December Quotes

Pray that this year you may be holy, humble, zealous, and patient and have closer communion with Christ. Pray that you may be an example and blessing to others, and that you may live more for the glory of your Master… Let January open with joy in the Lord, and December close with gladness in Jesus.

-Charles H. Spurgeon

Men of iron are forged in fire.

-Unknown

We became very close. Sitting together in silence sometimes, he would say the thought that was stirring in my mind. So it should be, but rarely is, between friends, and between man and wife. 

-Richard Wurmbrand

The attitude in your heart will determine the atmosphere of your home, 

which in turn will affect the actions of everyone in your home. 

-Nancy Campbell

If I take offence easily; if I am content to continue in cold unfriendliness, though friendship be possible, then I know nothing of Calvary love. 

-Amy Carmichael

When a painter starts a portrait, all you see is a blur of colour. It takes time for the sitter to emerge. Everyone admires the portrait of Mona Lisa, but it took Leonardo forty years to finish. The ascent of a mountain is hard going before you can enjoy the view from the summit. 

-Richard Wurmbrand

Satan's power and knowledge are limited; his doom is sure. He's not worthy of our time, obsession, and emotions. Instead we live with both of our eyes fixed firmly on Jesus, who has delivered us from the devil's wrath and given us a sure hope that we will one day be rid of him for ever.

-Mike McKinley

Demanding respect is the quickest and most efficient way to lose it. Rendering respect is the biblical way to give, and, in the giving, to receive back what was given in another form.

-Douglas Wilson

But if we have the peace of God, the world cannot take that from us. It cannot give it. It cannot destroy it. We have to get it from above the world. It is peace that Christ gives. 'Great peace have they which love Your law, and nothing shall offend them.' Christ says, 'Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in Me.' Now, if you will notice, wherever there is a Bible-taught Christian, one who has the Bible well-marked, and daily feeds on the Word by prayerful meditation, he will not be easily offended.

-D.L. Moody

The key to battling pride is not found in struggling against thinking too highly of ourselves or in striving to think of ourselves as lowly. The key is found in simply not thinking about ourselves at all, but setting our minds on Christ and the needs of others. 

-Paul Washer

The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.

-C. S. Lewis

But no good hope dies without leaving a child behind it—a younger and fresher hope. The year’s fruit must fall that the next year’s may come, and the winter is only way to the spring.

-George MacDonald

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. 

(Romans 13:5-6,13 ESV)

At the Close of 2015...

This has been my theme verse for the year of 2015, and as the days of this year draw to a close, I find myself still reminded of it.

The believer's life is sure to bring joys and trials, but there is a promise that once we are in Christ, we are secure in him. Nothing can move us from the Father's love, the Son's protection, or the Holy Spirit's guidance. Christ Jesus has made me His own, and nothing can separate me from the love of God. It's not because we've obtained spiritual maturity or because we're perfect. We continue on in working out our own salvation because it's God who works in us and because Christ Jesus has made us His own. A people of his possession, the chosen ones, sent to live Jesus to the world and share His love to other believers.

I've been reading through all four Gospels as part of my reading plan, and I've almost finished John. John 14-17 especially have been some of my most favorite chapters in the Gospels. Jesus talks with His disciples shortly before He will be arrested and He provides them with the comfort and teaching they need in that moment. They don't understand it all until His ascension, but because the words were penned for us also, we, as the 21 century believers, benefit from it today.

We were made the possession of Jesus when He purchased our ransom by paying for our sins on the cross.

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. (Colossians 2:13-15, ESV)

He chose to remove the legal record against us, and not only did he just satisfy the requirement for a perfect blood sacrifice, but He also gloried and triumphed in it. He was pleased to do it. He set aside the majesty to heaven to be born, to die, and to rise again for the people He created. Our past, present, and future is nailed to the cross with Him. That's why we are in Him--He made us His own.

We are now citizens of a new country, a heavenly one, and we await a Savior, who, though is tarrying long in His return, will come again for He has promised. We're not of this world anymore. Scripture commands us to forsake the world and its desires and walk worthy of the Lord. We're saints saved by His grace through faith in Christ Jesus for His glory. Our life is hidden with Christ in God, and when our Life appears, we also will appear with Him in glory.

2015 gave us another year to walk as saints of God's kingdom. Perhaps we did, but in many ways we probably did not. Lord willing, 2016 will give us another year and through its challenges and blessings, we will be offered another season of spiritual growth to use for Christ. Let us not grow weary or fall by the wayside, but let us have courage to do what God has called us to. Not because we've obtained anything in and of ourselves, but because we forget what lies behind and we strain forward into what lies ahead. Let us press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. May our work for the Savior keep us humble but confident, weak but strong, patient but waiting. And wherever He calls us to go may we know that our time spent for God is not in vain, for it is done in the power of Jesus Christ. We are more than just conquerors. We're will reign with Christ as saints. Let us live like it. Let us thank Him for the days ahead in which we will be given opportunity to demonstrate our love for Him and for others.

Thank you all for your support and encouragement as friends and as readers of Facing the Waves. You are appreciated. May God go with you all and may you know His peace, comfort, and love in the days to come.

Live for Christ

A post on some Scripture reading thoughts I had back in November. :)

For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. 

(2 Corinthians 5:14-15)

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 

(Galatians 2:20)

We continue to live day by day by faith in Christ because Someone loved us enough to die for us. And if He loved us enough to die for us, then surely we can love Him by living for Him. Not in "payment" back to Jesus, because we could never repay that, but because living by faith demonstrates the love of Christ and our love for Him. It brings Him glory. That's why we live: to glorify God and show His love to others.

But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus. 

