Billy Graham: "A Daily Process"

"Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion. It is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ."

~Billy Graham

    It's really a breather to think about being a Christian as something gradual rather than instant, isn't it? Not that it wouldn't be awesome to become totally pure in heart and spirit the second one accepts Christ as Savior; but alas, that isn't what happens. Becoming more like Christ--more heavenly minded, selfless, faithful, strong, and all the other things God teaches us to be--is a daily process of growth. Something that's supposed to happen over a long period of time.
    Which is also a relief, when one thinks about it, because growing and making changes in life isn't easy! It's a physical impossibility for a rose bush to spring up a day or week after its seed was planted, just like it's impossible to overcome or at least lessen numerous natural sinful things like pride. The Lord does strengthen us to do it--and not too slowly--but it's very good to know that He won't get angry because one year's gone by and we're not perfect.
    Plus, the fact that growth is a daily thing gives the hope that we become "better" each and every day; that we can wake up every morning and know that we'll be getting stronger, and go to sleep every night knowing the Lord has taught us something. It's like going to a favorite class knowing we'll be learning another aspect of a skill--only without the homework!
    Growth is really an awesome part of our lives as Christians; amen? :)

A.W. Tozer: "To Be Right with God"



This is kind of what it can feel like when one tires to contribute
God's truth into a discussion.

"To be right with God often means to be in trouble with men."

~A. W. Tozer

    It's good to live life walking in God's ways. Believing His truth, we have peace and joy; staying away from things and practices He warns us of, we have safety; and in developing godly attributes (like love, patience, and faith), we have a full, productive life. Following God's will is good, both for us and for those around us.
    But we all know that living for God isn't a bowl of ice cream. We still go through problems that other people experience (though the Lord leads us out of them with far more peace), but more than that, we face problems that come because we choose to live according to the Lord's will.
    Like sharing the gospel, for example. That's good news (it's the message that God loves everyone and offers salvation from sins based on pure grace!), but in this world, it's not very acceptable to say that the gospel of Christ is absolute truth. Or that certain sinful practices are wrong. Just mentioning Christ in a conversation with friends can prompt them to walk away, or pretend to ignore you and keep talking about their own philosophy. And it's not just talking about spiritual matters, but sometimes just obeying God's commandments can get us in hot water--like refusing to join everyone else in approving of an ungodly practice. Following God's way instead of the often-popular sinful ways can get us glares, it can get us shunned, and in a lot of places, it can get us harmed or even killed.
    But doing what God says is right doesn't only get us in trouble; it's not merely some unpopular thing that we have to do. Doing God's will--hearing and obeying the things He teaches us--is a good thing to do. It's what's right because it's truth, and because the Lord is our God, our Creator and our Redeemer. He has always done the right thing, and His kind wisdom deserves to be harkened to.
    Plus, obedience is pleasing to the Lord (1 Samuel 15:22). And doing what's right in His eyes when it means losing approval from others is like making a sacrifice for Him, showing Him that He means more to us than being accepted by society. And I think that makes Him very, very glad.
    That makes a loss of temporary popularity worth it, don't you agree? Have you ever had a moment where you had to pay a costly price for doing what God says is right?

Psalm 1:2-3

 

"But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper."

Psalm 1:2-3 (NKJ)

    A tree planted right next to a clean river has basically everything it needs: nourishing water, nourishing soil, sunlight (maybe not directly mentioned in these verses, but I think one can assume that it's provided), and a secure place to stand. It's a very nice analogy to the word of God, and how it blesses us. Just like the tree gets all those benefits in the place where it's been planted, we get the blessings of nourishment, light, and a secure foundation in the word of God as we dig into it.
    And another really wonderful thing that this verse points out about the word of God is that while we can definitely experience these things while reading it, thinking about it just as we go along also gives the nourishment, light, and security! Having godly principles on the brain while commuting from one place to another, and recalling stories in the word every now and then for reflection opens up doors to a righteous mindset, deep and thoughtful prayer with the Lord, and joy in accomplishing things throughout the day.
    So the word of God is a major blessing that we can experience during quiet times while reading the Bible, and at practically any moment. Isn't that awesome? :D

