Easter is a special time of celebrating my Lord's great sacrifice and victory, and music is a large part of worship for me. The Revelation Song is one of my absolute favorites!
The Revelation Song
What are some of your favorite songs to sing to worship our risen Savior? If there is a video of it, post a link to share!
Happy Easter!
He Is Risen!!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
We Interrupt This Study for a Meltdown From Our Sponsor...
I will be very honest with you faithful few that I am sitting here in tears while writing this. Why? Because once again, God has tenderly, yet forcefully, shown me that the path He has set before me is as unique and different as I am. (By the way, when trying to make yourself feel better, don't look up the synonyms for different or unique in a thesaurus. "Flaky, mental, nonstandard, odd", and "something else" were among my favorite...)
It's interesting that over the last few years as I have begun to develop a ministry, there have been a few ideas I have taken from others, but in general whenever I heard of a program or a semi-scripted resource, there has been the slightest warning in my spirit. Truly, I have nothing against all these things, it's just that the Lord has spoken to me again and again that my path is going to be different. So on I wade through unseen waters.
I do have my suspicions as to some of the reason why. I desperately want to please people. So much so that I tend to automatically become a chameleon and imitate whatever it is they do, how they speak, and frequently feed off of their ideas. I allow them to block out the sweet whispering of the Spirit's plans for my life. What they are doing isn't necessarily wrong, it's just wrong for me.
Here's the other kicker: He has planted within me the seeds of rebellion. No, I'm not talking anarchy. I've just never been one for liking or doing what everyone else is swayed to do. I don't like being a moo-cow, blindly lacking the free will to not follow the herd into the slaughter house. (Yes, I read Slaughterhouse Five one too many times, much to the indignation of my AP teacher.) I even remember in junior high deciding not to think Maxwell was the hottest guy ever since all the other girls did. The other option was Kevin. I love my man...
So here I have two opposite factions waring with in me. My desperate longing to belong is chastened by the desire to buck the system. How well Paul described this phenomenon in Romans 7:15-25! He begins in verse 15 saying, "I do not understand what I am doing..." Amen to that! How many times have you just said or done something that a moment later you have to ask yourself, "What just happened?!?"
Today's little tirade began as I found an amazing opportunity at the She Speaks Conference to be held in Concord, NC later this summer. It's one of those moments that when the Session Descriptions was clicked, I felt like they had downloaded the wish list from my brain. I was SO excited! Then I looked at the cost- I was SO overwhelmed. Ouch! "But," I thought, "God will provide a way if it's to be!" Low and behold, they were having a contest to give away 3 tickets! ...and I was 6 days late in meeting the deadline. Rats.
Then I did what I knew I shouldn't. I looked at the blogs of those wonderfully gifted women who had entered. I will be honest with you that I don't read many other peoples blogs because I feel the Lord has warned me not to for now. I know that sounds odd, but I always felt it was because He knew I would either try and imitate them or get discouraged that I just couldn't match their skills and creativity. I felt pathetic.
Strike one.
Next, I decided to look at some of what the conference was about. Ironically, one of the first things I read was in the FAQ section, "How should I dress for the conference?" Ugh. I know most of you won't believe this, but I like to dress up. There are just several things that prevent me from it: Health, finances, and God. He has very specifically told me to focus on the real, down-to-earth, everyday girl. Look around at my generation and below. They have changed, and there don't seem to be many in the church who cater to them. I don't feel comfortable doing that in high heels and perfect make-up. The suggestion for the conference was business-casual with occasions where professional dress was expected.
Strike two.
Oh, by the way? Meals were included in the cost.
Strike three.
I felt God shaking me. "Tiffany, this isn't your path. I know it makes sense. But how often do I do that? Remember, My ways are not your ways, and aren't you glad My thoughts are not like your thoughts?"
Yea, God. I really am, but this is going to be hard and confusing.
At least I have the Instruction Book.
