in all seasons. He really does deserve all the praise, and He has proven Himself faithful since the time He made the world.
In fact, He talks about us in Psalm 91:15, saying "He shall call upon Me, and I shall answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him."
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Act of Worship
THIS WEEK I'm amazed because of something God taught me. I asked Him to increase my faith, and He has. I am more confident in Him this week than I was even last week, and that is saying something.
Have you ever read a story in the Bible that you've read many times, and yet noticed something you've never seen before? That is what happened to me when I read Luke 7: 36-50, which my friend Courtney shared at Bible Study on Tuesday morning. Jesus came to eat at the house of Simon the Pharisee, and a woman came to worship Him while they sat at the table. She worshipped wholeheartedly and humbly, while the Pharisee wondered why Jesus did not tell her to go away, since she was sinful. So Jesus gave him a parable (v. 41-42) "[41] There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. [42] And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love Him more?"
Simon, of course, answered that the one who was forgiven more would love him more. This parable tells us that God is willing to forgive us of any debt freely. Isn't that so wonderful?
Jesus used this parable to explain why He approved of the woman's worship. Now this was what struck me. Jesus loved the way she worshipped: using her tears and expensive oil to wash His feet, kissing them profusely, wiping them with her hair, showing her love dramatically and humbly. He forgave her many sins because she showed so much love.
What God told me through this story is that we ought to worship Him this way, even today. It's good to do Bible Study every day, to go to church and take notes, to pray regularly, to tithe. These actions are good for us, and God wants us to do them. But they are only worthwhile if they are done as acts of worship. When we stand singing in church, we should worship Him as if He were standing right in front of us. When we study the Bible and pray, we should do it to sit at His feet and listen, to learn from Him. When we tithe and do good, we should do it to honor Him, because we love Him! After all, He is worthy to be praised. He is our Savior, who stays close to our lives and nourishes us with His grace.
I have resolved to do the things I do as acts of worship for Jesus. In fact, I hope my whole life is an act of worship. We have been forgiven much, so we should love much, as Jesus said.
I think I love God more this week than even last week. I am amazed by the things He does for those who love Him. Here are a few:
He gave me friends at the FISH club, the Christian club at my school, who were willing to pray over me on Thursday morning for His blessing for my mission trip to Peru. The next day He answered me when I asked for the boldness to pass out letters to my instructors concerning the trip. (Prayers and donations are appreciated).
He actually sent groceries to my friend Jenny White by telling her friend to buy her certain things. There were specifics, like grapefruit juice, that she had wished for!
He answered the prayers of my friend Arun and his family for their Hindu relatives. Arun's cousin in Denver has begun attending church, and his uncle in India knelt with some Christian missionaries. These people were deeply devoted Hindus, and now God is moving in their lives.
So whatever happened to the woman who worshipped at Jesus' feet? She continued to see miracles because of her faith. Having been forgiven by Him, she became His follower. In John 11 we learn that she is Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus. In that chapter Jesus responds to the faith that Martha and Mary have in Him by resurrecting their brother from the dead. It amazes me to think about what God does in response to our faith. It also gives me hope.
We all have problems, and we know it helps to pray about it. But it helps the most if we pray with expectation that He will answer. We must pray in faith that what God has promised, He is also able to perform. We must pray for the things He is okay with. And He will answer us.
Here's what Martha said when she saw Jesus when He came to visit the tomb of Lazarus. v. 21-22 "[21] Now Martha said to Jesus, 'Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. [22] But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give you.'" She had faith, and so did Mary. God's response was to raise their brother.
What a wonderful God we worship. I'm so glad He hears and answers, and that speaks and teaches us. He is worthy of our worship. There is no reason at all that we shouldn't take the time to live our lives there at His feet, pouring on the fragrant oil and the overflowing love. I hope and pray we will all grow in our faith so that our lives will be extraordinary acts of worship, as He deserves. She did not waste a tear or a drop of fragrant oil, since it was spent on the Lord of the Universe. And her faith paid off, because she saw the resurrection of her brother Lazarus. In exactly the same way, we can be confident that our faith will never be in vain, and our love will never go to waste.
Have you ever read a story in the Bible that you've read many times, and yet noticed something you've never seen before? That is what happened to me when I read Luke 7: 36-50, which my friend Courtney shared at Bible Study on Tuesday morning. Jesus came to eat at the house of Simon the Pharisee, and a woman came to worship Him while they sat at the table. She worshipped wholeheartedly and humbly, while the Pharisee wondered why Jesus did not tell her to go away, since she was sinful. So Jesus gave him a parable (v. 41-42) "[41] There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. [42] And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love Him more?"
Simon, of course, answered that the one who was forgiven more would love him more. This parable tells us that God is willing to forgive us of any debt freely. Isn't that so wonderful?
Jesus used this parable to explain why He approved of the woman's worship. Now this was what struck me. Jesus loved the way she worshipped: using her tears and expensive oil to wash His feet, kissing them profusely, wiping them with her hair, showing her love dramatically and humbly. He forgave her many sins because she showed so much love.
What God told me through this story is that we ought to worship Him this way, even today. It's good to do Bible Study every day, to go to church and take notes, to pray regularly, to tithe. These actions are good for us, and God wants us to do them. But they are only worthwhile if they are done as acts of worship. When we stand singing in church, we should worship Him as if He were standing right in front of us. When we study the Bible and pray, we should do it to sit at His feet and listen, to learn from Him. When we tithe and do good, we should do it to honor Him, because we love Him! After all, He is worthy to be praised. He is our Savior, who stays close to our lives and nourishes us with His grace.
