Mutualistic Symbiosis

Mutualistic symbiosis is a biology term for a relationship in which all partners obtain an advantage... its usually having to do with plants or algea. Like this one gets food from eating the dead cells off this algea- and the algea gets cleaned and can breathe better or something. Gonna leave the actual analogy superficial.

I LOVE this in life. Relationships where both parties benefit? Its beautiful. I am thankful for all the relationships in my life where this is true- and we can mutually encourage one another in different ways! You have this one thing down... and I struggle. And vise versa. So thankful to God for putting relationships in my life. And for giving his people different strengths and weaknesses- this is why marriage is such a beautiful thing... and so sanctifying!

Yesterday we went to the nursing home to visit, and my friend Jamie said to me as we were leaving- "Its so good for them for us to visit! and its so good for us to see them!" Isn't it the truth? They need to see my joy, love, innocent trust, health and vigor- and I need to see there maturity, their pain and lonliness, their faithfulness/ tried trust/longsuffering.

May I never get prideful as I serve! If I go on mission trips to help people, as I am a Physical Therapist to help people, as I am in relationship with others, regardless of their religion or level- I need to learn something through them as much as they can learn from me! Thank you God for this truth and may you constantly remind me of it! Keep me from pride and remember me.

Expectation

Expectation... probably is the number one cause of disappointment and depression in the US today.


Bold statement? I authored it so I wouldn't tout that statistic to anyone... I really do think it is true though! Two weeks ago at church, a Biblical counseling professor from Masters Seminary was talking about depression- the cause not being from hating yourself, but loving yourself too much, and then being dissapointed in yourself- that you aren't skinny enough or your lips are too small, your husband doesn't make enough money...

You can listen to the sermon here:
http://gracebiblerichmond.org/media_player.asp?messageID=23200

Its true with me! My counselor mom has some catchy phrase about expect leads to reject or something like that... (obviously it wasn't catchy enough, right?) But whenever I have expectations of something that doesn't happen- serious discouragement is not far. I remember the entire 2 weeks I was in Malaysia last Christmas I was looking forward to going out with my parents to the Cheesecake factory after they picked me up from the airport. They promised it before I left, we even emailed about it... then- trauma of traumas- I got off the plane and into the car (seriously sleep deprived mind you, having been awake and traveling for 27 hours) and my parents told me we weren't going. NO LIE- I burst into tears. ;) Over the Cheesecake factory!!! LAME-O. I know... there is power in expectation.

The complete word expectation is only used a few times in Scripture... although expect is used a few times more.

Psalm 5:3 is one of them
"In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."

Thats a scary one... huge set up for dissapointment, no? This goes along with praying in faith- a concept I definitely don't think I understand.

The one that came to mind instantly was Romans 8:13
"The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed."

I love Philippians 1:20
"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death."

Note expect is differentiated from hope here.
I think this is an important distinction.... My thought of the day is that I cannot expect ANYTHING except for the return of Christ and the things Im promised in Scripture. Anything else that I expect from my life will lead to disappointment and depression...

I can have hope for other things, but I dare not expect them! I can hope to be married one day, hope to wake up tomorrow, hope to hike Mt. Whitney... but the ONLY hope that does not dissapoint is found in the person of Christ (Romans 5:5) AMEN!

Woman among Women

While reading for the Sunday School lesson this week- it was on Luke 1... the angel Gabriel appearing to Mary...

He said to her- greetings you who are highly favored! and this greatly troubled Mary... was it just the fact that an angel was speaking to her? Or was it something about what he said? This puzzled me enough to look to MH. I love Matthew Henry... ;)

He chastens women to ask some questions regarding compliments they receive and the motives behind them... Some things that Mary may have wondered about Gabriel's greeting:
Was it from heaven or of men? Was it to amuse her? was it to ensnare her? was it to banter her? or was there something substantial and weighty in it?


"Mary's thoughtfulness upon this occasion gives a very useful intimation to young people of her sex, when addresses are made to them, to consider and cast in their minds what manner of salutations they are, whence they come, and what their tendency is, that they may receive them accordingly, and may always stand on their guard."

AMEN! Nice Challenge MH.
"The wise in heart are called discerning..." (Proverbs 16:21)

You are so wealthy

Been reading the book of James over and over... and loving it. God is continuing to show me more and more each day.

Definitely on initial read through you see a lot of condemnation toward wealth... chapter 2- don't give special treatment to the rich... chapter 5- You have lived your life in self-indulgence and luxury!

