Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:” Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all." Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. " - Proverbs 31: 10,26,28-30.
In my postings on this website I have strived to speak mainly on the goodness of the Lord and of His endless faithfulness rather than things that daily concern or trouble me. However after the Lord speaking so powerfully in our church service today, I greatly feel the need to write out these thoughts that are flowing through me.
Today’s message was on "Holding the High Ground" and holding marriage up in honor to all. This message brought my heart to tears. It was convicting, reassuring, and encouraging all at the same time. A vast sea of emotions flowed through me. I am so excited for the opportunity of marriage some day. I can't wait to serve my wife, to know her in a depth no one else does, and to love her to the best of my human abilities. I cannot wait to grow in holiness and fear of the Lord with her as she sharpens my character and challenges me to grow in different aspects as I challenge her as well. I eagerly rejoice in the thought of her comforting kindness and tender touch as she extends a listening ear to my daily joys and frustrations. How wonderful of a gift it is that the Lord would bless a man with a woman to be his helper and encourager throughout all of life's endeavors. Thank you Father for seeing that "it is not good that man be alone" and allowing us to grow in union with one other person in becoming one through the covenant of marriage.
As I ponder and pray for my future helper, several things enter my mind. I pray the woman that falls in love with me will not fall in love with me, but rather the Lord's light shining through me. If her love was based on my personality or imperfect character then she is inevitably going to be disappointed and let down. But OH how I pray for a woman of virtuous character to fall in love with me despite all my imperfections because she knows that the God she serves will extend her the grace needed to love me through the good times and the bad. My heart yearns for a woman who will delight in my strengths as a man/husband/father and pray for my weaknesses. How greatly I pray for a woman that seeks God with her whole heart, leaning not on her own understanding, but in all her ways acknowledging Him as He directs her paths...
I am just a sinful man... striving to be used by the Lord... pleading for the Lord's blessing and holiness to flow through my life as his Holy Spirit dwells within me... and asking the Lord for the courage and strength to pick up my cross daily and follow Jesus... and on this journey of following Christ, may the Lord unite me with my wife in his timing and ultimately for His Glory! Amen.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
The GOD of Jacob
"24 And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” 29 Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. 30 So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel,saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” - Genesis 32:24-30
In the course of reading through the bible in 2008, I have already in these last 17 days arrived at a conclusion. I am humbled and exceedingly overwhelmed with joy that I serve THE GOD OF JACOB. When Jacob's life is examined, the majority of his life was lived in a state of looking out for his own interests and paralzyed by fear as a result of his choices' consequences. He stole the birthright from Esau, fled his home to avoid his brothers wrath, was treated dishonestly by Laban, fled in fear the household of Laban, and convinced himself his brother would destroy him upon his return. But something amazing happened to Jacob on his return home. He contended with God.
Jacob wrestled with God pleading for his blessing upon his life. As a result not only did Jacob's life change but his name reflected this change. Jacob began to live in state of awe of the Lord. No longer did he live looking out for his own interests but he began to look after his family; even asking Esau to allow them to travel at their own pace in returning home so his livestock and family would survive the journey. Jacob began to ask the Lords blessing on his life rather than attempting to cheat, steal, and negotiate his own wealth and happiness.
When I observe Jacob's life, I begin to notice the multiple parellels of his life to my own. How often have I lived in a state of fear too scared to trust in the Lord? How often have I tried to gain my own happiness rather than waiting and pleading before the Lord for his blessing and favor? Far too often have I sought my comfort and enjoyment before addressing the needs of others. Yet, I serve a God who will bring us to a place; a wilderness, where we will ultimately contend with the GREAT I AM and our focus will forever shift to pleasing Him ALONE. OH the fulfillment our souls will attain as we are made new in that place where we will be given a new name! A name marked by the interceding mercy of our Lord. A name displaying the faithfulness of our Glorious Father always working to bring his children back to his heart. A name marked by the sacrifice and love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who took our place bearing our shame and attaining our eternal salvation! The God I serve is proud to be known as the God of Jacob because when his creation contends with the Lord of Hosts we have but one thing to say : Soli Deo Gloria! - To GOD alone be the Glory!
In the course of reading through the bible in 2008, I have already in these last 17 days arrived at a conclusion. I am humbled and exceedingly overwhelmed with joy that I serve THE GOD OF JACOB. When Jacob's life is examined, the majority of his life was lived in a state of looking out for his own interests and paralzyed by fear as a result of his choices' consequences. He stole the birthright from Esau, fled his home to avoid his brothers wrath, was treated dishonestly by Laban, fled in fear the household of Laban, and convinced himself his brother would destroy him upon his return. But something amazing happened to Jacob on his return home. He contended with God.
