More Than Skin Deep

      Now stop right there! This is not going to be a post about how true beauty is on the inside or anything like that -- not that I have a problem with those kinds of posts, but that is NOT what I'm going to do here. This is actually going to be a post with guys -- who will be are futures leaders -- in mind. BUT don't tune out ladies; this is every bit as important for you as it is for them!

     With that out of the way, let us begin. The new year is almost here, Christmas, the oh so special remembrance of Jesus' Christ's birth, (should be) fresh in our hearts and minds. Something that has been recently pressed into my mind is the importance of studying the Bible -- and I mean really studying the Bible!

     In the words of one of my favorite teachers, John MacArthur, "When reading the Bible, we have to understand that we are Aliens reading and Alien text." I'm not talking about the little green men that fly around in silver saucers here, but the traditional definition of alien:

"Belonging to, characteristic of, or constituting another and very different place, society, or person; strange" (The American Heritage Dictionary)

       The Bible was written, literally, thousands of years ago; in a different language; with different people, politics, values, geography, culture, figures of speech, customs; and WE -- today --  are not brought up knowing any of these. How can we possibly expect to understand -- I mean really understand the deep issues and meaning of the Bible -- without putting in a great amount of effort to understand the Bible the way the writer (God) intended it to be understood?

     People spend lifetimes studying and learning in order to be able to rightly divide scripture; is it unreasonable that we Christians today should devote some time and effort into understand the Bible? Taking time to begin devotions is the first step to understanding and studying the Bible, but it is just that: the FIRST step. To end there is not enough. As Christians, we are to devote all of our essence to being the best representatives of Jesus Christ that we can be; part of this effort is learning and truly understanding the Bible.

     God has been pressuring me, personally, lately to begin to dig down deep into His word -- to truly understand what I believe, why I believe it, and, most importantly, what He actually says. It is my desire to grow in my knowledge of Jesus Christ and the Bible. I ask that you, my beloved audience, join me in the journey of deeply studying the Bible as The Author intended it to be understood -- All to the Glory of God!

     Here are some resources to help get you started:

     Grace To You is John MacArthur's  website. He is an amazing pastor at Grace Church in California and one of the founders for the Master's College. He is a gifted teacher and is so passionate for everyone to learn the Bible that he has posted all of his sermons for free online! He style of "preaching" isn't really "preaching" at all, it's much more like "seminary lectures" -- but have no fear! He makes everything easy to understand and throws in some entertaining humor as well.

     Here is a searchable list of his sermons:

http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/title

     Here is a searchable list of all of his resources:

http://www.gty.org/resources

     In my blog's sidebar is a link to the Blue Letter Bible -- which has absolutely saved my hide in many a theological project. The Blue Letter Bible has (virtually) every translation of the Bible that is automatically paired with a lexical interlinear of the original language (all you have to do is click the verse reference!) Here is another link to it:

http://www.blueletterbible.org/index.cfm

     Beginning study of the Bible can be intimidating; however, if you pursue understanding with a heart of devotion to the Lord, God will honor your desire. Being the master of all thing, He will provide you with both the resources and the teachers necessary for understanding His Word. He is smart enough to know what you need and when you need it ;)

The "Real" Christmas

     Well, Christmas is right around the corner, and far be it for me to be the only one who hasn't done a Christmas Post. The biggest issue for me this time of year is using this period to rest in the Lord. It's too easy to get stressed about making sure everyone is happy, earning money to buy Christmas gift and making sure I've bought everyone's gifts. I love giving gifts -- even more than getting them! -- and it is very easy for me to freakout under the pressure of wanting to get something for everyone... especially if I can't afford to get everyone something.

     This is the sad part about Christmas; forgetting that it's not about buying people gifts because you want to show you care, it's not about having family get-togethers with good food, it's not even about helping those in need around you...

     Christmas is about Christ. I know that sounds cliché, but it's easy to say, "Christmas is not about 'stuff,'" but there are a lot of good things that happen around Christmas that STILL are not what Christmas is about.

