"God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction."
Genesis 41:52
2.28.2014
2.27.2014
WHEN I AM WEAK...
"'If only I were stronger,' we say, 'I could overcome my...(fill in the blank sin),'
and so we plead with the Lord to strengthen us that we may exercise more self-control.
But this is altogether a fallacy; it is not Christianity.
God's means of delivering us from sin is not in making us stronger and stronger,
but by making us weaker and weaker.
That is surely rather a peculiar way of victory, you say; but it is the divine way...
Once you see the truth you will recognize that you are indeed powerless to do anything,
but that in setting you aside altogether God has done it all.
Such a discovery brings human striving and self-effort to an end."
"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him,
he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
John 15:5
"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
"But [the Lord] said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'
"I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13
Philippians 4:13
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities.
For when I am weak, then I am strong."
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
2.23.2014
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"One often meets his destiny on the road he takes to avoid it."
-from Kung Fu Panda (and Brodie)
2.22.2014
PRIDE
"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
1 Peter 5:5
Pride.
It destroys and hurts and tramples and shouts. It's a soapbox perched upon wounded beneath.
I read this week that "legalism is invisible to the legalist" and how true these words prove to be.
I echo, "pride is invisible to the proud". And, it often wears a mask.
I echo, "pride is invisible to the proud". And, it often wears a mask.
Pride.
It blinds and blots and wrecks and divides. It slithers in and bites.
How the enemy loves the corrosiveness of pride.
"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom."
Proverbs 11:2
Oddly enough, it seems most often the opposite of pride lurks beneath the mask. In fact, it's more likely that insecurity, self-doubt, even whimpering memoirs of years gone by swell pains and fears of future present and manifest in pride. How ironic.
The child wounded, the rejected maimed, the crushed, all rear up storehouses of yesteryear.
And generations cycle round, chasing tails of history's pride.
BUT, can it be that the triumphs of Christ's sacrifice might trump such wicked schemes? Might it be that the same deficits which produce pride could actually result in an opposing effect instead? Genesis 50:20 blares blindingly as I process:
"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good."
Genesis 50:20
I'm thinking empathy, sensitivity, genuine humility, compassion, deep longing for the Savior...
these things too might spawn from hurts and how much more productive!
It IS possible that griefs and problems and injustice past CAN in fact point to victory through the power of the Holy Spirit.
As we identify, release, and allow the Lord to restore our desolations, He is glorified and praised for His handiwork through our voids. We CAN all be FREE from the burdens, destruction, and ramifications of pride.
Lord, please reveal what lies beneath the masquerade of pride.
May cycles cease and new hope reign victorious in our lives.
And after all, we point to you with praise for what you've done.
The masks fall off, and real hearts shine through battles you have won!
May this be our heart's cry.
Amen.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 5:3
Oddly enough, it seems most often the opposite of pride lurks beneath the mask. In fact, it's more likely that insecurity, self-doubt, even whimpering memoirs of years gone by swell pains and fears of future present and manifest in pride. How ironic.
The child wounded, the rejected maimed, the crushed, all rear up storehouses of yesteryear.
And generations cycle round, chasing tails of history's pride.
BUT, can it be that the triumphs of Christ's sacrifice might trump such wicked schemes? Might it be that the same deficits which produce pride could actually result in an opposing effect instead? Genesis 50:20 blares blindingly as I process:
"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good."
Genesis 50:20
I'm thinking empathy, sensitivity, genuine humility, compassion, deep longing for the Savior...
these things too might spawn from hurts and how much more productive!
It IS possible that griefs and problems and injustice past CAN in fact point to victory through the power of the Holy Spirit.
As we identify, release, and allow the Lord to restore our desolations, He is glorified and praised for His handiwork through our voids. We CAN all be FREE from the burdens, destruction, and ramifications of pride.
Lord, please reveal what lies beneath the masquerade of pride.
May cycles cease and new hope reign victorious in our lives.
And after all, we point to you with praise for what you've done.
The masks fall off, and real hearts shine through battles you have won!
May this be our heart's cry.
Amen.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 5:3
2.17.2014
THE GROVE
We ventured off the beaten trail today to join friends on their 40 acre avocado/citrus grove.
What an incredible day!
The adventure and educational experience was only topped by the sweet fellowship.
Everyone had a ball!
Whenever we make a trek like this, we wonder if a move to somewhere over yonder
is right for us. We're not packing our bags just yet...
But, the wide open spaces...
...and freedom of playing in nature...
...and the ability to live off the land...
...plentifully...
...are enticing.
Thanks to the generosity of dear friends, we took home more produce than I've ever had in my kitchen at one time!
What a treat!
We will see what the future holds, but for now we count memories of climbing trees, picking fruit, the laughter of off-roading in Gators, dripping citrus fingertips, and more avocados than we could possibly eat (or can we?!) as special gifts from a special family.
Thank you, friends, for such a wonderful day!!
"Thus you will recognize them by their fruits."
Matthew 7:20
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