(Philippians 1:24-26a)

We love Him because He first loved us. That love grips us and constraints us to follow His path, not by rules and regulations, but because we realize how awesome and how compassionate He is. Our old nature died with Him on that cross, and we were raised with Him in Spirit when He was resurrected. Let us not serve the sin, the world, and the flesh that haunts us still. Rather let us live in the strength of the Lord seeking what is above, not what is on earth. 

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

(Colossians 3:1-4)

There is a glory that awaits us even today. A glory that was fortold by the prophets, spoken by angels, preached by man, and predestined by God. That glory came in flesh and dwelt among us. We beheld that glory. The glory of the one and only Son of God, full of grace and truth. 

For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness, 'has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ...For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh....So we do not lose heart....For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen, For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

(2 Corinthians 4:6, 11, 16a, 18)

Live to demonstrate that glory to others. Live for Christ. 

The City on the Hill: Does the Light Still Shine?

This article was first written for the ICBF blog in April 2015. I hope the reposting of it here today reminds us of important truths and encourages us to forbear willingly with one another.

Did you hear of the city on the hill?
Said one old man to the other
It once shined bright and it would be shining still
But they all started turning on each other
You see, the poets thought the dancers were shallow
And the soldiers thought the poets were weak
And the elders saw the young ones as foolish
And the rich man never heard the poor man speak

And one by one, they ran away
With their made-up minds to leave it all behind
And the light began to fade in the city on the hill
The city on the hill


Each one thought that they knew better
But they were different by design
Instead of standing strong together
They let their differences divide

And one by one, they ran away
With their made-up minds to leave it all behind
And the light began to fade in the city on the hill
The city on the hill
(“The City on the Hill” by Casting Crowns)

I heard these lyrics awhile back, and I was struck by the message they portrayed. This song addresses the subject that divides friends, families, and churches at a terrifying rate. You see, we forget that God created different individuals with different personalities and gave them different gifts and impressed on them different personal convictions. And in our pride, we sometimes see our way as the only right way, not realizing that the very gifts God gave us were exactly as different as necessary to make the body of Christ complete. We can easily point out a person’s weaknesses once we’ve known them long enough, and when we’ve known them even longer, their weaknesses seem to overpower their strengths.

I’m going to take an educated guess and suppose that these song lyrics were based off of Matthew 5:14-16 because it’s almost a direct implication to Christ’s words in this passage. And if that’s not where the lyrics come from, the passage still fits.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. (ESV)

This is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. He calls His followers the light of the world. And the city on a hill cannot hide its light. It stands at a higher elevation and shines to those down below. One doesn’t light a lamp and hide it. A light is no use when covered and hidden away, but instead it is placed on a stand, higher up to spread its rays around to those who need it.

This city on a hill in Matthew was referring to the disciples first, and then, through the disciples, churches, families, and individuals carry on the light of the Gospel to those who live in darkness. One way believers accomplish that today is by using their gifts and by living in unity with fellow believers.

The lyrics of “City On the Hill” begin with one man sharing with another the story of a city: a city full of light and goodness. But it was quickly destroyed when the citizens turned on one another. Despising each person’s differences, the once peaceful people caused the city to crumble inward. Their united front was broken, and, in division, they tore into each other, shattering the harmony. They saw, not each other’s strengths, but the weaknesses that mirrored some of their own ways of life.

Not knowing that unity created strength, the people ran from the brokenness, from their differences, thus quenching the light which had for so long shone on the hill. They would not be dissuaded. Fear had bound its chains tightly, and pride had kept them there. So they ran down the hill, instead of facing the pain and humility that healing could bring. And because they were set on a hill, the change was noticed by many. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.

Each thought they knew better than the other. The poets thought the dancers were shallow./The soldiers thought the poets were weak./The elders saw the young ones as foolish./And the rich man never heard the poor man speak. They let their differences divide them, oblivious to the knowledge that they were different by Divine design.

The body of believers today is that city set on a hill. We have the true light, and when we hold a united front, the glory of God shines out to those around. We aren’t perfect, but the pure light of Christ shines through the weakness of our flesh and portrays a redeemed brokenness, rather than an unresolved brokenness that divides relationships.

We’re called to be one body by the grace and strength of God. We cannot do without one another. If we run away in pride or fear, the light will diminish. Therefore, we are called to stand by faith and live in unity with other members of Christ’s body. But we’re all created differently, and while walking in the liberty of grace, we’re called to live in unity to display the Lordship of Christ—for He is our Head.

Perhaps one of the best descriptions of spiritual gifts comes from Romans 12. Paul lists seven gifts, warning the church not to let pride take control, but to use discernment in exercising their strengths. Jesus’ followers are nothing in and of themselves, and the knowledge of this keeps pride and fear at bay, knowing that only our Head enables us to live out our strengths for His glory. We are to be as one body, functioning together as one whole unit. Each individual carries different strengths, specifically assigned to him by the grace of God, but we all have the same function as the body of Christ: reflecting our Head in all we say and do.

Listed here are the spiritual gifts given to believers in this age. (I currently believe that some spiritual gifts given to believers at the time of the apostles have ceased. Therefore, I’m listing them as they would apply to us today.) I believe there are a few more throughout Scripture, but I’m detailing some of the main ones.

The preacher gifting is one that often desires to see a person make things right with God. Their passion is to see people’s lives align rightly with Scripture, and if that means confronting sin, then they aren’t afraid to do so. They want to see people released from sin’s chains. They might not be preachers in the sense of leading a congregation, but they love to declare the truth of God’s Word, and their joy comes from seeing people walking in that truth.

The servant is one who loves to meet the practical needs of those around them. Their strength lies in doing good for other people and being concerned with a person’s well-being. The servant would give what they don’t have if it would only fill a gap in someone else’s life. They enable others to use their strength more fully, by taking on practical tasks. They like to use their time, resources, and money to fulfill needs, and they receive joy knowing that God worked through them to help another person.

