What Love is Not - Getting to the Root

     Christians and non-believers alike are all keenly familiar with 1 Corinthians 13. The LOVE chapter. Usually gracing the middle of wedding ceremonies, the list scrolls: "Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres". There are so many lessons in this text! What is this envy which challenges Love? What is this boasting which damages love? What does a protecting love look like? How can we persevere in Love? How do we do it all?!

 

    

     Recently, I have been mulling over the five words "Love is not self seeking". What does it mean to be self seeking? Is it really just selfishness...wanting your own way all the time? As believers (and hopefully mature adults...;)), it is kind of understood that we won't be going "gimme, gimme, gimme" all the time. We should not be hearing of major tantrums when someone takes something we wanted. We shouldn't be irate when someone gets a position we wanted -- whether it is on the Worship team or a position at our job. Where the Spirit of Christ is working, there should be an offering of preference extended to others. We SHOULD be going out of our way to show graciousness, mercy and generosity. 

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     BUT. What I HAVE been thinking on are the sneaky little self-seeking thoughts that so often tiptoe their way into our minds. The thoughts that unconsciously can take root and grow into a stubborn weed. When someone says something with a "tone". When someone wears something we deem 'inappropriate' to church. When we see someone who seems to be better friends than we are with people. When we compare ourselves, our relationship with Christ, our physical appearance, our ANYTHING with others. When we get our feelings hurt. When someone makes a mistake which we think "foolish". When we see others with SO many more gifting than we see within ourselves. Note that I said WHEN....not IF. We are going to encounter each of these things. Someone WILL offend us (just go get on Facebook..aheh...). Someone WILL have a 'tone'--whether intentional or because of life stress spilling over into our conversation. Someone WILL be more "gifted" than us. We WILL get our feelings hurt. (We're human! and we aren't in Heaven yet!) ;)

     I, personally, am realizing more and more how sensitive *I* am. I am a conflict avoider, which makes me even MORE aware when there are undertones in voices or in situations  (I'm talking beyond "natural introverted quietness"). When this happens, I fold. I curl up in a ball inside and try to hide. I shut down because I feel helpless to fix things or I assume major guilt for problems I am not a part of. I don't want to get my heart hurt and so I put up a protection of silence. I have found that sometimes I withhold my opinion or my thoughts because someone might be hurt by the Truth...or they might reject ME. Jesus, in His INCREDIBLE kindness, has deemed it quite time to weed this out of my heart. PRAISE THE LORD! I never realized what it fully looks like until we recently had a series of several conflicts. I felt like my eyes were opened up to the way that I respond--which may seem harmless to the outside, but it is actually quite painful to those around me. I was putting myself first by intentionally shutting others out. "I won't let you hurt me" was the foundation I laid, brick by brick. Word by poorly timed word. I was seeking myself first.

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     As the Lord has been healing my heart of some past wounds, I feel like He is re-teaching me the foundations of Love. Jesus Himself is LOVE---complete surrender to the Fathers will, ultimate giving of His entire life, and choosing to continue caring for us even while we were (and ARE) so unable to repay our debt. His love...His LIFE never was self-seeking. He never shut down when others hurt Him. He knew the Father. He knew where He stood in the Father's affections. He knew His Father's heart. He knew the Scripture. He poured out. He prayed. He walked in the Spirit. He healed, He encouraged, He challenged, and He never STOPPED. 

   So....I've been working on two new lists. I'm calling them "Lists of the Heart". Lists that we, especially as proclaiming Christians, need to fully grasp. If we want the World to actually SEE Jesus, WE have to get out of the way. We have to stop tearing one another down. WE have to make a decision--we have to stand against this. Self-centeredness has no place in the body of Christ. 

"Love is Not"

-Love is not defensive. 

-Love is not suspicious. 

-Love does not assume. 

-Love does not intentionally withhold affection. 

-Love does not withhold Truth. 

-Love does not accept a "defeated mindset" because it is not focused on winning. 

-Love is not self-centered. 

-Love does not build walls. 

-Love does not shut out or down.

-Love does not show partiality. 

-Love does not doubt. 

-Love does not rejoice in other's failures...or missed opportunities. 

-Love does not challenge harshly. 

-Love does not mock. 

-Love does not "lord" over another person. 

-Love is not vindictive (revengeful). 

-Love does not lash out in anger.

-Love doesn't harm. 