     Someone asked me the other day if I was looking forward to Christmas. This year, I can honestly say I am NOT. Not in the normal sense of "looking forward to Christmas" anyway. In my house, Christmas has always been about family. Family is something very special for me -- almost sacred --  because I don't have any. I have a mother, a father and a sister -- which is more than some people have, sadly -- but I do not have grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins or anything else like that anywhere near me. I've never understood what it's like for families to "go to Grandma's house for lunch" or to have a sleepover with my cousin. The only family I have lives almost a thousand miles away.



     So what makes this Christmas different from all the others? Every year, since I was born, my Grandparents -- the ones that live a thousand miles away -- have visited my family and me for Christmas. They and Christmas go together for me. This year, they have finally become too -- I think "frail" would be the best term -- to make the trip. I will be alone this Christmas.



     This realization, as sad as it is for me -- I cry whenever I think about it -- has cause me to think about what Christmas is about. I'd always heard it was about "spending time with family," "being kind to those in need," "having good time and hot food with friends," but now that those things have been taken away from me, I have been trying to think about what to do with my Christmas.

     Then I remembered. Christmas is about Christ and NOTHING else. Christmas is about remembering and celebrating the time when Jesus was born. Even more so, to remember that Jesus was born so that He could die -- paying the penalty of sin for the entire world! When I am reminded of this, how can I be sad that I am alone this Christmas? This was the first step in Christ's conquering death!

     If you're like me and find yourself alone this Christmas -- or even if you're not alone! -- remember what Christmas is REALLY about. Jesus Christ. Take time to read about His birth (I dare you to read it in ALL the Gospels, each one's a little different!) and, if you have time, read His Passion also. Sing some -- what I like to call "Real" -- Christmas carols -- the Christmas Hymns. With the time left over, pray. Pray for your family -- even if you don't know who they are. Pray for the persecuted Church all over the world. Pray for the military families that will be separated during Christmas. God will bless you for remembering and honoring Him.

Be What You Say

     What people say and what people do, unfortunately, tend to be on two opposite ends of the spectrum. I believe everyone is guilty of that; either you are lying to yourself or you are lying to those around you. But there is another aspect as well, perhaps one says these false perceptions of self because they want them to be true...

     For example, there is one gentleman I know who is constantly professing, "I do everything I can to understand people. I leave my biases at the door and listen to what people say the way they intend it to be heard not necessarily the way it comes out. It is my duty to hear what people mean." If one takes this statement at face value, this gentleman sounds like one of the greatest communicators in the world, for indeed, that is the way communication should happen. People garble their words all the time -- often saying things that are very rude or hurtful -- but never intending to BE rude or hurtful with their words. 

     Sadly, my friend is renown by all who know him to be the most difficult, hard nosed communicator they have ever met. His skills in understanding what is said and speaking in a way that can be understood are so ineffective that he is forever hurting those around him and frustrating himself.

     Why does this happen? Pride. Using my friend again, his pride in his communication skills blinds him to his errors. He believes that his mode of communication is virtually perfect, any other modes are inferior. Therefore, he believes that if he is not understood it is the listener's fault; conversely, he will put any message he hears through his internal filters, re-interpreting what was said into what he feels it meant.

     This self-blindness caused by pride limits the relationships around him.

     How does this apply to us? In short, be wary of pride. One of the most difficult tasks is recognizing pride in ourselves. Therefore, find a friend or mentor -- a good one, who will tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. If you do not already have one, pray that God will send you one -- He is faithful to fulfill our needs. Allow this friend to point out your flaws in brotherly love. Our goals in life are to be the best representatives of Jesus Christ that we can be and to bring God glory. By allowing this friend to reveal the faults that we do not see, it gives us the opportunity to work on those problems.

     Now that these problems have been recognized, don't just talk about the right actions, DO THEM.

"You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?" (Matthew 7:16 NASB)

    It is not enough to TALK about doing the right thing; one must actually DO it. Sometimes, it is something that can be fixed easily; more often it is a process. It takes time to learn another mode of behavior, but do not fear! The reward of growing in righteousness is infinitely more than the difficulties of changing. And do not be discouraged, God will be your strength.