Those who are gifted in teaching desire to explain God’s truths. They go down deep, pulling up the treasures from God’s Word. They study and find the little details and explain things to people. The teacher pours his time into studying just to see the light in people’s eyes when they suddenly understand a truth. They have the heavy responsibility of declaring truth and making Christ known to themselves and others. They passionately pursue studying Scripture, and their joy comes from presenting knowledge in and understandable way to those around them.

The exhorter is an encourager. They give hope to the discouraged, and strength to the wavering. They love to tell people that God is greater than any difficulty. Encouragers exude love and compassion, and they take the time to help people see the good in a bad situation. They want a person to pick up their life and press forward in the strength of the Lord. They find joy in lifting spirits and giving people hope.

The gift of giving is one that often manifests itself in financial means. These kinds of people love to invest their money in the work of God. They can never give too much, and they desire people to find material needs fulfilled by their giving. The giver will give you the shirt off his back just to relieve a physical need because they love sharing what God has blessed them with. They find joy knowing that God uses their abilities to diminish someone’s empty resources.

The ruler is an organizer. They run around with the to-do lists. They put chaos into order and take charge in emergencies. They administrate and oversee things so the to-do lists end up with a nice row of checkmarks. The ruler’s strength lies in directing people to schedule and organize things, so everything is done on time and in the right way. The rulers have their sights set to the goal, and they take joy in seeing God’s work completed in a precise and accurate manner.

The mercy-givers empathize with others. They are emotionally empathetic with people. They cry with those who are crying, and they genuinely rejoice with those who are rejoicing. They can feel the internal emotions of a person even if they’ve never been in the situation. They are the ones who are often willing to walk with a person through the healing process. Mercy-givers take joy in bearing others’ burdens.

These are all huge strengths, and everyone has some of them as their main strengths. They are good things, God-given things. Each carries the weight of a specific mission with it. Each one includes a passion that weighs on a person’s heart until they fulfill it. Each one is different. And when you put them all together in a group, the body of Christ is supposed to work as a physical body would—in harmony with one another, and all with the goal of bring benefit and glory to the Head.

The problem comes when people turn inward and start attacking their own members. The mercy-giver says the preacher has no compassion. The ruler says the giver has no organization or restraint. The exhorter says the teacher wears people out with details. And the preacher wonders how crying with someone could ever possibly teach them truth. The person who serves tells the giver that handing out money doesn’t fix the unmet practical needs. The teacher complains that the encourager has no sense of reality. The giver is confused as to how preaching at someone shows love to them. And when a person’s gifting helps an individual, the other members are jealous that their gift wasn’t needed. They started turning on each other. Each one thought that they knew better/But they were different by design/Instead of standing strong together/They let their differences divide.
The body of Christ requires every gift and every individual in the church of Christ to work together with its strengths and weaknesses. They need each other, for without the balance, each gift would swing to an unbiblical extreme. The preacher needs the balance of the mercy-giver. The strength of serving must be balanced with the responsibility of the ruler. The teacher needs the encourager. The Exhorter needs the reality of the preacher and teacher. The giver needs to balance out with serving. The ruler needs the compassion of the mercy-giver. And the strength of mercy needs to balance with the truth of the preacher. The weakness of one is the strength for the other. To run and hide from the weaknesses is to put out the light of city on the hill. To run is to live in pride instead of accepting that others might have something you lack. To run is to ignore the gifts the Sovereign God gave and reject the command to shine the light.

We can’t do without each other. If we could, that would mean we were fully capable of meeting all needs with our gift alone. And that’s impossible. There are all different characters, personalities, struggles, and strengths; it’s the body of believers who need to demonstrate unity through diversity. Strengths were given to benefit believers and glorify Christ. Weaknesses were given to curb pride and show us the sufficiency of Christ.

The world is searching still. It is rooted deep in people to know they need others, and even unbelievers want companionship. Let’s show the brotherhood of Christ to the unbelievers by standing strong instead of running, showing the diversity of unity when we meet the weakness of another with our strength, and accepting the strength of another when we cannot do it all. Tearing into one another, despising the gifts of one another, and fearing the unknown isn’t compatible with a God who created differences. Differences were never meant to divide, but to bring broken people together. We’re all broken in some way, and sometimes it’s the gift of another that provides the strength we need.

The body is to resemble the Head. It’s to be small likeness of the future Kingdom which will live in complete harmony under the King of Kings. But the light of brotherly unity is fading quickly all over the world. Doctrinal issues, personal convictions, deep struggles, and differing interests divide people sooner than they build them up. Is our city going to shine? Have we made up our minds to stay? Or are people going to see a darkening city with the citizens running in fear and pride? Are we going to face the unknown and work through it or disappear into the darkness? Does the light still shine in the city on the hill? The city is our God-given home, and if that light goes out, there may not be another to light it immediately. The light from one city creates the strength for the next city to keep on shining. One person’s strength gives strength to another. It’s up to all the believers across the world to carry the light. United we stand and divided we fall.

And the world is searching still
But it was the rhythm of the dancers
That gave the poets life
It was the spirit of the poets
That gave the soldiers strength to fight
It was the fire of the young ones
It was the wisdom of the old
It was the story of the poor man
That needed to be told
­(“The City on the Hill” by Casting Crowns)

Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!

(Psalm 133:1)

We are to grow up in every way

Into him who is the head, into Christ,

from whom the whole body, joined and held together

by every join with which it is equipped,

when each part is working properly,

makes the body grow so that it 

builds itself up in love.