I have resolved to do the things I do as acts of worship for Jesus. In fact, I hope my whole life is an act of worship. We have been forgiven much, so we should love much, as Jesus said.
I think I love God more this week than even last week. I am amazed by the things He does for those who love Him. Here are a few:
He gave me friends at the FISH club, the Christian club at my school, who were willing to pray over me on Thursday morning for His blessing for my mission trip to Peru. The next day He answered me when I asked for the boldness to pass out letters to my instructors concerning the trip. (Prayers and donations are appreciated).
He actually sent groceries to my friend Jenny White by telling her friend to buy her certain things. There were specifics, like grapefruit juice, that she had wished for!
He answered the prayers of my friend Arun and his family for their Hindu relatives. Arun's cousin in Denver has begun attending church, and his uncle in India knelt with some Christian missionaries. These people were deeply devoted Hindus, and now God is moving in their lives.
So whatever happened to the woman who worshipped at Jesus' feet? She continued to see miracles because of her faith. Having been forgiven by Him, she became His follower. In John 11 we learn that she is Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus. In that chapter Jesus responds to the faith that Martha and Mary have in Him by resurrecting their brother from the dead. It amazes me to think about what God does in response to our faith. It also gives me hope.
We all have problems, and we know it helps to pray about it. But it helps the most if we pray with expectation that He will answer. We must pray in faith that what God has promised, He is also able to perform. We must pray for the things He is okay with. And He will answer us.
Here's what Martha said when she saw Jesus when He came to visit the tomb of Lazarus. v. 21-22 "[21] Now Martha said to Jesus, 'Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. [22] But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give you.'" She had faith, and so did Mary. God's response was to raise their brother.
What a wonderful God we worship. I'm so glad He hears and answers, and that speaks and teaches us. He is worthy of our worship. There is no reason at all that we shouldn't take the time to live our lives there at His feet, pouring on the fragrant oil and the overflowing love. I hope and pray we will all grow in our faith so that our lives will be extraordinary acts of worship, as He deserves. She did not waste a tear or a drop of fragrant oil, since it was spent on the Lord of the Universe. And her faith paid off, because she saw the resurrection of her brother Lazarus. In exactly the same way, we can be confident that our faith will never be in vain, and our love will never go to waste.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
The One True God
THIS WEEK I did something that I do not usually do. I fasted - kind of. I didn't skip all my meals, but I skipped breakfast, the dessert in my lunch, and my after school snack. Why did I do this? It was a response to a suggestion made by my Life Group leader, Jenny White, who proposed that each member of our group should choose something to fast for a week, something that we crave, either a food or an activity. The purpose of this would be to better focus our attention on seeking God rather than on the thing we choose to fast.
I combined this idea with an idea my friend Arun had last week - that we should fast on Friday morning for the atheists at our school. I thought these were good ideas, and after much prayer and thought about what I ought to fast, I decided to skip my breakfast, the dessert in my lunch, and my after school snack for these atheists.
But how does that help them? Somebody asked me this week. I think it's hard to say when you're not fasting just what the purpose of such fasting can be. But I discovered that it kept these people on my mind and helped me to remember them in my prayers whenever I felt a little hungry, it would remind me to pray for them. It also challenged my resolve to resist the certain things I had decided to take a break from. There were evenings when the pastries seemed to multiply simply because I wanted them so much! Finally, fasting strengthened my own faith. Thinking about atheism, and even about the worship of gods who are not the one true God, encouraged me to look in God's word for things about worship, or a lack thereof. I am very happy to be in the hands of this powerful God who responds to my prayers and assures me of His presence and His love.
God spoke to me through Psalm 115 this week, which my Bible Study group and I discussed this week on Friday. It reminds me that God is faithful to those who fear Him, and that He can and does hear and answer as no other god can do.
v.2-3 "[2] Why should the Gentiles say, 'So where is their God?' [3] But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases." It makes no difference whatsoever that we can't see God, because He makes Himself so present in our lives that we don't need to see to believe. For example, He has answered my prayers for donations for my mission trip in June - on Friday I received a $100 donation! And He speaks to His people, the people who love and fear Him, through His word and in many ways. This Psalm is a perfect example.
v.4-5 "[4] Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. [5] They have mouths, but they do not speak; eyes they have, but they do not see." We may not see God, but at least He sees us! And when we talk to Him, we may not see His mouth, but we hear Him answer us. Just a few days ago He spoke to me through some of my friends, the female leaders of my Youth Group, who sent out Valentines to all the girls in the group. The card contained a reminder that we are beloved to God, and that His plan for us is worth waiting for. Now I definitely won't feel blue on Valentine's Day tomorrow, because God is my Valentine! He told me that He loves me! And He tells me every day. That is what He does, because He loves us so relentlessly and truly.
But an idol can't love. It can sit and look pretty, but it cannot love us. That's because they are the gods that people invented, not the God that invented us. v. 8 says "Those who make them [idols] are like them; so is everyone who trusts in them." This reminds me of the Roman gods and goddesses, full of lust and envy, bias and pride. Aren't they a lot like people? This is because people imagined them in their own image, assigning them human personalities and supernatural powers. People don't imagine gods like God, who is holy and righteous and complex, who challenges us and also comforts us. He imagined us! So when a person worships an invented god, his worship is, sadly, empty. He becomes like what he worships, unable to hear God or see that he's not worshipping the one who wants the best for him. Idol worship doesn't have to be a statue, either. It is anything that takes some of our devotion away from God, like excessive wealth or an important person. When we worship small things we lose out on the beautiful benefits of worshipping a great God who loves us.
v.11 "You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield." And v. 13 "He will bless those who fear the Lord, both small and great."