"Because I master all things by The Messiah who empowers me." (Philippians 4:13 Aramaic Bible in Plain English)

Hymns - "After All That I've Done"

     I have (rather recently) been taken with old Church hymns. Not so much for the actual music -- I'm a rock-and-roll-girl through and through -- but I have come to appreciate the wonderful theological value that hymns hold. They are starting to become little treasure chests of hope and truth -- would that our songs today were to speak in such sound terms. *Please don't stone me!* But I don't care too much for modern Christian Contemporary music. If other people like that music WONDERFUL, but it really isn't for me.

     Now, before everyone grabs pitchforks and torches, let me continue with my respect to old hymns -- and I mean OLD! This hymn really struck a chord with me -- no pun intended! Paul's famous cry, "I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate," (Romans 7:15 NASB) sadly rings very true with me. I become so aggravated with myself for knowing the right thing to do, and yet choosing the very thing I despise. This is John Wesley's hymn: "After all that I have done." (For ease of reading, I have provided modern English where necessary):

1 After all that I have done,

Saviour, art thou [are you] pacified?

Whither shall my vileness run?
[Where will my evil-ness go?]

Hide me, earth, the sinner hide!

Let me sink into the dust,

Full of holy shame, adore!
[I am full of repentance and want to praise God!]

Jesus Christ, the good, the just,

Bids [Tells] me go, and sin no more.

2 O confirm the gracious word,

Jesus, Son of God and man!

Let me never grieve thee, Lord,
[Let me never disappoint you, Lord]

Never turn to sin again:

Till my all in all thou art,
[Until the time when my everything is in You]

Till thou bring thy nature in,
[Until You place Your perfect nature in me]

Keep this feeble, trembling heart,

Save me, save me, Lord, from sin!

     This hymn was written sometime during the 18th Century, but the cry is so relevant to today. The speaker -- the sinner -- acknowledges how sinful he is and how much in awe he is of the salvation of Christ. He expresses the desire to please God with all his actions, but he also cries in fear for his "feeble, trembling heart."

     It is my deepest desire to bring glory to God, but it seems my humanity is always getting in the way. Yet, if men were perfect, there'd be no need for a savior. As sinful humans, our only recourse is to continually recognize that God is King and Lord over our lives, in everything we are to please and honor Him. Yet, because we are fallen creatures who constantly sin, we are to daily seek repentance and a deeper relationship with God. By His mercy we are saved; by His grace we bring Him honor.

Trial By Fire

     Unfortunately there are times when our circumstances feel completely out of control. No matter which way we turn, there is another obstacle -- another hardship. To make everything worse, one feels as though there will never be a moment of rest. The small gaps in between difficulties feel more like tense waiting, rather than a respite. It's almost like a "bad news/worse news" scenario. I'm the type of person that wants to "hurry-up and get it over with"; so, these periods of waiting are particularly difficult for me.

     Yet, God is with us. Much to our dismay, He may even be the one who put us in the trial (though more often, it is we who put ourselves there.) The thing to keep in mind is the purpose of existence: to bring glory to God. No matter what our circumstances are, we're to bring glory to God. There are other benefits as well: a stronger character, the ability to help others, a better relationship with God...

     For each person the test will be different. Different people will have different areas with which they struggle; therefore, what might be a trial for one may only be an inconvenience for another. An area with which I have trouble is maintaining my relationship with God. I struggle with being consistent in my prayer and devotions -- I'll do it every day for 2 months then not at all for the following month. The way God keeps me on track is to place me in situations that I cannot cope with on my own. Unpleasant for me, but the reward of growing closer to God is unfathomable.

    One of the most difficult parts of trials is this: if you don't learn what God wanted you to learn the first go around, God will send you through a second time. And a third time -- until you become what He wants you to be. I and so many know this from experience. Some of the "valley of the shadow of death" 's that I had to go through were because I didn't listen to God the first time.

