Our new pastor spoke on Psalm 119: 9-16. He was able to build an 8 point message out of these verses on how to keep your house clean (spiritually speaking). Since he has a PHD I will let him do the talking:
1. Listen
2. Seek
3. Treasure
4. Learn
5. Speak
6. Rejoice
7. Meditate
8. Remember
My take:
Listen to God. Sound easy? So often I get caught up with the daily grind, the constant noise (sometimes literally) and the stuff, that I sraight up forget (intentionally and unintentionally) to listen to God. Lately it seems like a trend. But why? Why do I let these constant distractions consume my day-to-day. Truth time...pause...here goes nothin.
Maybe its simply that I'm scared of what God wants to say. I'm scared to hear that my idea of happiness in life may not be what he considers to be happiness. Or that my 'plan' is so far from what He desires. But, when I drown Him out with a sea of noise with thoughts of more degrees, higher status in the world, or just daily garbage it's easier for me to do what I want. But when has it ever been about me? Really? Who am I? God really doesn't care about my status here on earth. So why should I?
What do I want? Church answer: To further God's Kingdom. My Answer: To do something Bigger than myself, truly impact the lives of a ton of people. I have had this innate desire since I was a teen to do this. But maybe these two answers can come together in some way. I am finally at the point where letting go of my dreams to seek what He has planned for me is a good idea. How novel? God has plans more satisfying than anything I can possibly conjure up on my own down here on earth. I believe that now! And my prayer is that God will use me how He has always desired and more so that I can follow that plan without question! Kate, I know you have been struggling with the same stuff. God is just priming the pump for us. And I know youre feeling the same way. We finally have to say enough of us and all of God! Amen.
I could go thru all 8 of pastor's points but I will save time and just tell you that they are all right on. In order to remain steadfast in my faith and pure at heart I must first and foremost listen to my Father. No excuses. Taking it a practical step further, be an active listener by seeking Him. Treasure Him (soften me up God)! Plug back in and learn His Word. Not only learn His Word but speak it to others (pray for me there that I may have opportunities with my students). Rejoice always for He is good- All the time! Meditate (fill myself up rather than let everything release) and Remember Him.
8 Easy steps for a road to a closer relationship with Christ...Sign Me up.
All my love.
Daniel
Friday, July 31, 2009
A Foggy Day in London Town
Day Two of our Journey and we are full-steam ahead. Like you, I too meditated on Psalm 119 Aleph. I consider it a Good ole Kick-in-the-But(son) to start off the 21 day process. For me verse 7 was challenging.
NIV- I will praise you with an UPRIGHT heart as I learn your righteous laws.
So often, I give God praise, I ask for His help, I sing to Him without this Upright heart. I go into worship feeling filthy from the weekly build up on sin I have committed. When it comes time for corporate prayer, I seem cold and unaffected. That's not what God desires. I want my heart to break for God's lost children, his hurting believers and everything in between. So God, I pray like David in Psalm 51 did. After David's darkest moment, I can see an awesome picture of him finally letting go and letting God. So God, allow me to let go of all the things that are keeping me from a pure and steadfast relationship with you. Create in me a pure heart O God, renew a steadfast spirit within me.
vs. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, sustain me!
God, that's the answer. I never really focused on that verse ever, until now. Restore the joy of salvation! You laid down your life for mine. While I am still a sinner, you still hung on that tree. God get me fired up about your Kingdom by simply pointing me back to where it all started- the cross.
Kate, I loved your post. Youre right on so many levels.
The fog is indeed upon us. Right now unfortunately we can't see much past our own feet. But maybe that's where God wants us right at this moment. He says He is the lamp to our feet to light our path. Solely depending on Him for every step we take- I don't think there is a better place to be. God will reveal His truth with each step of faith we take and I am pumped about pursuing His cause for our lives together! So let the fog roll and when God clears it, it will be magnificent.
love,
D
NIV- I will praise you with an UPRIGHT heart as I learn your righteous laws.
So often, I give God praise, I ask for His help, I sing to Him without this Upright heart. I go into worship feeling filthy from the weekly build up on sin I have committed. When it comes time for corporate prayer, I seem cold and unaffected. That's not what God desires. I want my heart to break for God's lost children, his hurting believers and everything in between. So God, I pray like David in Psalm 51 did. After David's darkest moment, I can see an awesome picture of him finally letting go and letting God. So God, allow me to let go of all the things that are keeping me from a pure and steadfast relationship with you. Create in me a pure heart O God, renew a steadfast spirit within me.
vs. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, sustain me!
