Blessed Incarnation

All of eternity knew of the day.
The Three were not surprised by the coming.
The plan was never upset nor changed.
The prophets proclaimed it, the Scriptures foretold.
The people looked for the One while the nations ran wild.

The firstborn of all creation did not count His equality with God.
He, the ruler of the universe, took on the form of a servant and became a man.
Immanuel redeemed His people just as He promised.
The head and heel were bruised and the Lion laid down as a Lamb.
The blessed incarnation was no mere man.
The epitome of humanity and all His diverse excellencies held together the God-man.

The Holy begotten Son was forsaken.
He fully drank the wrath of God.
Propitiation has never been sweeter.
Justified by the blood and saved from the wrath.
Redemption came through an infant given.
The giver of life came and gave it abundantly.

Raise your head and behold the Lamb, the Lord, the King, Immanuel.
See the baby, low and dependent.
Celebrate the Savior, high and mighty.
Look for the King, reigning and coming.

The LORD is a Warrior Isaiah 31

4 quick applications from Isaiah 31.
1) Do not trust man (a fool does this), trust the Victorious Lord (a wise man does this).
2)Even if a nation is strong, they are not the Almighty...trust the LORD, not America or any threatening nation.
3)The LORD is a warrior - no, He is THE warrior, the Protector of His people. vs. 4-9
4)The only form of salvation from the Almighty God of wrath is to turn to the Almighty God. vs. 6
"Turn to Him" ..."This was to show God's righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over former sins. It was to show His righteousness at the present time, so that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." Romans 3:25b-26

"and yet he is wise"...who trusts in anything or anyone other than the LORD.
i have to go now, and wipe up the puddle from the dripping irony of Isaiah.

for this gift of happy spirits - thank you

day two of being thankful - definitely not doing it the 30 days till thanksgiving conventional way. i have not even intentionally set out to do such, but my mind has come to a second thing to be thankful for. this week my general spirits, attitude, happiness and well being has been undepressed. i am convinced that i have a personality whose disposition is depressed more than it is happy go lucky. sometimes i wish this was not true. it seems as if my life continuous in the cycle it has gone through so far in my short life, i may spend half of it in a depressed state. however, who am i to judge the future? i have experienced first hand the pits of some depression. but i have also experienced first hand the flying high feeling of coming out of the pit. the Lord's patience, mercy, grace, perspective, control and all of His being which is so steadfast has been the victor each time.

i was walking around yesterday and it hit me, that i am not in a depressed state of being now.

i cannot understand why not except that my mind i guess is finally being reared to dwell on things above and not things below - to finally dwell on Christ who is my life. if anyone dwells on Christ who is in Christ, there is no response but joy. i am thankful to God for continuing to fashion my heart so that its disposition is towards joy and satisfaction in Him alone.

"work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." Philippians 2:12

"wretched man that i am! who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Romans 7:24-25a

even in this state of mind - thank you

I keep seeing people posting different things they are thankful for in light of this Thanksgiving Season. A good idea? Yes, because it makes you intentionally have that attitude of gratitude. (a warning to not be grateful for those things but be purposeful to be thankful to God who is the Giver of all.)

Something in me (stubbornness) makes me not want to take part in the 30 day postings of thanks. How pathetic is my heart to make any excuse not to be thankful?

Pride and laziness often go hand in hand and its nasty.

Perhaps there is some hope for me though because just now I decided to post on being grateful for a bad attitude. This might sound like an oxymoronic thought. (and i will not try to prove that i am not often on the more moronic side) However, hear me out.

Having a bad attitude is toxic. Toxic to the very producer of its poison as well as to anyone who is in the rang of its outpourings. (another thing to be thankful for just now - i'm alone so no one is unnecessarily the target.) But the opportunity to be shown one's pathetic state of mind is yet another state that can be graciously forgiven and taught by our Patient God. It is another way to see our need to be dependent on God for even our very thoughts. Without the Spirit's workings within me I would go off in my head, cultivating my dirty heart, and spewing out asterisks with my tongue. But the Spirit has not left me to myself (there are no words to Praise God enough for this truth). Therefore, I am even thankful for bad attitudes because of how the Spirit slaps me silly to fall once again on my face before God Almighty and grow greater in dependence on Him. Why I ever try to fix myself by myself is beyond moronic.