It's interesting that over the last few years as I have begun to develop a ministry, there have been a few ideas I have taken from others, but in general whenever I heard of a program or a semi-scripted resource, there has been the slightest warning in my spirit. Truly, I have nothing against all these things, it's just that the Lord has spoken to me again and again that my path is going to be different. So on I wade through unseen waters.
I do have my suspicions as to some of the reason why. I desperately want to please people. So much so that I tend to automatically become a chameleon and imitate whatever it is they do, how they speak, and frequently feed off of their ideas. I allow them to block out the sweet whispering of the Spirit's plans for my life. What they are doing isn't necessarily wrong, it's just wrong for me.
Here's the other kicker: He has planted within me the seeds of rebellion. No, I'm not talking anarchy. I've just never been one for liking or doing what everyone else is swayed to do. I don't like being a moo-cow, blindly lacking the free will to not follow the herd into the slaughter house. (Yes, I read Slaughterhouse Five one too many times, much to the indignation of my AP teacher.) I even remember in junior high deciding not to think Maxwell was the hottest guy ever since all the other girls did. The other option was Kevin. I love my man...
So here I have two opposite factions waring with in me. My desperate longing to belong is chastened by the desire to buck the system. How well Paul described this phenomenon in Romans 7:15-25! He begins in verse 15 saying, "I do not understand what I am doing..." Amen to that! How many times have you just said or done something that a moment later you have to ask yourself, "What just happened?!?"
Today's little tirade began as I found an amazing opportunity at the She Speaks Conference to be held in Concord, NC later this summer. It's one of those moments that when the Session Descriptions was clicked, I felt like they had downloaded the wish list from my brain. I was SO excited! Then I looked at the cost- I was SO overwhelmed. Ouch! "But," I thought, "God will provide a way if it's to be!" Low and behold, they were having a contest to give away 3 tickets! ...and I was 6 days late in meeting the deadline. Rats.
Then I did what I knew I shouldn't. I looked at the blogs of those wonderfully gifted women who had entered. I will be honest with you that I don't read many other peoples blogs because I feel the Lord has warned me not to for now. I know that sounds odd, but I always felt it was because He knew I would either try and imitate them or get discouraged that I just couldn't match their skills and creativity. I felt pathetic.
Strike one.
Next, I decided to look at some of what the conference was about. Ironically, one of the first things I read was in the FAQ section, "How should I dress for the conference?" Ugh. I know most of you won't believe this, but I like to dress up. There are just several things that prevent me from it: Health, finances, and God. He has very specifically told me to focus on the real, down-to-earth, everyday girl. Look around at my generation and below. They have changed, and there don't seem to be many in the church who cater to them. I don't feel comfortable doing that in high heels and perfect make-up. The suggestion for the conference was business-casual with occasions where professional dress was expected.
Strike two.
Oh, by the way? Meals were included in the cost.
Strike three.
I felt God shaking me. "Tiffany, this isn't your path. I know it makes sense. But how often do I do that? Remember, My ways are not your ways, and aren't you glad My thoughts are not like your thoughts?"
Yea, God. I really am, but this is going to be hard and confusing.
At least I have the Instruction Book.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Make Every Effort: Are You Thirsty?
There is just too much meat in this next section to discuss in one day, so I've broken it in two portions. Today, let's focus on just the first half of verse 5:
2 Peter 1:5a
For His divine power has given us everything required
for life and godliness,
through the knowledge of Him who called us
by His own glory and goodness.
By these He has given us very great and precious promises,
so that through them you may share in the divine nature,
escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desires.
For this very reason,
make every effort to supplement your
faith with goodness,
goodness with knowledge,
knowledge with self-control,
self-control with endurance,
endurance with godliness,
godliness with brotherly affection,
and brotherly affection with love.
For if these qualities are yours
and are increasing,
they will keep you from being
useless or unfruitful
in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The person who lacks these things
is blind and shortsighted,
and has forgotten the cleansing from his past sins.
Therefore, brothers, make every effort
to confirm your calling and election,
because if you do these things
you will never stumble.
