The Pride Before the Fall

The Other Things Fall Away

2010-06-30T19:02:00.000-05:00

A wise man once made the point that we, "shouldn't worry about cussing or stealing or the 'little sins', but be concerned about your walk with God. When you're right with God, those other things fall away." I paraphrased of course, and I'm awfully sorry, Garry, if that's not what exactly what you said and if this isn't what you meant by it, but this is definitely what I heard: concern for our sins isn't a bad thing, but often we become so focused on those things that we ignore God. We forget about the thing that keeps our hands clean by worrying about the dirt. We try to pick our way through sin rather than stepping above it. Following rules isn't bad, but being consumed by them instead of by being consumed by God isn't good, either. A commitment to a rule fades much quicker than a commitment to God. And when we stop following the rules, do the rules come after us? No. When we break the law are we shown grace by whatever law enforcement? No. But here's the kicker: when we stop following God, does God come after us? Yes. When we break God's laws are we shown grace by God? Yes.

Colossians 2:20b-23 says, "...why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, 'Don't handle! Don't taste! Don't touch!'? Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self- denial and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person's evil desires."

Proverbs 6:20

2010-06-13T21:12:00.000-05:00

What makes us so unwilling to listen to God? Is it arrogance? fear? sheer stupidity? embarrassment? For me it comes down to a lack of faith (and maybe a lot of arrogance). Proverbs 6:20 says, "Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful. God is a benevolent master who only wants us to do well. By listening and following His commands, we will do just that. Being in a situation where we don't/can't trust the person we are relying on is downright miserable. If we're constantly doubting God, we won't be able to enjoy Him; we won't be able to walk with Him. We should pray for a willing spirit; a boldness to follow Him unquestioningly, unflinchingly, without looking back to what you've left behind. Ask that He opens your heart to His voice.

Determined or Stubborn?

2010-04-22T18:27:00.001-05:00

When I was younger, my family had a swing set complete with monkey bars, a slide, a couple swings and a glider. A glider is sort of like a see- saw but you don't go up and down so much as you glide back and forth. It's meant for two small kids and has two vertical, parallel bars about that were six inches apart. I was, and still am, a stubborn kid. Not only am I stubborn, I also have a touch of ADD so I tend to do things without thinking them through. Remember this, it's an important part of my story.

One day, when I was about four years old, I was playing on the swing set by myself. We live out in the country and had big dogs that kept away wild animals; I promise my parents aren't negligent. I really don't remember much about that day, but I imagine I looked at those bars on the glider and thought, "I bet my head would fit through those." And it most certainly did. In fact, my head fit so well, it didn't want to come back out. I panicked. I'm sure I struggled with it for a while, couldn't get my head out, really started panic, thought I was going to die and started crying and screaming for my mom. I don't remember how I got out, but I did. I also don't remember how much time passed before I did it again, but sure enough, some time later I began eying those bars again. I have a deep seated need to conquer something that has once bested me. My four year old mind might have thought something like, "Glider bars, you may have won the first round, but this time I'm putting my head between you and it's coming out by my own power." I'm ashamed to say that had I thought that, it would've been a lie. I'm not sure how many times I did this (my sister says I did this several times) or if I ever conquered the glider bars. I only remember doing it twice. Knowing me, I probably did do it several times. So tell me, was I being stubborn or was I just determined? How many times have you gotten your head "stuck between the bars"?

"Don't You see how wonderfully kind, tolerant and patient god is with you?... But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself... He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers." Romans 2:4, 5, 7

Something nice to end a Monday with

2010-04-19T22:57:00.000-05:00

"... may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God." -Ephesians 3:18,19

More of James

2010-04-17T13:20:00.000-05:00

I want so many things. I want a brand new Jeep Rubicon and really long hair right now, I want to graduate college just a few years early and to be able to run forever and not get winded, so many really important things. So, why don't I have them? Well, aside from being just short of impossible, I don't really pray for these things; they all just seem a little petty. Plus, I pray for so many actually important things and I don't get those! It seems like God tells us that if we ask, we shall receive. I'm askin', but I'm not receivin'! It's a little discouraging. So many people wonder why God doesn't answer their prayers. I always chalked it up to timing. Maybe God doesn't want me to have what I've been asking for right now. He does know best.