-Love does not gossip (speaking ill of another's character, even if "it's true")

"Love IS"

-Love is a defender -- a defender against the lies of the Enemy.

-Love seeks to address conflict without tearing another down.

-Love encourages -- when someone is struggling, Love comes alongside and says "lean on me".

-Love THINKS WELL of others -- even if evidence may suggest otherwise, Love CHOOSES to believe well

-Love GIVES affection without counting the cost. 

-Love generously shares the Truth, in kindness.

-Love shares the burden. 

-Love is Christ-conscious, eyes fixed upward instead of on self. 

-Love tears down walls and opens the door to all who would come in. 

-Love chooses to accept, unbiased. 

-Love rejoices in other's success!

-Love builds up others -- in courage, peace, hope and FAITH. 

-Love serves. 

-Love CHOOSES to forgive...not because they FEEL like it.

-Love pours out. 

-Love does not keep tally on favors. 

-Love speaks well of others. 

     What I want, what I REALLY want, is to fully grasp this. I want all of us to grasp this. What would it look like if we weren't satisfied with addressing only the outward signs of selfishness? What if we actually humbled ourselves enough to stare that weed in the face, and then have the Lord begin to remove it? I want to live out Corinthians. I want to shine the love of Christ--by the power of the Holy Spirit. And the thing is, we CAN'T do any of the above without the help of the Spirit. There is no physical way we can choose selflessness when selfishness comes naturally! But the most amazing thing is that "the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us" (Romans 5:5). God has shown us incredible, selfless Love. In turn, He has given us the Holy Spirit, not only that we might walk in righteousness and LOVE, but so that we might also show HIS love to others. We love because He loved us first (1 John 4:19). It is not just a check list. "oops. I need to work on my patience today". The fruit of the Spirit--or the "evidence" of the Spirit at work--is something that comes as we grow in Christ...as we put to death selfishness and self-centeredness. The Spirit at work within us is shown as we are earnestly pursuing Christ, listening to His voice, reading His Word, and seeking to love others as Christ does. We can't conjure up (and maintain) a life like Corinthians on our own strength. But that's the beauty of Christ. He knows that. :) It is the reason Christ died for us--because we can't save ourselves and we can't make ourselves perfect. But we can believe Him at His word, putting our trust, our hope, our life, and our salvation in the hands of Christ. 

So, friends, pursue Christ. Walk by the Spirit. Choose love--real, selfless love. Even when it's uncomfortable. Even when it seems like that person is unable to love you. And on the days where you stumble, look to Christ. Because "I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" ( Phil. 1:6). By the power of His Spirit and for His glory!

In Christ, 

Hunting for "Christmas Spirit"

Merry Christmas Eve! I don't know if you are anything like me, but I had to look back on this year with wide eyes. This year has been HARD, y'all. So many things have happened for our family--job hunting, health issues, working on relationships, school, volunteering, deaths, beginning new friendships...I actually can't believe it is Christmas already. 

 Truth be told, entering Christmas season was challenging for our family. Not to mention coming right off of the...uh...swarm of election emotions. Honestly, there were a few times I cringed when I thought about Christmas approaching. NOT because I wasn't excited to celebrate Christ, but because I was looking around as people were backbiting, tearing one another down, and "unfriending"--all the while preparing to sing about "goodwill toward men" and "peace on earth"....I really didn't want to "pretend", because it didn't make SENSE. It wasn't the truth. At one point, we were so out of sorts that three of us girls were driving (being really goofy) around the Costco parking lot "hunting for the Christmas Spirit". Needless to say, we couldn't "find" it and were left laughing (and a bit dizzy!). ;)

Still, in the back of my mind this month, I've been wrestling with these questions.

Lord, how can we truly have peace when there IS no peace in our world? How can I show others the Hope I've found when even I'M struggling to have Hope? How can we cling to Joy when people have no joy? How can we rest in Your arms when it feels like we're drowning in the chaos, pride and fear of man? How can we celebrate Your birth when we are wrestling with such discouragement? How do we, as believers, show "the Christmas Spirit" of Joy?

