I have this friend. And I love talking to him because he always tells it like it is, and often gives me another perspective on things. When I feel like I need to blow up, be too dramatic, or act stressed, he just goes with it. He questions my theology which brings me to this blog.
Once you accept Jesus as your savior, are you saved forever?
I have always believed that once you accept Jesus free gift of grace, it covers you for the rest of your life, even if you screw up. Christ can only die for you once, right? Once you accept his gift, you have it for life?
But this friend brought up some valid arguments.
Case #1: Joe (I just made up a name) accepts Christ, but later decides he doesn't believe in God and let's Satan win. He stops living for God and starts living for the world. Is he still saved? If he died would he go to heaven?
Case #2: Jim accepts Christ. He knows full well that he is real but decides he does not want to live a life as a follower of Christ. So, he begins to live for the world and its pleasures. Is he still saved? If he died would he go to heaven?
Case #3: Phillip accepts Christ but doesn't change anything about his worldly lifestyle...meaning he doesn't really surrender his life to God. Is he saved?
Does being saved require repentance? If you accept the free gift from God, can you set it down? Or is it like a tattoo... you have it for life?
Does it take a malicious intentional sin to lose grace or your ticket to eternity?
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not sen his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." John 3:16-21
My first reaction.
BELIEVES. It doesn't say repent, be perfect, obey, or any of the above. It says believe. BUT if this believe is the same I learned about in Greek, it is Pisteuo, which encompasses much more than belief. It also eludes to belief, faith and trust. And faith without works is dead according to James... so if our lives aren't following Christ in our works, then our faith is dead, so do we have eternal life? Doesn't really seem like it. Also, sin is unwillingness to trust Christ. So if we aren't trusting God, then we are sinning.
Second reaction.
Men who love darkness because of their evil deeds hate the light. Can we have grace and eternal life without being in the light? Isn't Jesus the light? "Whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." So, if they believe in God (truth), but don't act like it, are they still in the light? Are they darkness in the light?
Belief: noun. 1. an acceptance that a statement is true or that something exists 2.something one accepts as true or real; a firmly held opinion or conviction 3. trust, faith, or confidence in someone or something
"And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace." Romans 11:6
Romans 6:5-14
Romans 11:32
I was talking to Chap Clark. He's pretty much awesome. I got to spend a piece of my summer in California with him and a group of 30 other kids the same age from all over the U.S. and a bunch of other rad leaders. Chap works at fuller seminary and is a theologian. I e-mailed him with some of my questions. This was his response.
"the Lord looks at the heart and knows that life is a long journey. its less about when we say we're saved, or when we "fall away," but what happens throughout our life that reveals Jesus' access to us as Lord. Trust that; trust him, and follow him. Let the rest sort itself out."
I don't know if I'm any better off now than I was before I started writing this...I'm not sure if I have any new answers, or if I could really tell you if Joe, Jim or Phillip would go to heaven or not. But I do know that within a relationship, if it is rooted in love, you will be compelled to obey. So maybe it's more a matter of the state of your heart.
I don't think it's even my job to decide if someone is going to heaven. I guess my job is love. Share with them about my God, tell them about how great he is, about life after the grave, about freedom in Jesus. And it's between them and God where there heart is at.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
AFRICA
Where do I even begin???
I can't tell you for sure the first time I felt Africa on my heart. Or when I decided I needed to go there or why I fell in love with a continent. But I can tell you about how my dream began to come into reality.
The first time I had a vision of Africa was in On track. It was during worship and I was in the back of the room as usual when I sat against the wall to pray. I was feel so frustrated with life and the dryness I felt in my relationship with God. I laid my head in my knees and honestly began to just zone out. That is when God gave me an image of playing with a bunch of African children and helping out medically.
This summer has been like none of my other summers. Every summer I plan what I am going to do months in advance and by now would have the entire thing mapped out. But this summer was different. I thought I might work and make some money for college, but really didn't have anything mapped out. Missions had crossed my mind, but I knew we didn't have the money and I didn't want to face the idea that I'd have the opportunity to go and yet not have the ability to go. But as always, God had something else up his sleeve.