I was reading James a few days ago and I came across a verse that really hit a nerve: "You don't have what you want because you don't ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don't get it because your motives are all wrong- you want only what will give you pleasure" (James 4:3). I was so amazed at how eerily accurate that verse is. I was so impressed by it, I not only underlined, I drew a little line to the margins and wrote "ME!". So often I ask God to get me through the day without having to do this or see that person. I'm not focused on what God wants me to do; I'm just worried about doing what I want to do and not being bothered when I'm doing it. I lose sight of the important things, I don't have God's will on my mind and I certainly don't want to be bothered at 4:55 pm on Friday to do what God wants me to do. I've realized that it's hard to be focused on God when you're too busy worrying about yourself.

Cleanliness really is next to Godliness

2010-04-06T23:34:00.001-05:00

"Come close to God and God will come close to you. Clean your hands you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world." James 4:8
Today I read a friend's blog entry that focused on living a life that revolves around God. Many people have good intentions; they want to make the world a better place to live in by giving to charities, helping out a neighbor and just by doing the right thing everyday. It's sad to think that so many of them are doing it all for naught. Unless they are doing these things in God's name, their endeavors will prove to be fruitless. It is our duty then to "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19

Worry (WUR-ee), (n,v), def: 1) a sorry excuse for an emotion (noun); 2) a lousy way to waste time (verb)

2010-02-24T22:38:00.001-06:00

It's funny how we focus on the silliest things sometimes. I'm guilty of worrying more about what kind of drink I'll get at Sonic on my next Sonic run than what I can do for God that particular day. I'm forever focused on the most paltry things in life, like whether or not I'll make it home in time to catch the latest episode of Psych, or what this person thought of my shirt or what that person thought of my shoes. Sometimes I can trick myself into thinking that some things (like midterms or next month's budget) are actually worth the energy and time I waste when I worry over them. Really, if we focus more on God and less on the little things (and yes, the "big" things), God will provide for us in the most amazing ways.

"For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever." -2 Corinthians 4:17, 18

"So don't worry about these things... These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all you needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously and He will give you everything you need. So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." -Matthew 6:31-34

James 1:17

2010-02-22T22:28:00.001-06:00

In any English class I have been in since high school, I have had to do some sort of literary analysis. The most important component of literary analysis is figuring out the thesis, or the main theme of the work. My favorite book of the Bible is James. The book of James consists mostly of common sense and simple Christian standards to live by; for example, James 2:12 "So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free." or James 3:5 "... the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches, but a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire." Because there are so many important points that James makes, it is hard for me to choose a single verse or even a single passage that could serve as James thesis. I think, though that James did have a main point that he wanted to get across. 1:17 says, "Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, Who created all the lights in the Heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow." For me, that could be the thesis of the entire Bible and touches on at least 3 of the most important things Christianity teaches.

First: God created all that is beautiful in this world: red bud trees, new born babies, Spring mornings, our capacity to love Him. One could even throw vintage Stingray Corvettes and Dr. Pepper somewhere into that list. I believe that God imbued us with the capacity to create awesome things such as worship music and blogs to further His kingdom and bring Him glory.
Second: That God would spend so much time creating each of those things just for us and allow us to take joy in inventing new things says a lot about God's love for us. Also, God created this universe, the Heavens and us. It is amazing to me that anyone who could spend their time creating stars and galaxies chooses to spend their time creating something like humanity. I mean, what has humanity done lately that even compares to the astounding beauty of the Milky Way galaxy?
Third: God is changeless. Of all the things that God does, changing is not one of them. Lately, on a personal, local and global level, nothing is certain. Except for God. He is full of love, compassion and forgiveness. That is certain.

James 1:18 "He chose to give birth to us by giving us His true word, and we, out of all creation, became His prized possession."