And one of the most reassuring, awesome things I have learned about God as my Father is the fact that He CAN handle our tough questions. He can handle us. :)

I was really praying and crying out to the Lord for help, when He oh so sweetly reminded me of the Truth. The Truth is that despite how we feel right now--we CAN sing about the birth of a Baby, we CAN rejoice in the coming of a Child, we CAN celebrate this small form because He didn't STAY a baby. For His birth wasn't ONLY the miracle of a new life; it was the beginning of a craved Hope. He IS the Messiah. OUR Messiah. HE IS the long awaited Christ. OUR long-awaited Christ. HE IS the one in whom "nations would (and CAN) place their HOPE" (Matthew 12:21). He is the One in whom WE can place our hope. In HIM is forgiveness of sins (Col. 1:14). In fact, He came TO save us from our sins--pride, fear, lust, greed, jealousy, lewdness, bitterness, adultery, witchcraft, and every thing that stands in opposition to a Holy, pure God (Matthew 1:21). He came to bear our burdens (Ps. 69:19). He IS our all in all...in the tiniest, most unassuming gift wrapping. A little, innocent child.

That's just like Christ. Humble. Unassuming. Yet SO powerful, SO true, SO unwavering, SO trustworthy, SO incredible. So very pure.

Tonight as you prepare to celebrate Jesus tomorrow and if you are finding your "Christmas spirit" lacking, just remember this. We don't just celebrate a birthday. We celebrate the birth of Hope. We celebrate the gates of Heaven being opened up to us in a NEW, glorious Way. He IS the promise of eternal life (Romans 6:23). He IS the Redeemer through whom we have been adopted as Children of God--inheritors of a Kingdom of Light (Gal 4:4-5). We celebrate the One who IS Himself JOY. We celebrate the One who IS our Peace, because no one can take Him away from us (Romans 8:31-39), Through Him, we can be freed from our burdens, our fears and our sins. Through one small bundle, so very long ago.

And in THAT, my friends, is every single reason to rest, rejoice and WORSHIP. No matter what, no matter where.

Rejoicing in Him!

Nearer to Thee

If you follow any of my social media, you would have seen several photos yesterday of baking activities and our sweet country road. What you may NOT know is that--yesterday, I woke up in a funk. I felt like the recipient of the losing side in a game of chicken with a Steam-engine. I couldn't put my finger on why I felt "off". I was exhausted. You should have been here to see my bedhead (...uh..on second thought, maybe not...). In addition to this stunner of a situation, I was informed yesterday that a 20$ inspection turned into replacing several parts on my faithful Ford. *gulp* Technically wasn't THAT much money, but in the thundercloud mood, the thought of having to be careful for a little while with my already slim wallet was a bit overwhelming. I let worry creep in and have a seat within my heart.

It was just one of *those* days.  One where not even my bread rising perfectly, the pitterpatter of rain drops, 12 golden finches bustling about, nor my free donut could pull me out of my little thundercloud. 

(And believe me--if you are a baker and your cinnamon bread rising perfectly doesn't make some part of your heart pitterpatter--you may need to get evaluated)

I was quite downcast all throughout the afternoon. At least, I was until I pulled over for the School Bus.

~

We live on a dirt road (off of a dirt road), which makes it QUITE interesting for two vehicles to attempt to pass one another. I was leisurely puttering my way home when I spotted the white roof of the Bus through the foliage. yikes. As I sped up to pull off into a drive way, the Bus driver passed me, waving an enthusiastic "THANK YOU!!". Letting her pass, I sat staring at the field beside me...and I spotted this.

~

No, Jesus didn't suddenly appear in physical form...but He sent me the simplest reminder in a way which I would understand. He sent me Sunshine. Sunshine through tiny petals on a carpet of vibrant grass. He sent me one of my favorite Hymns "Nearer My God To Thee" at the exact same time I spotted the flowers. He suddenly filled my car with His presence, all while I was waiting for a huge yellow Bus to pass. The Holy Spirit gently prompted me to remember. Christ has called us to so much more than a "good life". He has called us Children. He has redeemed us. He has saved us. He calls us to pick up our Cross--those things which kill the flesh--and to follow after Him. Follow the boldest, most humble man to ever walk on the face of the earth. A man who was 100% human and 100% God. No matter the day or the mood, He is looking for those who will set aside their emotions and cling to the Joy which is found in Christ. The Joy of the Lord is our strength (Neh. 8:10). He loves when we turn our eyes away from our "Goliaths" and confidently say "I trust you Jesus!". He has called us to remember--and to kick Worry to the curb. For if we really look back and remember, we will see that He has never forsaken us. He has never left us alone. We are held gently within the safest arms, for HE holds ALL things in the palm of His hands. Friend, look out your window at His handiwork. Look how He cares for the forests--they faithfully change every season. They don't ever get "stuck" in a season. They are being vibrantly draped in breathtaking colors, with petals covering the mountainside. Remember to lift your face up. For Jesus--our King, our LIGHT, our LIFE--He is near, and drawing US nearer still.