The Many, Many Blessings of Christian Music

    In Colossians, there's a verse that goes like this: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord" (3:16; NKJ).
    When I read somewhere that by "spiritual songs," Paul was talking about the kind of Christian music we hear on the radio today, songs about God and the Christian life, it was awesome! Songs that are totally dedicated to God are special, and there are a lot of great things that Christian music does.
    Spiritual songs like this are, firstly, pleasant and clean. There are so many non-Christian songs I've heard with powerfully beautiful music, but I can't bring myself to sing to it or even think about the song because it either alludes to something less-than-pure, or they spike up the lyrics with profanity. But there's no need to worry about that in Christian songs because they never have foul language; the sound of it is good, and the content is safe.
    Christian music also holds something we can relate to very deeply; thoughts and accounts of life as a Christian. The lyrics are about what it's like to be redeemed, what following the Lord is like, what struggles God gets us through day by day. We know these things well, and hearing others sing about it is like finding someone whose favorite book is the same as yours, or making friends with someone who loves to do a certain activity that you also adore. It's exciting and encouraging!
    Songs about God and the Christian life also serve as a reminder, stirring up our memories and bringing spiritual things to mind. Casting Crowns and Tenth Avenue North do this a lot with their wonderful songs about God's grace and deep love, and songs by Mandisa are full of joy and encouragement; and then there are awesome albums like FM Static's "Dear Diary," which has a bunch of songs that portray a person's coming to faith in Christ. Listening to all these songs and the stories they tell is like reliving parts of the past, remembering how God's worked in our lives, and how He's still leading us. Those kind of topics are very helpful to remember while listening to them, and later when situations bring the lyrics back into mind.
    On top of all these things, there's the vital point that Christian music is something we can worship the Lord with. Not only is it enjoyable, but it's really a good thing to do, "For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful" (Psalm 147: 1b, NKJ). Christian songs extol His awesomeness and give Him glory for His perfect works and character. Undoubtedly, the music's got to be as beautiful to His ears as they are to ours. Plus, it can be done anywhere; singing along to the radio on a car ride, hanging around the house, and it can even be done without music when one knows the lyrics of the song by heart.
    Ah, there are so many blessings in Christian songs. Aren't you glad we have so many to sing? :)

Solomon's Fall

    Solomon was a wonderful king. The wisest of all the rulers of the earth, he had a very close walk with God for many years. He judged wisely, built a magnificent temple for people to worship and serve the Lord in, he wrote over a thousand proverbs (many included in the Book of Proverbs), and Solomon really loved the Lord (1 Kings 3:3).
    But then in his later years, things went wrong. He married multiple wives, and they convinced him to start worshipping their pantheons of false gods. Worshipping and building temples for idols this way and that, Solomon totally turned away from the true God. He fell, and it was a long, long, long fall.
    Personally, I think Solomon eventually turned back to the Lord later in life. In the Book of Ecclesiastes, he recounts times where he sought fulfillment in construction projects, knowledge, and endless pursuits of fun; this could easily be an account of the years he spent in idolatry, looking for purpose in life without considering the Lord. But at the end of it all, he resigns with the conclusion that true fulfillment comes with taking heed to the true God, that it's "the whole duty of man" to "fear God and keep His commandments" (Ecclesiastes 12:13; NKJ).
    If Solomon really did turn back to the Lord and repent, then the situation wasn't a complete tragedy. But still, the way that such a wise man fell away from the Lord is sobering. Solomon had a very strong spiritual walk before he slipped; plus, as king of Israel, it's doubtless that he was doing serious praying for guidance in leading the nation. Solomon was ultra-righteous, and if he could slip up in idolatry (or anything that would divert someone from their walk with God), anyone could. Temptations and distractions are frighteningly powerful and destructive.
    But yet, even when someone has fallen back, there's incredible hope and relief from the Lord; His grace is vast, "forgiving all iniquity" (Psalm 103:3), and God is so merciful that He not only forgives us when we ask His forgiveness, but He also helps us repent from the things that made us fall. He offers redemption and restoration in Christ, reaching down to us so we can come back to Him, even when we've fallen; even like Solomon did.
    Now that's amazing grace. Isn't it wonderful to notice these kind of redemption stories in the Bible that we see in our own lives as well?

Martin Luther King Jr.: "Faith is Taking the First Step"

"Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase."

~Martin Luther King Jr.