(Ephesians 4:15-16)

Arise, shine, for your light has come,

and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, 

and thick darkness the peoples;

but the Lord will arise upon you,

and his glory will be seen upon you.

And nations shall come to your light,

and kings to the brightness of your rising.

(Isaiah 60:1-3)

November Quotes

Forgiveness is the key which unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hatred. It breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness. The forgiveness of Jesus not only takes away our sins, it makes them as if they had never been.

-Corrie ten Boom

My trust is in the mercy and wisdom of a kind Providence, who ordereth all things for our good.

-Robert E. Lee

For every look at self, take ten looks at Christ.

-Robert Murray McCheyne

You are what you want to become long before you get there.

-Steve Riddell

If you let something steal your thanksgiving, you let something steal your joy, and if you let something steal your joy, you let something steal your strength.

-Unknown

The choice before us is: Do we only give glory to God for the part of our lives that's going the way we want? Or do we worship Him, trust Him, and GIVE HIM THANKS, just because He is God—regardless of the painful, incomprehensible places we encounter in our journey?

-Nancy Leigh DeMoss

When you love those who hurt you by praying for them, in that process you are being washed by the love of Christ and no unforgiveness is allowed to stay.

-Jim Staley

The thought that there beats a heart in heaven that is always loving us, that there moves a tongue in heaven that always pleads for us; that there is an arm in heaven that always fights for us; and that there is a foot in heaven that will be swift to run for our defense--oh! this is a precious consolation.

-Spurgeon

Grace that cannot be seen, like light, and tasted, like salt, is not grace, but hypocrisy. 

-J. C. Ryle

We are the people who can't distinguish between doctrine and application, in terms of saying one thing and doing another.

-Albert Mohler

Although it is very right to think about the future, it is very wrong to be controlled by it.

-Martyn Lloyd-Jones

The clouds must break somehow, and the sun is always behind them!

-George MacDonald

Surrender=Freedom

One of my posts was featured on Amy's blog this week. I had originally written it for her newsletter, but that was discontinued some time ago, so she kindly shared it on her blog. You can check it out HERE. :) 

My post for this week was written specifically for my Bible study group. Of the three Communities that our group participates in (prayer, Scripture memorization, and Scripture reading), I am the moderator of the Scripture reading community. And for the purposes of encouraging one another to stay in the Word, I write out a (sometimes short ;) encouragement post on a monthly basis. Several of those posts I've shared here already. And today's post provides yet another reason to faithfully read Scripture: to teach us to surrender. 

*****

We read Scripture to bring our minds into line with God’s Word. So often we tend to take control of every single detail of our lives that we forget Who’s really ruling the events of this universe. I’m not saying that we release all responsibility for everything we do, that would also be wrong. Surrender is a mental practice more than anything. It’s a willingness to take responsibility for what we do, do the best in everything we do, but yet release the results and future of it to God’s care. It’s a purposeful, conscious decision to submit to God’s ordering of our lives knowing that He can use the sinful and the righteous to fulfill His design for each of us.

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. (John 12:24)

Sometimes we surrender big things…careers, jobs, performance opportunities, relationships, finances, fears, etc. And sometimes surrender is needed for the smallest things, too: your daily schedule, that phone call, that social outing, the spoken word, the to-do list that didn’t get done. We surrender to find freedom, because holding tightly to things that aren’t ours to control will only hurt us and others. Surrender is a reminder to us that God gave us a will and charged us with responsibility in this life, but He’s still God. He’s the one on the throne. Surrender doesn’t change God; it changes us. It reminds us that we’re not in control of everything, that we don’t have to be either. The world doesn’t rest on our shoulders. It held in the hands of Jesus. Surrender reminds us that it’s God who works in us, and at the end of the day, it’s God who makes and will make all things good. Surrender reminds us of our position under Christ.

Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (Matthew 16:24-25)

Surrender is not giving up. Sometimes it means fighting for what’s right even when there isn’t any hope in sight. Surrender means yielding everything you have to Christ and letting Him create the end result. Sometimes that means burning yourself out in doing what God has commanded you to do, and then standing aside and praying that the Holy Spirit shows you the results.

Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12b-13)

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. (Philippians 3:12) 

Perhaps one of the best visible ways (though certainly not the only way) we surrender is through forgiveness. Forgiveness is releasing a person from the debt they owed you. A debt they couldn’t repay. Forgiveness means that you don’t bring up the offense to yourself, to that person, or to others. It means releasing that person from their bondage to you (whether or not they acknowledge it) and not expecting “payment”.

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. (Colossians 3:12-13)

But whether surrender is shown through forgiveness or whether it’s a prayer in the middle of the night, surrender is a giving up of ourselves to Christ. After all, we are called to be “little Christs”, and He not only demonstrated surrender to His Father’s will, but He also demonstrated surrender when He said “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”. In that surrender, He found victory. No, He created the victory that we would live in. We read Scripture to bring our hearts and minds into surrender. In the words of life we find that the Holy Spirit is the one who brings our wills into line with God’s will. In surrender you find freedom, you find victory, because you’re not in control. God is.

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. (1 John 5:4)

And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." (Matthew 26:39) 

Tough Faith

I've been reading through the Psalms for the past four days, and I will finish it in three days. Spending a week in the Psalms is one of the parts of my Bible reading schedule that I look forward to the most, as they are the praises and pleadings of God's children.

One phrase from the notes from my study Bible summed up one of the themes of Psalms: Tough faith will not let go. We see examples continually of the Psalmists when they're in the deepest valleys struggling with depression, despair, and discouragement. Their fears are real, and God knows that. He doesn't condemn them for their sorrow and hurt, but rather responds to their faith that would not let go. God brings them comfort and relief in Him--not necessarily relief and comfort by removing the difficult circumstances.

