Early this week (November 12-18), I was feeling stressed and overwhelmed with everything that needed to be done. Thankfully, God reminded me through His Word that it is when everything is out of whack and when there's just so much to do, that the place that I need to be is in His presence!
I never ever thought that I would say this, but I think God is slowly but surely transforming me into a people-person. He is showing me just how much He cares about other people and how much He wants me to care for them as well. I've always tended to prefer to spend time by myself, rather than with other people. I have always felt that I needed to have something to say in order to talk with people, otherwise it might be awkward. However, God is teaching me that it's not so much as the stories or advice that I might share, but the questions that I ask that are important. Questions keep a conversation going. The thing too is that if one walks by the Spirit, then the Spirit will tell someone what to say, what questions to ask. I'm not sure if I have seen this played out in my own life yet, and I'm not even really sure if/how I would know if it did happen. I guess it's something that God will have to keep training me in. (By the way, it's not as if I didn't love people before-- I tended to love those who seemed to be left out or people who were somehow different. Now, God is showing me how to love everyone that I come into contact with.)
Overall, I had a good Thanksgiving and a good break from school. Yet, I also struggled with giving into the fleshly desires of sleeping in (beyond what I should have) and watching movies excessively and eating junk food excessively.Those things, by themselves, are not bad, but when they drown out the Spirit's voice and what He is telling me to do, then it becomes sin. Rest does not necessarily equal giving into the fleshly desires that have been controlled up until that point. Rest is much more than that, and I neglected that this week. So even though I feel rested, I did not really rest as I should have. (Hopefully that makes sense; sorry if it's confusing.)
Towards the beginning of the semester, I prayed that God might show me if I really need other humans or if I could just be fine all by myself with God. Almost immediately, God answered by giving me loneliness. This week, God continued to answer that prayer by showing me how boring it can be without other people around. If it was just me and God on this earth, then there would be no one to love, besides God that is. Yes, humans definitely need other humans. I need other people-- not only so that they can teach me and show me my wrongs, but also just so that I can keep sane.
Today, I was challenged at church when two men gave their testimonies of how after they were saved, they didn't miss a day of reading their Bibles. That really challenged me because there's the occasional day during the month when I will give in to the fleshly desire to sleep in rather than go spend time with God. Lately, I noticed that that was happening more frequently in my life-- more like once or twice a week. I've also noticed that I've just been spiritually apathetic lately. (Now, in terms of psychology, I don't know which one is the cause of the other. I've just noticed that there is a correlation.) So please pray that God might light the fire in my soul again. Along with that, pray that I might diligently do the work that God has for me these last 19 days before I go home. Thanks!
Words I learned: armamentarium, reprobate, machinate
"It appears that the best way to get more of what you need is to give away the little you think you have left-- at the appropriate time and in the appropriate way. Yes, the best way to be surprisingly satisfied is to be irrationally released to respond to God's promptings to serve, even when doing so seems impossible because of your perceived lack."
"Past failure doesn't have to mean future failure."
Have a blessed week!
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Weeks in Review: October 29-November 11
Sorry that I did not write last week. The time change threw me off, and so I went to bed super early. Now I'm back to a pretty regular schedule though. The second to last week was good, but this last week was difficult for me. I was reminded that I'm not in control, even though I think I am. A hard lesson to swallow.
I have been re-reading Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan, and I have noticed a recurring pattern throughout the book. Whenever Christian meets someone along the road, he is always asked about his journey thus far, and others tell him of their stories as well. Why doesn't this happen in the Christian community? Why is this not the first thing that we ask people when we meet them? Why isn't it the question that we ask our friends when we see them? Why don't we ask, "What has the Lord been doing in your life since the last time we spoke together?" or "What is your story?"
The words of the Gospel should always be on our lips. Even if people we know have rejected the Truth before, it is important to keep on telling them. It may not be until the 47th time that they hear the Gospel that the Spirit has worked in their hearts enough to finally accept the Truth and repent of their sins.
One thing that I was thinking and laughing about this week was how people try to take God out of public schools. Yet, their attempt is futile. He is still actively at work in public schools. His Sovereignty has no limits.