     BUT be encouraged. No matter how difficult your life is, and no matter how little rest you receive in this life there is a reward awaiting us in Heaven. Each time
we as Christians go through something difficult -- and bring glory to God through it -- we are granted eternal rewards that will NEVER fade. This life is only temporary -- fleeting -- but God is FOREVER.

Marriage Isn't For You

     Some of my friends told me about this article that's been circulating from the Huff Post. It is ablsolutely brilliant, and I highly reccomment that you read it!

Marriage Isn't For You by Seth Adam Smith

Fall Colors

     I live next to a large hill covered in trees. This is the time of year when the hill become alive with the wonderful colors of fall! Bright reds, golds, vibrant oranges make this hill a marvel to look at.

     This is God's creation. He created these scenes for us to enjoy. It's almost like a good-bye present from summer -- now that warm weather is gone, we need one last show before winter claims the world. It's important for us to take time to enjoy the sight. In spite of our busy schedules, we need to remember God and how magnificent He is. By stopping for just a few moments, we are acknowledging that God is our Lord and Provider -- He is the one who make us and made these beautiful fall leaves, is it not right that we give Him a little of our time?

     Something my family likes to do to remember God's creation is to take a fall drive. If you live in a big city or an area that does not have any trees, go to the library and check out a book on fall photography. My mother used to live in Los Angeles and this was one of her favorite pastimes. If you yourself cannot physically enjoy the spectacular show of fall colors, remember that God made it for you too. By looking at the wonders God has created, a small piece of His magnificence is known.

     For me, music is another way that I understand God. Music is filled with different emotions ranging from joy to sadness, anger to celebration. Knowing that God created music blows my mind every time I think about it. Here is a series of sounds that are not words but carry weight as though they were words. If notes go up it sounds happy. If the notes go down they sound sad. Faster music makes me want to dance. Slower music makes me want to think -- or sometimes sleep ;) But every song is different. Every genera is different. Good lyrics are important too. God made all of it.

     In a quote from Plato, "I would teach children music, physics, and philosophy; but most importantly music, for the patterns in music and all the arts are the keys to learning." After taking a class in music theory I completely agree. Music has everything in it and the fact God created it is wondrous to me.

     Take some time to enjoy fall. Remember that God is master and created everything for our benefit and enjoyment in the confines of His word. Through His law and grace we are set free to enjoy the marvels of music and nature.

Don't Stress

     With the school year in full swing, we are now getting to the time when due-dates, assignments and projects are needing to be finished. Time is running out and stress is running high. If you're anything like me, the week before an assignment is due, you freak-out! I desire so strongly to do my absolute best that I melt down right before I have to turn it in. Much of the time, I feel as though no matter how much effort I put into a project I could have done more.

     However, in these times of distress -- or seeming distress -- my mother tells me her favorite saying.

"How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time."

     At first I want do scream, "That doesn't make me feel any better!" but then I realize that she is right. The only way to complete any project is to START and to start by taking ONE step at a time. No matter how large or insurmountable an assignment might seem the first thing to do is get started. Nothing will complete itself, but remember that the best or most that you can do is all you can give.

     One of my favorite quotes is from Mother Teresa, "I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish that He didn’t trust me so much." God will never put you in a situation that is beyond your ability -- we often times put ourselves in situations that we cannot handle, but God never does. If we are positive that we are where God want us to be and we are doing what He wants us to do, the rest is up to Him.

      If you feel like you are drowning in schoolwork remember that there is an end. You can finish. God is with you the whole while. Allow Him to strengthen you and there will be nothing that can stand in your way.

Don't Box Me In

     If there's one thing I love it's personality tests. I absolutely love learning about how I respond to the world and how other people view life. However, there's one thing that my father taught me to remember whenever taking personality tests: The purpose of this test is NOT so that you can go to other people and say, "This is what I am, behave in a way that makes me happy!" but rather to learn what other people are like, so that you can become what they need.

