So it's been a long time since I have posted and know that I am most likely the only person that will ever go back through and read the words I have written, but I enjoy letting these words, these thoughts spill out and it's quite refreshing. You should try it some time :)
Today at church we were going through 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 where it talks about the Lord's Supper and how we should approach the table. The thing that always strikes me/scares me the most are Paul's words found in v27:
"Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord."
I do not take this warning lightly as I sit in the pew and confess to God the things I have done that have caused me to be led astray, and hope and pray that I am not bringing down judgment upon myself for not being "good enough", but TODAY was different...
I realized that yes, we should not take the Lord's Supper lightly and we should repent of our sins before we partake with our brothers in sisters in holy communion, but it's also important to REMEMBER HIM! He has given us the this feast as a way to REMEMBER HIM!
"For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."
(1 Corinthians 11:23-26 ESV)
This feast serves as a reminder not that I am unworthy and not good enough, it is a reminder that I am redeemed by the blood of Christ, it is a reminder of all that He has done for me and continues to do for me, even though I am a sinner.
Inspired by this message I was humbled and understand now more than ever that I am a child redeemed by grace called to remember my Lord.
You who created the seas, created me
You who sit in heaven upon your throne, have chosen to call me your own
Even though I fail, Your love prevails
Even though I fall, You're around when I call
I run to you when I don't know what to do, what to think, what to believe, and You tell me...
I'm all you'll ever need
You are my child and even though you run wild
I am hear, do not fear, but draw near
Come back to Me and you'll see
I'm all you'll ever need
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Overwhelmed by God's Grace
My friend Kate and I have been memorizing different scripture passages since this summer, so far we have memorized Romans 12, Isaiah 55 and are currently working on Romans 5. Memorizing scripture has been my saving grace over the past few months. These passages are all that I have had to hold onto at times when God felt so far away and at times when I have felt too unworthy to even speak His name because of the choices and decisions I have made in my life and continue to make when I know they are not the best for me.
Most people would consider me an "outgoing" and "social person", but lately I have felt the need to withdraw from that part of me and take some time for me. Time to reflect and reconnect with who am I and with the one who made me. Too often I get caught up in what others think about me, getting it right, and making the most of my life. I have come to the realization I apply these same thoughts when approaching God...what does he think of me? Oh no I screwed up again. Am I doing enough quiet times? Am I learning enough? What is my purpose and am I living up to my fullest potential?
Memorizing scripture has helped me to truly meditate on God's word and has reminded me of all that God has done to prove that He loves me and accepts me as I am. He has gone above and beyond. I am only 8 verses into Romans 5, but cannot get enough of these 8 verses....
1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Look at all that he has done for me, for us! So I sit here tonight, I still don't have everything figured out, but I do know that I have a God who is at peace with me, who have given me grace, who pours love into my heart, and who died for me while I was a powerless sinner!
I encourage you to find a friend and memorize scripture. It's great accountability, easy to do, and God will continue to reveal himself more and more to you if you choose to let him!
Most people would consider me an "outgoing" and "social person", but lately I have felt the need to withdraw from that part of me and take some time for me. Time to reflect and reconnect with who am I and with the one who made me. Too often I get caught up in what others think about me, getting it right, and making the most of my life. I have come to the realization I apply these same thoughts when approaching God...what does he think of me? Oh no I screwed up again. Am I doing enough quiet times? Am I learning enough? What is my purpose and am I living up to my fullest potential?
Memorizing scripture has helped me to truly meditate on God's word and has reminded me of all that God has done to prove that He loves me and accepts me as I am. He has gone above and beyond. I am only 8 verses into Romans 5, but cannot get enough of these 8 verses....
1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Look at all that he has done for me, for us! So I sit here tonight, I still don't have everything figured out, but I do know that I have a God who is at peace with me, who have given me grace, who pours love into my heart, and who died for me while I was a powerless sinner!
I encourage you to find a friend and memorize scripture. It's great accountability, easy to do, and God will continue to reveal himself more and more to you if you choose to let him!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
The "Me" in Meaningless
Words pondered in this morning's quiet time...
' “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher.“Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” What do people gain from all their labors, at which they toil under the sun?' Ecclesiastes 1:2-3
"I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards. I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees" Ecclesiastes 2:4-6
I have not been sleeping well lately and know it's due to anxiety. Anxiety over work, relationships, finances and me and my character. I decided to pick up a book that I have been reading all about thoughts on change, grace, and learning the hard way "Bittersweet" by Shana Niequist...highly recommend it. The chapter I opened up to this morning focused on anxiety and how to overcome it. We all know the verse well...
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6
But sometimes it's easier read than done! In the book Shana talked about presenting your requests over and over and over and over to God. All of your anxious thoughts keep praying about them until you truly reach a point where an unspeakable, powerful, transcending peace that passes all understanding consumes your soul.