"Nearer My God To Thee"

 Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer to thee!
E'en though it be a cross
That raiseth me.
Still all my song shall be

(Chorus)
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer to thee!

 Though like the wanderer,
The sun gone down,
Darkness be over me,
My rest a stone,
Yet in my dreams I'd be

There let the way appear,
Steps unto heav'n;
All that thou sendest me,
In mercy giv'n;
Angels to beckon me

Then with my waking thoughts
Bright with thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs
Bethel I'll raise;
So by my woes to be

Or if, on joyful wing
Cleaving the sky,
Sun, moon, and stars forgot,
Upward I fly,
Still all my song shall be

 So, today, whether you are fighting the "blues" OR clinging to that joy--take sweet comfort in the God who still speaks in the quietness of a Ford Escape. Set apart some time today to be with Him. Our Savior who is just, but also full of new compassion towards us every single day. A God who is Emmanuel. He is here with us. He is drawing us nearer to Himself, for that is the very best, safest, most peaceful place we could ever be. Near to the heart of God!

In Him, 

"But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works." /// Psalm 73:28

A Glimpse

I have felt quite behind in getting back into a routine since mid-December! Haha! However, we had a super sweet Christmas with just our immediate family. Usually we have other family (aunts, uncles, etc.) around, but this year it was just my parents and us four sisters. I was still feeling under the weather, but we really enjoyed the sweetness of Jesus' Birthday. Rachel was home from Canada for a few weeks--needless to say we had a lot of laughter!

Christmas Eve

A night of unique Christmas sweaters and goofy faces

aheh. Goofy faces.

Her present hadn't come yet, so we showed her the picture of it and

I thought it needed a bow to truly be a present. :)

Rachie thoroughly enjoyed her calendar :)

Rachel got me a new Bible!!!! ah...praise God!

I enjoyed wearing the onesie my friend made for me!

Time for lunch--we do a big lunch around 1:00 

Aimee's favorite thing to make--Homemade mashed potatoes 

We always get glass bottles of soda, and this year we had snazzy straws

Well, just wanted to share a few pictures with you all. It was also really sweet because Jesus was just with me the entire day...and there's nothing like celebrating someone when they're there with you. :) I pray you all had a sweet day, and if you had a really hard one, just be reassured that Jesus is worth celebrating every single day of the year...so you can even rejoice today that He was born, in order that we might be saved! Praise God! :)

(Google)

True Answers to Prayer

Today, I just need to tell people of God's faithfulness. So, after planning on doing a "how this last year has changed my life" post, I am instead doing a "Specific Prayers Answered" because I want people to see how God answers prayers--big and small.

• I was told 12/18/2012 that my Skin Graft surgery would be the 24th. I laid on the examination table,crying with mom after the surgeon left the room. After mom and I had spent weeks being SO careful in wound care and I had bypassed so many Christmas activities because of concern, it felt like my best was not enough. I felt terrible because something I had accidentally done caused something that would be costly to mom and dad monetarily.YET. As soon as I turned my thoughts to the Lord prayed for strength, He filled me with SO much incredible peace that I floated out of the doctors office, all smiles and joyful. :)
• I prayed that God would give me a doctor who I would feel comfortable with= God gave me the sweetest doctor for my first visit--I am always a little concerned about who my doctors are, yet the doctor God provided immediately made me feel at ease. (As well as the nurses...they were so great!)
• I prayed for strength= God answered this in many ways, but specifically through friendship. I skyped with some of my dearest friends, as well as called my friend Miriam. I talked to Miriam on the 23rd (and the day before surgery #2), and Jesus caused my heart to overflow because her. I was anxious, yet as I prayed with my sweet friend, Jesus came and sat down with me. He's pretty sweet like that.
• I prayed that God would bring peace and that His hand would be evident= The morning of my surgery, God made it SNOW. :) It wasn't supposed to (that I'm aware of), but as Mom and Dad drove me in, I began praying for peace. As I prayed, there were little flakes drifting down. It was so sweet. It snowed the entire way, creating a peaceful quiet drive.
• I prayed that I would be able to enjoy Christmas eve somehow= Because I don't have feeling in part of the back of my right leg, I was not put 100% under anesthesia. This was an answer to prayer, because our family loves Christmas Eve and I wanted to be conscious for the evening. I slept a little that afternoon, but I was fully conscious for the evening. :)

