I'm currently reading The Life of D. L. Moody. Yes, it is a rather large volume but I'm working my way through. And as I always do when I read accounts of godly men and women of the past, I look at myself and ask many questions. I'll get to that in a minute.
In the introduction, the writer speaks about Dr. R. A. Torrey, a close friend and associate of D. L. Moody and the seven points Torrey described in answer to why God chose to use Moody.
1. "He was a fully surrendered man."
2. "Mr. Moody was in the deepest and most meaning sense a man of prayer."
3. "He was a deep and practical student of the Word of God."
4. "He was a humble man."
5. "His entire freedom from the love of money."
6. "His consuming passion for the salvation of the lost."
7. "He had a very definite enduement with power from on high, a very clear and definite baptism with the Holy Ghost."
So this leads me to a few points to ponder. These seven characteristics, can people say these things of us? Are we really fully surrendered to Christ ready to do whatever, whenever, wherever if He so calls us? I really wonder what would happen if we started to live radical lives like those we love to read about. Can people say of us that they see the love of God in all that we do? We're becoming lukewarm, although we ourselves would never say that. We have this fear of man that we don't even want to talk about Jesus because we're afraid of what the world will think and that's when the devil starts rejoicing. I often think it's time for us to go through some physical persecution to see what our faith is really made of. Are you in a position that God can use you?
"Someday you will read in the papers that D. L. Moody, of East Northfield, is dead. Don't you believe a word of it! At that moment I shall be more alive than I am now, I shall have gone up higher, that is all; out of this old clay tenement into a house that is immortal --- a body that death cannot touch; that sin cannot taint; a body fashioned like unto His glorious body.
I was born of the flesh in 1837. I was born of the Spirit in 1856. That which is born of the flesh may die. That which is born of the Spirit will live forever."
-- D. L. Moody
Friday, 29 February 2008
Wednesday, 27 February 2008
Refining Fire
Psalm 51:6-12, 17
Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make to know wisdom.
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all of mine iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
The refining fires in my life have been getting quite warm, but God is faithful. The purification process is not an easy one but a very necessary one and makes us more like our Master. It's hard to recognize and admit to one's wicked and sinful heart but praise God for the precious blood of Jesus that cleanses us from all unrighteousness. All these challenges are hard to handle at once but need to be dealt with before I do more damage to those around me and harm to myself. Jesus did not say that the Christian life would be all flowers and sunshine, but that's often what I expect. He actually rather promised hard times but in all that, that He would never leave us nor forsake us, ready to carry every burden. It's often like He's asking me, "Can I carry this one too?"
Sorry for my rambling but thanks for reading. God bless!
Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make to know wisdom.
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all of mine iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
The refining fires in my life have been getting quite warm, but God is faithful. The purification process is not an easy one but a very necessary one and makes us more like our Master. It's hard to recognize and admit to one's wicked and sinful heart but praise God for the precious blood of Jesus that cleanses us from all unrighteousness. All these challenges are hard to handle at once but need to be dealt with before I do more damage to those around me and harm to myself. Jesus did not say that the Christian life would be all flowers and sunshine, but that's often what I expect. He actually rather promised hard times but in all that, that He would never leave us nor forsake us, ready to carry every burden. It's often like He's asking me, "Can I carry this one too?"
Sorry for my rambling but thanks for reading. God bless!
Monday, 25 February 2008
Quick Update
Well, let's see what's new. Saturday the youth at our church went tubing. Yesterday, after our morning service, us girls had a potluck lunch and some good talks and discussion afterward. In the evening we had a service focused on missions which was really good.
This past week, as good it had been has been very difficult. I've been starting to see so much of my own wickedness and God has just been showing me fault after fault and I feel like screaming "One thing at a time!" I'm trying hard to learn to love, speak words of encouragement that lift up and not tear down, and lots about purity. I'm learning that there is so much more to purity in words, actions, thoughts and all those little things that say so much that we need to be really careful about like our eye language. This week I'm planning on listening to the Godly Courtship series by Denny Kenaston cause there's so much I need to learn and pull together. As hard as much of this pruning is, I know it's good for me and will result in a lot of growing.
