As I look around I see a world full of God’s creation next to man’s. While that of man’s decays, God’s thrives and renews itself day by day. I see broken down fences next to glorious flowers; rusting gates coved … Continue reading
By Guest Blogger, Jon Brown
Don’t you hate it when things are OUT OF CONTROL in your life? I do. I often wonder why God allows such haberdashery… True, I tell myself that He has his reasons, that He really does love me, that He has my best in mind, but that’s where the rub lies… Why do I still struggle with being out of control if I believe all those things about God? Enter, the human condition…
I’m human, your’e human, and quite frankly, it sucks. As a human, I’m a fallen being with all kinds of self
ish desires. I want things the way I want them, how I want them, when I want them and it doesn’t matter why I want them, I JUST WANT THEM! My guess is that aside from some pinnacles of light that eclipse your selfish heart, you also struggle with being human.
I feel like a kid in the grocery store demanding Captain Crunch, only to be left with Cheerios. Can’t they at least be honey-nut? But what’s good for me is not always what I get. And when things are out of control, it gives God the perfect opportunity to show himself to me.
So here’s the challenge… When something is out of control, give it to God! Let Him show up in your life. But there IS a huge caveat… God wants us to do the VERY BEST we can, and then leave the rest up to Him. For example, if you don’t have a job, it doesn’t mean saying, “Well God, I’m just going to sit here on my {expletive} and wait for you to bring me a job…” That’s not wisdom, that’s laziness. But THAT my friends is another post for another time. I think you get my point. It’s leaning on God when things are TRULY out of control and out of our hands.
So give it up. Quit trying to figure it all out. Rest in God. Rely on God. And, tell Him that He’s in charge, and your’e not! I promise you one thing… God LOVES showing up in our impossible situations… Nothing is beyond God’s control…. Nothing…
~ Jon
Day by day we should weigh what we have granted to the spirit of the world against what we have denied to the spirit of Jesus, in thought and especially in deed.
– Albert Schweitzer
God Is Omnipotent (He has infinite and unlimited power.)
Lord, I confess that I do not completely understand this one. How is it that you can do anything but that you cannot do anything that conflicts with your own character? Maybe the idea is that you could but that you never would. You are all powerful. Thank you for being such a huge God; the God of my puny life. I give you my life today that you may do your work and have your purpose done in my life. I ask that I would not drive my own purpose but that I would yield moment by moment to you.
Ah, Lord GOD! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you. – Jeremiah 32:17
I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. – Job 42:2
“Worn Out”
Are you worn out? Do you need a vacation even though the Fall just began? I am. Why? I couldn’t tell you. I just know that the excitement of early September brought soon after a lull by the middle of the month. I read the below verses in my Daily Bible Reading on September 16th and had to laugh at how relevant the words are that were written over 2000 years ago by Agur son of Jakeh. Sometimes I feel too stupid to be a mom or a wife or a photographer or anything for that matter. But here I am. God made me who I am and He made me for a purpose. We are so vastly different from God that it is important to remember that we don’t have all the information yet. We are limited in our perspective and our ideas because we are finite beings created by an infinite God. His energy and wisdom are our life line in every situation, especially the hard times. Give everything to Him and he will make straight your paths!
The man declares, I am weary, O God;
I am weary, O God, and worn out.
Surely I am too stupid to be a man.
I have not the understanding of a man.
I have not learned wisdom,
nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.
– Proverbs 30:1-3
Stronger by Jeff Johnson
There is love that came for us
Humbled to a sinner’s cross
You broke my shame and sinfulness
You rose again victorious
Faithfulness none can deny
Through the storm and through the fire
There is truth that sets me free
Jesus Christ, who lives in me
Chorus:
You are stronger, You are stronger
Sin is broken, You have saved me
It is written, Christ is risen
Jesus, You are Lord of all
No beginning and no end
You’re my hope and my defense
You came to seek and save the lost
You paid it all upon the cross
Chorus:
You are stronger, You are stronger
Sin is broken, You have saved me
It is written, Christ is risen
Jesus, You are Lord of all
So let Your name be lifted higher,
Be lifted higher, be lifted higher
So let Your name be lifted higher,
Be lifted higher, be lifted higher
So let Your name be lifted higher,
Be lifted higher, be lifted higher
So let Your name be lifted higher,
Be lifted higher, be lifted higher
Chorus:
You are stronger, You are stronger
Sin is broken, You have saved me
It is written, Christ is risen
Jesus, You are Lord of all
You are stronger, You are stronger
Sin is broken, You have saved me
It is written, Christ is risen
Jesus, You are Lord of all
Jesus, You are Lord of all
Jesus, You are Lord of all
Copyright Jeff Johnson 2009
“Two by Two”
And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two,
– Mark 6:7
When we think of evangelism we often think of the guy standing on a box shouting like a crazy man to get people to listen to what God has to say. Did you know that is not the way Jesus intended people to preach his word? He gave us many examples of how we, as his disciples are to witness to others. We are to shine our light into the darkness, to witness by example, and when we go out he encourages us to not be alone but to go out together so we can support each other. Two by two is his call. Is there a friend that can pray with you and support you and possibly go out together to witness to friends in your community? You will be surprised at how God blesses you when you follow his insights, commands, and directives and not your own.
~ Jen
Photography by Jen O’Sullivan
Blessing God Series
Rain from the Lord
Grass in the Field
Parable of the Pearl
Rocks Cry Out
Flourish
Joy in the Thorns
Perfection
Fruit
Everything
Integrity
Hiding Place
Wonderfully Made
Busy Bee
Dread
The Sad Crown
Patience
Two by Two
The tight rope walker set up his line across Niagara Falls much to the amazement of the crowd. They watched as he walked back and forth with ease. He then filled a wheelbarrow with sand bags and walked it across. People were stunned! They clapped and cheered as he did it several times while making it look like a walk in the park. Then he asked the crowd “Do you believe I can do this with a person in the wheelbarrow?” They cheered and shouted emphatically “YES!” Then he went up to each person and said he would take them across safely. What would your response be? I don’t know if you would put your trust in him when it came to your life and safety. Many people believe Jesus when he says he is God’s Son sent to earth to save many, but how many actually believe in Him? Put their trust in Him? Believing is one thing, believing in is entirely different. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! (James 2:19)
“We may speak about a place where there are no tears, no death, no fear, no night; but those are just the benefits of heaven. The beauty of heaven is seeing God.”
― Max Lucado, Experiencing the Heart of Jesus: Knowing His Heart, Feeling His Love
Don’t tell God how big your problems are…
Tell your problems how big your God is.
– Anonymous
Holy. Just. Love. 