Another thing that I thought about this week is God's deliverance. Certainly there are things that we see that He delivers us from. Then I thought about how there are probably many unseen things that God delivers us from. We may not know about these unseen things that God delivers us from, but we can still praise Him for it! An example might be God delaying us at the grocery store so that we don't get in a car wreck.
I think that Psalm 12:1 describes well the condition of the United States, "Help, Lord, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men." This is seen especially with the re-election of a man who has disregard for God's laws concerning human life and marriage.
Words I learned this week:consanguineous, upshot, qua, anorectic, polemic, heteronomy, paean, concupiscence, gambit
Please pray for me this week as I have a lot to accomplish before Thanksgiving break. Pray that I might have diligence in the work that God has given me to do, and that I also might enjoy it.
"One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple." ~Psalm 27:4
I have been re-reading Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan, and I have noticed a recurring pattern throughout the book. Whenever Christian meets someone along the road, he is always asked about his journey thus far, and others tell him of their stories as well. Why doesn't this happen in the Christian community? Why is this not the first thing that we ask people when we meet them? Why isn't it the question that we ask our friends when we see them? Why don't we ask, "What has the Lord been doing in your life since the last time we spoke together?" or "What is your story?"
The words of the Gospel should always be on our lips. Even if people we know have rejected the Truth before, it is important to keep on telling them. It may not be until the 47th time that they hear the Gospel that the Spirit has worked in their hearts enough to finally accept the Truth and repent of their sins.
One thing that I was thinking and laughing about this week was how people try to take God out of public schools. Yet, their attempt is futile. He is still actively at work in public schools. His Sovereignty has no limits.
Another thing that I thought about this week is God's deliverance. Certainly there are things that we see that He delivers us from. Then I thought about how there are probably many unseen things that God delivers us from. We may not know about these unseen things that God delivers us from, but we can still praise Him for it! An example might be God delaying us at the grocery store so that we don't get in a car wreck.
I think that Psalm 12:1 describes well the condition of the United States, "Help, Lord, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men." This is seen especially with the re-election of a man who has disregard for God's laws concerning human life and marriage.
Words I learned this week:consanguineous, upshot, qua, anorectic, polemic, heteronomy, paean, concupiscence, gambit
Please pray for me this week as I have a lot to accomplish before Thanksgiving break. Pray that I might have diligence in the work that God has given me to do, and that I also might enjoy it.
"One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple." ~Psalm 27:4
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Week in Review: October 22-28
Much of this week was gorgeous. There was a lot of sunshine, which I really enjoy. I like to imagine the rays of the sun as God's radiant presence, sort of based off of Numbers 6:24-26, "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." I'll spread out of my arms just to bask in the beauty even more. People who see me probably think I'm weird, but I view it as worship. In addition to the sunshine being a blessing to me this week, the signs of fall also blessed me. It's just so much fun to go on walks and see the pictures that God paints using His creation. There's something beautiful about scattered leaves on a path in the woods. Until the past two years, I've never really appreciated this type of beauty, but I'm so glad that God has shown it to me because it's one more thing that I can love Him with.
Speaking of loving God, I don't think that I will ever come to the point on this earth where I will love God as much as I should. In fact, I don't even know if I will love Him as much as I should when I get to heaven and I am in His presence forever. Even if I were able to love Him to full capacity, I still think that my love for Him would be pale in comparison to His love for me. Even with this realization, I do not think it is wasteful to try to love God as much as possible on this earth. In fact, it's a joy. I was listening to a Focus on the Family broadcast, and it mentioned the Greek word for "seek" in Matthew 6:33. It is zeteo, which means "to crave." I do not think that I "crave" God as much as I should; however, I feel like He has been putting those sort of cravings in my heart slowly but surely. At the end of my quiet times with Him, I'm just thinking to myself, "Oh man, we were just getting started." I think these cravings for more of God also come as a result of asking God to show me if I could really spend 8 hours a day (like some Christians in the past did) with Him alone. I think He's answering that question with a "yes," and it makes sense, for one day, I will forever be in His presence. (Not that God isn't already present on the earth, but I feel that God reveals Himself in a special way during quiet times.)