    Life is a lot like a staircase. A long staircase, with a lot of twists and turns (maybe one of those fancy spiral staircases), and a staircase that you can't see the end of until you're actually there.
    I think certain things we do in life are also like a staircase. A ministry that one commits to, for example, or a career path, or a new relationship. Like a spiral staircase, it's a journey that one can't see the end of from the bottom; one actually has to embark on a trek without knowing what exactly is going to happen, or how long it'll take. When we start a new project or plan, we don't know for sure how it'll turn out, or if it'll even turn out at all! That can make it seem a lot like a risk.
    But it isn't really an unreliable risk with the Lord in our lives, is it? Since we've given ourselves to God, He's placed a purpose in and a diligent plan for our lives, which means that He's got everything figured out step by step, all the way. When He places a "staircase" in our lives to climb, He'll give us the strength and endurance to make it to the top, to a good and fruitful end.
     But to make it up to that good and fruitful end, one actually has to take the first step, which requires faith, as Dr. King states in this quote. To live out God's wonderful plan, one has to believe that He has a plan, a whole set of stairs for us to climb, and that He'll guide us through each one to the end. It takes faith throughout the whole way, but faith is especially needed at the beginning; it ignites the action that starts the whole thing.
    A staircase is a pretty interesting way to picture this, don't you think? :)

Psalm 19:14

 

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer."

Psalm 19:14 (NKJ)

William J. Toms: the Only Bible Some People Ever Read

 

"'Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your
good works and glorify your Father in heaven.'" Matthew :16 (NKJ)

 

"Be careful how you live; you will be the only Bible some people ever read."

~William J. Toms

    This quote is right on! Living with care, following Christ's examples and exhortations, living a godly life; it's a great witness that can show people how awesome and strengthening it is to have a relationship with the true and living God. It can show them a different picture of Christianity than what they might have heard.
    In addition to doing good, however, I think it's also very important to take the next step and actually tell people about Jesus. An act can speak paragraphs, but actually saying the words ensures that the true message gets across. Someone just being impressed with how "good" we are doesn't mean that they understand that God is the one who causes the good in us. They've got to actually hear the explanation in order to understand the meaning of the act; right?
    Words and action. They're good on their own, but together they're complete.
    Have you ever heard William J. Toms' quote before? What do you think of it?

Johnny Cash: It Takes a Real Man

 

 

 

"Being a Christian isn't for sissies. It takes a real man to live for God--a lot more man than to live for the devil."

~Johnny Cash

   

Lessons from the Squirrel

The Bible talks about things to be learned from animals a couple times, particularly in Proverbs 30. Ants are personified as industrious, grasshoppers are organized, and all over the Bible, people are likened to sheep. These comparisons and lessons to be learned are very helpful to apply to life. So maybe there's at least one lesson to be learned from all animals.

The majestic squirrel

    Including . . . the squirrel. 
    Like the ant, squirrels are industrious. They go out and make meticulous searches for food, extract the food diligently and carefully, and then they go and store up their finds so that they can eat when they can't scavenge anymore. All the things they do have a purpose, something that they gain from. It's a nice work strategy to adopt, and a good way to think when serving the Lord for His Kingdom.

    Squirrels also take risks to get something done. There are sunflowers in my backyard that squirrels come to harvest seeds from, and I've watched those little creatures hang from them upside down by their feet in order to reach the seeds. Seeing how the flower sways beneath their weight with every move they make, one can't help but admire how gutsy they are. It's kind of like having courage to go do the right thing. It can be frightening . . . but there's a harvest.

    Another thing about squirrels that can be applied to life: they're dangerous, but they aren't fierce. It's not safe to try to pick up a squirrel. They have teeth and claws and they will use them when they have to . . . but only when they have to. Squirrels would be pretty intimidating and far less loveable if they always hissed, bristled their tails, and bared their teeth. They would probably ward off a lot more nuisances and predators by doing so, but they don't. Titus 3:2 tells believers "to be peaceable, gentle, showing humility to all men," (NKJ), and 1 Peter 3:4 says that a "gentle and quiet spirit" is "very precious in the sight of God" (NKJ). Gentleness is good. Being gentle and peaceful makes a far better witness for the Lord than being fierce does.
     Have I crossed a line in blogging about squirrels? Or are these observations useful?

 

Hebrews 12:1

 

 

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin with so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,"

Hebrews 12:1 (NKJ)

    With the Olympics happening, this verse easily comes to mind, doesn't it?
    One of the reasons this verse is really awesome is because of the comparison of our living life as Christians to running a long race. The simile is both cool and accurate; life with the Lord is sweet, but it isn't a cakewalk! It takes diligent effort to stay on track. "Run the race" is also a great encouragement to live as fully for Christ as possible, to give things our all, and to keep going until we reach the grand finish line!
    What do you like about this verse?

