I’m listening to an old convocation message (because I slept in today and didn’t go to church..) from April of 2010 (last semester), of Dave Edwards preaching on “The Invisible Giant of Comparison”. It’s something that I really stuggle with sometimes, which is why I picked this one to re-hear.
He says that our modern generation isn’t the first to struggle with comparison…the Israelites did too. In Numbers 13 & 14, where they sent the 12 into the Promised Land. 10 of them compared themselves/the Israelites to the gigantic people that inhabit the Promised Land. They took their focus off of God and put it on themselves and their enemies. However, Edwards says: “Life is not for competing, but for completing the will of God.” This is true. God had a purpose for the Israelites. And He doesn’t compare His kids to each other. The Israelites got so focused off of God and His plan, that they looked at their future and thought, we’d rather go back to our past, back to captivity in Egypt. You think, this is crazy! God had just saved them from that captivity, and here they are afraid to trust Him to take them further into His plan. THIS is what happens when we take our eyes off of God and start comparing ourselves to others. We get scared, we stop trusting, we become disappointed and think it would be better to return to where we came from (romanticize the past).
Edwards says there are 3 things that will help us quit comparing ourselves to others.
a). Defer the role of God to God. Every time we compare, we say, God why don’t you step over, and I’ll take it from here. We try to take control of our lives, without the help of God. Psalm 37:3.
b). Delight in our uniqueness. Psalm 37:4. You can’t live somebody else’s life - you’re called to live the one God gave you. There is freedom in this, when you start being yourself and quit being like others. Yet it took Israel 40 years to get it right.
c). Deny your right to compare. Psalm 37:7 - “fret” to turn something over and over again. The goal of comparison is to keep you from the plan God has for you. Don’t give in.
A side note (something that Edwards didn’t say)— we must remind ourselves of this every so often…because we will forget (at least I do). C. S. Lewis said “relying on God has to begin all over every day as if nothing had yet been done.” We MUST remind ourselves of it every day, so we will not forget.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Applying what I learned...
SOooo: For Philosophy, I am reading parts of C. S. Lewis as a Philosopher: Truth, Goodness and Beauty, and one chapter/essay in it talks about Lewis’ suggestions for dealing with emotional doubt of faith. Reading this chapter I have learned that he was a bit ahead of his time with his suggestions for getting rid of the doubt...he said we must realize the importance of our emotions – they are fickle and change like the wind. Then he says we must practice the disciplines of our faith daily – read the Bible, pray, worship with others, and review Christian doctrines. Then the person who wrote that chapter [Gary Habermas I think…] compares Lewis’ remedy with that of a psychologist that was published in the 1950’s [about 10ish years after Lewis’] and his remedy for ridding oneself of emotional doubt [or of the lies we tell ourselves/believe about ourselves] is to identify the lie, get rid of it, and replace it with truth – which is basically the same as Lewis’ suggestion.
ANYWAY I just realized [at lunchtime] that all I have gone through this morning, making me feel icky and unlike a good student and not worthy and not pretty and not "up to par" and tired and everything else, is kindof like God's saying, so Anna, what are you gonna do with what you've just learned?Because right now I really feel like crap. But I know that I can’t focus on my FEELings. I have to focus on the TRUTH, on what GOD says about me – not what I say about me. Which is in SCRIPTURE.
And what HE, the KING OF KINGS, my MIGHTY WARRIOR, my LOVING FATHER says about me is:
1. Christ is my righteousness – 1 Corinthians 1:30
2. I am not to put confidence in my flesh – Philippians 3:3
3. My inner self is of great worth in God’s sight – 1 Peter 3:3-4
4. My prayers are heard AND answered by the Almighty God – Psalm 116:1-2
5. I can hide in my Father – Psalm 32:7a
6. He loves me so much that He died for me– John 3:16
7. He loves me enough to call me His child, and to make me more and more like Him every day – 1 John 3:1-2
8. I am swallowed in His grace – 2 Corinthians 12:9
9. He is helping me and holding my hand – Isaiah 41:13
10. He will renew my strength – Isaiah 40: 30-31
AND I could go on, and on. But I have to leave to go volunteer in a few minutes…and reminding myself of these 10 things has sufficiently brightened my afternoon. J I just need to keep them always in view!
ANYWAY I just realized [at lunchtime] that all I have gone through this morning, making me feel icky and unlike a good student and not worthy and not pretty and not "up to par" and tired and everything else, is kindof like God's saying, so Anna, what are you gonna do with what you've just learned?Because right now I really feel like crap. But I know that I can’t focus on my FEELings. I have to focus on the TRUTH, on what GOD says about me – not what I say about me. Which is in SCRIPTURE.