One of the first examples comes in Psalm 3, when David flees from his son Absalom.

O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying of my soul, there is no salvation for him in God. 

David was often in physical, mental, spiritual, or emotional trouble, and this setting is no different. Yet in the next two verses, he is instantly reminded of who God is, and he finds his salvation in God. Tough faith doesn't let go, but consciously reminds oneself of God's faithfulness. God met David where he was and provided strength even in the presence of his enemies.

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. 

Psalm 13:1-2 gives another example of David's pleas to God when he feels like he can't endure any longer:

How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long mustI take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

 That's how David begins the Psalm, but because tough faith doesn't let go but rejoices in trusting God, he ends the Psalm very differently.

But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me. 

Psalm 27 shows the contrast of fear and faith in almost each line. Tough faith takes courage in God's past, present, and future protection and rests in the knowledge of a glorious future with Christ.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? ...Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident...For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock....I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

Psalm 35 is one of David's pleas to God for vindication from those who maliciously accuse him, but again David's tough faith won't let go, but chooses to rejoice in a God who will restore justice and righteousness for him.

Malicious witnesses rise up; they ask me of things that I do not know. They repay me evil for good; my soul is bereft....But at my stumbling they rejoiced and gathered; they gathered together against me; wretches whom I did not know tore at me without ceasing; like profane mockers at a feast, they gnash at me with their teeth....Vindicate me, O Lord, my God, according to your righteousness, and let them not rejoice over me! ...Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness and of your praise all the day long.

Psalm 71 is another lament by an unknown author. Here tough faith doesn't let go, and chooses to hope in a God who has always been greater than the discouragement of fear. 

O God, be not far from me; O my God, make haste to help me! May by accusers be put to shame and consumed; with scorn and disgrace may they be covered who seek my hurt. But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge. Wiht the mighty deeds of the Lord God I will come; I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone.

But it was from on of the Psalms written by the sons of Korah that this phrase ("tough faith will not let go") comes from. Psalm 88 describes a person who is consumed with troubles so much so that even his closest friends avoid him. This isn't a Psalm that even "ends well", but rather describes the severe sorrow, pain, and discouragement that God's people often face. But even in the suffering tough faith will not let go, but chooses to continually cry out to God for mercy, refuge, and healing. 

You have caused my companions to shun me; you have made me a horror to them. I am shut in so that I cannot escape; my eye grows dim through sorrow. Every day I call upon you, O Lord; I spread out my hands to you. 

Even in the troubles that overwhelmed his soul, tough faith chose to relentlessly pursue God through prayer. Each day he called upon God pleading with him through the darkness for salvation. 

Tough faith never gives up. 
Tough faith never loses heart. 
Tough faith never breaks faith. 
Even in the valleys. 

His Comfort!

Sometimes it's hard to know what to write on a public blog. And sometimes it's even harder, because I don't schedule out posts in advance. I tend to write as the Lord leads through experiences. I wrote a collection of devotionals last year, and because there is such a thing as "writer's block", I'd like to share one of them here with you. ;) I hope it's an encouragement to you. 

Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. 

(Philippians 4:1, ESV)

~~~~~

My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

Psalm 73:26

            It’s when our strength is needed most that we are overwhelmed with our utter weakness.  Our finite body, mind, and emotions force us to stop, and our willpower says “I can’t go on”. Our physical power reaches its limit, and our mental stability cracks. Such is the constant condition of each human.

            But God doesn’t leave us here, to collapse under the effects of sin. The Psalmist acknowledges his source of strength even when his body and mind gives out: God. God is our strength; He’s the strength of our life and our emotions. The heart is the seat of our emotions, and God is the one who controls their intensity. When your emotions are drained, when you can only cry out to God with the little effort you have left—then He becomes your complete strength. He makes the wounded to fly with the wings of eagles. Not the whole, and not the perfect; but the wounded, cast down, and broken does He heal. He becomes their strength when they have no other.

            In providing food for us, He restores our bodily health, giving strength to the mind, as well. Sometimes our mental weakness correlates to our physical weakness. We will feel sick if we don’t keep our strength with regular intake of food. Yet, even though we may be physically healthy, God still provides a better food for us. His meat and drink fail not, and they satisfy the receiver, so that they will never hunger nor thirst again. He is our  portion. The One who said “Take eat. This is my body which is broken for you”, and “This cup is the new testament of my blood.” The soul food that’s enough—the Bread of Live and the Living Water—it never runs out. He is enough. 

~~~~~

No stars gleam as brightly as those which glisten in the polar sky. No water tastes so sweet as that which springs amid the desert sand. And no faith is so precious as that which lives and triumphs through adversity. Tested faith brings experience. You would never have believed your own weakness had you not needed to pass through trials. And you would never have known God’s strength had His strength not been needed to carry you through.

-Charles H. Spurgeon

May you find comfort in Jesus, strength in your King, salvation in your God, and wisdom through the Holy Spirit. Stand firm in Him. 

October Quotes

He doesn’t promise an explanation, but He does promise to walk with us through the pain. 

-Courageous

Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote was never lost.

-President John Adams

It’s sometimes in the storm, sometimes in the desert, sometimes in the agony, an’ sometimes in the calm, whaure’er he gets them right by themselves, that the Lord visits his people—in person, as a body might say. 

-George MacDonald

If we win, we praise Him. If we lose, we praise Him. 

-Facing the Giants

If I had never joined a church till I had found one that was perfect, I should never have joined one at all; and the moment I did join it, if I had found one, I should have spoiled it, for it would not have been a perfect church after I had become a member of it. Still, imperfect as it is, it is the dearest place on earth to us. 

-Charles Spurgeon

We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender. 