John 17:3

 

"'And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent,'"

John 17:3 (NKJ)

    This is so true. Life with God really is life!
    Learning things about Him is incredible, being able to please Him is fulfilling, receiving His generous blessings is fantastic, and knowing God personally is the most beautiful thing anyone can experience. He is an awesome, awesome God! And the fact that we get to have this great kind of life for all eternity (on earth and then in heaven) is wonderful!
    The very thought of it is exciting, isn't it?

Staying Watchful

    "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NKJ). It's a wonderful Bible verse to know. It's strengthening, encouraging . . . and vital, really.
    The Lord is coming back soon, and as we wait for Him, we should be doing what we can to tell others about Him, spreading the truth of God. As this happens though, there seems to be (actually, there is) a conscious effort on multiple levels to try to deter us. Like when a serious case of anxiety or a spout of anger erupts, or when a huge life crisis occurs. Backsliding can occur, and that's such a horrible thing to happen.
    That's why this exhortation to watch is so great and helpful, I think. Because when we're alert and aware, these spiritual problems don't sneak up on us. We can identify problems immediately and take them to God for help.
    So how is a person to watch in the walk of life?
    I think reading the Bible is a huge factor. It's God's actual words, His absolute truth. Reading through the Word, we understand God's character and the way He wants us to be. Likened to water, it can make us see things clearly and understand. Reading it constantly is also an extremely effective reminding system, warning of actions or behaviors to avoid, and which virtues should be built up. The Bible is really perfect; reading it is a wonderful gift.
    Prayer is also a fantastic blessing. It's talking to the Lord and knowing that He's listening! And it's also a way to be watchful. In addition to giving God thanks and worship, praying for others, and praying for aid ourselves (all really important things to do), we can ask God if there's anything in our lives He wants us to change or build on. A clear Voice probably won't always answer (though sometimes He does), but asking Him gives a chance to search one's life and say, "Lord, what about this?" and think of things in the Bible that deal with the topic.
    The Word and prayer are ways I use to stay watchful. Can you think of any others?

Following the Leader

    There's a verse in the Word that says we as believers are "ambassadors for Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:20, NKJ). An ambassador is a representative of something--usually a nation. Our being called to be ambassadors for Jesus Christ means that we're supposed to be living representatives of Him, showing the world what God's character is like and how He leads us.
    Man, can saying that be a lot easier than doing it.
    It's not impossible. But hasn't everyone had one of those moments when they've wanted to give a rudely sarcastic person a piece of their own medicine? Or just frown--dare I say glare?--at someone when they're behaving disrespectfully and obnoxiously? It's not righteous to do those things, but the temptation's like a massive itch on the inside. And the fact that lots of other people around us and characters in books and movies lash back at offenders doesn't really help either.
    But the fact is, Jesus Christ didn't do those kind of things. He lived a completely righteous life, speaking and behaving peaceably. He selflessly healed countless people when He had to have been getting tired, had patience with His disciples when they made mistakes, and at His crucifixion . . . He let people insult Him, slander Him, and even hit Him, but He never hit back. He never got bitter. He didn't get into arguments with every person who hurled an insult at Him. He held back His power and never lost His temper. And that takes an immeasurable amount of strength to do.
    Along with His pure words, His conduct speaks volumes of righteousness, forgiveness, and genuine love for humanity. So in conclusion, as representatives of Him, it'd be extremely wise to look at Him and follow His example. To do as Paul suggested in 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NKJ): "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ."

Those Special Songs . . .

    Have you ever had one of those days when you want to crawl into somewhere hidden and stay there? Or maybe just one of those long, dry times when you don't feel upset, but you don't feel joyful either. A difficult time in life, a "valley" day, a long spiritual winter season. And then you sit down in a car or in your room and turn on the radio . . . and this beautiful song that completely applies to what you're going through comes on. A song that echoes what you're feeling, that empowers and comforts you, giving relief from all the problems, filling your heart with joy and a desire to praise the Lord. Moments like this are amazing, and definitely a "God thing."
    The Lord is so good to bless the world with songs like this; music that touches the heart and beautiful words that speak His truth. They remind us of His character, His grace, His love, His promises, and those are what we need to feel whole. And it can be a great reminder that He knows what we're going through and what we need; that He understands everything and can lead us through whatever situation we're in. That gives immeasurable hope.
    A song that does these things is a great blessing--and kind of like a special treasure we can share with the Lord. And when you know the lyrics and the tune by heart, you carry it with you all the time, able to remember and sing (or hum or whistle) it anywhere you go.
    Do you have a special song like this? Isn't it wonderful?

James 1:2-3

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience."