Lord, forgive me for my bad attitude. Forgive me for not being grateful and instead nit picking at the things that push my buttons. Get rid of my buttons Lord and make me a continuous praise chorus. This attitude Lord, does not control me because of Your indwelling Spirit. Thank You for giving me the victory over even this state of mind! Thank You for showing me how to be grateful even now. In Jesus Name who is the author and perfecter of life, even in me, Amen.

(another warning: do not let Satan deceive you into thinking your day has been ruined or labeled as a "bad day" when your attitude has a strong stench. do not let him win, because he is the loser. fight the battle because Christ has already won through the gospel. put on therefore that very power.)

Tension of a proclaimers self and their calling

"For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship." 1 cor. 9:17

"But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." 1 cor. 9:27

One called to proclaim the gospel has a great tension between self and the truth.

This includes all the stewards of the gospel, every believer.

Should they not proclaim what they are not currently believing in seasons of doubt?

They are still entrusted with the gospel and must be compelled by their possession to proclaim it anyway.

But disciplining themselves through the doubt, to practice self-control and seeing the Holy Spirit cultivate a spirit of delightful belief pushes them towards the prize and in so doing they are not disqualified. Then they proclaim the gospel because by their own will, boasting in Christ alone and looking towards the reward.

In doubt, proclaim - lest the Devil tighten a grip on your standing.

In gracious and strong belief, proclaim - in joyfully obtaining the reward.

Teach Us lyrics

Teach us to live by faith

teach us to walk in grace

Teach us to act in love

teach us to live by Your ways

Your grace is unsearchable

Your love is unfathomable

Your goodness it chases me

Your favor has found me

Lord Your ways are higher

Your folly is wiser than I

Who can comprehend You?

Your Spirit its my guide

Teach us to think

Teach us to act

Teach to us be like You

Teach us to walk

Teach us to pray

Teach us to live as Your child

honey to my soul's status

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpmakIl-QgU&feature=related

encouraging words of truth from Pastor Piper.

"There is One and only One who actually and totally knows you."

"Therefore you always have Someone to go to for help in knowing who you are."

"You are so complex. You are so many layered."

"The only way to complete self-knowledge is to go to Him. And in time over time in per portion to what is good for you He will began to lay you bare. In heaven it will be complete and you will be completely purified so you will not be completely devastated as you would if you knew yourself completely here."

He knows what we can handle and it is glorious to know that we are known by One who can help us know ourselves."

Piper states that one of the greatest desires of man is to know themselves.

But he also states that we are deluded if we think we completely know ourselves.

But the One who does know us completely is also completely good.

In His perfect wisdom, love and power He helps us know ourselves.

In this the end goal is to know Him.

Through knowledge of who He makes us to be, we fulfill our purpose of being most satisfied in Him for His glory.

Communing with God through all His creations must be our only goal.

We run from this because its terrifying.

Because the multi-layered inwards of our soul are unknown and deceiving.

"Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heat be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." Psalm 19:12-14

Because our soul was created in the image of God and we have murdered that image, it yells

that reality of falling into the hands of a Holy God.

"for our God is a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:29

The only all consuming, One true God, consumes us.

Therefore,

"Blessed is the one who fears the LORD always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity." Proverbs 28:14

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." Proverbs 9:10

Do not fear, you of fleeting faith.

You are incapable of handling anything.

You cannot even make yourself take breath.

But God, who is more than willing, is more than able.

Do not be anxious, tight chested child.

You do not add to your life.

But Christ, who is your life, gives you life.

The One who knows you completely, still loves you.

Perfect love casts out fear because it is not profitable.

Love teaches you kindly of who you are and who He is.

Cling to Him who knows the unknown corners of your soul.

Oh God of grace, be gentle with me.

Strictly Love

"You say I belong to You
apart from the things I do.
I'm in awe of why You do, the way You love me."

Love one another.
Its a command.
Its the second greatest commandment.

So how do you go about loving people?

This is love:
"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong-doing, but rrejoices with the truth. love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never ends." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

This is who we love:
"So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." Galatians 6:10

This is why:
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love...Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and His love is perfected in us." 1 John 4:7-8, 11-12

Love God. Love People.
It seems as if they are one and the same.
It seems it is the means to the end.
It seems you just do it.

Sure, you have to have correct knowledge before you can live this out.
But what is that knowledge?
Its the knowledge of God that comes through the saving gospel knowledge.
Thats it.
Thats why any person of any age, personality, and capacity is able to love another.
Because a heart that has been brought to life through the gospel and actually knows God can love anyone. No other knowledge is needed.
Sure, other thoughts can be helpful, but they are not required.
Too often they are an excuse to why we can't love another.