I couldn't get Africa or missions off my heart but I didn't even know where to begin. I figured I just needed to make money this summer. That was what was important. One night at on track this man came to speak to us about a fund raising opportunity. He proceed to tell us about his recent trip to Tanzania and how he and a group of engineers were raising money to build a water purification system for this mission. My heart sunk. Africa. Towards the end he told us the ways we could help. The biggest area of need was fund raising and ideas but he also wanted to know who would be interesting in going with him to Africa to implement the system and who would be willing to advertise the cause. My heart leaped. I put my name on the list while coming to the realization that I probably wouldn't be able to go and trying to be okay that this wouldn't happen this summer. Nothing seemed concrete.
On Tuesday I met Dean. Dean is dating this amazing woman Cassie who happens to be like another adopted child of the Wolfe's. Dean was visiting Cass and just happened to be staying with the Wolfe's and hanging out when I dropped off Jess from school. After a few moments of casual conversation Dean proceeded to say, "Emilie, Emilie, Emilie." But the Emilie's were ignored as Steph walked in the door from school and we asked about her day. A couple minutes later Dean proceeded once again to say, "Emilie, Emilie, Emilie." Jill explained that Dean was crazy prophetic and Dean asked if he could speak into my life. Naturally, I said "Go for it!"
He spoke for a couple minutes and its hard to remember everything he said. He started off by describing how intelligent I was that. I get frustrated when people don't get it as fast as me. I excel at Science's and I can Ace that science test and not understand why everyone thought it was hard. And I have two older siblings, very smart as well. At this point, I'm pretty sure my jaw dropped with how smack dab in the center this man who knew me for five minutes described me.
He proceeded to talk about how God would be deepening my well. That my well is full of anointing but God wants to deepen it. That he will turn my smarts to wisdom. That a lot of people come to me with problems and the deepening from smart to wise would help me to speak to the source of the problem, rather than just the fruit like I had been doing. He talked about how I was a leader and that I should continue to lead small groups. That God wanted me to know that he was proud of me and loved me, and that I was on the right track.
But there was one thing he also said I didn't mention yet: missions. He said that God was preparing a mission for me. That he sees my heart for missions and will take me on missions but I am not called to be a missionary. He doesn't want me uprooting my family to go overseas. Something I needed to hear!
This is when I started to get excited but didn't know where this mission God was preparing would be to or when. For all I knew it could be in years. The day after meeting Dean, I ran into Kevin as he picked his daughter up from the middle school girl small group I lead. Kevin is the same man who first talked to on track about this water purification project in Africa. I asked if they were still making head way on it. He said that they were just now looking into Foreign insurance for everyone who would go on the trip; and proceeded to ask if I was still interested. I said yes!
The next night at dinner I brought the possibility up to my parents. They seemed very opened to it and said if God called me there, they would do their best to help me get there. That night was on track. I told Ian, the leader of on track, all about the prophesy and chain of events. He told me that the two people he felt needed to go more than anything were Ryan and I. :) This is when I got really excited. It just seemed right. Was I really going to Africa?!?
Since, my parents have agreed to forgive the debt I owe them of $200 for my computer if I go to Africa. They have agreed to come with me in a week or so to get the paperwork I need for my passport. I am still praying over the trip, if it is God's will or not. But this feels like it is really it!
Glory to God!
Agape.
I can't tell you for sure the first time I felt Africa on my heart. Or when I decided I needed to go there or why I fell in love with a continent. But I can tell you about how my dream began to come into reality.
The first time I had a vision of Africa was in On track. It was during worship and I was in the back of the room as usual when I sat against the wall to pray. I was feel so frustrated with life and the dryness I felt in my relationship with God. I laid my head in my knees and honestly began to just zone out. That is when God gave me an image of playing with a bunch of African children and helping out medically.
This summer has been like none of my other summers. Every summer I plan what I am going to do months in advance and by now would have the entire thing mapped out. But this summer was different. I thought I might work and make some money for college, but really didn't have anything mapped out. Missions had crossed my mind, but I knew we didn't have the money and I didn't want to face the idea that I'd have the opportunity to go and yet not have the ability to go. But as always, God had something else up his sleeve.