And what HE, the KING OF KINGS, my MIGHTY WARRIOR, my LOVING FATHER says about me is:
1. Christ is my righteousness – 1 Corinthians 1:30
2. I am not to put confidence in my flesh – Philippians 3:3
3. My inner self is of great worth in God’s sight – 1 Peter 3:3-4
4. My prayers are heard AND answered by the Almighty God – Psalm 116:1-2
5. I can hide in my Father – Psalm 32:7a
6. He loves me so much that He died for me– John 3:16
7. He loves me enough to call me His child, and to make me more and more like Him every day – 1 John 3:1-2
8. I am swallowed in His grace – 2 Corinthians 12:9
9. He is helping me and holding my hand – Isaiah 41:13
10. He will renew my strength – Isaiah 40: 30-31
AND I could go on, and on. But I have to leave to go volunteer in a few minutes…and reminding myself of these 10 things has sufficiently brightened my afternoon. J I just need to keep them always in view!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Snorkeling is one of the most enjoyable, interesting things I have ever done in my life. The beautiful, intricate creations of our Creator-God can be seen so clear and uniquely underwater, I think - there are sooo many different types of fish and underwater plants! The 2 times I’ve been astounded me, I hope do be able to do it many times more..especially in water as clear as this. If you haven't been, I highly suggest it :)
- photo source: http://bitterbrightside.tumblr.com/post/1721914711
Monday, November 15, 2010
I am the Bread of Life.
Dave Edwards spoke in Convo today, so I was pretty excited, bc he's done revivals before at my church back home. And what he said hit home.
I really, I mean really should be studying science right now but I wanted to post this on here bc it's been forrrrever since I've posted on here. And what I'm about to post is decent stuff.
Mark 8:14-21
14The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. 15 “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.”
16 They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.”
17 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”
“Twelve,” they replied.
20 “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”
They answered, “Seven.”
21 He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”
In the 13 verses before this, Jesus fed teh 4,000, and in 2 chapters before that, He fed the 5,000. So there was bread left over. And the disciples only managed to bring one loaf on the boat with them. [I easily get distracted and forget things too]. Then when Jesus tried to talk to them about some serious things, all they could think about was how there was barely any bread for all of them. All they could worry about was the loaf bread and not having enough, when Jesus had just a few hours ago multiplied seven loaves into 4,000. They were not adding Him into their equation -- Worry is when we try to figure out our own problems without factoring in the help of God. [direct quote there from Dave]. This is so true, I'm a bit of a worrier myself so I experience this a good bit :/. Dave also said Don't worry about bread when the Bread of Life is in the boat with you. The disciples could only see 2 feet in front of them. Yet I am no different in my own life -- God is right here with me but I still worry about things that I need- how I'm gonna complete all this schoolwork on time [not a prob if I would not procrastinate], where money will come from, giving a presentation, safety in travel, the list could go on. Yet He is RIGHT HERE. I have no need to worry, just to give it all to Him. I must simply remember this fact --- and I encourage you too as well.
I really, I mean really should be studying science right now but I wanted to post this on here bc it's been forrrrever since I've posted on here. And what I'm about to post is decent stuff.
Mark 8:14-21
14The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. 15 “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.”
16 They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.”
17 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”
“Twelve,” they replied.
20 “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”
They answered, “Seven.”
21 He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”
In the 13 verses before this, Jesus fed teh 4,000, and in 2 chapters before that, He fed the 5,000. So there was bread left over. And the disciples only managed to bring one loaf on the boat with them. [I easily get distracted and forget things too]. Then when Jesus tried to talk to them about some serious things, all they could think about was how there was barely any bread for all of them. All they could worry about was the loaf bread and not having enough, when Jesus had just a few hours ago multiplied seven loaves into 4,000. They were not adding Him into their equation -- Worry is when we try to figure out our own problems without factoring in the help of God. [direct quote there from Dave]. This is so true, I'm a bit of a worrier myself so I experience this a good bit :/. Dave also said Don't worry about bread when the Bread of Life is in the boat with you. The disciples could only see 2 feet in front of them. Yet I am no different in my own life -- God is right here with me but I still worry about things that I need- how I'm gonna complete all this schoolwork on time [not a prob if I would not procrastinate], where money will come from, giving a presentation, safety in travel, the list could go on. Yet He is RIGHT HERE. I have no need to worry, just to give it all to Him. I must simply remember this fact --- and I encourage you too as well.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Just read this book [The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, by C. S. Lewis] for my children’s literature class. And I love it. Absolutely love it. ALways have loved the Narnia series. and Lewis himself. I love the way he writes, as if he and you were sitting by the fire having a cup of tea, and you were the only person in his audience. So personal and warm. And the imagery in this book, in each of the books. Ahhh I just love it. :) PS can’t wait for the latest movie, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, to come out December 10th, 2010. :D
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Psalm 139 and I gave in.
