So this evening I picked up Seeking God's Face again and one thing in today's readings really resonated with me. But before I get to that, I have to preface it with a little story so you can see a nifty little connection (I love how God works sometimes... okay, really, I love how God works all of the time). To explain: I've been hearing a lot about Rob Bell's new book, Love Wins, about hell (or a possible lack of it) and also about Francis Chan's book (apparently a rebutal of sorts, but don't quote me on that), Erasing Hell, and finally tonight I decided to do a little exploring as I wanted to know more about them. I placed both books on hold at my local library (although I think I'll be waiting a while for both of them) and ended up watching Francis Chan's video on the subject (you can find it by following the link above, attached to the title of his book). In the video (which I loved), Chan talks about how he believes we have to be humble and recognize that there are things about God that we will never understand and that He has and will make decisions that we would never make (he says this much better than I do - watch the video!). He's talking about this in general but also in the specific context of hell and God allowing people to go there. Then I went to read today's Bible Song in Seeking God's Face, which is from Psalm 36, and it says, "Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep" (v. 5-6). And it seems to me that that last line is exactly what Francis Chan was talking about. God's justice IS like the great deep. Even in today's advanced technological society, we know very little about the ocean. One site I found says, "95 percent of this realm [the ocean] remains unexplored, unseen by human eyes" (http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/exploration.html). Our understanding of God's justice is much the same. It's beyond our knowledge base, perhaps even beyond our knowledge capability. And I, for one, am perfectly okay with that. In fact, in some ways, it makes it easier for me, especially when faced with things that I know about God's nature that I'm uncomfortable with. It almost feels like a cop out, although I don't think it is, to say, "Well, He's God and even if I don't like it or totally get it, I'm okay with that, because He's God and He knows infinitely better than I do", but I like believing in a God who is so much greater than I and who is a grand Mystery. It gives me hope and makes me feel secure, knowing that God is in control (because goodness knows, if I was to make all the decisions, I'd screw it all up, royally). And I'm thankful for the reminders I got today to be humble before God and accept His judgment as infinitely wiser and more sound than mine.
25.8.11
SGF: Ordinary Time - Week 11, Day 5
Well, in typical fashion, I completely fell off the blogging boat and haven't written in months. I've also been very sporadic (read: only a few times) in keeping up with the devotional readings in Seeking God's Face. A friend of mine recently asked me if she could have the link to my blog, which prompted me to a) feel guilty about not blogging in so long and b) feel inspired to pick it up again. Hopefully the combination of guilt and inspiration will help me keep at this a little more consistently.
So this evening I picked up Seeking God's Face again and one thing in today's readings really resonated with me. But before I get to that, I have to preface it with a little story so you can see a nifty little connection (I love how God works sometimes... okay, really, I love how God works all of the time). To explain: I've been hearing a lot about Rob Bell's new book, Love Wins, about hell (or a possible lack of it) and also about Francis Chan's book (apparently a rebutal of sorts, but don't quote me on that), Erasing Hell, and finally tonight I decided to do a little exploring as I wanted to know more about them. I placed both books on hold at my local library (although I think I'll be waiting a while for both of them) and ended up watching Francis Chan's video on the subject (you can find it by following the link above, attached to the title of his book). In the video (which I loved), Chan talks about how he believes we have to be humble and recognize that there are things about God that we will never understand and that He has and will make decisions that we would never make (he says this much better than I do - watch the video!). He's talking about this in general but also in the specific context of hell and God allowing people to go there. Then I went to read today's Bible Song in Seeking God's Face, which is from Psalm 36, and it says, "Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep" (v. 5-6). And it seems to me that that last line is exactly what Francis Chan was talking about. God's justice IS like the great deep. Even in today's advanced technological society, we know very little about the ocean. One site I found says, "95 percent of this realm [the ocean] remains unexplored, unseen by human eyes" (http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/exploration.html). Our understanding of God's justice is much the same. It's beyond our knowledge base, perhaps even beyond our knowledge capability. And I, for one, am perfectly okay with that. In fact, in some ways, it makes it easier for me, especially when faced with things that I know about God's nature that I'm uncomfortable with. It almost feels like a cop out, although I don't think it is, to say, "Well, He's God and even if I don't like it or totally get it, I'm okay with that, because He's God and He knows infinitely better than I do", but I like believing in a God who is so much greater than I and who is a grand Mystery. It gives me hope and makes me feel secure, knowing that God is in control (because goodness knows, if I was to make all the decisions, I'd screw it all up, royally). And I'm thankful for the reminders I got today to be humble before God and accept His judgment as infinitely wiser and more sound than mine.