-Winston Churchill

To become another’s friend in the true sense is to take the other into such close, living fellowship that his life and ours are knit together as one. It is far more than a pleasant companionship in bright, sunny hours. A genuine friendship is entirely unselfish. It seeks no benefit or good of its own. It does not love—for what it may receive—but for what it may give. Its aim is “not to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45)....As he [Christ] loves us, he would have us love others. We say men are not worthy of such friendships. True, they are not. Neither are we worthy of Christ's wondrous love for us. But Christ loves us—not according to our worthiness—but according to the riches of his own loving heart! So should it be with our giving of friendship—not as the person deserves, but after the measure of our own character.

-J.R. Miller

Too often, people want what they want (or what they think they want, which is usually “happiness” in one form or another) right now. The irony of their impatience is that only by learning to wait, and by a willingness to accept the bad with the good, do we usually attain those things that are truly worthwhile.

-Joshua Harris

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.

-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Love is extravagant in the price it is willing to pay, the time it is willing to give, the hardships it is willing to endure, and the strength it is will to spend.

-Joni Eareckson Tada

Judging others makes us blind, whereas love is illuminating. By judging others we blind ourselves to our own evil and to the grace which others are just as entitled to as we are. 

-Dietrich Bonhoeffer 

The friend in my adversity I shall always cherish most. I can better trust those who helped to relieve the gloom of my dark hours than those who are so ready to enjoy with me the sunshine of my prosperity. 

–Ulysses S. Grant

Guest Post: Schuyler McConkey

Joining me today on Facing the Waves is another special friend of mine, Schuyler. Sharing the joys and trials of life for about 3 years now, as well as studying Scripture in the same online Bible study group has grown our friendship. Hope you are blessed by what she shares today!

Thank you, Schuyler. :)

I remember that chilly November night, walking into a church gym with a crockpot of soup in both hands, and a Bible study lesson balanced on top. I had heard things for years about Bible Study Fellowship. Friends sang its praises, wanting me to come with them to share in the experience. I wasn’t sure I wanted to devote a whole night every week to another Bible study. I already attended an online Bible study and taught one for teen girls. It didn’t seem like one more was really necessary.

Then something in my heart changed.

It was ultimately my mom that made the final suggestion to clinch my interest. “I think you should try it out. It would give you a chance to be spiritually fed yourself and get some face-to-face encouragement on a weekly basis.”

Community.

Something hungry in me reached out to the idea. I wanted community. So I cleared my schedule and gave it a try.

I don’t remember what I thought the first night. Comforted. Convicted. Nervous about fitting into a small group, eager to join the discussion once I did. By the first month I walked up to one of the group leaders to tell her that her message had met me in just the right place, and she spoke words of blessing that warmed my heart. By the end of the year, our small group was meshed so well together, and we had amazing, eye-opening discussions about God and his people as we worked through the books about Moses. By the last month, I started dreading the time when BSF would end for the season. Mostly because the fellowship I had known for six months was almost over, and it would be a whole summer before it started up again.

I had no idea that in finding community with believers, my fellowship with God would be turned upside-down; that in finding this group of loving Christians, I would finally come to grips with the fellowship a loving God desires with me.

There are few events in my life that have profoundly changed me so much as my time in Bible Study Fellowship. These lessons, simple, yet so necessary for a perfection-bound introvert, are ones I hope to carry with me all my life long. Some are small. Some are large. All are vital to a healthy spiritual life.

1. God wants me to be whole, because He wants me to be like Him.
The first month of BSF was an emotionally hard one. When you’ve fallen into years of tight-bound perfectionism, it’s hard to uncover some of those places where you’ve lied to yourself, and go back and confront sin. Hearing the Word of God in a fresh way each week, and then hearing how it should be walked out, hit me in blind spots and rough areas. But over and over again, in between the commands to walk in God’s ways, was the refrain “God wants you to be whole. That’s what holiness is. He loves your obedience, and He loves you so much He wants you to be consumed with Himself.” Holiness quit being so scary, so burdensome, so unreachable—it became a walk of patient trust, knowing that God is doing the work step by step. He will help me keep growing. And He very intentionally allows it to take time, so I can walk alongside Him.

2. It’s OK to share your broken places with others.
BSF is designed to be a place where you share the struggles. The personal prayer requests. The ways God is growing you, or challenging you, or things you didn’t understand. It was a place where I could walk up to someone and get a hug and cry a little bit if I needed to. Many times I felt the love of God wash over me through the healing, comforting touch of one of His children. After the first time sharing my heart with someone, something just came alive in me, and a perfect reputation didn’t matter anymore. Are there hard times after sharing? Oh, yes. Sometimes the memory of being vulnerable is painful. But the love I always received weighed so much more than the need to look like I had it all together. God’s love doesn’t hide things. It gives mercy and healing through honest confession of our sin and our need. It reminded me of the verse in James where God says “confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”

3. Outside accountability gives you freedom and motivation.
One night I sat next to one of my small group friends after lecture and she asked how she could pray for me. “I need to ask forgiveness from someone,” I said, “and I want to talk to them by the time I come to BSF next Monday.” The knowledge that she would ask me about it later gave me the push I needed to get some things cleared up. When you reach out to others for their input and accountability, you don’t need the mental trash of “I messed up again. I’m sinful. I’m too scared to make this right.” Instead of being YOU focused, it changes you to being GOD focused. “God wants me to be whole, and to honor Him, I need to take care of this wrong. Will you join me in prayer that I could overcome?”