Last night at campus church, Ben Gutierrez spoke on Psalm 139 and how God knows us best. I've never heard it preached on like this before. It was really awesome, so I shall share it with you:)
Psalm 139 --
1 O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
5 You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to [b] me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.
19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
20 They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD, and abhor those who rise up against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
In the verses in purple [1-6], there are 9 words which denote knowledge, showing how well God knows us.
In the verses in yellow [7-12], there are 8 words which denote geography, showing that no matter where on this earth we try to go, God is already there.
In the verses in this brownish-red [13-16], there are 8 words which denote power, showing that God is omnicient, or all-powerful. He made each and every one of us, and He loves us more than we know.
In the rest of the verses [17-22], David is expressing his gratitude for the love of God. He is so grateful that it angers him that people are against God and he wants to do what he can to get rid of them and show them the truth.
Verses 23-24 repeat the first verse. David already knows that God knows him better than anyone else, including himself. So why is he asking God to search him if he already knows that God knows him? David asks this to show that he is willing to have God search him and know him, even to show the shameful parts of him.
It was good and refreshing to hear this sermon last night. I think it'll be one that I'll remember for a really long time. :)
____________________________________________________________________
To explain the other half of the title of this post, I gave in and started up an account with Tumblr. I'll probably post more on there than here...but maybe not. Haha we'll see how it goes. Here's the link: www.twirlingleaves.tumblr.com
& that's all fo now :)
Psalm 139 --
1 O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
5 You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to [b] me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.
19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
20 They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD, and abhor those who rise up against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
In the verses in purple [1-6], there are 9 words which denote knowledge, showing how well God knows us.
In the verses in yellow [7-12], there are 8 words which denote geography, showing that no matter where on this earth we try to go, God is already there.
In the verses in this brownish-red [13-16], there are 8 words which denote power, showing that God is omnicient, or all-powerful. He made each and every one of us, and He loves us more than we know.
In the rest of the verses [17-22], David is expressing his gratitude for the love of God. He is so grateful that it angers him that people are against God and he wants to do what he can to get rid of them and show them the truth.
Verses 23-24 repeat the first verse. David already knows that God knows him better than anyone else, including himself. So why is he asking God to search him if he already knows that God knows him? David asks this to show that he is willing to have God search him and know him, even to show the shameful parts of him.
It was good and refreshing to hear this sermon last night. I think it'll be one that I'll remember for a really long time. :)
____________________________________________________________________
To explain the other half of the title of this post, I gave in and started up an account with Tumblr. I'll probably post more on there than here...but maybe not. Haha we'll see how it goes. Here's the link: www.twirlingleaves.tumblr.com
& that's all fo now :)
Thursday, October 7, 2010
There are several quotes which can pretty accurately describe the state of me right now.
They are:
"In this life I'm stubborn to the core/In this life I've been burning after more/We both know what these open arms are for..." - from the song "Head Over Heels" by Switchfoot.
"Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done." - C. S. Lewis.
Especially the last one. But truly both of them, because I am really stubborn..in a certain way. Which may not make sense to you, dear blog-reader....but it does to me....I go on stuck in my ways, with my ideas, all the while God's like, you know, this would probably be better...yet I still insist on my way...
Umm basically this lyric sums it up: "a thousand times I've failed, still Your mercy remains, should I stumble again, I'm caught in Your grace.." - from "From the Inside Out" by Hillsong United.
I just feel like I'm stuck in the "thousand-times" part. haha. if that makes sense. but then I read the Lewis quote up there & I'm like oh yeah, it's a day to day thing. Which, IT IS.
TRUSTING GOD TRULY IS A DAY-TO-DAY THING.
And I'm still learning it.
They are:
"In this life I'm stubborn to the core/In this life I've been burning after more/We both know what these open arms are for..." - from the song "Head Over Heels" by Switchfoot.
"Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done." - C. S. Lewis.
Especially the last one. But truly both of them, because I am really stubborn..in a certain way. Which may not make sense to you, dear blog-reader....but it does to me....I go on stuck in my ways, with my ideas, all the while God's like, you know, this would probably be better...yet I still insist on my way...
Umm basically this lyric sums it up: "a thousand times I've failed, still Your mercy remains, should I stumble again, I'm caught in Your grace.." - from "From the Inside Out" by Hillsong United.
I just feel like I'm stuck in the "thousand-times" part. haha. if that makes sense. but then I read the Lewis quote up there & I'm like oh yeah, it's a day to day thing. Which, IT IS.
TRUSTING GOD TRULY IS A DAY-TO-DAY THING.
And I'm still learning it.
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