     Please understand this does NOT mean becoming a "people pleaser" (a person who depends on other people's happiness to survive), but it does mean rising above your NATURAL (and possibly SINFUL) behaviors in order to become the best representation of Jesus Christ that you can be. This actually means that -- in many circumstances -- you need to alter your natural behavior into something that is more appropriate.

Example #1

     I am not a "touchy-feely" person. I hate it when people "surprise" me with a hug. I do not like holding hands with my family. I like my space. I feel safe when I have space. If I feel like people are closing in on me or are violating my personal space, I feel like they are a threat and dangerous to my safety. This is my natural tendency.

     However, if I see someone (specifically someone who I know is a "touchy-feely" person) is having a bad day or is going through a hard time, I deliberately move outside my natural tendency and hug them. There are times when I have been counseling girls and I know that the absolute best thing for them would be hugs and gentle pats on the back. I do it. Not because I would want these actions done for me, but I know that I want to be the best example of Jesus Christ I can be. I know it means a lot for the other person, therefore, because I care about the other person, I will deliberately go AGAINST my natural tendency.

     Something that makes me angry is when a person uses their personality as an excuse or as a shield behind which to hide. Few things make me more frustrated when I meet a person like that. In stead of realizing God has given them certain gifts AND the Fall of Man has given us flaws they run around screaming, "don't judge my thoughts or behaviors," "I can't help that I'm like this," "You just have to deal with the way I am." Are these not the most selfish thoughts? How does knowing you are "a certain way" give you an excuse to sin or be discourteous?

Example #2

     I know someone who is an amazing speaker. She is one of those people who can talk to a wall and have a wonderful conversation. She is blessed with always knowing the right thing to say and never having to depend upon others to keep a conversation going. This ability allows her to make newcomers feel welcome. However, if she does not keep her words in check, she becomes a steamroller. She no longer cares about what other people want or need to say because her words are more important. This becomes very damaging to those around her because they feel she does not care about what they have to say. Some refuse to hang around her because she refuses to allow "peace and quiet." Her mouth is in continuous motion.

     What make is sad is that she knows. She is fully aware of her tendencies and her ability to talk everyone else into silence. She also admits that there are instances in which she does not care what anyone else has to say -- her words are of utmost importance. Yet, although she is aware of her flaws, she does nothing to mend them. The flings up her personality type as a shield and refuses to alter her behavior to make others more comfortable.

I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. (1 Corinthians 9:22)

     Your personality is not an excuse. No matter how well you know yourself, it is our obligation as Christians -- as Followers of Christ! -- to rise above our natural flaws. It is our responsibility to do whatever we can to help our brothers and sisters in Christ and to be examples to the unbeliever.

     Someone once said, "You can be right, or you can be happy. Pick one." In the realm of relationships it is crucial to grow beyond yourself, beyond your "personality type" and natural tendencies. Marriages have failed because of refusal to do do. Others have succeeded to great testament of their families.

     Do not let yourself become boxed-in or limited by your "personality".

The TRUTH Shall Set You Free

This was inspired by a section in my devotional (Cynthia Heald's Becoming a Woman of Freedom) that I found very profound after mulling these verses over...

John 8:31-32
     "So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, 'If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.'"

"What did Jesus mean by truth? How does it set us free?"

The truth is the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ: that in understanding Him and gaining a deeper and deeper relationship with THE TRUTH we shall know and love God better. This understanding will set us free. Free from the eternal bondage of sin. Free to learn and do righteousness for the glory and pleasure of our Lord. In this we are now free.

"But what is the nature of our freedom? It is not release from all restraint. It is not license to indulge our sinful nature. Our freedom is the freedom to 'serve one another in love.' It is possible to do so, because the Holy Spirit enables us to act in ways that are contrary to the natural impulses of our sinful nature. Walking by the Spirit, we are released from the old master that produces hatred, jealousy, fits of rage, envy, and such. We are released to be loving, patient, kind, faithful and good." -Lawrence O. Richards

It is the work of Jesus Christ that sets us free. Growing and  FULLY understanding this takes a lifetime (and then some) but the beginning of this understanding brings about true freedom in Christ. Freedom to perform His will in our lives to the best of our ability.