Selfishness gets in the way.
It comes in many forms - pride, laziness, hurt, etc.
But the root is selfishness which is worshiping yourself.

Worship God.
Love God.
Love People.

Confirmed

With each need, and with each awareness
The need, the absolute necessity, of prayer
Is show to be brigther and brighter.

Even that awareness,
the need to pray,
Needs prayer.

On my own - lazy and unfaithful.

LORD, hear my prayer
Holy Spirit teach me.

What am i doing

Yesterday, May 5 2011, I was privileged to sit and listen to 4 men of God speak of missions, the church, Scriptures and God for 4 hours.
Many topics covered.
The urgency of being faithful made me want to cry.

What am I doing with my life?

How dare I say the Bible is important and valuable and then deny myself of reading and studying it. The Bible is not only inerrent, it is sufficient.
How dare I say I care for the lost and never speak the gospel as if it is the only thing worth boasting in.

No one pointed me out - but I wanted to cry.
No one asked me what I thought - and my thoughts are small.

Ready to go.
Scared.
ill prepared.

And today - the habits continue.
I am sick.
Lord heal me.
Gently I pray Lord, for I am weak.

May You be the only thing remembered when I pass.

eagerly wait

"If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with You there is forgiveness, that You may be feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His Word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchemen for the morning." Psalm 130:3-6

note to self

My idenity is a daughter of the LORD - and nothing
ADDS
or
SUBTRACTS
from that.

Good Calluses Make Good Music

"Or more specifically, He will change you. Real change is at the heart level. We keep forgetting God is a person. We don't learn to love someone without it changing us.....A needy heart is a praying heart. Dependency is the heartbeat of prayer." -Paul Miller in A Praying Life

Help me Lord, develop good calluses from praying and communing with You, so that it gets past the pain of seeing my sin and helps me make beautiful music in dwelling with You continually.

The more I get to know and develop a relationship with You Lord, the more You reveal who I am, and then began to change me. Its uncomfortable. And involves patience and endurance.
Again, my life lessons of humility and diligence follow me.

three truths, two questions - don't get distracted human

Three truths.

God ordained everything, even sin.

God hates sin, and pours out His wrath on it.

God does everything for His glory.

why did God ordain something He loathes?
because it was the only way to best glorify Him?

i'll probably never get it.
but don't miss the point woman - know God.
don't pursue knowledge.
pursue God.

"Approach my soul, the mercy seat"

a prayer that is a song.
music seems to capture all the parts of a person to communicate something.


"Approach my soul, the mercy seat
Where Holy One and helpless meet
There fall before my Judges' feet
Thy promise is my only plea, O God

Send wings to lift the clutch of sin
You who dwell between the cherubim
From war without and fear within
Relieve the grief from the shoulders of crumbling men

O God - Pour out Your mercy to me
My God, oh what striking love to bleed

Fashion my heart in Your alchemy
With the brass to front the devil's perjury
And surefire grace my Jesus speaks
I must. I will. I do believe. O Lord."

Jamie Barnes rendition of a John Newton hymn

Trust Me

Year 1 - Trust Me wherever you are, and know thats where I want you to be.
Year 2 - Trust Me in encouraging others and the power of praying to Me.
Trust Me through emotions.
Year 3 - Don't trust people, trust Me and be satisfied in Me alone.
Year 4 - Trust Me. Fully. You can't depend on anything else and you can't be in control.
Trust Me radically.

I Am Good.
I want good for you.
I define good.
Trust me and commune with Me.

Romans 7:18 life verse

Mark 7:14-22
Jesus said "What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immortality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person."

I am so prideful and foolish and divided. LORD, forgive me.
Help me cling to the cross and purify my heart.

"And everyone who thus hopes in Him purifies himself as He is pure." 1 John 3:3
1 John 2:28-3:3


1 John 3:19-22
"By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassume our heart before Him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and He knows everything. beloved, if our heart does not dondemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep His commandments and do what please Him."

LORD, the struggle!
James 4:1 "...Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?"

Romans 7:18-25
"For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin!"

my Brother Lawrence

i now have a third book on my list of favorites.
i highly recommend them to any believer.

the third - The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence.
its conviction and encouragement is far greater than its length, which is short.


excerpts
"He told me that all consists in one hearty renunciation of everything which we are sensible does not lead to GOD. That we might accustom ourselves to a continual conversation with Him, with freedom and in simplicity. That we need only to recognize GOD intimately present with us, to address ourselves to Him every moment, that we may beg His assistance for knowing His will in things doubtful, and for rightly performing those which we plainly see He requires of us, offering them to Him before we do them, and giving Him thanks when we have done."