This week, I have really struggled with how impatient of a person I am. I dislike not seeing results. Even as I am being ministered to here at JBU, I like to look at my time here as one of ministry as well. I enjoy listening to people talk about the challenges, trials, and decisions that they are going through. It makes me feel like I am needed and that I am important (I know that probably sounds wrong since people in ministry really aren't supposed to think that way, but I think it's probably a natural human tendency.) Yet, this week, it seemed as if no one needed a listening ear. I felt like I wasn't really doing anything for God. Then God basically challenged me to be faithful in prayer for the people and situations that I do know about.
I enjoyed this quote this week, also from the Focus on the Family broadcast that I listened to: "God gave us food so that we could consume it, but it was never meant to consume us."
"Delays of answers are not denials."
Words I learned this week: braggadocio, masticate, Brogdingnagian, imprecate, salient, cogitation
Have a blessed week! Take the time to seek the Lord, because He is definitely worth it!
Speaking of loving God, I don't think that I will ever come to the point on this earth where I will love God as much as I should. In fact, I don't even know if I will love Him as much as I should when I get to heaven and I am in His presence forever. Even if I were able to love Him to full capacity, I still think that my love for Him would be pale in comparison to His love for me. Even with this realization, I do not think it is wasteful to try to love God as much as possible on this earth. In fact, it's a joy. I was listening to a Focus on the Family broadcast, and it mentioned the Greek word for "seek" in Matthew 6:33. It is zeteo, which means "to crave." I do not think that I "crave" God as much as I should; however, I feel like He has been putting those sort of cravings in my heart slowly but surely. At the end of my quiet times with Him, I'm just thinking to myself, "Oh man, we were just getting started." I think these cravings for more of God also come as a result of asking God to show me if I could really spend 8 hours a day (like some Christians in the past did) with Him alone. I think He's answering that question with a "yes," and it makes sense, for one day, I will forever be in His presence. (Not that God isn't already present on the earth, but I feel that God reveals Himself in a special way during quiet times.)
This week, I have really struggled with how impatient of a person I am. I dislike not seeing results. Even as I am being ministered to here at JBU, I like to look at my time here as one of ministry as well. I enjoy listening to people talk about the challenges, trials, and decisions that they are going through. It makes me feel like I am needed and that I am important (I know that probably sounds wrong since people in ministry really aren't supposed to think that way, but I think it's probably a natural human tendency.) Yet, this week, it seemed as if no one needed a listening ear. I felt like I wasn't really doing anything for God. Then God basically challenged me to be faithful in prayer for the people and situations that I do know about.
I enjoyed this quote this week, also from the Focus on the Family broadcast that I listened to: "God gave us food so that we could consume it, but it was never meant to consume us."
"Delays of answers are not denials."
Words I learned this week: braggadocio, masticate, Brogdingnagian, imprecate, salient, cogitation
Have a blessed week! Take the time to seek the Lord, because He is definitely worth it!
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Weeks in Review: October 8-21
First of all, sorry that I did not write last week. My mom came down from Michigan to visit me because I had fall break. She arrived Friday afternoon, and we just sort of relaxed. On Saturday, we spent the day at Eureka Springs, visiting little shops. It was quite a pretty drive there and back because a lot of the leaves had already changed colors. The windy mountain roads also added to the atmosphere. Saturday night we went to go see the Great Passion Play, which is outside. At first, it wasn't quite as enjoyable as it possibly could have been, because it was pouring rain, but we had rain ponchos on, so it wasn't too horrible. Fortunately, the rain let up, and the play was more enjoyable. On Sunday, we drove back to Siloam Springs. (There are a lot of "Springs" places in Arkansas: Hot Springs, Sulfur Springs, etc.) When we got back, we played tennis, took a walk down town, and just relaxed. Then, on Monday, we basically did the same thing that we did on Sunday. Then, my mom had to go home.
One of the things that God really spoke to me about the past two weeks was about what I tend to find my identity in. For as long as I can remember, I have always found my identity in academics. There were times when I would cry if I got a 98% on a test. Fortunately, over the years, God has worked a lot in that area of my life, transforming me and teaching me to find my identity in Him. Yet, I still see remnants of seeking identity in academics. This is evidenced in how I often favored (and still do sometimes favor) spending time studying instead of spending time with my family and others. Certainly, being concerned about academics is not bad, but it must have its proper place. At times, it has often been an idol in my life. This semester, I really feel that God is teaching me to spend more time with others, loving on them. It has always been something that my family has been good at (especially my dad) since they're outgoing, but I am more quiet, so it takes more work and effort to love others. (Not that love really takes a lot of effort because it can be expressed in simple ways, but it takes effort to be in the presence of others, so that I can love them.) I still do not love as I ought to love. Not only do I not love others as I ought to love them, I also do not love God as I ought to love Him. Fortunately, God still loves me, and He is still transforming me so that I can love Him and others better.