For in this way,
entry into the eternal kingdom of
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
will be richly supplied to you.
2 Peter 1:3-11
If someone you dearly loved asked you to make every effort to bring them a gallon of water every day, and you knew that what you brought was most of what they would have to live on, what would you do to ensure you got that water to them? Do you think you'd forget after a week or two? Or would it become a regular part of your routine?
Why do we think it's any different when God gives us the life sustaining advise to "make every effort" in our Christian walk? We are told in the New Testament to make ever effort...
to enter. Luke 13:24, Hebrews 4:11
to take hold. Philippians 3:12
to supplement. 2 Peter 1:5
to confirm. 2 Peter 1:10
to recall. 2 Peter 1:15
to be found in peace. 2 Peter 3:14
These things are given for us to do for our own benefit in order to stay healthy as slaves of Christ Jesus. But the question is, are we willing to do them?
Interestingly, the phrase "make every effort" is used only ten times in the New Testament. Seven of them - above -are between a human and God. They are things given for each of us personally, by God, to strive for. The other three still require action, but they are person to person. They were written through Paul, saying "make every effort to come (to me)". 2 Timothy 4:9, 21; Titus 3:12
Christianity is not a lone religion. If it were, we would not be called on to encourage one another so much- "But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin's deception." Hebrews 13:3 (See also: Romans 1:11-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:11) There would also be no need for lessons on the Church as the body of Christ if we were to tread this path alone. "And He personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ..." Ephesians 4:11-12 (See also: Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12).
Paul realized his God-given need for fellow believers to help him in his own ministry and walk. He made every effort, and in doing so, set a prime example for us to follow.
I have faith that because Paul had made every effort to know and follow Christ himself, if he had been the one bringing that gallon of water daily for me to stay alive, it would have been done with brotherly love and affection. In doing so, Paul's encouragement through an act of love would have inspired me to make every effort to follow my own narrow path with Jesus Christ, resulting in the continuation of the cycle.
How about you? Have you brought, or been brought, a "gallon of water" everyday, or is your witness for Christ Jesus a bit dehydrated?
to enter. Luke 13:24, Hebrews 4:11
to take hold. Philippians 3:12
to supplement. 2 Peter 1:5
to confirm. 2 Peter 1:10
to recall. 2 Peter 1:15
to be found in peace. 2 Peter 3:14
These things are given for us to do for our own benefit in order to stay healthy as slaves of Christ Jesus. But the question is, are we willing to do them?
Interestingly, the phrase "make every effort" is used only ten times in the New Testament. Seven of them - above -are between a human and God. They are things given for each of us personally, by God, to strive for. The other three still require action, but they are person to person. They were written through Paul, saying "make every effort to come (to me)". 2 Timothy 4:9, 21; Titus 3:12
Christianity is not a lone religion. If it were, we would not be called on to encourage one another so much- "But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin's deception." Hebrews 13:3 (See also: Romans 1:11-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:11) There would also be no need for lessons on the Church as the body of Christ if we were to tread this path alone. "And He personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ..." Ephesians 4:11-12 (See also: Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12).
Paul realized his God-given need for fellow believers to help him in his own ministry and walk. He made every effort, and in doing so, set a prime example for us to follow.
I have faith that because Paul had made every effort to know and follow Christ himself, if he had been the one bringing that gallon of water daily for me to stay alive, it would have been done with brotherly love and affection. In doing so, Paul's encouragement through an act of love would have inspired me to make every effort to follow my own narrow path with Jesus Christ, resulting in the continuation of the cycle.
How about you? Have you brought, or been brought, a "gallon of water" everyday, or is your witness for Christ Jesus a bit dehydrated?
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Make Every Effort: Everything Required
Several days ago I ran across a passage in 2 Peter that shook me to the core. It was so rich, I have been dining on it ever since! I've broken it into four sections, and every day will post the entire Scripture, but will place the text I'd like to discuss in bold. I pray you will be as enriched, challenged, and encouraged by them as I have been!