"That his prayer was nothing else but a sense of the presence of GOD, his soul being at that time insensible to everything but divine love; and that when the appointed times of prayer were past, he found no difference, because he still continued with GOD, praising and blessing Him with all his might, so that he passed his life in continual joy; yet hoped that GOD would give him somewhat to suffer when he should grow stronger."

"As Brother Lawrence had found such an advantage in walking in the presence of GOD, it was natural for him to recommend it earnestly to others; but his example was a stronger inducement than any arguments he could propose. His very countenance was edifying, such a sweet and calm devotion appearing in it as could not but affect the beholders. And it was observed that in the greatest hurry of business in the kitchen he still preserved his recollection of heavenly-mindedness. He was never hasty nor loitering, but did each thing in its season, with an even, uninterrupted composure and tranquillity of spirit. 'The time of business,' said he, 'does not with me differ from the time of prayer, and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess GOD in as great tranquillity as if I were upon my knees at the blessed sacrament."

Glory in Jesus Who Made You See

What Happens When The Light of the World Shines? - sermon notes

either
1)Stubborn blindness hardens
2)Worshipping sight increases

John 9
progression of the blind man [sanctification]
-man called Jesus
-he is a prophet
-he is of God
-He is Lord! [vs. 38 he believes and worships!]

vs. 31 [related to prayer in my mind!]
God listens to who?
the one who worships Him.
God does not listen to who?
the sinner.
God listens to who?
the one that does His will.

9:38 defines a true gospel seeing believer
9:39 Jesus mission on the earth/in the world:
to judge.
who?
those who are given sight and those who are blind

We either go further into darkness or are brought into light when the Light of the World shines!

Eph. 1:16-23
eyes of your hearts enlightened.
glory in Jesus who made you see.

joyful noise

what changed since a year ago?
what changed since two years ago?
what changed since three years ago?

-i don't comprehend the ways of Him who is at work in me.
but i can't deny something other than i has changed the way
i process, think, feel, respond and reflect on everything.

-i don't have an infallible answer to why sanctification is a process and not instant.
but i can't deny that something other than i orchestrates it all.
i just imagined listening to an orchestra practice a symphony over and over.
they are not perfect the first time, but over time they began to make beautiful music.

-i'm just making a joyful noise, knowing full well that God will make it music.

What Conquers You?

Death and life are not that far apart. Life is every breath and death could be your last one. A happy day we want and troubles we do not dwell on. We are "impressed" by deep thoughts and "strive" to be wiser. But what have we really learned when we ignor reality just so we feel better. Reality is death was conqured and honest power is in our grasp. Life is what we were made for. Reality is many have made themselves the conquerer but in the end - only a breath away - it will conquer them and they will have no say. Curses we think put us in charge. Uncontrolled anger we think will solve the problem. True wisdom gives us a glimpse that we are wrong. But pride erases that conscience and arrogance blocks it from returning. Do we really care about the one who will be destroyed in a moment? Our words say yes and some actions point in that direction. But then we block that out just to feel relieved. Does it stunt your rest and haunt your dreams? How will they gain the real power to gain real life if no one takes a risk to tell them. Maybe they've heart it before - but now they think, know that no one cares because no one tries. You, you who claim victory, how dare you hot it like a selfish brat. What really conquered you? Who is really alive in you?

[written May 20, 2008]

Reflections After Scripture

O guilty sin, you will not win.
You warm my heart to hover over me,
But He has put you to death.
O man, no longer do I seek your eyes,
for I wait for Him alone.
My soul mayy sting to guide me,
My feet may tangle in its net,
But fearful eyes lifted through the waterfall - listen.
I wait for Him alone.
My tongue quivers as my mind races,
But He is in heaven and I am on earth.
Therefore, words cease and bowed fact waits.
I wait for Him alone.
For His name's sake He has painted to me another picture maze
of the upward call of the glorious, goal prize.