I wish I could tell everybody about this one true God, whether they believe in no god or whether they worship something else. Because He loves us so overwhelmingly, so unfailingly, despite our mistakes and flaws, that it' sad to me that there are many people who haven't met Him.
I don't know if you've met Him, and if you have, feel free to link this to somebody who hasn't. I just want you to know that God loves us more than we can know. He won't hide. He has gone to the ends of the earth and reached through all of time to get to each and every one of us. All He is waiting for is for us to realize we need Him. Sin is messing up the world that He made to be perfect, and it can even tear us apart from Him. But His sacrifice of His perfect Son Jesus mends the rip and sets things right between us and Him.
I am grateful that God helped me to stick to my fast and to pay attention this week to the people I know who don't believe in God or who don't worship Him. I hope that this Valentine's day, many people will be reminded of the greatest love ever, which is God's love for us.
I combined this idea with an idea my friend Arun had last week - that we should fast on Friday morning for the atheists at our school. I thought these were good ideas, and after much prayer and thought about what I ought to fast, I decided to skip my breakfast, the dessert in my lunch, and my after school snack for these atheists.
But how does that help them? Somebody asked me this week. I think it's hard to say when you're not fasting just what the purpose of such fasting can be. But I discovered that it kept these people on my mind and helped me to remember them in my prayers whenever I felt a little hungry, it would remind me to pray for them. It also challenged my resolve to resist the certain things I had decided to take a break from. There were evenings when the pastries seemed to multiply simply because I wanted them so much! Finally, fasting strengthened my own faith. Thinking about atheism, and even about the worship of gods who are not the one true God, encouraged me to look in God's word for things about worship, or a lack thereof. I am very happy to be in the hands of this powerful God who responds to my prayers and assures me of His presence and His love.
God spoke to me through Psalm 115 this week, which my Bible Study group and I discussed this week on Friday. It reminds me that God is faithful to those who fear Him, and that He can and does hear and answer as no other god can do.
v.2-3 "[2] Why should the Gentiles say, 'So where is their God?' [3] But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases." It makes no difference whatsoever that we can't see God, because He makes Himself so present in our lives that we don't need to see to believe. For example, He has answered my prayers for donations for my mission trip in June - on Friday I received a $100 donation! And He speaks to His people, the people who love and fear Him, through His word and in many ways. This Psalm is a perfect example.
v.4-5 "[4] Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. [5] They have mouths, but they do not speak; eyes they have, but they do not see." We may not see God, but at least He sees us! And when we talk to Him, we may not see His mouth, but we hear Him answer us. Just a few days ago He spoke to me through some of my friends, the female leaders of my Youth Group, who sent out Valentines to all the girls in the group. The card contained a reminder that we are beloved to God, and that His plan for us is worth waiting for. Now I definitely won't feel blue on Valentine's Day tomorrow, because God is my Valentine! He told me that He loves me! And He tells me every day. That is what He does, because He loves us so relentlessly and truly.
But an idol can't love. It can sit and look pretty, but it cannot love us. That's because they are the gods that people invented, not the God that invented us. v. 8 says "Those who make them [idols] are like them; so is everyone who trusts in them." This reminds me of the Roman gods and goddesses, full of lust and envy, bias and pride. Aren't they a lot like people? This is because people imagined them in their own image, assigning them human personalities and supernatural powers. People don't imagine gods like God, who is holy and righteous and complex, who challenges us and also comforts us. He imagined us! So when a person worships an invented god, his worship is, sadly, empty. He becomes like what he worships, unable to hear God or see that he's not worshipping the one who wants the best for him. Idol worship doesn't have to be a statue, either. It is anything that takes some of our devotion away from God, like excessive wealth or an important person. When we worship small things we lose out on the beautiful benefits of worshipping a great God who loves us.
v.11 "You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield." And v. 13 "He will bless those who fear the Lord, both small and great."
I wish I could tell everybody about this one true God, whether they believe in no god or whether they worship something else. Because He loves us so overwhelmingly, so unfailingly, despite our mistakes and flaws, that it' sad to me that there are many people who haven't met Him.
I don't know if you've met Him, and if you have, feel free to link this to somebody who hasn't. I just want you to know that God loves us more than we can know. He won't hide. He has gone to the ends of the earth and reached through all of time to get to each and every one of us. All He is waiting for is for us to realize we need Him. Sin is messing up the world that He made to be perfect, and it can even tear us apart from Him. But His sacrifice of His perfect Son Jesus mends the rip and sets things right between us and Him.
I am grateful that God helped me to stick to my fast and to pay attention this week to the people I know who don't believe in God or who don't worship Him. I hope that this Valentine's day, many people will be reminded of the greatest love ever, which is God's love for us.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Delighting in God
THIS WEEK God has demonstrated His faithfulness to me. I have great appreciation for His faithfulness and for this meaningful relationship with Him that doesn't end. He has answered my prayers and made His presence known in my life. He has also shown me a few verses that really speak to me.
On Wednesday Pastor Ryan discussed the importance of putting our desires under God's Lordship, or conforming our wants to His will. He used Psalm 37:4, which is the verse that graces the front cover of my Bible Study journal. So I read Psalm 37, and verses 3-5 blew me away.
Psalm 37:3-5, "[3] Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. [4] Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. [5] Commit your way also to Him, and He shall bring it to pass."
Isn't it awesome to think that the same God who created everything is looking after me and you? Isn't it mindblowing to imagine that He is concerned and involved with our activities, and that He is faithful to us and doesn't walk away? It amazes me. I celebrate God because of His faithfulness, which I have observed to be real even this week.