4. Sometimes you accept God’s truth best when it’s spoken by someone else.
Everyone, no matter how idyllic their life, has some amount of personal baggage. When I first attended, I had several wrapped-up hurts, old ghosts, and more than likely a hidden dose of bitterness. Some of it was so ingrained, I wasn’t aware it existed. I didn’t even come expecting to have those things addressed. And then as our group leaders taught, the Holy Spirit used their lectures one by one to expose lies I had been believing. To help me forgive past wrongs. To release the power of old hurts, both self-inflicted and others-inflicted. Every week, I was confronted with a deeper picture of Jesus’ love and grace and truth that I could extend to myself and others. It brought freedom.

5. God’s Word meets you in every single circumstance you are facing.
If you want to know God’s Word is powerful, try studying Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Not much in all those Old Testament laws to apply to modern day, is there? Actually, there is. The themes of Be Free. Be Holy. Be Equipped. Be Ready. Christians in all ages are called to holiness. Christians in all ages struggle with bondage to idols and character flaws. Christians in all ages need to be equipped to fulfill God’s calling. God’s Holy Spirit moved powerfully in our group of over 100 young adults through these books. Lives and hearts were changed, weekly. I had never experienced that before—connecting with God’s Word on a weekly basis. I’d always read it every day, for years—but connecting on a heart level, not just with occasional wow moments, but with weekly God-is-amazing moments, was a new time of wonder. We wanted the hard work that comes with holiness, simply because, how could we choose any other life in the face of a God like that?

6. Fellowship with God is sweeter than anything else I have ever experienced.
If I walked away with one last empty spot, it was the fear that my fellowship with God would be different during the summer, when I was out of BSF. I should have known better. God did a healing, changing work in my life, and He didn’t need weekly meetings to keep it up. I’m just as blessed by this next year of BSF. It’s just as needed. But I walked through a beautiful summer with God equally as good while BSF was out of session. It showed me that ultimately it wasn’t just about the group, which was merely a tool in His hands. It was all about praising Him for what He was doing. This God of the Bible is so powerful. So beautiful. So willing and available to have community with His people. So relentless about calling us to pursue holiness. He’s truthful with the way He uses His Word to wound us, and then gentle with the way He uses that same Word to bind up our wounds. I don’t know how to explain it, other than I met Him in a way I had never met Him before, because I saw Him through His Body. And now, not only is He my holy Savior, but we are simply best of friends. It’s incredibly joyful to wake up every day and face the day, whatever it holds, talking to Him through most of it.

I love BSF for being the hands and words and love of Jesus. It was something I never expected—that in the grace of this particular Christian community, I would find a beyond-imagination communion with the God I had loved since a young age. I always knew He loved me. But He used this group to help me know in a much more secure, heartfelt way.

I am His, and He is mine.

And no matter what happens, that is always enough.

Schuyler McConkey is a novelist and Bright Lights ministry leader living with her parents and two siblings. She authors a blog, My Lady Bibliophile, where she writes book reviews and articles evaluating classic literature. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to Irish love songs, learning Gaelic, and reading too many Dickens novels.

You can find her on Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Twitter.

**You can find out more about Bible Study Fellowship HERE.

Christ Revealed to Moses and Joshua

I read Joshua 1-14 this morning, and in Joshua 5, we have the passage where the Lord appears to Joshua. This passage is very similar to Exodus 3 where God commissions Moses to lead the people of Israel, and in Joshua 5, the Lord appears to Joshua confirming that he is now Moses' successor.

Exodus 3:1-6
Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.

Joshua 5:13-15

When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the LORD. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” And the commander of the LORD’s army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

Both these men recognized that they were in the presence of the Almighty God, and interacted with God in a way that showed reverence and respect. Both were commanded to remove their shoes for they were standing on holy ground. God revealed Himself to Moses as I AM, and to Joshua He was the Commander of the Army--the preincarnate Christ revealed to man in all His power. 

And the God who was revealed to these men is the same God who is revealed to us today in His Word, for "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). Let us worship Him for who He is. 

Levi Through the Scriptures

I had finished reading the book of Exodus for the fourth time this year, when I put several events together and connected something in my mind.

It's about the tribe of Levi. Now Levi first came around in Genesis when Leah (Jacob's wife) named her third son, but from the 12 sons of Jacob, we get the 12 tribes that exist all throughout Scriptural history. They begin in Genesis and end in Revelation. Levi was a scattered tribe geographically. They had no land to claim as their own, possibly resulting from the violence and bloodshed of Simon and Levi in Genesis, and so the descendents of Levi lived in 48 cities throughout the land of Israel working in the temple when their time came.

But in the beginning of Exodus we read of a husband and wife from the tribe of Levi who had a baby. This baby would be a Levite, too, and as the High Priest would one day intercede for the people before the Lord, so this baby would grow up to be Moses, who led the Israelites and interceded for them on their behalf. Moses' brother, Aaron, would be the first High Priest, and from this tribe would come the priesthood.

Later on in Exodus, Moses is on Mount Sinai receiving instructions from God on how to govern this huge group of people, and he also receives detailed instructions on how to create the tabernacle and priestly clothing, as well as how to fulfill the sacrifical duties. Aaron (a Levite) leads the people waiting below the mountain in forming a golden calf to worship. When Moses (a Levite) returns, he calls those who are on the Lord's side to come stand with him: the sons of Levi gather around him and mete out justice on those who substituted a golden calf for a holy God.

In Numbers 16, it's a Levite, Korah, who leads a rebellion against Moses and Aaron--his own tribe members. And he brings about the death of many others who join with him and follow in his disobedience. Then God shows his approval of another Levite by choosing Aaron's staff and causing in to bud--demonstrating that He had chose Aaron as the one to approach God in the priestly duties.

In 1 Chronicles, the Levites are some of the first to settle in Jerusalem again after their exile in Babylon. Under King David, the Levites were the ones who bring the ark of the covenant from Kiriath-jearim back to Jerusalem. Johoshaphat, king of Judah, instructs the Levites to teach the people the law of God in order to bring about a spiritual reformation in the land. The Levites were the tribe to carry out sacrifices and teach the people when good kings ruled the land. They were holy to God.