Enjoying some early Christmas presents

• Continued prayer for Strength= God gave me Rachel as my sister, and she also doubles as my personal butler Reggie when I'm injured/sick. I slept downstairs on her bed for over a month while she camped out on a mattress on the floor, taking care of me. <3 I really appreciate her, and we have SO many hysterical stories of midnight madness. ;)
• I asked for help regarding bruising, poor circulation, reactions to medicine= God is a sustaining God, full of mercy and grace. He gives strength to the weary and bears us up on eagles wings. He gave us wisdom about how to battle sore spots from laying on the bed, terrible circulation (I woke up and my feet were turning purple several nights), and the medication making me feel terrible. He was a gentle hand on my head, as a father smooths the curls of the child he loves, so Jesus caressed my weary head on His chest. He also provided some smart ideas of how to help position me better, as well as some humorous scenarios. (We were desperate enough to put a blanket in the microwave for a little while--it just lead to some of them smelling like popcorn..haha!)
• The I would know Jesus had a purpose for this= I had friends that texted me almost every day (some who live out of the country), my pastor and friends who called, 4-year-olds sending "Miss Anna" coloring sheets, and complete strangers bringing my family meals. It felt like the arms of Jesus were encircling my family! I cried so many times at a timely bible verse, or a note. His purpose was that I might know Him better---that's a pretty special thing.
• I prayed for good news and if bad news, then peace= After my week after surgery checkup, I went with the anticipation of being finished with all the "not bending my leg at all", super uncomfortable stapled bandages, and sleeping in my own bed. However, I instead received the news that my next surgery was going to be on the 9th, this time, with the potential to be in the hospital for 1 week+. YET, there was joy and peace in my heart, and again I walked out with a all smiles!
• I prayed for relief of stress for my mom and myself= The week between surgeries was hands down a complete answer to prayer. I got to have my huge bulky bandage replaced for a smaller one AND was able to shower and move a bit more freely. I told my mom that this was my sanity week--God gave me a lull in the spiritual and physical storm. It was SO sweet. We laughed all week, I was animated and even baked. :)
• For the next surgery,I prayed that I would be sunshine to the medical personnel and a light to those around me throughout my stay= After I prayed that, I felt such joy and peace that I smiled the entire day we spent in the waiting room. (Originally my surgery was supposed to be at 2 (?) so I wasn't supposed to eat/drink from the night before, but it ended up being around 4?)
• I prayed that God would make our time in the waiting room fruitful and joyful= My pastor Bill and worship leader Joseph came to the hospital to pray with me in the waiting room. This was actually an incredible blessing to me, and as we just sat and chatted, God used all of our laughter and conversation to cheer my family up and bring peace even more so to my heart. (And I also hope it cheered others up as well)
• I also prayed that God would send me Christian nurses and doctors= This short little nurse came in to do surgery prep, and she was so sweet. She made sure I was completely comfortable, and as she left, she looked me straight in the eyes and said "God Bless you."
• I prayed for protection during the surgery= I apparently had a small allergy to the anesthesia, but it cleared up quickly.
• I prayed for favor with my nurses and doctors= According to my family, all the staff were thrilled with how quickly I responded and with my cheerfulness. Some of them said a few really sweet comments, which also blessed me.
• I prayed for humor and fun things= I have a load of stories. One of my favorite stories was (Since it was on my upper leg, I had to lay on my stomach.) waking up at 5:00 a.m. and adjusting my head from the left to the right. As soon as I did that BOOM there were 2 doctors standing RIGHT over me (apparently they're pretty sneaky) saying "Uh..we just wanted to let you know that your doctors will be in shortly."
• I prayed for a speedy recovery= So, the day after my surgery all of my doctors came in and said "You have a choice: You are doing so well that we feel comfortable with releasing you. So, you can go home today, or you can go home later this week." YAHOO! My mom was thrilled. :)
• This time, when I came home, I was WAY more with it and as soon as I walked up my stairs, I saw 2 huge care packages from friends in CT and in NH. There was much excitement and giggling as Jesus showered me with overwhelming love through those gifts (they were soon followed by more!)
• I prayed for answers= Although there are things I will never know this side of eternity, I was actually incredibly blown away with the fact that Jesus told me several reasons why He was allowing me to walk through this. The one I will share with you is so that I might know His tender care. He cares for His sheep. Sweetly.
  