I couldn't get Africa or missions off my heart but I didn't even know where to begin. I figured I just needed to make money this summer. That was what was important. One night at on track this man came to speak to us about a fund raising opportunity. He proceed to tell us about his recent trip to Tanzania and how he and a group of engineers were raising money to build a water purification system for this mission. My heart sunk. Africa. Towards the end he told us the ways we could help. The biggest area of need was fund raising and ideas but he also wanted to know who would be interesting in going with him to Africa to implement the system and who would be willing to advertise the cause. My heart leaped. I put my name on the list while coming to the realization that I probably wouldn't be able to go and trying to be okay that this wouldn't happen this summer. Nothing seemed concrete.
On Tuesday I met Dean. Dean is dating this amazing woman Cassie who happens to be like another adopted child of the Wolfe's. Dean was visiting Cass and just happened to be staying with the Wolfe's and hanging out when I dropped off Jess from school. After a few moments of casual conversation Dean proceeded to say, "Emilie, Emilie, Emilie." But the Emilie's were ignored as Steph walked in the door from school and we asked about her day. A couple minutes later Dean proceeded once again to say, "Emilie, Emilie, Emilie." Jill explained that Dean was crazy prophetic and Dean asked if he could speak into my life. Naturally, I said "Go for it!"
He spoke for a couple minutes and its hard to remember everything he said. He started off by describing how intelligent I was that. I get frustrated when people don't get it as fast as me. I excel at Science's and I can Ace that science test and not understand why everyone thought it was hard. And I have two older siblings, very smart as well. At this point, I'm pretty sure my jaw dropped with how smack dab in the center this man who knew me for five minutes described me.
He proceeded to talk about how God would be deepening my well. That my well is full of anointing but God wants to deepen it. That he will turn my smarts to wisdom. That a lot of people come to me with problems and the deepening from smart to wise would help me to speak to the source of the problem, rather than just the fruit like I had been doing. He talked about how I was a leader and that I should continue to lead small groups. That God wanted me to know that he was proud of me and loved me, and that I was on the right track.
But there was one thing he also said I didn't mention yet: missions. He said that God was preparing a mission for me. That he sees my heart for missions and will take me on missions but I am not called to be a missionary. He doesn't want me uprooting my family to go overseas. Something I needed to hear!
This is when I started to get excited but didn't know where this mission God was preparing would be to or when. For all I knew it could be in years. The day after meeting Dean, I ran into Kevin as he picked his daughter up from the middle school girl small group I lead. Kevin is the same man who first talked to on track about this water purification project in Africa. I asked if they were still making head way on it. He said that they were just now looking into Foreign insurance for everyone who would go on the trip; and proceeded to ask if I was still interested. I said yes!
The next night at dinner I brought the possibility up to my parents. They seemed very opened to it and said if God called me there, they would do their best to help me get there. That night was on track. I told Ian, the leader of on track, all about the prophesy and chain of events. He told me that the two people he felt needed to go more than anything were Ryan and I. :) This is when I got really excited. It just seemed right. Was I really going to Africa?!?
Since, my parents have agreed to forgive the debt I owe them of $200 for my computer if I go to Africa. They have agreed to come with me in a week or so to get the paperwork I need for my passport. I am still praying over the trip, if it is God's will or not. But this feels like it is really it!
Glory to God!
Agape.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
GU....what now?
Generation Unleashed was such an amazing conference. I felt refreshed and revived and ready.... ready for whatever God had in store, ready to set aside the things or this world and run full heartedly after the Lord, ready to dig in everyday.
But now, not even 10 hours later, I feel apathetic, lost, confused and ...well, not sure what next. I don't desire to jump into my bible, or run around saying how much I love Jesus. If I asked God to continue what he started there, why have I seem to come up short?
So...what next God?
I woke up in the morning worried... scared to go home and face people when I am not exactly sure what I learned, what happened, or why exactly I thought this conference was so amazing. God, what did you do in me? What vision did you begin to set? What NEXT GOD!?!? I don't see a camp high in me; but I don't see a course of action or something I undoubtedly learned and felt was God.
I want to see crazy things happen God. I want to expect more from the God of the universe. The power that conquered the grave lives in me. Why can't I use that power to change the world? Well, the answer is that I can use that power, I'm just not ...why?
God, I know you had something prepared for me this weekend. Currently, I am not sure what that was, but I am open to what your spirit has for me. Fill me up more than ever before with your spirit. I want you and you alone. Give me new desire, new boldness, new vision, new excitement, a new heart.