On Thursday morning it was raining lightly. Any other day I would not have minded, but the FISH club, the Christian club at my school, meets outside at the flag pole every Thursday morning before school. I was afraid that nobody would show up because they wouldn't want to be rained on.
So I prayed. I asked God that if it were His will, He would let there be some way that the FISH club could meet that morning. When I got to school, it was still raining. Nevertheless I went and stood by the flag pole. I put down my belongings and I waited for a few minutes, until my friend Riju came and joined me. A few minutes later another friend, Misha, came and made three. In a while, five of us were standing by the flag pole, and two had brought umbrellas! Another friend showed up at the very end and made six. Not only did we not get rained out, even as the rain and wind got harder, but we were able to stand and encourage each other with our favorite verses. We also got the attention of the people walking by, who probably thought we were crazy. Crazy, but dedicated! They see us every single Thursday morning when they walk by, even when it rains!
Immediately after we were finished praying, the rain slowed significantly.
It's a small story, but it is big to me because it shows me that God heard my prayer. Psalm 37 tells me that if our efforts are for the Lord's glory, if they are within His will, then He will stand with us over them. If we "commit our works to the Lord," as verse 5 says, indeed "He shall bring it to pass." After all, if our actions are done to serve and honor Him, of course He will bless them! Of course He will stand by us and give us the victory, even if getting there is a challenge and a test of faith. He is victorious by nature, He answers our prayers, and He is the source of our victory and strength and success.
Another true story: On Friday morning I was looking for a check that somebody had given me to support me in my fundrasing for the mission trip in June. I looked everywhere, and I couldn't find it. I was very scared, because I needed to cash this check to use for the initial deposit on the trip. I was so afraid. What if I misplaced it? What if it doesn't turn up? What if I couldn't go on the mission trip? And how could I have been so irresponsible?
So I prayed. I asked God that if it were His will, I would find the check. I walked with a sad heart to the Bible Study meeting. I shared my concern with my friend Arun. When we discusses Psalm 37, we came across verses 23-24. "[23] The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. [24] Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand." When we were talking about these verses, Arun reminded me not to worry, but to just trust God that He is in control. When the group prayed, we mentioned the check. We gave the concern to God.
When I went to my first class that day (still praying) I looked for it some more. And I found it. I found the check! I found it exactly where I had thought it would be, and where I had looked twice already that morning. I don't know how I missed it before, but I'm grateful to God that He allowed me to find it. I excused myself and hid in the restroom for a few minutes just to thank God for answering my prayer.
With that check, plus the donations of a few other friends in the past few weeks, I had not a dollar less or more than the $50 I needed for my deposit, which I turned in this morning. That tells me that God is taking an interest in my efforts, and that is a very exciting and comforting thought.
Whenever I look at the cover of my Bible Study journal, I can read Psalm 37:4 and be reminded that God blesses those who delight in Him. On Wednesday I learned that to "delight in the Lord" means to make Him the source of delight in our lives. It means that we are willing to do anything He says, just because pleasing Him gives us this delight that nobody can take away. It means that we do not seek joy in empty places, but get our joy from the God who will never forsake us. If we do this, our joy will be full and in constant, eternal supply, even when things look bleak.
And most amazing of all, God will delight in us if we delight in Him. As Psalm 37:23 says, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way." My wish for me and for you is that we will find delight in the God who will never walk away, and who will uphold us when we walk in the path of righteousness and well-founded faith. I hope that we will have hearts that are willing to do anything, even improve, to honor God. And I know that we will find joy because the God who made us for Himself will be smiling with delight.
On Wednesday Pastor Ryan discussed the importance of putting our desires under God's Lordship, or conforming our wants to His will. He used Psalm 37:4, which is the verse that graces the front cover of my Bible Study journal. So I read Psalm 37, and verses 3-5 blew me away.
Psalm 37:3-5, "[3] Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. [4] Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. [5] Commit your way also to Him, and He shall bring it to pass."
Isn't it awesome to think that the same God who created everything is looking after me and you? Isn't it mindblowing to imagine that He is concerned and involved with our activities, and that He is faithful to us and doesn't walk away? It amazes me. I celebrate God because of His faithfulness, which I have observed to be real even this week.
On Thursday morning it was raining lightly. Any other day I would not have minded, but the FISH club, the Christian club at my school, meets outside at the flag pole every Thursday morning before school. I was afraid that nobody would show up because they wouldn't want to be rained on.
So I prayed. I asked God that if it were His will, He would let there be some way that the FISH club could meet that morning. When I got to school, it was still raining. Nevertheless I went and stood by the flag pole. I put down my belongings and I waited for a few minutes, until my friend Riju came and joined me. A few minutes later another friend, Misha, came and made three. In a while, five of us were standing by the flag pole, and two had brought umbrellas! Another friend showed up at the very end and made six. Not only did we not get rained out, even as the rain and wind got harder, but we were able to stand and encourage each other with our favorite verses. We also got the attention of the people walking by, who probably thought we were crazy. Crazy, but dedicated! They see us every single Thursday morning when they walk by, even when it rains!
Immediately after we were finished praying, the rain slowed significantly.
It's a small story, but it is big to me because it shows me that God heard my prayer. Psalm 37 tells me that if our efforts are for the Lord's glory, if they are within His will, then He will stand with us over them. If we "commit our works to the Lord," as verse 5 says, indeed "He shall bring it to pass." After all, if our actions are done to serve and honor Him, of course He will bless them! Of course He will stand by us and give us the victory, even if getting there is a challenge and a test of faith. He is victorious by nature, He answers our prayers, and He is the source of our victory and strength and success.