So this evening I picked up Seeking God's Face again and one thing in today's readings really resonated with me. But before I get to that, I have to preface it with a little story so you can see a nifty little connection (I love how God works sometimes... okay, really, I love how God works all of the time). To explain: I've been hearing a lot about Rob Bell's new book, Love Wins, about hell (or a possible lack of it) and also about Francis Chan's book (apparently a rebutal of sorts, but don't quote me on that), Erasing Hell, and finally tonight I decided to do a little exploring as I wanted to know more about them. I placed both books on hold at my local library (although I think I'll be waiting a while for both of them) and ended up watching Francis Chan's video on the subject (you can find it by following the link above, attached to the title of his book). In the video (which I loved), Chan talks about how he believes we have to be humble and recognize that there are things about God that we will never understand and that He has and will make decisions that we would never make (he says this much better than I do - watch the video!). He's talking about this in general but also in the specific context of hell and God allowing people to go there. Then I went to read today's Bible Song in Seeking God's Face, which is from Psalm 36, and it says, "Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep" (v. 5-6). And it seems to me that that last line is exactly what Francis Chan was talking about. God's justice IS like the great deep. Even in today's advanced technological society, we know very little about the ocean. One site I found says, "95 percent of this realm [the ocean] remains unexplored, unseen by human eyes" (http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/exploration.html). Our understanding of God's justice is much the same. It's beyond our knowledge base, perhaps even beyond our knowledge capability. And I, for one, am perfectly okay with that. In fact, in some ways, it makes it easier for me, especially when faced with things that I know about God's nature that I'm uncomfortable with. It almost feels like a cop out, although I don't think it is, to say, "Well, He's God and even if I don't like it or totally get it, I'm okay with that, because He's God and He knows infinitely better than I do", but I like believing in a God who is so much greater than I and who is a grand Mystery. It gives me hope and makes me feel secure, knowing that God is in control (because goodness knows, if I was to make all the decisions, I'd screw it all up, royally). And I'm thankful for the reminders I got today to be humble before God and accept His judgment as infinitely wiser and more sound than mine.
18.3.11
SGF: Lent - Day 9
[I missed a few days... will try to do better.]
A couple things that stood out to me in today's readings:
The Bible Song is from Psalm 28:1-2, 6-7 and in it the Psalmist says to God, "if you remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit" (v. 1b). I love that image of us feeling as if we're lost and trapped (in a pit) if God does not respond to our prayers. It is so important to us to hear from God. We are in a two-way relationship with Him, which means we must communicate by speaking AND listening. Yet how often do we stop and actually listen for God's response? How often do we put aside everything else in our lives and just wait on Him? I know I don't do it anywhere near often enough and I'm thankful that reading this book is helping me begin doing this. Later, in verse 7, the Psalmist says, "my heart trusts in him [the Lord], and he helps me". Again, this reminder that God does not leave us alone and that He will help us when we ask is so comforting especially in light of everything that's going on in the world. I look at the desolation in Japan and I listen to the heartaches of so many people in my life who are going through such dark and difficult times and I feel helpless. But I can still pray and have hope and knowledge that God will answer - He will not remain silent and He will help. We don't have to "go down to the pit" and let such tragedies destroy us. We only have to ask God to interceded; to somehow show us His truth and beauty in the midst of such destruction and heartbreak. And He will be faithful; He promises He is.
The Bible Reading then reminds us "that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone" (1 Timothy 2:1). When I don't know what else to do or how else to respond in the face of awful circumstances, I can and should pray. It does make a difference. "This is good, and pleases God our Savior" (1 Timothy 2:3).