Words/phrases I learned: warp and woof, perspicuity
"The future is bright, because of God's faithfulness."
"No one accomplishes so much in so little time as when he or she is praying."
"Nothing lies beyond the reach of prayer except those things outside the will of God."
"The opposite of love is indifference."
"The peace of God is an eternal calm like the cushion of the sea. It lies so deeply within the human heart that no external difficulty or disturbance can reach it."
Have a blessed week!
One of the things that God really spoke to me about the past two weeks was about what I tend to find my identity in. For as long as I can remember, I have always found my identity in academics. There were times when I would cry if I got a 98% on a test. Fortunately, over the years, God has worked a lot in that area of my life, transforming me and teaching me to find my identity in Him. Yet, I still see remnants of seeking identity in academics. This is evidenced in how I often favored (and still do sometimes favor) spending time studying instead of spending time with my family and others. Certainly, being concerned about academics is not bad, but it must have its proper place. At times, it has often been an idol in my life. This semester, I really feel that God is teaching me to spend more time with others, loving on them. It has always been something that my family has been good at (especially my dad) since they're outgoing, but I am more quiet, so it takes more work and effort to love others. (Not that love really takes a lot of effort because it can be expressed in simple ways, but it takes effort to be in the presence of others, so that I can love them.) I still do not love as I ought to love. Not only do I not love others as I ought to love them, I also do not love God as I ought to love Him. Fortunately, God still loves me, and He is still transforming me so that I can love Him and others better.
Words/phrases I learned: warp and woof, perspicuity
"The future is bright, because of God's faithfulness."
"No one accomplishes so much in so little time as when he or she is praying."
"Nothing lies beyond the reach of prayer except those things outside the will of God."
"The opposite of love is indifference."
"The peace of God is an eternal calm like the cushion of the sea. It lies so deeply within the human heart that no external difficulty or disturbance can reach it."
Have a blessed week!
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Week in Review: October 1-7
Wow! What a week it has been! I feel that God has been speaking to me about a lot of things lately, and it has been cool to see how He has been at work answering some of my prayers. For my Christian Leadership and Service class, we had to start using a journal to record simple prayers, which is just the pouring out of our hearts to God. I feel that this has been a good tool for me, and it is something that I will continue. In fact, much of what I am going to write in this blog from now on is going to come from it.
On Monday of this week, I went and spoke with a professor about what I might be able to do with a Biblical and Theological Studies major. This conversation was very helpful to me in that I was reminded that I am called...not to a career, but to God. (In fact, this is very much what I have been learning in my Christian Leadership and Service class.) The professor also gave me a paper to read dealing with the topic of calling. It challenged me to ask the question, "How can I best serve with the gifts and abilities that God has given me?" instead of asking the question, "What do I want to do?" Before, I had never really left God out of my decision-making in terms of career, but I guess that the article was helpful in putting words to the matter.
Another area that I feel God spoke to me about this week was marriage. A few weeks ago, it was sexuality week here at JBU. After listening to one of the people talk about celibacy, I wondered in my heart if marriage was in God's plan for me, or if He might have me remain single for the rest of my life. Well, on Thursday of this week, I had to take my car to Rogers to see what was wrong with it. Well, I don't like having to deal with these kind of issues. I'm always afraid that I'm going to get cheated or something like that. Also, I was thinking that perhaps I might enter into a career that might lead me to dangerous places. It was through these thoughts that God introduced to me the idea of seeking a husband who will protect me. Before, I had never considered looking for that in a man. I had just been looking for one who loves God. Now, however, I am looking for a man who loves God and also wants to protect his wife and family. Ultimately, though, I do realize that the Lord is my great Provider and Protector, and He will be even after I am married! It was through all of the above thoughts that God laid marriage on my heart. Yet, at the same time, God also revealed to me that he created me with an independent spirit of sorts, so even if a man does not come for a long time, I can still go through singleness and be all set with just God by my side.