In Ezra (a priest), it's the priests and Levites (along with others) whose hearts are stirred by God to go and rebuild the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. And though they rejoiced at the  rebuilding of the foundation, they were also the ones who wept at the sight of it because they remembered the former temple's glory. And they came together later with Nehemiah and Ezra to teach the people the Law.

In Ezekiel, the priest are the ones whom God instructs to serve Him in the sanctuary after His glory fills the temple again. We're also told that the Levites were not faithful to God, but instead forsook Him for idols, therefore the sons of  Zadok (priests), being commended for keeping the Lord's charge and not going astray as the Levites did, are the ones who will enter the sanctuary of the Lord and serve Him there.

The Levites are mentioned many times in the rest of the Old Testament. Many times they are just minor incidents, but they're still there, preserved as part of the remnant of God's people.

In the New Testament, John the Baptist interacts with priests and Levites when Jews sent them to question John about his identity and preaching. And Jesus Himself tells the story of a Levite who was so concerned with his self-righteousness that he wouldn't stop to help his fellow man.

Acts tells us of another Levite who sold a field that belonged to him and gave the money to the apostles. He's better known by his name, Barnabas.

But the Levites and priests knew that the important duties of temple work and the sacrifical system couldn't take away the sin that defiled them. Perfection could never be attained through a human priesthood. Aaron, the first High Priest couldn't perfectly mediate between God and man. And so the Jewish nation waited for the better High Priest who, though He didn't come from the Levite tribe, He was the perfect Mediator. And because He never sinned, His shedding of blood could provide remission for sins. The Levites' and priests' duties had been fulfilled forever. He was the Lamb of God who was chosen of God to be the Sacrifice and the Priest. And as a non-Levitical priest He completely fulfilled all the law as a perfect sacrifice, showing that the old covenant had finished and the new had begun.

He Reigns!

But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:13-14)

I read through 1 Corinthians last week, and it was good to get the big picture of the whole book again, as we are going through 1 Corinthians 15 in our church's morning services right now. And though I’m not going to dig deeply into the whole chapter, these verses have often stood out to me when reading through this passage.

They might not seem particularly encouraging at first glance, as they’re written in a “negative” tone. But both verses start with “if”, too. If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ hasn’t been raised. If Christ hasn’t been raised, then preaching Christ and faith in Christ would be senseless. But it’s because of that little word “if”, that these two sentences take on a new meaning.

There is a resurrection of all the dead.
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. (Philippians 3:20-21)

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

Christ has been raised.
When I [John] saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.” (Revelation 1:17-18)

But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. (Hebrews 10:12)

There is a resurrection of all the dead, as Jesus promised, and Christ has indeed been raised, as He said He would be. Therefore, those who preach Christ, preach not in vain. They have staked their lives on the promise that their Savior is risen and that His promises hold true. And those who place their faith in the promise of a risen Christ, don’t believe in vain, for though faith is based on the unseen, faith in the Son of God is a secure faith, an unshakeable faith.

Christ is risen and seated at the right hand of the Father. He lives to intercede for us. He prays for us. He prays that our faith wouldn’t falter. We can have faith in our faith, not because we able to keep faith perfectly, but because there is One who never breaks faith—that same One is our faith. So we must hold fast to that hope without wavering, because the Christ who promised a resurrection is faithful. The King and His Son reign, and we will reign with Him one day!

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. (Colossians 2:13-15)

We have a resurrection, because Christ triumphed over death by His resurrection. “He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” (2 Corinthians 5:15) “Jesus paid the debt you owed, so you could live the life He lived.” (Chris Kouba) Live your faith so that others know that your life is based on the Cornerstone of a heavenly foundation. His resurrection secured your future resurrection.

So read His Word. Live for Him. Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (1 Corinthians15:58) Not in vain, because He reigns. 

September Quotes

Faith is believing you will receive mercy, while knowing you deserve justice.

-Unknown

We did not choose this battle, but it is come.

-Pendragon (the movie)

When our will goes hand in hand with God’s then are we fellow workers with him in the affairs of the universe—not mere discoverers of his ways, watching at the outskirts of things, but laborers with him at the heart of them.

-George McDonald

I have a great need for Christ: I have a great Christ for my need. 

-Charles Spurgeon

There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right. 

-Martin Luther King Jr.

The path you take with your feet should never contradict the conviction of your heart.

-Joshua Harris

Captain, my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me....That is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave. 

-Stonewall Jackson

...there is only one thing that can wash the blood from our hands, the blood from His. 

-R.C. Sproul Jr.

Forgiveness is the oil that keeps the machinery of the Christian home and church running smoothly. In a world where even those who have been declared perfect in Christ sin, there is much to forgive. Christians who must work together closely find themselves denting each others' fenders, now and then taking out a taillight or two, and at times even having head-on collisions. Under such conditions, forgiveness is what keeps things from breaking down completely.

-Jay Adams

A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.

-Theodore Roosevelt

Christ went more willingly to the cross than we do to the throne of grace. 

-Thomas Watson

Living becomes an awesome business when you realise that you spend every moment of your life in the sight and company of an omniscient, omnipresent Creator. 

-J.I. Packer

The Love of God

Let not your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 

In my Father's house are many rooms...And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth who the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 

In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.

The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. 

Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends...You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide.

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth...and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me.

I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours....and I am glorified in them.

I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one... so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

The glory that you have given me I have given to them...so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.

[verses from John 14-17, emphasis mine]

See what kind of love that Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.

So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

(1 John 3:1-2, 4:16)

I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
(Philippians 3:12)