So, I've decided to try something very new for this blog of mine. From the loving critique of a good friend (ahem, Janet) as well as the promptings of the Holy Spirit, I have decided to spend the next several weeks going through the book of Job. Sure, I know the basic story and have read most of the book, but I have never done a real study on the person of Job and his trials with God.
Right now in my life, I believe God is really calling me to take a look at my faith. I have been insanely blessed in my life. God has carried me through every trial and has provided for me in every way. Now, as I draw ever closer to the time in my life where I will truly be independent, I want to make sure that I have a faith that goes beyond the comfortable, beyond the safe. I want a faith that can withstand the storms of life, no matter when they come or how they may look.
What I ask is simply for you all to join me. I would love to have some people go through the book with me (I plan to read a chapter a day, which makes 42 days.) We can share thoughts and insights. I plan to hopefully blog at least once a week about what God is showing me.
More importantly, I ask for prayer. I know full well that I am basically asking God to test me right now and, scary as that is, I am excited for it. But I know that Satan hates for us to try to draw closer to our Lord, so I ask for prayers for wisdom and protection.
This may sound strange to some of you and frankly, it's still a bit strange for me. This idea popped up rather abruptly (it's why I'm still awake at 11:10 on a weekday!) But I am choosing to take this very seriously. So if you are willing to journey with me, please text/call/message me and let me know. I would greatly appreciate it.
I praise God for His blessings in my life every day. But if He did not bless me so, would I still praise His name? That is the question I am hoping to answer.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Reflections on Holiness
First off, I'd like to send a special thanks to all of the students, faculty and staff who made this week so spectacular.
During this week at camp our focus was on holiness. We spent each day trying to understand it more and to realize how we can pursue holiness in our lives. These thoughts are just what I have compiled after all of our studying, discussing and praying:
Holiness is what we strive for, what we aim for. It is our deepest craving and loftiest ambition.
Holiness is perfection; pure, sweet and breathing.
Holiness is not a set of rules or standards, but it is an expectation. We must expect that our holiness can only come with the aid of He who is holy. We should expect to fail on our own for holiness cannot be attained single-handedly. We can expect there to be wounds and scars along the path to holiness for it is only by wounds and scars that such holiness exists.
Holiness means, at its core, to be set apart. There is no room for holiness among those who pursue fame and recognition. It cannot be found snuggled beside comfort or cozied up to apathy. Holiness is the choice of the wanderer, he that knows what it is to crave societal acceptance and yet turns away in his pursuit of more.
Holiness is righteous anger, all brimstone and fire.
Holiness is the heart's longing toward compassion, its love for mercy, its passion for grace.
Holiness is the presence of all the good in the world and the absence of all that is false or wicked.
Holiness cannot be borrowed, stolen or bought with earthly treasures. The price for holiness is nothing less than our very lives and nothing more than the single task of answering the call.
Holiness is our purpose for living and our joy in dying.
Holiness is not conclusive, except in that it will only truly be understood in the end.
Holiness is not inclusive; holiness excludes the weak-willed, the self-absorbed, the lover of foolishness.
Holiness is found in perfect unity with one another. It is the fulfillment of love, the epitome of truth.
Holiness is God, was created by God and does not exist apart from Him.
During this week at camp our focus was on holiness. We spent each day trying to understand it more and to realize how we can pursue holiness in our lives. These thoughts are just what I have compiled after all of our studying, discussing and praying:
Holiness is what we strive for, what we aim for. It is our deepest craving and loftiest ambition.
Holiness is perfection; pure, sweet and breathing.
Holiness is not a set of rules or standards, but it is an expectation. We must expect that our holiness can only come with the aid of He who is holy. We should expect to fail on our own for holiness cannot be attained single-handedly. We can expect there to be wounds and scars along the path to holiness for it is only by wounds and scars that such holiness exists.
Holiness means, at its core, to be set apart. There is no room for holiness among those who pursue fame and recognition. It cannot be found snuggled beside comfort or cozied up to apathy. Holiness is the choice of the wanderer, he that knows what it is to crave societal acceptance and yet turns away in his pursuit of more.
Holiness is righteous anger, all brimstone and fire.
Holiness is the heart's longing toward compassion, its love for mercy, its passion for grace.
Holiness is the presence of all the good in the world and the absence of all that is false or wicked.
Holiness cannot be borrowed, stolen or bought with earthly treasures. The price for holiness is nothing less than our very lives and nothing more than the single task of answering the call.
Holiness is our purpose for living and our joy in dying.
Holiness is not conclusive, except in that it will only truly be understood in the end.
Holiness is not inclusive; holiness excludes the weak-willed, the self-absorbed, the lover of foolishness.
Holiness is found in perfect unity with one another. It is the fulfillment of love, the epitome of truth.
Holiness is God, was created by God and does not exist apart from Him.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)