Another true story: On Friday morning I was looking for a check that somebody had given me to support me in my fundrasing for the mission trip in June. I looked everywhere, and I couldn't find it. I was very scared, because I needed to cash this check to use for the initial deposit on the trip. I was so afraid. What if I misplaced it? What if it doesn't turn up? What if I couldn't go on the mission trip? And how could I have been so irresponsible?
So I prayed. I asked God that if it were His will, I would find the check. I walked with a sad heart to the Bible Study meeting. I shared my concern with my friend Arun. When we discusses Psalm 37, we came across verses 23-24. "[23] The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. [24] Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand." When we were talking about these verses, Arun reminded me not to worry, but to just trust God that He is in control. When the group prayed, we mentioned the check. We gave the concern to God.
When I went to my first class that day (still praying) I looked for it some more. And I found it. I found the check! I found it exactly where I had thought it would be, and where I had looked twice already that morning. I don't know how I missed it before, but I'm grateful to God that He allowed me to find it. I excused myself and hid in the restroom for a few minutes just to thank God for answering my prayer.
With that check, plus the donations of a few other friends in the past few weeks, I had not a dollar less or more than the $50 I needed for my deposit, which I turned in this morning. That tells me that God is taking an interest in my efforts, and that is a very exciting and comforting thought.
Whenever I look at the cover of my Bible Study journal, I can read Psalm 37:4 and be reminded that God blesses those who delight in Him. On Wednesday I learned that to "delight in the Lord" means to make Him the source of delight in our lives. It means that we are willing to do anything He says, just because pleasing Him gives us this delight that nobody can take away. It means that we do not seek joy in empty places, but get our joy from the God who will never forsake us. If we do this, our joy will be full and in constant, eternal supply, even when things look bleak.
And most amazing of all, God will delight in us if we delight in Him. As Psalm 37:23 says, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way." My wish for me and for you is that we will find delight in the God who will never walk away, and who will uphold us when we walk in the path of righteousness and well-founded faith. I hope that we will have hearts that are willing to do anything, even improve, to honor God. And I know that we will find joy because the God who made us for Himself will be smiling with delight.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
God Provides
THIS WEEK has been delightful and encouraging. You might remember that last week I mentioned that I had attended an informational class about a mission trip to Peru that some of the youth at Southpoint Community Church are going on in June. The decision to go took a lot of prayer and thought.
A few months ago I was praying about whether I should go on a mission trip. Before long I learned about this trip to Peru, and I continued to pray about it. I didn't want to jump into it too quickly, because I only want to go there if God wants me to. But as I continued to pray about it, I didn't hear a 'no.' And when the sign-up clip-board came around at Youth Group service a few weeks ago, I just couldn't pass it on without putting my name down.
Still I've been praying to be sure it's where I'm supposed to be, because it wouldn't be good for a person to go on a mission trip if God prefers for him to be working somewhere else. Nor would it be good for a person to ignore His call and stay where she is if He prefers for her to go. But this week I've observed that God is blessing my efforts to be able to go on this trip in June, and it is very encouraging.
One of the most important things I learned at last week's meeting is that asking people for money to support this trip to Peru is not begging, but it is sharing in the opportunity that I'm already excited about. When we are trying to raise money for the trip, we might get nervous to ask because we are afraid to look like beggars, but with God's favor making it possible and with strong faith making us bold, we can be brave enough to ask anyway, to share the opportunity. We're going to Peru to help people in Jesus' name, to share the gospel, and to glorify God. This is something to really get excited about!
So on Monday, the day after that meeting, I sat up with courage on the side rail of the gazebo where I eat lunch with my friends, and I told everybody that I need help raising support for a mission trip to Peru in June. Instead of ignoring me, they showed interest. Now I have several friends who are promising to try to help me, and I left lunch that day having recieved my first dollar from my friend Sierra. The next day I raised $14 dollars more. A few days later one of my instructors promised to donate $100, and I think that more is coming during this week! If you would like to contribute, please feel free to send me an email to let me know! My email address is on the right side of the page.
In this middle of the week I was encouraged by Romans 8:28. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
I am encouraged because God is responding to my faith that He will provide the money by providing the money! I am encouraged because I love knowing that we are the called according to His purpose! The success of this week assures me that He wants me to go because when He calls us to do things, He then provides what we need to do those things.
I am certain and confident that before this trip, I will have raised at least the $1700 that I need. I also have faith in God that He will provide for the rest of my team as well. And I know that I and all of the others in my group will be surrounded by the prayers of our friends and family. We need prayer just as much as funds. Meanwhile I pray that we all can be filled with faith in God, because He always comes through on His promises.
Ephesians 3:20-21 says "[20] Now to Him who is able to provide exeedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, [21] to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
A few months ago I was praying about whether I should go on a mission trip. Before long I learned about this trip to Peru, and I continued to pray about it. I didn't want to jump into it too quickly, because I only want to go there if God wants me to. But as I continued to pray about it, I didn't hear a 'no.' And when the sign-up clip-board came around at Youth Group service a few weeks ago, I just couldn't pass it on without putting my name down.
Still I've been praying to be sure it's where I'm supposed to be, because it wouldn't be good for a person to go on a mission trip if God prefers for him to be working somewhere else. Nor would it be good for a person to ignore His call and stay where she is if He prefers for her to go. But this week I've observed that God is blessing my efforts to be able to go on this trip in June, and it is very encouraging.