Chapter 1 is seems backwards when you first read it: (new living translation below) ;)

"Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them. And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field. The hot sun rises and the grass withers; the little flower droops and falls, and its beauty fades away. In the same way, the rich will fade away with all of their achievements."

This also makes you be scared to have riches. YIKES. After meditating a few days first I decided to see what the infamous Matthew Henry says:

Good Christians may be rich in the world. Grace and wealth are not wholly inconsistent.

And my favorite thing he says is- BOTH the rich and the poor are commanded to rejoice! I didn't catch that- I was thinking, if you are poor- praise God, but if you are rich, LAMENT because your wealth and YOU are going to be destroyed. NO. James tells us regardless- we are to rejoice! Based on what? Not because God has blessed us with wealth! See below quote.

"For this reason let him that is rich rejoice, not so much in the providence of God, that makes him rich, as in the grace of God, that makes and keeps him humble; and in those trials and exercises that teach him to seek his felicity in and from God, and not from these perishing enjoyments."

O thank you most gracious Father! You give me just what I need. You are constant and the same- yesterday, today, and forever.

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have FOR He has said- never will I leave you and never will I forsake you." -Hebrews 13:5

Honest Struggles

Hypocrisy defined by a great theologian- "The masking of inward evil by an outward show of righteousness."

I struggle with my evil heart.
RID YOURSELVES of all hypocrisy and desire the pure spiritual milk of the Word to transform you!

I love that this is the first post of December. ;) God transform my wretched heart...

James 3 says- 'But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it OR deny the truth.
Lord I don't want to glory in my wretchedness or dwell on it... I also don't want to deny the fact that I truly am wretched! Thank you for giving me a right standing before you.

Top 10 things I am thankful for

In no particular order... if I had none of them except God himself I would have enough to keep me singing, praising, worshipping, blogging with gratitude for the rest of my life


1. Religious freedom. This is something that I am profoundly unaware of most of the time and I really take it for granted. I just found out recently that a bracelet I have been wearing that says 'Pray for China'... if a Chinese person is caught wearing it, they are arrested! I honestly cannot even fathom that. Lord. THANK YOU! May we USE this freedom to proclaim you more boldly, rather than an excuse to be less on fire for you. Thank you for persecution in China and for growing the church there way more than the church in America! Accomplish your sovereign work God!

2. HEAT, a home, a sweet big bed, and an amazing Godly roommate. Lord thank you for providing above and beyond my needs and blessing me with blessing upon blessing from the fulness of your grace! (John 1:16)

3. The best FRIENDS and support system. O man! This is such a gift!!! Lord thank you for placing people in my life to 'do life' with! Lord you have created us to love companionship and I thank you for filling this desire in my life. God that my parents are still alive! I honestly could not have made it in life without them. For people who will sharpen me and speak truth into my life and give me Godly counsel. Who will encourage me and point me to the Word. Who will enjoy laughter with me and levity and merrymaking... ;) For a CHURCH and the other parts of my body who are faithful to the commands of Scripture and have consciences that are sensitive to the Holy Spirit.


4. PT School. Can you BELIEVE this is on the list? This is one of the biggest gifts my Father has ever given me. I really am so thankful for it and so ashamed to say it because of my behavior and actions! Its like saying- O I am so thankful for this gift you gave me but I hate this about it... and I hate the way you wrapped it- and did you have to give it to me now? And what about the color- can we change that? UGH. I'll look at it later.

5. Jordan. This man the Lord has brought in my life... I honestly don't know what will happen or how things will work out. But I am so challenged by him! I am beyond amazed that I get to date and serve alongside someone this cool. His passion for the Lord truly inspires me, sharpens me, and edifies me. I have had more opportunites to share the gospel in the 3 months I have been talking to him then in the whole year leading up to it. And he is handsome and hysterical at the same time! ;) Also just the fact of dating in general is a cool privilege I am thankful for. I am learning a lot and experiencing a lot of things I never have before... exposed to emotions, selfishness, communication. All a part of the Lord's plan to grow me up into the daughter He wants me to be!

6. Opportunities to exercise discernment and wisdom. This kind of goes hand in hand with number 5. And all of life! I am so thankful for this Lord! Thank you so much for leaving some things unknown! For not telling us how to walk and move every single step of the way! For giving us choices to make! And the freedom to disobey! For circumstances and signs in life- for confusions, things that throw us off that cause us to seek your face and make us use our brains and act out of the wisdom you have given us! I pray to be wise and then hate the opportunities I get to practice! THANK YOU MY ALL WISE GOD!

7. The Word of God. Kind of a lead off as well from the previous one. My guidebook! Thank you so much for it Lord! I value it so much and help me to value it even more! What a gift! Without it we would be so lost- you have chosen out of all mediums to reveal yourself through the written Word...