James 1:2-3 (NKJ)

    Some trials aren't dangerous problems with high stakes. Many are, but others can be less important . . . and far more annoying.
    Those can be the ones that really stretch a person's patience. They prompt irritation, frustration, anger, and bitterness; and all those emotions are poisonous. But this Bible verse is a good safeguard against building up those feelings. Remembering over and over again that trials strengthen patience can be extremely helpful, and can make a person feel calmer, more peaceful. Which is definitely better than feeling annoyed, right?
    Hope you all have a wonderful week! :)

Moving On

    The heart doesn't let go of things easily. Especially when it's something or someone you've been with for a long time.
    The school year is ending about this time. Some are leaving a particular school for another, some are leaving school for good, and some are just moving up one grade within the same school. In all of those cases, moving on is difficult. Leaving behind a small era of life can be really hard to do, because usually one never gets to experience it in person again.
    But an age doesn't last forever. Life is always changing and moving forward. It's an indisputable fact that can't be ignored.
    Fortunately, we Christians have a major comfort; Someone who never changes: God. He is our Anchor, our Rock. He's always been the same Person He is, has always been here, and He'll continue to be with us throughout our entire lives, guiding us, speaking to us, comforting us. He gives us the strength to move on in life and to grow stronger in Him, going "from glory to glory" (2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJ). When change comes, He guides us in making good changes.
    So moving on can be hard, but it can also be good. Knowing that the Lord will help us through gives the needed assurance and the ability to do it.
    Well, hope you have a wonderful rest of the week. :)

Oswald Chambers: Pinholes



"My personal life may be crowded with small petty happenings, altogether insignificant. But if I obey Jesus Christ in the seemingly random circumstances of life, they become pinholes through which I see the face of God."

~Oswald Chambers

    Life can get really cluttered, and not just schedule-wise. When there's vital stuff to do, the mind's got to stay focused on it, and sometimes that cuts out time for meditation or talking with the Lord. And then a person can feel guilty because they worry they're not honoring or that they're even neglecting their relationship with God.
    This quote by Oswald Chambers totally addresses that concern though. Pinholes in life: small, scattered moments throughout time where one just does what they know is God's will. Just taking a few seconds to do what Jesus would do. Doing this is awesome not only because it's a relief to know we're doing what pleases God, but also because doing what Jesus would do reminds of how wonderful He is. Don't you agree?
    What do you think of this quote?

Truly Knowing God--A.W. Tozer



Went to the beach a while ago--the sand was ready for footprint-making!

 

"To truly know God we must long for Him without any other motive than reaching God Himself."

~A.W. Tozer

    Two vital things that you need in order to have a good relationship are time and communication.
    It's true that lots of long-distance relationships work, and sometimes when you have a friend you only get to chat with, say, once a week or once a month, it can still work. But the particular relationship A.W. Tozer is talking about in this quote is our relationship with God.
    The Lord wants us to know Him personally. To live life with Him, to be in constant contact with Him like we would with a father, friend, teacher, lover (He is technically all of those things). And naturally, to have a genuine, joyful relationship with the Lord, we not only have to hear from Him, but we also have to spend time with Him.
    Having Bible studies, taking time to worship via musical instrument/singing, memorizing God's Word, and praying are ideal ways to draw near to God. But unfortunately, every so often, one might do it out of a feeling of duty or obligation. Like it's a chore. Opening the Bible to read a few chapters or singing a song just because it's proper.
    But you don't pick up the phone to call a friend because you think you should--you do it because you want to! And it's the same way here. God knows our hearts and loves us deeply. If it's just a few Bible verses, or a sentence or two of thanksgiving, at least it's genuine. And I think that's what God really want: a genuine, loving effort to communicate.
    Ever feel like this sometimes? Isn't finding a nice, quiet period of time to spend with the Lord great? :)

Psalm 105:1

 

"Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples."

Psalm 105:1 (NKJ)

 

    In other words: praise the Lord, rely on Him, and talk about Him to other people.
    All are vital and wonderful things . . . though the last one can be really difficult sometimes, can't it? Talking to people about Jesus, telling them that God loves them. Risking being rejected and annoying the person you're trying to help.
    But speaking out is specifically what God has told us to do. And even if someone rejects God's word initially, it doesn't mean s/he won't be open to it later and remember the message they first heard.
    Being shy can make talking to people difficult, especially about such an important topic. But the Lord is with us; it's His Holy Spirit who gives us the words to say; and even if people reject us, He won't. He will give us the strength, faith, and the words we need to say just the right thing.
    Hope you have a wonderful week! :)