So there's a bit about what's going on in my life and if the Spirit leads you I would appreciate everyones prayers as I'm going through this chapter in my life. Blessings!
This past week, as good it had been has been very difficult. I've been starting to see so much of my own wickedness and God has just been showing me fault after fault and I feel like screaming "One thing at a time!" I'm trying hard to learn to love, speak words of encouragement that lift up and not tear down, and lots about purity. I'm learning that there is so much more to purity in words, actions, thoughts and all those little things that say so much that we need to be really careful about like our eye language. This week I'm planning on listening to the Godly Courtship series by Denny Kenaston cause there's so much I need to learn and pull together. As hard as much of this pruning is, I know it's good for me and will result in a lot of growing.
So there's a bit about what's going on in my life and if the Spirit leads you I would appreciate everyones prayers as I'm going through this chapter in my life. Blessings!
Friday, 22 February 2008
A Few Changes
So, as you can see, I've made a few changes around here. I've updated my profile, so you should really go check that out. Leave a comment telling me whether you like it or not. And if you visit my blog whether for the first time or more often, please tell me so with your name please. Thank you, and I realize that probably sounded really business like.
Blessings!
Blessings!
Thursday, 21 February 2008
An Interesting Week
So as you may or may not have already guessed, I'm having an interesting week. For one my brother-in-law quit his job yesterday which makes me a stay-at-home girl to a great extent.
I've also been reading The Hiding Place this week. I'm almost finished it. For those of you who don't know, it's a book about the life of Corrie ten Boom, a remarkable Christian woman who worked with the underground during WW2 hiding Jews. She also survived several months in prison and Nazi concentration camps. I would strongly recommend it to everyone. It manages to find light, love, and hope even in midst of darkest horror and a testimony of God's grace as Corrie managed to forgive and bless her enemies even in the most difficult circumstances. It really brought many questions to mind: How far am I willing to go for the cause of Christ? Am I willing to risk my life for the well-being of others? Am I ready to lay down all I have and leave everything I've ever known? Would I be able to handle the conditions? Right now, it seems impossible but God only gives us the strength we need when we need it and His grace is sufficient.
As soon as I'm done this book, I'll be studying for another upcoming exam. Now, I have to go.
Blessings!
I've also been reading The Hiding Place this week. I'm almost finished it. For those of you who don't know, it's a book about the life of Corrie ten Boom, a remarkable Christian woman who worked with the underground during WW2 hiding Jews. She also survived several months in prison and Nazi concentration camps. I would strongly recommend it to everyone. It manages to find light, love, and hope even in midst of darkest horror and a testimony of God's grace as Corrie managed to forgive and bless her enemies even in the most difficult circumstances. It really brought many questions to mind: How far am I willing to go for the cause of Christ? Am I willing to risk my life for the well-being of others? Am I ready to lay down all I have and leave everything I've ever known? Would I be able to handle the conditions? Right now, it seems impossible but God only gives us the strength we need when we need it and His grace is sufficient.
As soon as I'm done this book, I'll be studying for another upcoming exam. Now, I have to go.
Blessings!
Monday, 18 February 2008
Requesting Prayer
Psalm 40:1-4
I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as tun aside to lies.
This really was my song this morning and I had no idea that God would have such an encouragement in store for me when I got up this morning for my quiet time. I guess I'd have to honestly say that I'm currently recuperating from an emotional inner conflict. Although I'm doing much better today (sorry to those girls who I gave a real fright last night), I still do need lots of prayer. I need the Lord's direction and guidance in a particular area of my life right now and I need to accept His answer and say "Yes, Lord." Last week, I felt myself moving away from God because of my refusal to surrender to His will. I know that whatever He asks me to do, that no matter how hard it is, it's what's best. Pray that I would continually wait upon the Lord and be obedient to that still, small voice. I also need to learn to be honest with others and not wear a mask as if everything is always A OK.