8. Christs death on the cross. The point of all of Scripture... God's plan from the beginning of creation- My romantic Lord created me to redeem me! Thank you for providing a way for us to be in relationship with you! Knowing you is the greatest gift we could ever be given. Thank you for giving us your Son, a Savior, an advocate! "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever!!" AMEN!!!

9. My legs. My body in general really. Health... MOVEMENT basically though. I love walking! Thank you God for giving me legs to carry me around. That I can walk around and see your creation and get exercise. For muscles, muscle fibers, CELLS, SENSATION.... For hands to type this entry! Ears to hear an alarm clock in the morning. A mouth to speak and sing. For TEETH to smile and take care of... A stomach to digest food to have strength and energy to move... For a back to carry a bookbag! For giving me the biggest hair of anyone I know. ;) For eyes to take in the glory of creation around me...

10. Mountains, beauty, and splendor. O GOD!!! I love the things you have made. Thank you for aesthetics! For attractivness. For creativity. I love to appreciate beauty- may I attribute it ALL to you. Thank you for creating mountains, canyons, and things to humble us and remind us of our lowly estate before you! Thank you for allowing me to climb up them and shout from the tops of them! Thank you for creating the leaves to change color- the SUN to shine faithfully... the sea to churn and the life that swims inside of it. For animals big and small. For fur and hair and slimy slugs. For texture and color! Lord your attributes are everywhere! Your testimony is everywhere- thank you for the analogies and picture that your creation is!

"For every good and perfect gift comes from above, coming down from the Father of Heavenly lights who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:16

"For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer." 1 Tim 4:4

LORD! Thank you! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!! MAN. What evils in me cannot coexist with a thankful heart. May I bring you praises constantly- always and forever precious Lord!

Happiness can not always equal love

So I have made friends with a lovely homeless lady named Linda. She is great and Im glad I have gotten to know her. She has quickly become dear to me and I really want good for her- I want her to REALLY know the Lord! I want her to get a job... I want her to find joy.

Its funny because she really loves Cigarettes... she tries to space em out and get a pack every 3-4 days. Its funny to hear her talk about them and they really bring her a lot of pleasure. The last time I saw her I asked her what kind of cigarettes she liked... (Newport 100s) trying to think to myself- is this a gift I could bring her to show her love? The Bible does not say that smoking a cigarette is a sin...

My wise boyfriend looked at me like I had grown a third head when I mentioned that I had contemplated buying her cigarettes and that it might be a moral dilemma... how on earth could I give her something that she is finding her joy in or fulfilling an addiction!? (wow Vanesa.)
I told Linda that I wanted what was best for her and it wouldn't be loving for me to give her something that could kill her! It also wouldn't be loving for me to give her something to find peace in apart from Jesus Christ.

I think its the same when a wife has a husband who has an addiction to food and loves to overindulge... and she just goes ahead and fixes him whatever he wants because she would rather see him happy. That cannot be 1 Corinthians love... desiring what is best for the other person above their comfort. So hard though I know! Its so tempting to pray for ease and comfort for the people you love instead of praying God to conform them into His likeness. I am so glad for a Father whos PERFECT love always chooses what is best for me, regardless of my opinion on the issue... Lord always answer my prayers according to your unfailing love!!!!

Psalm 62:9

"Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath."

Man is not ultimate, God is

This has been a tough day for me mentally. 99% of my battles are internal.

This morning I got up to go feed the homeless @ Monroe Park. Such a privilege to serve them! Really is. I am thankful for the ministry and the hearts of those involved.

This morning I talked to one gentleman named Ron with the most piercing blue eyes... got to pray with him too (Side note- I LOVE the bridge that prayer is. I have never ever heard anyone turn down your prayers. Such a door!) But all day since I have really been struggling and I am not totally sure why. Ron said he was really struggling believing in God and wondering why he had been given such hard circumstances.

I cannot imagine. Lord why have I been blessed so?
Actually forgive me for ever asking you why. May I trust you implicitly for everything with a child like faith!