As I continued to lay in silence pumped to use my new "how to get peace" strategy, God revealed to me that the things I worry about are meaningless. Everything but me!
Me, my God loves Me, He cares for Me! Whoa! Job, Houses, Things, Friends, Dates, Boyfriends, Future Husband, Future Children=Meaningless
Now I am not saying that it means nothing to be married or have children, what I mean is that it is meaningless to worry about all of those things. On the day I stand before my Savior most of those things will be meaningless. My God will be looking at Me.
So as I go on with my day holding onto a little sliver of peace. I will take comfort in the fact that my God cares for Me and I am not meaningless to Him.
' “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher.“Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” What do people gain from all their labors, at which they toil under the sun?' Ecclesiastes 1:2-3
"I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards. I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees" Ecclesiastes 2:4-6
I have not been sleeping well lately and know it's due to anxiety. Anxiety over work, relationships, finances and me and my character. I decided to pick up a book that I have been reading all about thoughts on change, grace, and learning the hard way "Bittersweet" by Shana Niequist...highly recommend it. The chapter I opened up to this morning focused on anxiety and how to overcome it. We all know the verse well...
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6
But sometimes it's easier read than done! In the book Shana talked about presenting your requests over and over and over and over to God. All of your anxious thoughts keep praying about them until you truly reach a point where an unspeakable, powerful, transcending peace that passes all understanding consumes your soul.
As I continued to lay in silence pumped to use my new "how to get peace" strategy, God revealed to me that the things I worry about are meaningless. Everything but me!
Me, my God loves Me, He cares for Me! Whoa! Job, Houses, Things, Friends, Dates, Boyfriends, Future Husband, Future Children=Meaningless
Now I am not saying that it means nothing to be married or have children, what I mean is that it is meaningless to worry about all of those things. On the day I stand before my Savior most of those things will be meaningless. My God will be looking at Me.
So as I go on with my day holding onto a little sliver of peace. I will take comfort in the fact that my God cares for Me and I am not meaningless to Him.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Running the Race
Running...a word I used to cringe at when I heard it. So many people here in Charlotte run, run, run, run, run. Well, I have finally been bitten by the running bug! I am currently training for a 10K in April and dare I say "running" is becoming something enjoyable?!?
I have much more respect now for people who train and run races. I never realized how hard it is to get started, the aches, cramps, pains and sweat are hard to get through those first few weeks. However, somewhere in the midst of all that pain is joy...joy that you are working towards a goal and becoming stronger with each step taken, joy in God's beauty that is displayed all around, joy in the realization that life is a lot like running and you are not alone.
Every time I run now I think of the passage found in Hebrews 12:1-3
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
So I am still running, but not just to complete a 10K. I am running because it brings joy to my heart, it reminds me of my God and how much he loves me and that he is right there beside me running the race marked before me. Life is not always easy, it brings on a lot of pain, aches, cramps and sweat, but I know what I am pressing on towards and I know what my eyes are fixed upon...the author and perfecter of my faith!
So get out there and RUN!
I have much more respect now for people who train and run races. I never realized how hard it is to get started, the aches, cramps, pains and sweat are hard to get through those first few weeks. However, somewhere in the midst of all that pain is joy...joy that you are working towards a goal and becoming stronger with each step taken, joy in God's beauty that is displayed all around, joy in the realization that life is a lot like running and you are not alone.
Every time I run now I think of the passage found in Hebrews 12:1-3
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
So I am still running, but not just to complete a 10K. I am running because it brings joy to my heart, it reminds me of my God and how much he loves me and that he is right there beside me running the race marked before me. Life is not always easy, it brings on a lot of pain, aches, cramps and sweat, but I know what I am pressing on towards and I know what my eyes are fixed upon...the author and perfecter of my faith!
So get out there and RUN!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Thankful in "any" and "every" situation...
I have been camping out in Philippians all summer long and the words written by Paul have never rung truer to me than now at this point in my life, specifically his words spoken on humility and contentment.
It's crazy to think it's almost been a year since I've moved 600 miles away from Michigan to Charlotte, NC. God has stretched me in so many different ways, yet I still find myself oftentimes with feelings of discontentment. I have a lot to be thankful for, unfortunately I still desire so many things in life that I do not yet have.
This summer God has really opened my eyes to the meaning of humility and what a life marked by humility should look like...JESUS! In Philippians 2:5-6 Paul commands us "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus". Paul continues to explain the attitude of Jesus while He was here on this earth "...did not consider equality with God as something to be grasped...made Himself nothing...He humbled Himself and became obedient to death."
As I think back on Jesus' life and the things he did, the people he associated with, it had nothing to do with buying a house and worrying about all of the renovations and closing process. His life had nothing to do with searching for a soul mate. His life had nothing to do with figuring out which party He was going to attend on the weekend. No, Jesus was concerned with who could He serve! That should be my attitude.