Psalm 40:8
I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as tun aside to lies.
This really was my song this morning and I had no idea that God would have such an encouragement in store for me when I got up this morning for my quiet time. I guess I'd have to honestly say that I'm currently recuperating from an emotional inner conflict. Although I'm doing much better today (sorry to those girls who I gave a real fright last night), I still do need lots of prayer. I need the Lord's direction and guidance in a particular area of my life right now and I need to accept His answer and say "Yes, Lord." Last week, I felt myself moving away from God because of my refusal to surrender to His will. I know that whatever He asks me to do, that no matter how hard it is, it's what's best. Pray that I would continually wait upon the Lord and be obedient to that still, small voice. I also need to learn to be honest with others and not wear a mask as if everything is always A OK.
Psalm 40:8
I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
Thursday, 14 February 2008
Okay, Here It Is
Here's what you've all been waiting for. For those of you who didn't know about this, don't skip over the next poem because of the title. It's not your regular mushy gushy Valentine's Day poem.
Be Mine
"Be Mine" the words said
Written in the most beautiful shade of red.
Never before had her eyes beheld
Nor, in the depths of her heart, had she felt
This kind of feeling before.
She wanted to know more.
She read on quickly with excitement
And in amazement her soul leapt
As the words made it all so clear,
The very thing she needed to hear.
"I love you more than life,
My Dear, and in My love there is no fear.
You see, it was for this Holy love
That I gave My life and shed My blood.
I've given freely, to you, this treasure,
This gift which is beyond measure."
Could it be true, her eyes opened wide.
For it was at that moment she realized
The emptiness she had felt inside
Would now be wholly, completely satisfied
With this love, offered without cost.
It was true. She had been lost.
"There is only one thing I must ask of you."
"What is it?" she asked. "Anything I will do."
"Be mine and only mine, you must give me your life,
It's kind of like becoming my wife.
You'll be my bride and I will come back for you.
And I want you to be ready in all that you do."
Her answer was "Yes" and in those words,
The angels singing in heaven could be heard.
"Be Mine" the words said with sacrificial love
Written and sealed in her Savior's blood.
Monday, 11 February 2008
What's New?
Not much. I'm really excited about our new Sunday school theme on the Holy Spirit. It was actually an answer to prayer. I've been thinking a lot about that lately and have a lot of questions. What does the Holy Spirit really do in a believers life? What happens when an individual or church is totally controlled by the Holy Spirit? What is the evidence of the Spirit's working in one's life? One thing I already learned was that when the Holy Spirit moves, nobody can control what happens. What does it really mean to have a passion and fire for God?
Lately I've been feeling like God is preparing me for something bigger. Whether now or later, or what it is, I don't know. But I do know that whatever it is, it's not going to be easy. Today was where I knew that I really had to say, "Lord, if you want to use me, wherever that may be, I'm ready. Father, send me." I think today's the first time that I actually sincerely meant it. It's much easier said than done, but in the centre of God's will is the best place to be, and there's where the greatest blessing is.
I've been seeing this past week that God might just have a very different plan for me this year than I thought. I see myself doing some sort of missions work, but I always keep thinking not now. I need to finish my schooling first. Maybe God has something for me much sooner than I think. Learning to wait on the Lord.
Psalm 27:14
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he will strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Lately I've been feeling like God is preparing me for something bigger. Whether now or later, or what it is, I don't know. But I do know that whatever it is, it's not going to be easy. Today was where I knew that I really had to say, "Lord, if you want to use me, wherever that may be, I'm ready. Father, send me." I think today's the first time that I actually sincerely meant it. It's much easier said than done, but in the centre of God's will is the best place to be, and there's where the greatest blessing is.
I've been seeing this past week that God might just have a very different plan for me this year than I thought. I see myself doing some sort of missions work, but I always keep thinking not now. I need to finish my schooling first. Maybe God has something for me much sooner than I think. Learning to wait on the Lord.