[written Sept. 25, 2008]

Christ, who IS your life

nauseous, anxious, defeated.
my heart easily hosts such enemies.
but i am part of the beloved.
what a silly thing to walk around hopeless.
i am part of the elect.
i have been tosses around like a wave
and for a moment forgotten who i am.
i am God's daughter, whom He never forsakes.
my life was brought into being by Him, through Him and for Him.
He defines it as successful.
i must preach to myself the position i have been given.
i am redeemed. completely. it is finished.
and i must have a life hidden in Christ, becaus ei have died.
"When Christ, who is my life appears" i will be glorified,
living in the very real hope i look to in the here and now.

[written Dec. 1, 2010 after reading Colossains]

To Boast - 2010

To boast in anything is foolish
For nothing anyone has is earned or deserved.
To boast in anything is foolish
For what is man's wisdom compared to God's folly?
To boast in anything is repulsive
For who is better than his neighbor?
To boast in anything is repulsive
For who does not respond with equal pride?

What is this within me that doubts when it is alone
AS sound as a dead man breathes.
What is this within me that must respond
As boastful as the potent stench of a dead man?

I have been beaten into a new birth;
Like a newborn baby cannot help but cry,
My mouth opens and what lives within me comes out
Is an infanct accused of boasting?
Does an infant's cry repulse his mother's ear?

To boast, to boast
Perhaps there is one honorable cause.
To boast, to boast
In the message, nah in the main character
Perhaps is nothing to be ashamed of.
What else would I do but boast of the One
Who gave me luns to breath, a heart that beats,
a mind that thinks and a soul that lives.

I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ
For it is the power of God unto my salvation
And the worlds only hope.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for
salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." Romans 1:16

thoughts on "I am not ashamed of the gospel?"

[after Romans class a friend and I talked about Paul's boasting and how dare he boast.
this was my thoughts that immediately follewed. also during a time of doubting]

Rest

A correct view of work cultivates a correct view of rest.

Rest, is not a reward nor entertainment.
The principal of rest is commanded.
We are needy and created to work and rest and repeat.

God built rest into creation.
God created rest for worship.
God provides ultimate rest in Christ alone.

Be still and know God.
Fall asleep, completly satisfied in communion with Him.
He is our Father, let Him hold His child.

-notes from a sermon on rest

Stand Firm Believer and Know God in the Fight

Heavy breathing.
God keeps my heart beating.

Labored rest.
God gives me sleep.

Dark hooded figure.
His face is unknown,
but his hands purpose, no doubt, is to harm me.

Beside my bed, between the resting places.
No where am I untouchable.
False.
No earthly dwelling can I hide from the battle, but
no earthly dwelling can keep me from the Almighty's hand.

Resist him.
Stand firm in faith of the God of all grace Who's dominion never ceases.

Be watchful.
Fight.
And know that even while you sleep, God protects you.

His ugly face left.
Why?
Because in Jesus Name, he has no say.

Glory to a Holy God who keeps His beloved.

Amongst Trial

God, You are holy, there is no one like You.
Your ways and will are above all - Your mysterious doings
make me cry "I don't understand!".
Yet, Your heart loves Your people.
Your presence is very much so here in and around me.
What shall I fear? All discipline seems painful in the moment,
but is the very real assurance You are my Father who loves me.
Your Holiness, demands me to be chiseled and fashioned to be a holy temple for You alone.
Trials lead to steadfastness and endurance has its perfect result.
Why? How?
Because all things work for the good of those called by You.
You define good.
For these reasons I count it all joy and though I mourn sin's deciet and destruction,
I rejoice Jesus' atonement and God's grace.
I pray with all the more fervent dependency on God Almighty.
In Jesus Powerful Name, AMEN.
Lord help me.

"Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?
If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him.
For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple." 1 Cor. 3:16-23

1 Peter 5:6-11

"You are all i need" JJ Heller
"Don't need a thing
My good Shepherd brings me all
You are all I need

You let me catch my breath
Even in the valley of death
You are all I need

All I need to be complete
Is Your love
Your blood that covers me

You lift up my head
You provide the wine and bread
You, You are all I need

There's no need to fear
Even with my enemies here
You are all I need

All I need to be complete
Is Your love
Your blood that covers me

Goodness and mercy are following me
You're all that I need
You make a home for me
Where pastures are green as far as I see
You are all I need

All I need to be complete
Is Your love
Your blood that covers me"

oh yeah

who am i?
un-knowing.
un-able.
un-righteous.
un-worthy.
un-lovely.
un-god.

still, God gives a greater grace.
God gives grace to the humble.

"Who is wise and understanding among you?
By his good conduct let him show his works in the
meekness of wisdom." James 3:12

Discipline yourself to see God, the Truth.