Anyways, back to the story about my car...I like to be in control and know what is happening when exactly it is happening where exactly it is happening...you get the picture. So, when things go wrong with cars, particularly my car, it is not a pretty picture. For the most part, I like to think of myself as a quite flexible person, but that does not mean I don't worry about things. The diagnosis at the Volkswagen dealership was not good. Then, I had to park in freshman parking because I got back around chapel time, and the Mayfield parking lot (where I normally put my vehicle) was full. It was as I was trekking up the big hill that I prayed, "You know, God, I could really use some encouragement right now." I then decided to go to lunch 18 minutes earlier than normal that day. I sat down with some friends at a table. I noticed one of my friends named Lizzie sit down at a table where some other guy was sitting. Lizzie soon came to join us though after the guy left. I was telling her some of what was going on with my car and how I was still trying to decide what to major in. It was just me and her at the table when she asked me, "How can I pray for you today?" I told her that she could pray that I might have peace about the car situation and that God would show me clearly what to do as a career. She grabbed my hand, and she prayed right then and there! As I walked back to Mayfield, it hit me that God had answered my prayer for encouragement through Lizzie. How amazing! I love looking back to see how He orchestrated the event!
God just overwhelms me, in good way!
Words I learned this week: debacle, opprobrium, blockhead, verve
"One way or the other, we must all learn the difference between trusting in the gift and trusting in the Giver.
Well, I certainly hope that your week has been as good as mine. I can't wait to see what God has in store for me this week! :)
On Monday of this week, I went and spoke with a professor about what I might be able to do with a Biblical and Theological Studies major. This conversation was very helpful to me in that I was reminded that I am called...not to a career, but to God. (In fact, this is very much what I have been learning in my Christian Leadership and Service class.) The professor also gave me a paper to read dealing with the topic of calling. It challenged me to ask the question, "How can I best serve with the gifts and abilities that God has given me?" instead of asking the question, "What do I want to do?" Before, I had never really left God out of my decision-making in terms of career, but I guess that the article was helpful in putting words to the matter.
Another area that I feel God spoke to me about this week was marriage. A few weeks ago, it was sexuality week here at JBU. After listening to one of the people talk about celibacy, I wondered in my heart if marriage was in God's plan for me, or if He might have me remain single for the rest of my life. Well, on Thursday of this week, I had to take my car to Rogers to see what was wrong with it. Well, I don't like having to deal with these kind of issues. I'm always afraid that I'm going to get cheated or something like that. Also, I was thinking that perhaps I might enter into a career that might lead me to dangerous places. It was through these thoughts that God introduced to me the idea of seeking a husband who will protect me. Before, I had never considered looking for that in a man. I had just been looking for one who loves God. Now, however, I am looking for a man who loves God and also wants to protect his wife and family. Ultimately, though, I do realize that the Lord is my great Provider and Protector, and He will be even after I am married! It was through all of the above thoughts that God laid marriage on my heart. Yet, at the same time, God also revealed to me that he created me with an independent spirit of sorts, so even if a man does not come for a long time, I can still go through singleness and be all set with just God by my side.
Anyways, back to the story about my car...I like to be in control and know what is happening when exactly it is happening where exactly it is happening...you get the picture. So, when things go wrong with cars, particularly my car, it is not a pretty picture. For the most part, I like to think of myself as a quite flexible person, but that does not mean I don't worry about things. The diagnosis at the Volkswagen dealership was not good. Then, I had to park in freshman parking because I got back around chapel time, and the Mayfield parking lot (where I normally put my vehicle) was full. It was as I was trekking up the big hill that I prayed, "You know, God, I could really use some encouragement right now." I then decided to go to lunch 18 minutes earlier than normal that day. I sat down with some friends at a table. I noticed one of my friends named Lizzie sit down at a table where some other guy was sitting. Lizzie soon came to join us though after the guy left. I was telling her some of what was going on with my car and how I was still trying to decide what to major in. It was just me and her at the table when she asked me, "How can I pray for you today?" I told her that she could pray that I might have peace about the car situation and that God would show me clearly what to do as a career. She grabbed my hand, and she prayed right then and there! As I walked back to Mayfield, it hit me that God had answered my prayer for encouragement through Lizzie. How amazing! I love looking back to see how He orchestrated the event!