God, that's the answer. I never really focused on that verse ever, until now. Restore the joy of salvation! You laid down your life for mine. While I am still a sinner, you still hung on that tree. God get me fired up about your Kingdom by simply pointing me back to where it all started- the cross.
Kate, I loved your post. Youre right on so many levels.
The fog is indeed upon us. Right now unfortunately we can't see much past our own feet. But maybe that's where God wants us right at this moment. He says He is the lamp to our feet to light our path. Solely depending on Him for every step we take- I don't think there is a better place to be. God will reveal His truth with each step of faith we take and I am pumped about pursuing His cause for our lives together! So let the fog roll and when God clears it, it will be magnificent.
love,
D
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Psalm 19- Aleph
Psalm 119 (KJV and NLT)
1Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord.
2Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
Joyful are those who obey His laws and search for Him with all their hearts.
3They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.
They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in His paths.
4Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.
You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.
5O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!
Oh that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!
6Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands.
7I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.
As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should.
8I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.
I will obey your decrees, please do not give up one me!
Top of the morning to you Buns!
I like to look up scripture in multiple translations. Sometimes I feel like a few imperative words were overlooked by scholars and theologians and somehow seeing multiple translations pieces it all together...I don't think it is at all anything to do with their skill, nor do I find my thoughts on this to be of sound judgement...I just want the whole megillah! Hows that for your word of the day??? This probably makes absolutely no sense to you and who am I to question Biblical translations?!? Ha! I'm just thankful for God's word, the people He spoke through and is continuing to speak through. I just like to see all of the different words and synonyms....I love how it breaks itself down.
I really got stuck on the first verse, "Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord." In the Message it says, " You're blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God." It got me thinking of how sovereign God is. How faithful He is. How He forgives and has no recollection of the times I've decided that my own path was somehow better or more rewarding than His. And each time my path comes to a dead end and I find myself broken and lost, it is obvious that while I was playing with fire and evil He never left me, I was never alone. Ever so gently He sets me back on the best course of all, His course, and NEVERTHELESS, blesses me and I am so undeserving. I also started thinking about the latter part verse 1 in the message, "walking steadily on the road revealed by God." I noticed that it didn't say the road would be revealed all at once. I know that it is figuratively speaking about following His commandments, but stick with me for a moment. I get most off track when I can't see where the road is going. Something always presents itself, clear as day, and I oblige. I feel like we are kind of there right now. We aren't seeing the whole road; the curves and swerves; the rolling hills and green grass dusted with morning dew that shimmers in the sun's first light; the dark nights, some filled with precious pillow talk and others filled with sorrow and pain. We can't see exactly the places it is taking us here on earth or the people we will meet. So I find myself living in the in between. Scared to follow the road, yet certainly not wanting to choose a different one. And let me tell you... that in between stuff stinks and God doesn't like it either....I don't want Him to spit me out for being lukewarm. But I realized that right now, God is wanting me to trust Him. To trust HIM. Not myself, not you, not our parents, our teachers, or siblings, HIM. The reason we can't see through any of the fog is purely because He is asking us to whole heartily trust HIM. I am certain that as we take each step in faith, His path will reveal itself and become clearer and clearer, and when we find ourselves here again, because just know that this will happen again, we will be ready and so willing to close our eyes, take HIS hand, and soar to new heights. His ways are far better and I know I (we) don't want to miss out on serving HIM, merely because of the fear of uncertainty and the lack of faith.
I'm sorry I've been staying up until 2 AM..... it seems that is when I hear the Lord. Lately, I have needed to hear HIM, and as hard as the mornings have been, I am so thankful he is changing this scarred and not so pretty heart of mine.
I love you, forever. Seeing your sweet face is my most favorite part of the day.
<3>
aka. Honey Bunny
My First Blog
Dear Kate,
When thinking of what to write for my first blog I couldn't help but think of you. I love you more each day. You surprise me each day with a glance, or a laugh, a smile or touch. No matter how dreary it seems that day or week, your words of encouragement and optimistic point of view carries me through. Sometimes subtle, and sometimes not so much, you point me in the right direction and make me better. That is why I love you. There is no question in my mind that you have been perfectly created for me and I for you. God definitely helped me "outkick my coverage" (I'll explain that to ya later) when it comes to marrying my hunny bunny!
So why blog? Why not. I am excited to see how God will use this to grow our intimacy with Him and each other. Whether or not people read this is not really up to us. Honestly, I don't think I'm that interesting. But to each its own. Maybe down the road someone who is feeling like they're in the pits or struggling with life can find encouragement thru our conversations or enlightening truths about our Savior.