Don't focus on what needs to be done; focus on what he has done.
But now, not even 10 hours later, I feel apathetic, lost, confused and ...well, not sure what next. I don't desire to jump into my bible, or run around saying how much I love Jesus. If I asked God to continue what he started there, why have I seem to come up short?
So...what next God?
I woke up in the morning worried... scared to go home and face people when I am not exactly sure what I learned, what happened, or why exactly I thought this conference was so amazing. God, what did you do in me? What vision did you begin to set? What NEXT GOD!?!? I don't see a camp high in me; but I don't see a course of action or something I undoubtedly learned and felt was God.
I want to see crazy things happen God. I want to expect more from the God of the universe. The power that conquered the grave lives in me. Why can't I use that power to change the world? Well, the answer is that I can use that power, I'm just not ...why?
God, I know you had something prepared for me this weekend. Currently, I am not sure what that was, but I am open to what your spirit has for me. Fill me up more than ever before with your spirit. I want you and you alone. Give me new desire, new boldness, new vision, new excitement, a new heart.
Don't focus on what needs to be done; focus on what he has done.
Friday, February 5, 2010
GU- break down
Over the mountains and through the city to Generation Unleashed we go....
Saving POWER.
"I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." Roman 1:16
[night one]
The presence of God definitely could be felt last night. There was no denying it. It's like Monique said, the presence of God is so undoubtedly there, the only way you can miss it is if your willing to enter in to it. Pastor Ponch spoke tonight about the tipping point, the tipping point for break through.
Saving power- a divine work of the cross that can turn the sinners life of worthlessness into a priceless work of absolute greatness.
Without Christ, our life is purposeless. Greatness is in me because of Christ's living word in me.
Three Keys to Breakthrough modeled by Paul
1. He was not ashamed.
"I am not ashamed, because I know the things Christ has for me."
Mark 16:15, 1 Corinthians 10:13
2. He understood the gospel message
Truth and revelation of what Christ has brought- freedom.
John 3:16
God- wants relationship with man
Man- free will
Problem... All sinners
Solution... Jesus came and died on the cross.
3. Power of Christ- saving power
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you." Acts 1:8
Releasing the power of God- Luke 4:18-19
-preach the good news
-proclaim freedom (pray for people in bondage)
-recovery of sight (pray for healing) Mark 16:17, Is. 53:5 ...Reach for God before Advil.
-release the oppressed (love the oppressed with God's love)
-proclaim the year of the Lord's favor (take the opportunity to preach and you will see God's saving power)
[day two]
morning session
You can't underestimate Jesus and a life of serving him.
Matthew 28:16-20
GO. verb. heart position. to DO, wherever you are, GO after God.
Acts 1:8 Change the world; where you are at.
Faith is knowing you are at the right place at the right time.
high school session
Eph. 5:1
1 Cor. 13 all about love
the word of God and prayer- where break through is set in place
Predetermined Purity.
purity is not simply virginity.
purity is walking in accordance with God.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9
Purity-state of being umixed and undefined. To be innocent and blameless. To be free from any pollution or contamination.
purity proclamation- Today, I choose to live a pure life. I reject a life of sin, shame, and selfishness. I choose to live a life set apart for Christ.
Purity must be predetermined.
Gal. 5- FREEDOM.
Purity is the battlefield of our generation.
-the way we dress
-talk
We need to know where our battlefield is, so we can predetermine a strategic and effective plan to fight it.
1Thess. 4:3-7
Purity is first a thing that starts from the inside. It starts with the word of God- living and active in you. That is the way to overcome. Then you must let the purity on the inside show to the outside.
Possessing Purity:
-we are called to possess purity.
-possessing purity is first internal/non-tangible
-possessing purity is also external/tangible
-possessing purity is inside-out
Four Keys to Possessing Purity:
1. Guard your eyes!
2. Guard your mind! (Romans 12:2)
3. Guard your heart
mind is a battlefield, heart is where your treasure is stored.
Serve God out of a doctrine of "yes". Yes to God, not no to the world. Relationship not religion.
4. Guard my ears
flee temptation.
"A little Poop in the brownies"
afternoon session
In and Through You
A generation in Crisis
[WAR ZONE]
Eph. 6:10-12
Learning comes from application
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Cor. 1:18-Saving power
When you stop focusing on yourself and start focusing on Christ and his saving power, lives WILL be saved.