  ~

I have more stories throughout the 3+ months it actually took for complete recovery (super bad weakness and still pain), but I do not want to completely swamp you all! ;) I do want to say this though: God took my mistake, loved me enough to allow refining and trials, and He brought me so much closer to himself through this. Because of all of this, I am at a far closer walk with the Lord--I talk to Jesus..and He replies. Just like that. Because God loves me, He took my hand and walked with me through every day when I was laying in complete vulnerability. He sat beside my bed, wiping every tear, singing over me with songs of Joy and Hope.

"The Lord is refining me as silver, my faith like gold.
He has purposed good things for me,
to satisfy my spirit and the cry of my heart.
[..] Lord, may I learn every lesson that you would teach me."
[1/14/13 Journal Entry]

Anyways, as you are all moving from Thanksgiving to Christmas prep., know that God moves and He truly and faithfully answers prayers. If you are praying about things right now and feel like you are not getting answers, KEEP PRAYING!  His name is Faithful and True. He will surely answer those who call upon His name!

In Him, 

(P.s. I counted, and I had over 100+ people praying for me and my family. Crazy! If you were one of them, thank you!)

In His Shadow.

Today's blog post is very simple. Have you ever stood in someone's shadow?

I have. 

You have to be really close to them in order to be in their shadow. REALLY close. Makes you almost a little claustrophobic just thinking about it, huh? ;) Before you feel too crowded, I'll get to my point. I have been reading "Shadow of the Almighty"(a MUST read), and today I was thinking about the title. What exactly does that mean--"Shadow of the Almighty".

Immediately, Psalm 91 came to my mind. 

"He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High

Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

Psalm 91:1. 

What does it mean to abide under the shadow of the Almighty? Well, what do we know about shadows?

In my logical mind and in a Anna-like fashion, I immediately thought of some basic (and obvious) observations:

- In order to stand in a shadow, it requires being physically close to that object or person

- If you're in a person's shadow, it usually means they are in front of you (in one way or another).

-Shadows usually also provide comfort and relief from heat

-Usually, the person in shade is not seen as well

What does it mean for us to abide in the Shadow of the Almighty? As I think about it, I feel like it's how God  desires our relationship with Him to be--close. By abiding in His shadow, we are choosing to stay literally near him and continually be in his presence. We are choosing to spend time with him, in order that we may be close to him. By choosing closeness, we are also choosing protection from evil. The Lord is fully able and WANTS to protect us from the fiery, devastating darts of the enemy because we are his beloved children. In order for him to protect us, we have to go to him and stand firm behind his Word--behind Jesus (John 1:1). Finally, by choosing to fall in behind Christ, we are also allowing Him to be the first focus while we fall into the shadow. HE gets the glory, not us.

In the Shadow of the Almighty, there is rest. There is peace and protection. There is comfort and the sweetness of true humility. And there is Joy. Choose His shadow, friend. You will never regret it.

Resting under His Wings, 

~Anna

(source: Christianimages.com)

All In A Name

Faith: Compete trust or confidence in someone or something (according to Google).

For those of you who do not know, Faith is my middle name. No, seriously it is. There are a few different reasons which I was dubbed with this name, but the main one being that my parents prayed that I would become a woman whose trust was fully in God. Needless to say, I am still learning. But the last few days, God has given me 2 big sips of living water to savor regarding Faith. If you don't mind, I would like to share them with you. *My apologies if you do mind...*
Sip#1

I keep asking God to grant me more faith, to teach me how to have faith, and to open my eyes to ways he has been faithful. As I was reading in Romans about Abraham, a man who is known for his faith. I had another moment where I felt like I was seeing a verse for the first time.

"No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. This is why his faith was "reckoned to him as righteousness" ~Romans 4:20-22
Sip#2
"A little while ago, you were on your knees saying, "Lord, I fear I have no faith: Let me know that I have faith." Was not this really, though perhaps unconsciously,  praying for trials? For how can you know that you have faith until your faith is exercised? God often sends us trials so that our graces may be discovered and that we may be assured of their existence."
In addition to that, I am praying also that God would increase my praise AND give me new songs to sing for Him. For He is worthy of all praise, admiration and glory!