2010-02-02T12:45:00.000-06:00

"I pray that You bless me with the desire to follow without questioning You and without looking back to what I left behind. What I leave behind will never measure up to what I'm working towards: a deep, strong, fulfilling relationship with You." I think it's important for Christians, no matter how new or "seasoned" we are, to be filled with an intense desire to live in Gods Word. "Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others." 1 Thess. 4:12

Take Up Your Cross Daily

2010-01-27T13:39:00.000-06:00

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me." -Jeremiah 29:11-13

       As I was spending time in Gods Word last night, I became aware of the lack of blind faith I have in Him. I know that my God has a plan for me, but it's not easy for me to give up control of my life. I love my planner. I put all of my homework assignments in it, I write down every birthday I can think of in it and I write down when campus is closed (like I wouldn't just know when I don't have to work or go to class). I have my class schedule for the summer, fall 2010 and spring 2011 figured out. I know what's going on in my life, at least until God steps in.
       I realized that I need to let go of my plans for my life because it really isn't my life, it's Gods. Giving this life up to God is a daunting task, but Jesus died for us. He did not die because of us or in spite of us. He died for us. How can we repay that debt? Well, we really can't. We can; however, abandon our old selves and live as Jesus died: full of love. Jesus loved us and this sinful world, we must likewise love Him and His sinless purity.
       As a poor, shy, cowardly college student, I'm at a loss for what God could use me. I know though, that He has a glorious plan for me. I know that tomorrow He will have a way for me to further His kingdom and bring glory to His name. I know that the day after that, He will have another way for me to further His kingdom and bring glory to His name. It's up to me recognize His will and to blindly follow Him. In order to do that, I must abandon my sinful ways and be in constant counsel with Him. My heart and my mind must be constantly focused on Him, not that cute boy in the Student U or that test in two days. God will take care of everything for us if we give up everything for Him. It's important to remember that if we stumble, we haven't ruined God's plan. God wants us to be a part of His plan, but He doesn't need us to be a part of His plan. Do you want to be a part of Gods plan?

"If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it." -Luke 9:23,24

The Beginning

2010-01-24T21:16:00.000-06:00

"Search me O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life." Psalm 139: 23,24

10 years ago, I was invited to a church camp outside of a small town in Oklahoma. That was the second best invitation I've ever received. The best invitation I ever received was the second night of that camp. That morning, the pastor was talking about Jesus and His capacity to save. I think. It was ten years ago, so it's a little fuzzy, but I can just about bet on it. I do remember the pastor stressing the need for everyone to accept Jesus into their hearts. They weren't allowing us to come up to the front until that night. I was heart broken! What if I choked on my lunch and I died before I could ask Jesus to save me? My family didn't go to church, so I had no idea how Salvation worked, I didn't know that I didn't need anybody else to help me, furthermore, I didn't know what to say. I chewed very carefully at lunch and supper, I looked both ways before I crossed any of the roads at the camp, and I stayed in the shallow end of the pool. I wasn't taking any chances. The evening service finally came and I couldn't wait until they had the invitation at the end of the service. I remember being scared and hesitant at first, but my desire to know God won out in the end.

Fast forward nine years later and I'm a college freshman who has fallen out of touch with God. I didn't like to think about church, the Bible or Jesus because every time I did, I felt a tremendous sense of guilt and shame. In the span of two short years, I went from the girl who spent her extra time at church in services, as an intern for the youth pastor or helping out with VBS to being the girl that never went to church and rarely talked to anybody from church. I told myself I was under appreciated for everything I did at the church to help push the guilt from my mind. About a year later, I figured out what was keeping me from God and I came back to Him. It felt great to be with God again. To have Him at the forefront of my mind and to be able to lean on Him without feeling guilty for only praying when I absolutely needed help was an amazing feeling which I hadn't felt in over three years. God showed me the urgency of a blog early in my renewed relationship with Him. The purpose of the blog, I'm not entirely sure. I guess that remains to be seen.