Nevertheless, here we start on an amazing journey. Which, by the way, don't you just love the word Nevertheless? Nevertheless the bad decisions I have made throughout my life or the sins I have committed, there is a God in Heaven who treasures me. And, nevertheless, I have at some point or another sold myself to the ways of the world, the MTV generation, the billion dollar marketing schemes to steal my precious time away from God here on earth, there is a wonderful and gracious God who has an even more wonderful plan for my life. Nevertheless. Word of the Day!
So I thought it appopriate to start a challenge for me and you. Psalm 119. 22 sections in 21 days can break a habit and build a new one- a love for God's word and a commitment to seek Him each day. Today, join with me and lets begin! I love you and I want to see both of us striving for Him. Thanks for always being you and building me up daily. And lets specifically pray for where and how God can use us for His Kingdom in missions.
all my love and all the best,
Daniel
When thinking of what to write for my first blog I couldn't help but think of you. I love you more each day. You surprise me each day with a glance, or a laugh, a smile or touch. No matter how dreary it seems that day or week, your words of encouragement and optimistic point of view carries me through. Sometimes subtle, and sometimes not so much, you point me in the right direction and make me better. That is why I love you. There is no question in my mind that you have been perfectly created for me and I for you. God definitely helped me "outkick my coverage" (I'll explain that to ya later) when it comes to marrying my hunny bunny!
So why blog? Why not. I am excited to see how God will use this to grow our intimacy with Him and each other. Whether or not people read this is not really up to us. Honestly, I don't think I'm that interesting. But to each its own. Maybe down the road someone who is feeling like they're in the pits or struggling with life can find encouragement thru our conversations or enlightening truths about our Savior.
Nevertheless, here we start on an amazing journey. Which, by the way, don't you just love the word Nevertheless? Nevertheless the bad decisions I have made throughout my life or the sins I have committed, there is a God in Heaven who treasures me. And, nevertheless, I have at some point or another sold myself to the ways of the world, the MTV generation, the billion dollar marketing schemes to steal my precious time away from God here on earth, there is a wonderful and gracious God who has an even more wonderful plan for my life. Nevertheless. Word of the Day!
So I thought it appopriate to start a challenge for me and you. Psalm 119. 22 sections in 21 days can break a habit and build a new one- a love for God's word and a commitment to seek Him each day. Today, join with me and lets begin! I love you and I want to see both of us striving for Him. Thanks for always being you and building me up daily. And lets specifically pray for where and how God can use us for His Kingdom in missions.
all my love and all the best,
Daniel
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
2:15 on Thursday Morning
You asked me about an hour ago what our objective was going to be for writing this blog. I am not sure I have a direct or clear answer...more like a basket filled with ideas. Who knows if anyone will ever read this, and to be quite honest I am perfectly satisfied if we are the only ones who ever lay eyes on our "ButsonBeat." In the last few months I've taken a back seat to my very own spiritual life. I suppose that I was thinking that maybe I deserve a break or I would amazingly pray without any effort or thought. I've just been flat out lazy. Not only has it affected my attitude and outlook on life, but it has affected our relationship with each other and my actions have not been an encouragement to you and your spiritual walk. And for that, I am deeply sorry. My calloused and cold heart pains my soul in the deepest parts of who I am. My heart isn't where it should be and my head follows suit. You are always so spot-on when you talk about taking the focus off of ourselves and putting it solely on God. After we do that, everything else seems so minor and unimportant. The daily grind of work, the drama of society, negativity, and stress... they don't disappear. We are just so focused on God and His big picture that those annoyances no longer bother us. We rest assured in the fact that He is in control and He has amazing plans for our lives. So this blog for me is a chance to document our lives, kind of like a dear diary, as girly and childish as it sounds. It is also a chance to be super transparent and vulnerable, ridiculous and hilarious, sweet and romantic... you fill in the blank. It can also serve as a sounding board for our dreams, plans, and ideas; a daily dose of what's going on in our hearts; a place to ask and answer thought provoking questions, etc.
I want so desperately to desire God with all that I have. I would love to feel Him near and know that my prayers aren't bouncing off the ceiling like they seem to be doing lately. This is just a chapter and a test and hopefully I will pass this one and not have to re-take it....I think I would title this chapter "Remaining Faithful Even When I Don't Feel Like It." So here is to Chapter 1 of our blog life ;) My prayer is that it brings us closer to Him and closer to each other.
You are my love and the best decision I ever made. I can't imagine life without you and I do, honestly, thank the Father everyday for you.
B
P.S.
My writing "flow" is a reflection of an individual with ADD... just saying ;)
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