Abraham's faith grew as he gave glory to God--he was able to trust God as he praised God. Then it hit me. The times when I am able to believe God wholeheartedly is when I am praising or worshiping Him. The more I praise Him, the more I am able to believe He will do what He says. Even the times where my heart is hurting so painfully that I can barely push the words "Praise God" out of my mouth, when I do, there is a chip in the burden settled on heart. Even though faith is choosing to believe, I am beginning to see that an increase of Praise is an increase of Faith. 

Sip #2 was actually a little harder to drink, yet it is a true and good word. It is from Charles Spurgeon's "Strengthen My Spirit" (pg. 119). You ready for this?

You should have heard me after I read this--I busted out laughing and saying "oh no! I just did that!". Of course no one wants bad things to happen; in fact, we usually go out of our way to avoid bad things. For me, I am so accident prone and so many things have happened to me the last year that my immediate response was "Oh no! Should I actually be praying for faith?! How about some Joy? or creative ways in Development of Quality time with family!? That sounds safe, right?"

Pretty pathetic, huh?

But then God reminded me of what I had read the day before--Praise increases Faith. Why would we want a wimpy faith, a faith that has not been tested and proven as TRUE? There MUST be a testing, so that there is a glorification of God. By choosing Faith, we choose trials. But, we are choosing GOD.

So. I've decided to continue to pray for faith. (Whew!) ;)

So, friends, Praise Him! Choose to have faith in Him who IS able. For Faith does not just describe him--He is called "Faithful and True" (Rev. 19:11). It is one of His names!

In Him who's Name is above ALL Names, 

~Anna 

After the One

Want to know something that will blow your mind? Read Acts 16:16-40. Actually, go read it. Right now.

First glance summary: A servant girl, who was plagued by the spirit of divination (which her owners used for their own wealthy gain),was following Paul and his companions around, crying loudly "These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation". She did this for days--needless to say, Paul became annoyed and turned and cast the spirit out of her. In doing this, Paul incurred the wrath of her masters, which then lead to a public affair. Paul and his companions were dragged to the officials, charged with disturbing the peace and making trouble, then flogged and thrown into prison. Paul and Silas sat in prison throughout the night, praying and singing "and the prisoners were listening to them" (25). There was suddenly an earthquake at midnight, causing all the doors of the cells to fling open AND all the chains to fall off the prisoners. The jailer woke up and saw all of the cell doors open. Knowing he would die as punishment, he decided to kill himself, but before he could bring harm, Paul cried out "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here!". All of the prisoners were still there. The jailer immediately asked how he could be saved, to which Paul and Silas replied "believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved"(31). The jailer took them home, cared for them, then was baptized (and his family). Paul and Silas were "released" the next day (the officials declared they could go), but after being released, Paul brought up how he and Silas were actually Roman citizens.....*gulp*. The magistrates actually came themselves and apologized face-to-face to Paul and Silas.

I read this once and had the initial thought of "wow, that's pretty amazing that God released them from prison". Then this afternoon, I began thinking even more about it--this story is actually not fully about Paul and Silas at all. This story is honestly truly about the jailer. A man who spent his days ensuring men were serving their sentences as laid out by the law, when he himself was condemned by God's law. A man who's occupation was to keep men in punishment for their crimes, but who he himself was bound by chains stronger than mere iron and metal. This is the story of a heroic rescue.

The Most High sent his servants to bring the jailer out of the place of darkness where he remained--to pluck him out of the bondage of sin and carry him into the kingdom of light. The man was even prepared to take his own life, but the hand of Mercy was extended in perfect timing. Our Savior proved his desire to have this jailer as his own by sending Paul and Silas into a place where most people would not voluntarily go...and they went rejoicing! They even waited until after persecution to even mention a fact that would ensure they received better treatment. I can just imagine them saying "Jesus knows. People in prison need Him just as much as the freed man".  They entrusted themselves into their Shepherd's care, and in return, the presence of God swept through the dingy prison and released those in bondage. As a result, a man and his entire household were brought into fullness of life and HOPE. Can you imagine how little the apostles considered the persecution, considering the fruit springing forth? The apology from the officials wasn't probably even necessary to Paul and Silas, but God does things like that for his people--He himself is the vindicator.

God wasn't just looking at getting his servants from point A to point B...He was going after the lost one. If God seems to be taking you on a detour between points, rejoice! Look for ways to reach the lost and hurting, serve, grow, bear fruit,(Sing and pray too! You never know who's listening!) and "hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised IS faithful" (Hebrews 10:23). 

 Praise God!

In Him, 

Anna