One of the most important things I learned at last week's meeting is that asking people for money to support this trip to Peru is not begging, but it is sharing in the opportunity that I'm already excited about. When we are trying to raise money for the trip, we might get nervous to ask because we are afraid to look like beggars, but with God's favor making it possible and with strong faith making us bold, we can be brave enough to ask anyway, to share the opportunity. We're going to Peru to help people in Jesus' name, to share the gospel, and to glorify God. This is something to really get excited about!
So on Monday, the day after that meeting, I sat up with courage on the side rail of the gazebo where I eat lunch with my friends, and I told everybody that I need help raising support for a mission trip to Peru in June. Instead of ignoring me, they showed interest. Now I have several friends who are promising to try to help me, and I left lunch that day having recieved my first dollar from my friend Sierra. The next day I raised $14 dollars more. A few days later one of my instructors promised to donate $100, and I think that more is coming during this week! If you would like to contribute, please feel free to send me an email to let me know! My email address is on the right side of the page.
In this middle of the week I was encouraged by Romans 8:28. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
I am encouraged because God is responding to my faith that He will provide the money by providing the money! I am encouraged because I love knowing that we are the called according to His purpose! The success of this week assures me that He wants me to go because when He calls us to do things, He then provides what we need to do those things.
I am certain and confident that before this trip, I will have raised at least the $1700 that I need. I also have faith in God that He will provide for the rest of my team as well. And I know that I and all of the others in my group will be surrounded by the prayers of our friends and family. We need prayer just as much as funds. Meanwhile I pray that we all can be filled with faith in God, because He always comes through on His promises.
Ephesians 3:20-21 says "[20] Now to Him who is able to provide exeedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, [21] to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Community and Communication
THIS WEEK I went to the first meeting of ten weeks of Life Group with my friend Jenny White. A Life Group, or 'small group', is a group of a few friends who meet regularly to support each other and learn about God together. My group met at Five Guys on Saturday.
Near the end of the meeting we prayed in a circle, taking turns praying for the person to our right. I prayed for my friend Nani Cameron, who was worried about going to work later that day because she knew her boss was going to be keeping an extra-careful eye on her performance. I prayed Jesus would be there working at the restaurant with her, helping her to do better than well enough. Today I am very happy because Nani told me that God answered my group's prayer and hers: her boss took her aside to commend her on her work, and said she had done very well.
Life Groups are useful because they allow Christians to be a part of a community of believers. We can have accountability for our actions, helping us to grow, and we can both help people and be helped by them through prayer and shared wisdom.
Something God has been telling me this week is that it is important not to try to do Christian life alone. We need help from Him and from our friends. We need both a quiet time to rest and learn from Him and a time of communication with others who will help us to grow. I look forward to having that kind of spiritually beneficial communication with my sisters in Christ in my Life Group.
Earlier this week I opened up my Bible and found Isaiah 30. I almost turned the page away from it, but I stopped when the first verse caught my eye and spoke to me.
Isaiah 30:1 "'Woe to the rebellious children,' says the Lord, 'who take cousel, but not of Me, and who devise plans, but not of My Spirit, that they may add sin to sin.'"
This verse refers to the Israelites' trusting in Egypt, a strong political force at the time, rather than in God for security. They did not ask God for direction, but sought to find strength in an earthly force. I realize that in my prayers I have asked for God's help, but sometimes in my actions I'm not always looking around for the opportunities He wants me to take. This verse reminds me that whatever decisions we make, we need to act within God's will. This can mean deciding not to watch a funny TV show with dirty content - a decision I failed to make earlier this week.
In this chapter God tells the people that if they would have faith in Him and obey Him instead of trying to accomplish things with earthly strength, He would be gracious toward them. He loves repentant hearts, and He is full of extravagant mercy. This reminded me of the importance of making decisions within His will, after praying and reading from His Word for direction.
I have been praying about whether I should go on a mission trip to Peru with some members of my Youth Group in June. I want to go unless He doesn't want me to. This morning I went to an informational meeting concerning this trip. I feel really excited about this trip, and even about making calls and sending letters to help raise the $1700 I'll need to go. I feel like I'm not getting a "No," so I'll keep praying for direction and for the whole trip, and we'll see what amazing things God does. He already has miracles planned out perfectly.
I'm reminded every time I see a flock of birds flying that God has a good plan for our lives. In Matthew 6:26 Jesus says "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" I celebrate the fact that God has known from eternity to eternity about every breath we would ever take. It is important that we both trust Him and communicate with Him in all situations. One of my favorite verses, Philippians 4:6, says "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."
In addition to communicating with God and accepting His way as the best way, we also need to communicate with other, like-minded people to help us to continue to grow. A verse that is often used when talking about Life Groups is Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."
The importance of a community of believers can often be underestimated. It is good to have a quiet time to be alone with God, to pray and read the Bible, to take notes and think. But it's also good to be with God with others, to discuss the Bible and the things God reveals to us. Proverbs 18:1 really spoke to me this week: "A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgement."
After all, sometimes if we get an idea into our heads that is misguided or needs refinement, it can be hard to get correction if we do not seek or accept the advice of others. God can use our friends to help us and bless us in many beautiful ways. Proverbs 18:24 says "A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." God did not call us to go it alone, but to be a Body of Believers, the Body of Christ, blessing each other and teaching each other, as in Colossians 3:16 "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."
Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:19-20 that our prayers become even more powerful when we pray together in agreement: "[19] Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. [20] For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."
This reminds me of how He has answered my prayers for Nani, and how He answers so many prayers all the time. I am grateful for my sisters and brothers in Christ, who share the same heavenly Father, and for the direction of His Spirit.