Everything Required
2 Peter :3-4
For His divine power has given us everything required
for life and godliness,
through the knowledge of Him who called us
by His own glory and goodness.
By these He has given us very great and precious promises,
so that through them you may share in the divine nature,
escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desires.
For this very reason,
make every effort to supplement your
faith with goodness,
goodness with knowledge,
knowledge with self-control,
self-control with endurance,
endurance with godliness,
godliness with brotherly affection,
and brotherly affection with love.
For if these qualities are yours
and are increasing,
they will keep you from being
useless or unfruitful
in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The person who lacks these things
is blind and shortsighted,
and has forgotten the cleansing from his past sins.
Therefore, brothers, make every effort
to confirm your calling and election,
because if you do these things
you will never stumble.
For in this way,
entry into the eternal kingdom of
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
will be richly supplied to you.
2 Peter 1:3-11
You know, I could just about stop at the first comma in verse 3 and be satisfied. "For His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness..." I could, that is, if He hadn't made me such a curious creature. I need to know the details, and I'm so glad He provided them!
In all honesty, that should be enough for us. God - the Creator and Sustainer of the universe - with His divine power, has given us all we will ever need for life and godliness. What a beautiful confirmation not only that He is willing to do that for us, but that He, and He alone, is able to. Why do we settle for less than godliness if we truly follow Christ Jesus? After all, there is no excuse. He already gave us the ability to achieve it.
So how was it that we obtained this certainty? "Through the knowledge of Him..." That is the conduit through which we received such a gift. The Gospel. Perhaps that is why Paul says to the believers in 1 Corinthians 2:2, that he was "...determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." There was nothing else they truly needed.
I love what it goes on to say though. God reminds us - in the same breath - that HE was the one who called us to Him: He opened our eyes and ears (Isaiah 35:5) to the understanding of the Gospel of Christ Jesus "by His own glory and goodness." He did it because He is just that good.
But it gets even better! V. 4, "By these" - His glory and His goodness - "He has given us very great and precious promises..." Not just one promise, but many very great ones:
We are now His children: Romans 9:8, Galatians 3:29
Given the Holy Spirit/Counselor: Ephesians 1:13
Receive a crown of life: James 1:12
Eternal life in His Kingdom: Titus 1:2
Many blessings: Deuteronomy 1:11
Forgiveness: Hebrews 8:12
Rest: Joshua 22:4
His Word written in our hearts: Jeremiah 31:33
And many more...
He gave us all these... "so that through them we may share in the divine nature...", as co-heirs with Christ and children of God (Romans 8:17), "escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desires." Ah. Here's the reason why all of these promises are good in the first place. To escape the punishment for the corruption of sin. We are all sinners, and we are all given one way to escape from the consequences of those sins (Romans 5:19): Jesus Christ.
With the knowledge of Him in our hearts, and the glory and goodness of God's divine power, we have a way to refrain from sins evil desires.
How amazing, and loving, is that?
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Easter Dinner
Think about a typical Easter dinner with all it's brightly colored fixings...
This year there was something about this feast celebrating our Lord's resurrection that made me laugh out loud.
What are two "must have"'s for the meal?
Ham and deviled eggs- To celebrate our Jewish God and Savior.
Who says God doesn't have a sense of humor?
So this year as you enjoy the taste of pork (Leviticus 11:7-8) and the freshness of eggs that have been deviled,...
Remember and rejoice that all things have been made clean (1 Corinthians 10:31) and the eggs have been split down the middle for a reason! "And if Satan rebels against himself and is divided, he cannot stand but is finished!" Mark 3:26
Monday, March 29, 2010
Mulling
What are you mulling over?
I believe the spiritual term is "meditating upon", but to put it in a language we can all associate with, I call it mulling. There is one particular passage the Lord has brought to my attention recently that will take some time and a lot of research to digest before posting it on here. I love it when He brings Scripture to life like that.
How about you? What Truth has He brought to your attention? Is there a aspect of His Word that is speaking personally to you? Perhaps your mulling is in how to respond. Is there a question you have about Christian living that seems to remain grey to you? Perhaps we can explore it together!