God just overwhelms me, in good way!
Words I learned this week: debacle, opprobrium, blockhead, verve
"One way or the other, we must all learn the difference between trusting in the gift and trusting in the Giver.
Well, I certainly hope that your week has been as good as mine. I can't wait to see what God has in store for me this week! :)
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Week in Review: September 24-30
Last week, in my last blog, I forgot to mention another reason why I feel led to major in Biblical and Theological Studies, in addition to the fact that God is infinite, so I can forever learn more about Him. I have a love for learning. However, whenever it comes time to review what I have learned for tests and quizzes, the task is not very enjoyable. I guess that means I like gathering new information, but not re-reading it. Yet, when it comes to anything having to do with the Bible, I enjoy reviewing the material. Also, in a way, the material can be new to me every time, even if I have read a passage of Scripture over and over again. This is because "the word of God is living and active" (Hebrews 4:12).
Last Sunday, I went on a walk on the trail that circles campus, and I talked to God as I walked. As I was talking with Him, suddenly God told me, "You know, Leah, your dad really knows how to love people. Just think of everything he does for people. You need to work on loving people as much as you love me." I just thought that it was really cool that God spoke to me like that. In fact, God amazes me whenever He speaks to me. I'll be praying out loud about an issue, and then all of a sudden, it will hit me. If you have ever experienced this, then you know what I mean.
Words I learned this week: contiguous, pro bono, shoehorn, redlining, faux pas, flaccid, aliquot, natter, histrionic, desultory, interdigitate
"Give me one pure and holy passion, and give me one magnificent obsession. Give me one glorious ambition for my life: To know and follow hard after You."
"This world is empty, pale and poor, compared to knowing You, my Lord. Lead me on and I will run after You. Lead me on and I will run after You."
Please pray for me this week-- that God will work in my life and continue to transform me more into His image. I feel that He is at work in me, and I trust that one day it will be brought to completion (Philippians 1:6).
Also, feel free to share with me how God is working in your own life. You can share with me both the ups and the downs, because this life is definitely full of both.
Last Sunday, I went on a walk on the trail that circles campus, and I talked to God as I walked. As I was talking with Him, suddenly God told me, "You know, Leah, your dad really knows how to love people. Just think of everything he does for people. You need to work on loving people as much as you love me." I just thought that it was really cool that God spoke to me like that. In fact, God amazes me whenever He speaks to me. I'll be praying out loud about an issue, and then all of a sudden, it will hit me. If you have ever experienced this, then you know what I mean.
Words I learned this week: contiguous, pro bono, shoehorn, redlining, faux pas, flaccid, aliquot, natter, histrionic, desultory, interdigitate
"Give me one pure and holy passion, and give me one magnificent obsession. Give me one glorious ambition for my life: To know and follow hard after You."
"This world is empty, pale and poor, compared to knowing You, my Lord. Lead me on and I will run after You. Lead me on and I will run after You."
Please pray for me this week-- that God will work in my life and continue to transform me more into His image. I feel that He is at work in me, and I trust that one day it will be brought to completion (Philippians 1:6).
Also, feel free to share with me how God is working in your own life. You can share with me both the ups and the downs, because this life is definitely full of both.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Week in Review: September 17-23
Hello all,
This weekend I went on a retreat, called Breakaway, at New Life Ranch, a Christian camp located in Colcord, Oklahoma. It was a total blast! The theme of the weekend was wrestling with God and what that looks like. The lives of Jacob and Joseph were examined. I learned that wrestling with God is healthy. It's good to deal with questions that we may have concerning distressing situations, but it seems like we always ask why: Why, Lord? Why is this happening? Instead, we ought to ask the question, "Who are you, God?" He answers. All throughout Scripture, there are descriptions of who God is. Psalm 68:5 says, "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling." Another common description of who God is is found in Psalm 103:8-13: "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him." And there are a whole lot more that I encourage you to discover and reflect on.