Near the end of the meeting we prayed in a circle, taking turns praying for the person to our right. I prayed for my friend Nani Cameron, who was worried about going to work later that day because she knew her boss was going to be keeping an extra-careful eye on her performance. I prayed Jesus would be there working at the restaurant with her, helping her to do better than well enough. Today I am very happy because Nani told me that God answered my group's prayer and hers: her boss took her aside to commend her on her work, and said she had done very well.
Life Groups are useful because they allow Christians to be a part of a community of believers. We can have accountability for our actions, helping us to grow, and we can both help people and be helped by them through prayer and shared wisdom.
Something God has been telling me this week is that it is important not to try to do Christian life alone. We need help from Him and from our friends. We need both a quiet time to rest and learn from Him and a time of communication with others who will help us to grow. I look forward to having that kind of spiritually beneficial communication with my sisters in Christ in my Life Group.
Earlier this week I opened up my Bible and found Isaiah 30. I almost turned the page away from it, but I stopped when the first verse caught my eye and spoke to me.
Isaiah 30:1 "'Woe to the rebellious children,' says the Lord, 'who take cousel, but not of Me, and who devise plans, but not of My Spirit, that they may add sin to sin.'"
This verse refers to the Israelites' trusting in Egypt, a strong political force at the time, rather than in God for security. They did not ask God for direction, but sought to find strength in an earthly force. I realize that in my prayers I have asked for God's help, but sometimes in my actions I'm not always looking around for the opportunities He wants me to take. This verse reminds me that whatever decisions we make, we need to act within God's will. This can mean deciding not to watch a funny TV show with dirty content - a decision I failed to make earlier this week.
In this chapter God tells the people that if they would have faith in Him and obey Him instead of trying to accomplish things with earthly strength, He would be gracious toward them. He loves repentant hearts, and He is full of extravagant mercy. This reminded me of the importance of making decisions within His will, after praying and reading from His Word for direction.
I have been praying about whether I should go on a mission trip to Peru with some members of my Youth Group in June. I want to go unless He doesn't want me to. This morning I went to an informational meeting concerning this trip. I feel really excited about this trip, and even about making calls and sending letters to help raise the $1700 I'll need to go. I feel like I'm not getting a "No," so I'll keep praying for direction and for the whole trip, and we'll see what amazing things God does. He already has miracles planned out perfectly.
I'm reminded every time I see a flock of birds flying that God has a good plan for our lives. In Matthew 6:26 Jesus says "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" I celebrate the fact that God has known from eternity to eternity about every breath we would ever take. It is important that we both trust Him and communicate with Him in all situations. One of my favorite verses, Philippians 4:6, says "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."
In addition to communicating with God and accepting His way as the best way, we also need to communicate with other, like-minded people to help us to continue to grow. A verse that is often used when talking about Life Groups is Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."
The importance of a community of believers can often be underestimated. It is good to have a quiet time to be alone with God, to pray and read the Bible, to take notes and think. But it's also good to be with God with others, to discuss the Bible and the things God reveals to us. Proverbs 18:1 really spoke to me this week: "A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgement."
After all, sometimes if we get an idea into our heads that is misguided or needs refinement, it can be hard to get correction if we do not seek or accept the advice of others. God can use our friends to help us and bless us in many beautiful ways. Proverbs 18:24 says "A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." God did not call us to go it alone, but to be a Body of Believers, the Body of Christ, blessing each other and teaching each other, as in Colossians 3:16 "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."
Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:19-20 that our prayers become even more powerful when we pray together in agreement: "[19] Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. [20] For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."
This reminds me of how He has answered my prayers for Nani, and how He answers so many prayers all the time. I am grateful for my sisters and brothers in Christ, who share the same heavenly Father, and for the direction of His Spirit.
Friday, January 21, 2011
"Skate At Your Own Risk!"
THIS WEEK I went roller skating with my Youth Group on Monday. Every time I go roller skating I can't help but think it is very similar to Christian life in several ways.
The first thing you do after you pay to get in the door to the skating rink is go and get some skates. But you know that putting them on comes with a risk. There are a thousand ways you could fall down and hurt yourself, and there is no guarantee you will have an easy time. In fact, it is guaranteed that you will fall at least once as you learn to skate. As if it weren't frightening enough, there is a sign on the wall the says "Skate At Your Own Risk!"
In the same way, Jesus warns us that living as a Christian will not be easy. It comes with risks, since serving God is difficult in a sin-darkened world. In Luke 14:28-30 Jesus says "[28] For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it - [29] lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, [30] saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'" But He promises that we will not face it on our own, because He will help us along the way and be our strength. In John 16:33 He says "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
So now you're strapped in, skating along, perfectly terrified but having fun. At first you have to cling tightly to the wall, but you take a step of faith and let go. As you begin your walk, you are discouraged by some other people's amazing skill at skating. They zoom past you, turning in circles and ducking under each other. How do they do it? As you watch one of them, you lose your footing and the world rolls out from underneath you! Now you are on the floor, and all of your limbs hurt. And it's so hard to get back up again!
This is similar to how can often be for a new Christian. He (or she) sees other people following God with such boldness and strength of faith that he is at once both frustrated and encouraged to grow. The process of learning to skate, like growing in a relationship with God, involves getting hurt, getting up, and getting better. The difference here between skating and Christian life is that the people who are more 'mature' in their relationships with God, unlike most amazing skaters, do still fall down and get hurt. But they are very difficult to keep down, because God is the source of a Christian's strength.
You have a few good friends skating with you. They are more used to this than you are, but they stick with you, holding your hand or reaching to you to help you when you wobble. Those people use their skills at skating to help you develop yours. This reminds me of sisters and brothers in Christ lifting each other up in groups - groups of friends, family members, or life groups or people who help each other grow by keeping each other accountable for their actions. It also reminds me of Christians who make disciples as Jesus commanded.