Jacob wrestled with God pleading for his blessing upon his life. As a result not only did Jacob's life change but his name reflected this change. Jacob began to live in state of awe of the Lord. No longer did he live looking out for his own interests but he began to look after his family; even asking Esau to allow them to travel at their own pace in returning home so his livestock and family would survive the journey. Jacob began to ask the Lords blessing on his life rather than attempting to cheat, steal, and negotiate his own wealth and happiness.
When I observe Jacob's life, I begin to notice the multiple parellels of his life to my own. How often have I lived in a state of fear too scared to trust in the Lord? How often have I tried to gain my own happiness rather than waiting and pleading before the Lord for his blessing and favor? Far too often have I sought my comfort and enjoyment before addressing the needs of others. Yet, I serve a God who will bring us to a place; a wilderness, where we will ultimately contend with the GREAT I AM and our focus will forever shift to pleasing Him ALONE. OH the fulfillment our souls will attain as we are made new in that place where we will be given a new name! A name marked by the interceding mercy of our Lord. A name displaying the faithfulness of our Glorious Father always working to bring his children back to his heart. A name marked by the sacrifice and love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who took our place bearing our shame and attaining our eternal salvation! The God I serve is proud to be known as the God of Jacob because when his creation contends with the Lord of Hosts we have but one thing to say : Soli Deo Gloria! - To GOD alone be the Glory!
Monday, January 7, 2008
Let It Be Said...
Over the course of the past few weeks I have had ample time to think about many things in my life. What is my purpose? My direction? My passion in this world? Furthermore, what will I be known for when I die? What will people remember of this life I lived? These questions have driven me to strive that people might say one all encompassing statement of my life. "HE WORSHIPED GOD."
But of all the things people could say or remember you for why choose worship you ask? Because worship is the defining characteristic that not only fulfills our God given purpose in this world but ultimately it will satisfy our hearts with overwhelming joy. When we draw into a spirit of worship to our GLORIOUS LORD we empty our lives of ourselves. We throw away meaningless attempts at self-induced satisfaction and we open our lives for God to reveal his Glory through, manifest his blessings within, and encompass his presence in our souls. When we worship God he gladly dwells within us. I love the Old Testament story of David dancing before the Lord with overwhelming joy when the Ark of the Covenant or the "dwelling place" of the Lord was returned to Jerusalem.
"And it was told King David, "The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God." So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing. And David danced before the Lord with all his might. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the horn." - 2 Samuel 6:12, 14-15
David couldn't contain his excitement that the distinguished presence of the Lord was once again in their midst. HOW MUCH MORE should the sons and daughters of God rejoice that through the blood of Jesus Christ his spirit dwells forever within us!!! Let us fall down with face to the ground in private heart churning worship before the Lord as we meditate on his goodness to us.
Our days are few; our lives echoing in eternity. May I and may the children of God live in light of eternity. May our days be filled with thoughts of future glory in the presence of God. May this life I live and the heart songs I give echo as beautiful music in the ears of my Lord. May it ultimately be said of me... He Worshiped God.
But of all the things people could say or remember you for why choose worship you ask? Because worship is the defining characteristic that not only fulfills our God given purpose in this world but ultimately it will satisfy our hearts with overwhelming joy. When we draw into a spirit of worship to our GLORIOUS LORD we empty our lives of ourselves. We throw away meaningless attempts at self-induced satisfaction and we open our lives for God to reveal his Glory through, manifest his blessings within, and encompass his presence in our souls. When we worship God he gladly dwells within us. I love the Old Testament story of David dancing before the Lord with overwhelming joy when the Ark of the Covenant or the "dwelling place" of the Lord was returned to Jerusalem.
"And it was told King David, "The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God." So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing. And David danced before the Lord with all his might. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the horn." - 2 Samuel 6:12, 14-15
David couldn't contain his excitement that the distinguished presence of the Lord was once again in their midst. HOW MUCH MORE should the sons and daughters of God rejoice that through the blood of Jesus Christ his spirit dwells forever within us!!! Let us fall down with face to the ground in private heart churning worship before the Lord as we meditate on his goodness to us.
Our days are few; our lives echoing in eternity. May I and may the children of God live in light of eternity. May our days be filled with thoughts of future glory in the presence of God. May this life I live and the heart songs I give echo as beautiful music in the ears of my Lord. May it ultimately be said of me... He Worshiped God.
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