A power-tool is going to be useless unless it is connected to a power source. Our power source is God.
His SAVING POWER in me will:
-Save me.
-deliever me.
-heal me. Mark 16:18
-empower me. John 17:18
Breakout session: Worshiping in the presence of God
Saving POWER.
"I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." Roman 1:16
[night one]
The presence of God definitely could be felt last night. There was no denying it. It's like Monique said, the presence of God is so undoubtedly there, the only way you can miss it is if your willing to enter in to it. Pastor Ponch spoke tonight about the tipping point, the tipping point for break through.
Saving power- a divine work of the cross that can turn the sinners life of worthlessness into a priceless work of absolute greatness.
Without Christ, our life is purposeless. Greatness is in me because of Christ's living word in me.
Three Keys to Breakthrough modeled by Paul
1. He was not ashamed.
"I am not ashamed, because I know the things Christ has for me."
Mark 16:15, 1 Corinthians 10:13
2. He understood the gospel message
Truth and revelation of what Christ has brought- freedom.
John 3:16
God- wants relationship with man
Man- free will
Problem... All sinners
Solution... Jesus came and died on the cross.
3. Power of Christ- saving power
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you." Acts 1:8
Releasing the power of God- Luke 4:18-19
-preach the good news
-proclaim freedom (pray for people in bondage)
-recovery of sight (pray for healing) Mark 16:17, Is. 53:5 ...Reach for God before Advil.
-release the oppressed (love the oppressed with God's love)
-proclaim the year of the Lord's favor (take the opportunity to preach and you will see God's saving power)
[day two]
morning session
You can't underestimate Jesus and a life of serving him.
Matthew 28:16-20
GO. verb. heart position. to DO, wherever you are, GO after God.
Acts 1:8 Change the world; where you are at.
Faith is knowing you are at the right place at the right time.
high school session
Eph. 5:1
1 Cor. 13 all about love
the word of God and prayer- where break through is set in place
Predetermined Purity.
purity is not simply virginity.
purity is walking in accordance with God.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9
Purity-state of being umixed and undefined. To be innocent and blameless. To be free from any pollution or contamination.
purity proclamation- Today, I choose to live a pure life. I reject a life of sin, shame, and selfishness. I choose to live a life set apart for Christ.
Purity must be predetermined.
Gal. 5- FREEDOM.
Purity is the battlefield of our generation.
-the way we dress
-talk
We need to know where our battlefield is, so we can predetermine a strategic and effective plan to fight it.
1Thess. 4:3-7
Purity is first a thing that starts from the inside. It starts with the word of God- living and active in you. That is the way to overcome. Then you must let the purity on the inside show to the outside.
Possessing Purity:
-we are called to possess purity.
-possessing purity is first internal/non-tangible
-possessing purity is also external/tangible
-possessing purity is inside-out
Four Keys to Possessing Purity:
1. Guard your eyes!
2. Guard your mind! (Romans 12:2)
3. Guard your heart
mind is a battlefield, heart is where your treasure is stored.
Serve God out of a doctrine of "yes". Yes to God, not no to the world. Relationship not religion.
4. Guard my ears
flee temptation.
"A little Poop in the brownies"
afternoon session
In and Through You
A generation in Crisis
[WAR ZONE]
Eph. 6:10-12
Learning comes from application
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Cor. 1:18-Saving power
When you stop focusing on yourself and start focusing on Christ and his saving power, lives WILL be saved.
A power-tool is going to be useless unless it is connected to a power source. Our power source is God.
His SAVING POWER in me will:
-Save me.
-deliever me.
-heal me. Mark 16:18
-empower me. John 17:18
Breakout session: Worshiping in the presence of God
Sunday, January 17, 2010
My love letter from God
God spoke amazingly at on-track this week. It was fresh and inviting; and unexpected gift to the heart. We read in Habbakuk about listening to God. Scottie started off with a conversation he had with God.
Roughly...
God: Scottie, do you talk when your students are taking a test?
Scottie: no! I stay quiet so they can focus and do their best!
God: hmmmmm....
During tests, God may be quiet so you can focus and do your best. Yet, if you want to do well on a test, and make it easier, regardless of the class or surprise or not, you have to prepare yourself for that test by studying...