I truly want to get to a point where "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13
This should be our desire in life to chase after Jesus, to serve his people, and to be content in whatever circumstance we have been placed in.
It's crazy to think it's almost been a year since I've moved 600 miles away from Michigan to Charlotte, NC. God has stretched me in so many different ways, yet I still find myself oftentimes with feelings of discontentment. I have a lot to be thankful for, unfortunately I still desire so many things in life that I do not yet have.
This summer God has really opened my eyes to the meaning of humility and what a life marked by humility should look like...JESUS! In Philippians 2:5-6 Paul commands us "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus". Paul continues to explain the attitude of Jesus while He was here on this earth "...did not consider equality with God as something to be grasped...made Himself nothing...He humbled Himself and became obedient to death."
As I think back on Jesus' life and the things he did, the people he associated with, it had nothing to do with buying a house and worrying about all of the renovations and closing process. His life had nothing to do with searching for a soul mate. His life had nothing to do with figuring out which party He was going to attend on the weekend. No, Jesus was concerned with who could He serve! That should be my attitude.
I truly want to get to a point where "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13
This should be our desire in life to chase after Jesus, to serve his people, and to be content in whatever circumstance we have been placed in.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Humility found in the God's Creation
As I was laying by the pool on this crisp cool evening relaxing with my bible, notebook, pen, and some delicious ice cream I decided to lay back and stare into the expansive blue sky. Tonight the sky was clear with the exception of a large cloud blocking the sun causing the rays to scatter across, it was breathtaking. I began to thank God for the beauty of His creation and how amazing even a cloud is, the way it floats through the air, swirls into different shapes and eventually dissipates. It make me think about how little control over life I really have and how much control over life I think I have.
I am in the midst of purchasing my first home and it is completely stressful. The pressure to get things done has taken a toll on me over the past few months and tonight God spoke to me and said, "Jenna, throw your hands up in the air! You're done worrying, you're done controlling the situation. It's my turn." Amazing I got that from a cloud right?
The clouds tonight reminded me that God is always in control in every circumstance. It's whether or not we choose to recognize it. God created everything, He causes everything to move, live, and breathe. Why wouldn't I want Him to have control over everything in my life? It was humbling to realize that I think I know what to do more than God. More than the God who created the world and everything in it in 7 days. It's craziness. Why wouldn't you want Him to be in control with that kind of power?!?
Everything in this life is meaningless when it comes to knowing and experiencing the love of God. Buying a house? Meaningless There are so many things in this life that are meaningless that cause us to lose sight of the true reason we are here. We are to exhibit humility and reflect God's glory, because without Him there would be nothing. Therefore, tonight I found humility in a simple white wispy cloud.
Philippians 2:5-6
"You're attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus who being in the very nature of God did not consider equality with God as something to be grasped."
I am in the midst of purchasing my first home and it is completely stressful. The pressure to get things done has taken a toll on me over the past few months and tonight God spoke to me and said, "Jenna, throw your hands up in the air! You're done worrying, you're done controlling the situation. It's my turn." Amazing I got that from a cloud right?
The clouds tonight reminded me that God is always in control in every circumstance. It's whether or not we choose to recognize it. God created everything, He causes everything to move, live, and breathe. Why wouldn't I want Him to have control over everything in my life? It was humbling to realize that I think I know what to do more than God. More than the God who created the world and everything in it in 7 days. It's craziness. Why wouldn't you want Him to be in control with that kind of power?!?
Everything in this life is meaningless when it comes to knowing and experiencing the love of God. Buying a house? Meaningless There are so many things in this life that are meaningless that cause us to lose sight of the true reason we are here. We are to exhibit humility and reflect God's glory, because without Him there would be nothing. Therefore, tonight I found humility in a simple white wispy cloud.
Philippians 2:5-6
"You're attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus who being in the very nature of God did not consider equality with God as something to be grasped."
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Wind
I love the feeling of the wind blowing through my hair. Every time it happens it reminds me that life is good. I know it sounds kind of cliche when I say that it reminds of God's presence in my life, but honestly it does.
When I feel the wind I think of the power it has to guide ships, to create energy, and to refresh. And when I relate it to God, I don't think of the typical "it's just like the wind, even though you can't see it, it's still there". No, I think of it as much more. It's God's reminder to me of His Power, His Strength, and His Guidance. And so today, as I go about my day, I hope to feel the wind so that I can be reminded that life is good because the One with the most power is in control of my life!
So the next time you feel the wind, I hope you remember what it's reminding you of.
When I feel the wind I think of the power it has to guide ships, to create energy, and to refresh. And when I relate it to God, I don't think of the typical "it's just like the wind, even though you can't see it, it's still there". No, I think of it as much more. It's God's reminder to me of His Power, His Strength, and His Guidance. And so today, as I go about my day, I hope to feel the wind so that I can be reminded that life is good because the One with the most power is in control of my life!
So the next time you feel the wind, I hope you remember what it's reminding you of.
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