Psalm 27:14
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he will strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Wednesday, 6 February 2008
I Will Love Thee
Psalm 18:1-3
I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
I have much to praise the Lord for. Yesterday, I made my G1s. I only got one question wrong, so now I can officially drive. Today my sister stayed home to take Brendan to the doctor's so I had the day off. So I had the great opportunity of making buns for the first time. They turned out really good.
Psalm 18:25-32,35
With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with the upright thou wilt shew thyself upright;
With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.
For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks.
For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.
For by thee have I run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.
As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
For who is God save the LORD, or who is a rock save our God?
It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.
This week I was offered another babysitting job for this summer. It wasn't exactly what I had expected and I don't all the details yet, but I'm starting to feel that God wants me to do it. I was really hoping that after I was done babysitting now, I could do something different, but God knows best and I want to do His will.
Psalm 18:46
The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.
Now, since I'm supposed to be writing an essay right now, I have to go. God bless you and be with you all.
I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
I have much to praise the Lord for. Yesterday, I made my G1s. I only got one question wrong, so now I can officially drive. Today my sister stayed home to take Brendan to the doctor's so I had the day off. So I had the great opportunity of making buns for the first time. They turned out really good.
Psalm 18:25-32,35
With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with the upright thou wilt shew thyself upright;
With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.
For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks.
For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.
For by thee have I run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.
As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
For who is God save the LORD, or who is a rock save our God?
It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.
This week I was offered another babysitting job for this summer. It wasn't exactly what I had expected and I don't all the details yet, but I'm starting to feel that God wants me to do it. I was really hoping that after I was done babysitting now, I could do something different, but God knows best and I want to do His will.
Psalm 18:46
The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.
Now, since I'm supposed to be writing an essay right now, I have to go. God bless you and be with you all.
Monday, 4 February 2008
The LORD Tries the Righteous
I was reading today in the book of Psalms and I came across an interesting verse:
Psalm 11:5
The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.
Genesis 22:1
And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said to him, Abraham: and he said, Behold here I am.
So if any of you by any chance don't know, this is where God asks Abraham (a righteous man) to offer Isaac. So, here's my question: How do you look at trials? I talk about this quite often. "The LORD trieth the righteous." That is absolutely wonderful. Remember that the next time you come to a storm.
Psalm 12:6
The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
Psalm 11:5
The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.
Genesis 22:1
And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said to him, Abraham: and he said, Behold here I am.
So if any of you by any chance don't know, this is where God asks Abraham (a righteous man) to offer Isaac. So, here's my question: How do you look at trials? I talk about this quite often. "The LORD trieth the righteous." That is absolutely wonderful. Remember that the next time you come to a storm.
There are no crown-wearers in heaven who were not cross-bearers here below. Charles Haddon Spurgeon
"Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors."
Author Unknown
Psalm 12:6
The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
Saturday, 2 February 2008
A Few Quotes
I just found a few quotes that I had and figured I'd share them with everyone.
"God cannot reveal anything to us if we have not His spirit. "
"Character is what you are in the dark."
Dwight L. Moody
"It is only the fear of God that can
deliver us from the fear of man."
John Witherspoon
"God cannot reveal anything to us if we have not His spirit. "
Oswald Chambers
"Our suffering is not worthy the name of
"Our suffering is not worthy the name of
suffering. When I consider my crosses,
tribulations, and temptations, I shame myself
almost to death, thinking what are they in
comparison of the sufferings of my blessed
Savior Christ Jesus."
Martin Luther
tribulations, and temptations, I shame myself
almost to death, thinking what are they in
comparison of the sufferings of my blessed
Savior Christ Jesus."
Martin Luther
"Don't worry about what you do not understand... Worry
about what you do understand in the Bible but do not
live by."
Corrie Ten Boom
"Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden."
Corrie Ten Boom
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