In John 13:35 Jesus says "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
And in Matthew 28:19-20 "[19] 'Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations
, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.' Amen."
He loves it when we show love to each other. Friends helping friends make skating easier.
Now you are getting the hang of skating! You aren't exceeding seven miles per hour, but you aren't falling down every few feet. But what's that? Oh no - it's a jerk! Here's an amazingly fast skater with fire in his eyes and lights dancing on his teeth, moving opposite the flow of traffic! Here he comes, knocking down the best and the worst skaters in his path, just because he can. And you freeze with terror in your unstable tracks, because you know there is no way to stop him. Sure enough, he knocks you flat on your fanny, and you wish you could just sit there and not have to get up.
Or maybe it is a herd of troublesome pedestrians, or just the temptation to do something on wheels that you just can't do without falling - whether it is spinning around or stopping entirely. Whatever it is, we face things like that in our Christian walk as well. That's the devil, the biggest jerk in the skating rink of the universe, trying to make us fall down and not want to get up. Sometimes he uses people who hurt us, sometimes temptations, or anything else out of his arsenal of deceit. No matter how well we follow God, the devil is going to try to get us, and he often hurts us.
But the difference between skating and being a Christian is that we have the Holy Spirit giving us the power to resist the devil. It's harder to resist a guy who is trying to knock you over on skates than it is to have faith that God will give us the strength not to be defeated by the devil. Now, the devil might still cause us problems, but he won't win.
James 4:7 "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."
The trick to skating, like walking in Christ, is to not stop. Things will hurt sometimes, but God picks us up when we fall, just like He has promised He would. It's scary, and it never stops being risky, but it's worth it. And, as I found on Monday, it's a lot more fun with friends. Finally, when it's all over we can take off the skates and go home, where there is no fear that we will fall down any more.
The first thing you do after you pay to get in the door to the skating rink is go and get some skates. But you know that putting them on comes with a risk. There are a thousand ways you could fall down and hurt yourself, and there is no guarantee you will have an easy time. In fact, it is guaranteed that you will fall at least once as you learn to skate. As if it weren't frightening enough, there is a sign on the wall the says "Skate At Your Own Risk!"
In the same way, Jesus warns us that living as a Christian will not be easy. It comes with risks, since serving God is difficult in a sin-darkened world. In Luke 14:28-30 Jesus says "[28] For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it - [29] lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, [30] saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'" But He promises that we will not face it on our own, because He will help us along the way and be our strength. In John 16:33 He says "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
So now you're strapped in, skating along, perfectly terrified but having fun. At first you have to cling tightly to the wall, but you take a step of faith and let go. As you begin your walk, you are discouraged by some other people's amazing skill at skating. They zoom past you, turning in circles and ducking under each other. How do they do it? As you watch one of them, you lose your footing and the world rolls out from underneath you! Now you are on the floor, and all of your limbs hurt. And it's so hard to get back up again!
This is similar to how can often be for a new Christian. He (or she) sees other people following God with such boldness and strength of faith that he is at once both frustrated and encouraged to grow. The process of learning to skate, like growing in a relationship with God, involves getting hurt, getting up, and getting better. The difference here between skating and Christian life is that the people who are more 'mature' in their relationships with God, unlike most amazing skaters, do still fall down and get hurt. But they are very difficult to keep down, because God is the source of a Christian's strength.
You have a few good friends skating with you. They are more used to this than you are, but they stick with you, holding your hand or reaching to you to help you when you wobble. Those people use their skills at skating to help you develop yours. This reminds me of sisters and brothers in Christ lifting each other up in groups - groups of friends, family members, or life groups or people who help each other grow by keeping each other accountable for their actions. It also reminds me of Christians who make disciples as Jesus commanded.
In John 13:35 Jesus says "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
And in Matthew 28:19-20 "[19] 'Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations
, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.' Amen."
He loves it when we show love to each other. Friends helping friends make skating easier.
Now you are getting the hang of skating! You aren't exceeding seven miles per hour, but you aren't falling down every few feet. But what's that? Oh no - it's a jerk! Here's an amazingly fast skater with fire in his eyes and lights dancing on his teeth, moving opposite the flow of traffic! Here he comes, knocking down the best and the worst skaters in his path, just because he can. And you freeze with terror in your unstable tracks, because you know there is no way to stop him. Sure enough, he knocks you flat on your fanny, and you wish you could just sit there and not have to get up.
Or maybe it is a herd of troublesome pedestrians, or just the temptation to do something on wheels that you just can't do without falling - whether it is spinning around or stopping entirely. Whatever it is, we face things like that in our Christian walk as well. That's the devil, the biggest jerk in the skating rink of the universe, trying to make us fall down and not want to get up. Sometimes he uses people who hurt us, sometimes temptations, or anything else out of his arsenal of deceit. No matter how well we follow God, the devil is going to try to get us, and he often hurts us.
But the difference between skating and being a Christian is that we have the Holy Spirit giving us the power to resist the devil. It's harder to resist a guy who is trying to knock you over on skates than it is to have faith that God will give us the strength not to be defeated by the devil. Now, the devil might still cause us problems, but he won't win.
James 4:7 "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."
The trick to skating, like walking in Christ, is to not stop. Things will hurt sometimes, but God picks us up when we fall, just like He has promised He would. It's scary, and it never stops being risky, but it's worth it. And, as I found on Monday, it's a lot more fun with friends. Finally, when it's all over we can take off the skates and go home, where there is no fear that we will fall down any more.
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