12.3.11
SGF: Lent - Day 4
The Bible Song today is Psalm 130. In it the psalmist talks about waiting for the Lord. He says, "my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope" (v. 5). I love the idea that we can put our hope in God's word... and I love that this book is helping me get back into the word. I also love the reminders in this psalm of God's forgiveness and faithfulness. In verse 4, the psalmist says about God, "with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared". I like that - we fear (as in, are in awe of) God because of His great forgiving nature.
The Bible reading, from Matthew 6, reminds us yet again that fasting is about what's going on inside of us and it's between us and God. We're told to not make it obvious to others that we are fasting and then, God, who sees what is done in secret, will reward us (v. 16-21).
11.3.11
SGF: Lent - Day 3
The theme of the inner life and the state of our hearts is continued as we read more of Psalm 51. The psalmist asserts that God does "not delight in sacrifice" nor "take pleasure in burnt offerings" (v. 16). Rather, he says, "My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise" (v. 17). The Bible Song carries on this theme by imploring us to "[b]e reconciled to God" (2 Corinthians 5:20b) and to not "receive God's grace in vain" (2 Corinthians 6:1b).
The Prayer and the Blessing remind me again that I need God's help to make my heart right with him (as I was discussing about yesterday's reading): "Freeing God ... Not only can I do no good without you, I can't even drum up a desire for you unless you first give it to me" (BC 14). "Redeem us from all wickedness, purify us and make us your very own, eager to do what is good" (see Titus 2:14).
I am so thankful that this Lenten season, I am reminded that God cares more about the state of my heart (and what comes out of that, in terms of how I live my life) than he does about the appearance of the state of my heart and that He is able and willing to help me make my heart right before Him.
SGF: Lent - Day 2
I'm writing this on Day 3 of Lent since I missed responding to yesterday's reading. I couldn't just skip it, though, as I wanted to comment on a couple of things before I discuss today's reading.
The next several verses of Psalm 51 were yesterday's Bible Song and it's a very familiar passage to me, since one of my favourite worship songs is based on it: "Create in me a pure heart, Oh God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me" (v. 10-12). I love this because again the focus is on the inner life, where our hearts are at. And I love that we can ask God for things like a steadfast and willing spirit. Too often I try to rely on myself to be faithful and eager to live my life for God. I try to do it on my own, when all I have to do is ask God to help me live the life He's called me to. And the beauty is that when He helps me, I can't boast in what I've accomplished because I was unable to do it on my own strength. What a blessed way to live life.
Yesterday's Bible Reading is from Isaiah 58 and it discusses fasting and what God expects from our fasting. Through Isaiah, God makes it clear that He really doesn't care about the outward appearance of fasting. Rather, He says that the kind of fasting He has chosen is "to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke" and that it is "to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter - when you see the naked to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood" (v. 6-7). So fasting at Lent is not about what we give up, but about what we do with the time created by the vacancy of that thing in our lives. Or, if we aren't giving up something time-consuming (i.e. a particular food or beverage), then how we let the missing of that thing affect and/or change our attitude about how we think of and treat others.
Lent is about the condition of our hearts - not just our attitudes, but what we do with those attitudes.
9.3.11
SGF: Lent - Day 1 - Ash Wednesday
Some phrases from Phil Reinders' Introduction (pp. 233-234) to Lent in Seeking God's Face:
"Ashes are a good emblem of Lent, a picture of our own mortality and spiritual condition, a sign of Lent's penitent spirit, and yet a hint of the hope of renewal."
"[Lent] is a somber journey of spiritual preparation and renewal, marked especially by repentance and prayer. ... {Lent] stands apart by not shrinking away from suffering but cultivating in us the wisdom that growth often (and some might say only) comes through suffering. ... [and] invites us to willingly identify with Christ's suffering through fasting and other forms of self-denial."
"[Lent] helps to imprint the form of the cross in our lives, recognizing that the news of the risen Lord Jesus is not good without the way of the cross."
-----
The Bible Song today, Psalm 51:1-6, is a somber reminder that I am a sinner. I think it's easy, especially in today's world, to buy into the lie that I am a good person, and that I scarcely do anything wrong. But the reality is, I make mistakes - I sin - every single day, and often. It's easier to pretend that everything I say and do is good, but it isn't. I am a sinful person and I consistently "[do] what is evil in [God's] sight" (v. 4). I think we all shy away from the word "evil", reserving it for people who do truly heinous things, like rapists and murderers and swindlers and the like. But the Bible is very clear: "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). While this is a sobering thought, it is also so liberating. I can't do good on my own, therefore I must be dependent on God's grace and faithfulness to do any good in this world. I'm thankful that it's not up to me and what I do that will save me. If it was, I'd be doomed, because no matter how good my intentions, I'd failed more often than not.