I believe the spiritual term is "meditating upon", but to put it in a language we can all associate with, I call it mulling. There is one particular passage the Lord has brought to my attention recently that will take some time and a lot of research to digest before posting it on here. I love it when He brings Scripture to life like that.
How about you? What Truth has He brought to your attention? Is there a aspect of His Word that is speaking personally to you? Perhaps your mulling is in how to respond. Is there a question you have about Christian living that seems to remain grey to you? Perhaps we can explore it together!
What was from the beginning,
what we have heard,
what we have seen with our eyes,
what we have observed,
and have touched with our hands,
concerning the Word of life-
that life was revealed,
and we have seen it
and we testify and declare to you
the eternal life that was with the Father
and was revealed to us-
1 John 1:1-2
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Family
I had an experience a few years ago that I still think about on occasion.
One of the best places to listen to worship music is while driving. Not only does being stuck in a fast moving metal box force me to slow my mind down and take time to worship, but I've found that road rage - on my part - is curbed as well. I happened once, to be listening to my favorite local Christian radio station, Way-FM, and was singing along at the top of my lungs to a worship tune that was playing as I pulled up to an intersection. After a few moments I looked in my rear-view mirror and noticed a young man with a huge grin on his face staring straight at me. It took me a second before I realized that he too was singing the same worship song I was! Laughing, I smiled back and we jammed that worship song together.
When the light turned, I slowed down a bit and he pulled up next to me. We grinned at each other as the next song came on and realizing it was time for him to turn, we nodded to one another in recognition of our common Savior and parted ways on this earth.
I can't wait to laugh about it with him in heaven!
Do you ever take the time to realized how blessed we are to have so many brothers and sisters in Christ? I find it amazing that I can meet a perfect stranger and have such a sweet connection, or re-connect with those I haven't seen in years and have an instant spark and interest in our Living Lord. Only God can accomplish such a feat with such stubborn and selfish hearts.
I've also found that parting with fellow Christians doesn't bother me as much either. I've told those who leave that if we never meet again here on this earth, I'll give them a big hug in heaven. What a peace and joy! The more I live knowing this is "not my home" the less the typical sorrows of this world bother me. (2 Corinthians 5:1-4)
Take some time today to thank God for all your siblings in Christ. Marvel at and praise Him for how He connects us by the Spirit, through Jesus, for the glory of God the Father!
One of the best places to listen to worship music is while driving. Not only does being stuck in a fast moving metal box force me to slow my mind down and take time to worship, but I've found that road rage - on my part - is curbed as well. I happened once, to be listening to my favorite local Christian radio station, Way-FM, and was singing along at the top of my lungs to a worship tune that was playing as I pulled up to an intersection. After a few moments I looked in my rear-view mirror and noticed a young man with a huge grin on his face staring straight at me. It took me a second before I realized that he too was singing the same worship song I was! Laughing, I smiled back and we jammed that worship song together.
When the light turned, I slowed down a bit and he pulled up next to me. We grinned at each other as the next song came on and realizing it was time for him to turn, we nodded to one another in recognition of our common Savior and parted ways on this earth.
I can't wait to laugh about it with him in heaven!
Do you ever take the time to realized how blessed we are to have so many brothers and sisters in Christ? I find it amazing that I can meet a perfect stranger and have such a sweet connection, or re-connect with those I haven't seen in years and have an instant spark and interest in our Living Lord. Only God can accomplish such a feat with such stubborn and selfish hearts.
I've also found that parting with fellow Christians doesn't bother me as much either. I've told those who leave that if we never meet again here on this earth, I'll give them a big hug in heaven. What a peace and joy! The more I live knowing this is "not my home" the less the typical sorrows of this world bother me. (2 Corinthians 5:1-4)
Take some time today to thank God for all your siblings in Christ. Marvel at and praise Him for how He connects us by the Spirit, through Jesus, for the glory of God the Father!
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