I feel like I may have finally decided on what I am going to major in, although I've changed so many times before, so I wonder if this is really what I'm going to do. Nevertheless, I have peace about the decision. I had always known that I was going to major in Biblical and Theological Studies. Over the summer, as I was trying to fall asleep one night, I was thinking about majors and careers and the different talents and abilities that God has given me. One of the things that I love to do is learn. God reminded me of how He is infinite, so I could spend the rest of my life trying to learn about Him, and I would still not know everything there is to know about Him. Well, there are also other fields that seem to have a great deal of information, like science. Yet, I thought to myself, I don't really want to go into a field where things are constantly changing. I heard a voice, not audible, but a voice, nonetheless, that said, "I the Lord do not change" (Malachi 3:6). So I knew for sure that I would major in Biblical and Theological Studies, but I also figured that I would not go into that as a career, so I continued my search for a second major. A lot of options passed through my mind: Biology, Exercise Studies, Family and Human Services, Child and Family Studies, Youth Ministries, Intercultural Studies. Too many options to choose from! Let me just say that it is amazing what God may do and whom He may use to speak to us about certain things. Last Sunday, I had a conversation with a good friend about the topic of what I was going to major in. For what seemed like the millionth time, I had to answer, "I don't know." At the end of the conversation though, I had walked away with this basic thought: There are things that I can do with a Biblical and Theological Studies major, but the standard of living may be less. Then, on Thursday, I was eating lunch with a group of people, and the subject of majors came up, and one of my friends remarked, "Just do Bible." That conversation again got me thinking about my future. By the next morning, I had come to the decision that I would major in Biblical and Theological Studies only and that I would take other classes that match my other interests depending on what fits into my schedule. I am at peace with the situation, but, like I said before, I am not 100% certain because it has already changed like 10 times. I still don't know what I will do with such a major, but I'm sure that God will show me in due time.
Have a blessed week!
This weekend I went on a retreat, called Breakaway, at New Life Ranch, a Christian camp located in Colcord, Oklahoma. It was a total blast! The theme of the weekend was wrestling with God and what that looks like. The lives of Jacob and Joseph were examined. I learned that wrestling with God is healthy. It's good to deal with questions that we may have concerning distressing situations, but it seems like we always ask why: Why, Lord? Why is this happening? Instead, we ought to ask the question, "Who are you, God?" He answers. All throughout Scripture, there are descriptions of who God is. Psalm 68:5 says, "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling." Another common description of who God is is found in Psalm 103:8-13: "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him." And there are a whole lot more that I encourage you to discover and reflect on.
I feel like I may have finally decided on what I am going to major in, although I've changed so many times before, so I wonder if this is really what I'm going to do. Nevertheless, I have peace about the decision. I had always known that I was going to major in Biblical and Theological Studies. Over the summer, as I was trying to fall asleep one night, I was thinking about majors and careers and the different talents and abilities that God has given me. One of the things that I love to do is learn. God reminded me of how He is infinite, so I could spend the rest of my life trying to learn about Him, and I would still not know everything there is to know about Him. Well, there are also other fields that seem to have a great deal of information, like science. Yet, I thought to myself, I don't really want to go into a field where things are constantly changing. I heard a voice, not audible, but a voice, nonetheless, that said, "I the Lord do not change" (Malachi 3:6). So I knew for sure that I would major in Biblical and Theological Studies, but I also figured that I would not go into that as a career, so I continued my search for a second major. A lot of options passed through my mind: Biology, Exercise Studies, Family and Human Services, Child and Family Studies, Youth Ministries, Intercultural Studies. Too many options to choose from! Let me just say that it is amazing what God may do and whom He may use to speak to us about certain things. Last Sunday, I had a conversation with a good friend about the topic of what I was going to major in. For what seemed like the millionth time, I had to answer, "I don't know." At the end of the conversation though, I had walked away with this basic thought: There are things that I can do with a Biblical and Theological Studies major, but the standard of living may be less. Then, on Thursday, I was eating lunch with a group of people, and the subject of majors came up, and one of my friends remarked, "Just do Bible." That conversation again got me thinking about my future. By the next morning, I had come to the decision that I would major in Biblical and Theological Studies only and that I would take other classes that match my other interests depending on what fits into my schedule. I am at peace with the situation, but, like I said before, I am not 100% certain because it has already changed like 10 times. I still don't know what I will do with such a major, but I'm sure that God will show me in due time.
Have a blessed week!
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