Verses 5 & 6 gave me pause today. They remind me that "I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me". This makes me think of Abigail, my beautiful 7 month daughter. It's hard for me to be okay with the truth that she is a sinful human being. She seems so perfect and innocent. How could she be full of sin? But that's the nature of the fall and the nature of sin. We can't escape it. But the next verse is more hopeful, when the psalmist says to God, "Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place." Think about that! God teaches us wisdom in the womb! It amazes me that God can implant His wisdom and knowledge of Him even as He is creating us in our mothers' wombs. It also thrills me to know that in spite of her sinful nature, Abi already knows God; she's already been taught some of God's wisdom. As she was growing inside me, my primary prayer for my unborn child was that God would fill his or her heart with a desire for Him and a knowledge that His ways were best (and this is still my number one prayer for her). How comforting and amazing to know He answered my prayer.
The Bible reading is from Joel 2, and it's full of prophecies of doom, but I want to focus on a couple of things. God tell His people to "return to me with all you heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning" (v. 12). How often do we fast or weep or mourn, especially when it's with the express purpose of returning to the Lord? This is why I love the season of Lent; it's a daily reminder to do just that. I also love verse 13: "Rend your heart and not your garments". This says to me that God is more concerned with what's inside of us, then what's outside. He's not interested in outward signs of fasting and mourning; His main concern is what's going on in our hearts (see 1 Samuel 16:7).
I love the Blessing today: "Redeem us from all wickedness, purify us and make us your very own, eager to do what is good".
8.3.11
SGF: Epiphany - Day 62
Last day of Epiphany. Tomorrow Lent starts. This year, I've decided to give up two silly, time-consuming games I play on facebook - FarmVille and CityVille. There're stupid games with no real purpose and I spend too much time on them when I could be doing much more productive things like reading, writing, Abi's baby book and cross-stitch, working out, and so on. Plus I know that after about 3 days I won't even notice that I'm not playing them.
Today's Invitation is from Psalm 146 and part of it says, "the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down" (v. 8). I love this promise because so many people I know are going through really tough times in their lives right now. Failing marriages, children with life-threatening illnesses, financial difficulties, and so much more. It's comforting to be reminded that God doesn't abandon us during such times. In fact, He is closer than ever (or maybe it's just our perception - I'm sure He is always right beside us), lifting us up and helping us along during our weakest, most vulnerable times.
Parts of Psalm 64 compose the Bible Song today and once again (I'm sensing a theme here, or at the very least, an affirmation that this poem that's been bouncing around in my head needs to be written) the imagery of a sharp tongue is used: "They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows" (v. 3). There's another promise as well: "But God will shoot them with his arrows; they will suddenly be struck down" (v. 7). Another great reminder that God looks after His people and He will avenge those who are mistreated. Perhaps this also a reminder to let God fight our battles sometimes - we shouldn't be seeking revenge on those who hurt us. Rather, we should turn the other cheek, make our hearts right, and let Him take care of the others.
The Bible Reading today is from Matthew 20 and is one of my favourites of Jesus' parables. It's about the landowner who hires workers for his vineyard and ends up paying the same wages to those who worked all day as those who only worked for an hour. This story tells me that it isn't up to me to judge anyone else and that I don't get to decide how one gets "paid" for how he or she lives his or her life. Ultimately, no matter how I live my life, I will get the same reward as someone who served God "better" or "worse" (or my perceived interpretations of that) than I did. Which is freeing and a wonderful assertion of God's grace and generosity. As today's Prayer, taken from the Belgic Confession, says, "Lavish God, thank you that grace is a gift, that redemption in Jesus is free, not a loan or an advance. I'm so grateful that you are not a loan shark, extorting my life's servitude in repayment for your generosity, but a loving Father who shares with me the whole estate" (BC 23).
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