Scottie had five points for listening to God specifically from Habakkuk 2:1-5
1. I will stand watch at my watch station.
get away, go to your sacred place, the special place to meet with the Lord.
2. Watch to see what he will say.
doesn't always talk through hearing....look for it, search it out, level of action on your part
actively engaging in the process of seeking God out
3. Listen
we know what he is talking about because we know him.
4. Write it down
5. Wait- sometimes the better things take longer
The two simple ways to check if what you heard is God:
1. Never should contradict the bible.
2. It should be encouraging, even if conviction, there should always be a way out.
Upon hearing this message I eagerly wanted to spend time listening to what God has to say to me. As I sat down in my sacred place and prayed, I felt the need to simply worship him. I sang out these lines over and over, "Deeper than my view of grace, higher than this worldly place, longer than this road I've traveled, wider than the gap you've filled. Your love is...."
After sitting silent for a few moments I began to write this. I know the inspiration was not of my own accord, and that God was fueling the pen moving on the page.
Emilie,
No matter what you think, my love is never ending. It is always pursuing you and there; whether you chose to feel it or not. My love is better than life. Grab onto it. You'll be surprised where it takes you. This is the greatest love story ever told and you get to be the main character. Won't you accept my love? Why do you doubt it? My love is pure, it is true, it is uncircumstantial, it is grace, it is glue to a broken heart. I promise my love will not break you like the faulty love of the world has; my love will heal you. You will not be able to full experience my love till you leave that sinful place, but I promise my love is unchanging. I loved you the same yesterday as I did today and as I will tomorrow. You do not earn my love, I love you as my work of art, I love you as my daughter; I love you as my home. I love you Emilie Lauren. You are my diligent worker, guarded by me. Nothing can change your identity in me; your purpose. This world has ruined your view of so many things. If only you could see them through my yes. You aren't perfect Emilie, I know that you know that. But I also know that I am the creator, and you are my master piece. Some lines and pieces don't make sense and seem broken, but you aren't finished yet. I like to take my time. :) Keep handing your heart to me, I know it isn't easy my darling, but I promise I will do good for it.
You know how exercising is good for you? But in order for you to build your muscle up, you must first tear it down? Well I created your heart as one of the strongest muscles in your body for a reason. It is the life of your body, even if your brain dead you can live. Without a heart, there is only death And sometimes to have a strong heart, I must tear you down, but only so I can build you up stronger. I want the best for you because I love you. I know you don't get it, but I love you. My love is better than life, and sometimes it takes laying down your life to feel my love. Your knowledge only goes so far and I can only take you this far.
I love you Emilie, even you screw up, my love never wavers. I desire you. Remember that I am an unchanging God but I will always be changing you because you are my delightful work in progress. Yes, I delight in you my dear. Don't think your finished yet; always be ready for work. Sometimes I can't work on you because the current coat of paint is drying. Be patient, wait. I will bring every project and every masterpiece to completion. But a work of art takes time, doesn't it?
In the mean time, enjoy my grace. Swim in a deep sea of it and cling to my hope which brings life. Search out my love because it truly is greater than life. And I promise you will find it. It is not hiding, its right under your nose. Sometimes you just have to look through my eyes and not the world's.
I love you Emilie Lauren.
Love always and forever,
Your Daddy.
Roughly...
God: Scottie, do you talk when your students are taking a test?
Scottie: no! I stay quiet so they can focus and do their best!
God: hmmmmm....
During tests, God may be quiet so you can focus and do your best. Yet, if you want to do well on a test, and make it easier, regardless of the class or surprise or not, you have to prepare yourself for that test by studying...
Scottie had five points for listening to God specifically from Habakkuk 2:1-5
1. I will stand watch at my watch station.
get away, go to your sacred place, the special place to meet with the Lord.
2. Watch to see what he will say.
doesn't always talk through hearing....look for it, search it out, level of action on your part
actively engaging in the process of seeking God out
3. Listen
we know what he is talking about because we know him.
4. Write it down
5. Wait- sometimes the better things take longer
The two simple ways to check if what you heard is God:
1. Never should contradict the bible.
2. It should be encouraging, even if conviction, there should always be a way out.
Upon hearing this message I eagerly wanted to spend time listening to what God has to say to me. As I sat down in my sacred place and prayed, I felt the need to simply worship him. I sang out these lines over and over, "Deeper than my view of grace, higher than this worldly place, longer than this road I've traveled, wider than the gap you've filled. Your love is...."
After sitting silent for a few moments I began to write this. I know the inspiration was not of my own accord, and that God was fueling the pen moving on the page.
Emilie,
No matter what you think, my love is never ending. It is always pursuing you and there; whether you chose to feel it or not. My love is better than life. Grab onto it. You'll be surprised where it takes you. This is the greatest love story ever told and you get to be the main character. Won't you accept my love? Why do you doubt it? My love is pure, it is true, it is uncircumstantial, it is grace, it is glue to a broken heart. I promise my love will not break you like the faulty love of the world has; my love will heal you. You will not be able to full experience my love till you leave that sinful place, but I promise my love is unchanging. I loved you the same yesterday as I did today and as I will tomorrow. You do not earn my love, I love you as my work of art, I love you as my daughter; I love you as my home. I love you Emilie Lauren. You are my diligent worker, guarded by me. Nothing can change your identity in me; your purpose. This world has ruined your view of so many things. If only you could see them through my yes. You aren't perfect Emilie, I know that you know that. But I also know that I am the creator, and you are my master piece. Some lines and pieces don't make sense and seem broken, but you aren't finished yet. I like to take my time. :) Keep handing your heart to me, I know it isn't easy my darling, but I promise I will do good for it.
You know how exercising is good for you? But in order for you to build your muscle up, you must first tear it down? Well I created your heart as one of the strongest muscles in your body for a reason. It is the life of your body, even if your brain dead you can live. Without a heart, there is only death And sometimes to have a strong heart, I must tear you down, but only so I can build you up stronger. I want the best for you because I love you. I know you don't get it, but I love you. My love is better than life, and sometimes it takes laying down your life to feel my love. Your knowledge only goes so far and I can only take you this far.
I love you Emilie, even you screw up, my love never wavers. I desire you. Remember that I am an unchanging God but I will always be changing you because you are my delightful work in progress. Yes, I delight in you my dear. Don't think your finished yet; always be ready for work. Sometimes I can't work on you because the current coat of paint is drying. Be patient, wait. I will bring every project and every masterpiece to completion. But a work of art takes time, doesn't it?
In the mean time, enjoy my grace. Swim in a deep sea of it and cling to my hope which brings life. Search out my love because it truly is greater than life. And I promise you will find it. It is not hiding, its right under your nose. Sometimes you just have to look through my eyes and not the world's.
I love you Emilie Lauren.
Love always and forever,
Your Daddy.
new
new.
a new year.
a new beginning.
a fresh start.
The year of light, love, freedom and victory.
These are the things I am choosing to claim in the new year. A year to embrace the light of God in our dark world, and share it with others. A year to love beyond what we have loved before; and to take in the love of Jesus. A year to live in the freedom of Christ; the truth will set you free and the truth is Christ. And a year to claim the victory of Christ; to live with no fears or regrets, but knowing that in every endeavor we have already won through Christ and there is nothing the devil can do to change that.
I love this song by Charlie Hall. It is such a good example for the new year.
Marvelous Light
I once was fatherless,
a stranger with no hope;
Your kindness wakened me,
Awakened me, from my sleep
Your love it beckons deeply,
a call to come and die.
By grace now I will come
And take this life, take your life.
Sin has lost it's power,
death has lost it's sting.
From the grave you've risen
VICTORIOUSLY!
Into marvelous light I'm running,
Out of darkness, out of shame.
By the cross you are the truth,
You are the life, you are the way
My dead heart now is beating,
My deepest stains now clean.
Your breath fills up my lungs.
Now I'm free. now I'm free!
Lift my hands and spin around,
See the light that i have found.
Oh the marvelous light
Marvelous light
Lift my hands and spin
See the light within...
2010. here I am. I am not afraid. I am ready. Excited to be exact.
I went with some friends in Portland to Southlake Church there. I really loved it. The pastor talked about the new year, and the willingness to embrace new things. It was all a part of the series they were doing called AWAKEN. He had three points that have stuck with me, 1. New problems with require new creativity. 2. New pressures will require conviction and new dependance. 3. new possibilities will require COURAGE.
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