My sweet friend prayed the other day, God thank you for creating us with needs so that you can fill them! AMEN. How beautiful is that? God thank you for creating me with desires so that you can satisfy them! And desires and needs that are PHYSICAL as well as spiritual.... I don't think its unspiritual to have needs apart from God that are filled apart from God. (Ie... the need for shelter. Yes He is my shelter in the storm, my refuge, but at the same time... I do need actual protection from the elements! This is not an unspiritual notion...) YES the Lord has created me to desire a man... or the desire for physical affection and yes I can be totally satisfied without one and he can meet my needs completely. He can also bless me with literal physical affection and satisfy me through my spouse (Prov 5:19)

Thank you great God for allowing me to experience cold so I can praise you for heat! Thank you for the temporary. Lord I have not been homeless but thank you for the experience of tent sleeping to appreciate a bed. Thank you for allowing me to experience hunger so I can praise you for food! For allowing me to experience lonliness so I can truly thank you for fellowship. Thank you for allowing me to experience times of darkness and drought so I may understand truly how to cherish your presence.

Ron I can only give you a very elementary explanation for the God of the universe and how he chooses to work. I can't tell you why you have experienced hard times, except so that my God can get even more glory through the process if you trust in Him!
GOD YOU ARE GOOD. You are Sovereign. Your ends will prevail and your purposes will stand. May you be praised among all the earth! May my life be a fragrant offering to you! May I not be hardened by circumstances EVER... no matter what my life will bring. I have NO idea what rocks lie in my path but nothing will surprise you My Savior and My God!

"The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made." -Psalm 145

Light in Darkness

Psalm 18:28 "You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light."

This past weekend I went to the Grand Caverns in Staunton VA... and I enjoyed it a lot. It was just neat to be under the earth and see how the Lord has created things there.

I also learned that if I would stay down in the caverns for merely two weeks I would go blind for life! It is truly dark down there... no light whatsoever. Your eyes simply get so accustomed to darkness that you are no longer able to see the light! O man that is powerful! And it happens so fast!

Lord- may I be so filled with your light that I radiate to others. Never allow my light to dim or burn out. Lord may you flood light over the dark places of my life that I want to conceal from you. Send forth your light and your truth and lead me in the way everlasting!

"But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!" -Matthew 6:23

The first post of November!

O November... what a month! Thank you Lord for your many gifts and how you are shaping me.

Psalm 37:23
"The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way."

WHO DO YOU THIS IS THE HE AND WHO DO YOU THINK IS THE HIS?
Either one is just beautiful.

Good morning all! Love you.
V

Not an analogy NOR will this make any sense.

The Lord is growing me by leaps and bounds. I feel like He is BLOWING my mind beyond belief lately. Seriously. Being expanded. I mean BLOWING my mind. Praise HIM!!!!

Who knows what will happen or what is going on but I am so thankful for the Lord and the fact that He is Sovereign and good and true and Holy and that he created me female... that he knows the times set for me and that they are in His hands. I am so thankful for His Holy Spirit- for conviction!

Today I only have one class scheduled and I decided not to go to it and just spend the day getting some work done. I have done no school work since arising this morning about 3 hours ago. Nor have I eaten or left my room or gotten out from under the covers. HAHHAHAHHA
Its 57 degrees in our house (hello frugal Asian roommate and no heat yet. Love you Yvonne!)

First I have been reading Elizabeth Elliots book on discipline and its BY FAR my favorite book of all time I think. Its amazing. She is amazing.
I love the spontaneous outbursts of WHOA that come out of my mouth as I read.

So what is really blowing my mind this morning is Ephesians.... currently reading it in the ESV and its so different!!!! I mean NIV its like I disengage my brain a little.... because I memorized like the first 3 chapters a few years ago.... I don't really remember it to say it to you now but its just like it doesn't sink in. I read over it and its like yeah yeah.... know that... if that makes any sense. But now reading it in ESV its so different!

I love chapter 5 verse 9... this doesn't even sound familiar to me.... like what does that correlate to in NIV? I have no idea. "for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true."
AMEN! wow- I love that!

and then the next verse (10)- Paul says to the Ephesians "try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord!"
It is discernment needed!!! Sometimes I think that I should just know what is the right thing. That if I was truly abiding in Christ that it would be easy. But I think me constantly trying to figure out what is right is okay- I need discernment to KNOW what pleases Him in the minor details of life that aren't neccessarily Biblical commands. May I please You in all LORD!

Or how about 4:29? This was the theme verse of our house when I lived in North Carolina. We called it the encouraging house. I have that memorized in NIV but its also missing a little phrase..."Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouth, but only such as is good for building up, AS FITS THE OCCASION, that it may give grace to those who hear. "
Appropriateness in context. Definitely am convicted here. SOmetimes I may give encouragement to build someone up but it may not be fitting the occasion/context. Forgive me Lord! Set guard over my mouth and my speech!!! May it bring you glory always!

4:4.... the hope that BELONGS TO OUR CALL??? What does that mean?

"But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it says: 'when he ascended on high he led a host of captives and he gave gifts to men."
AMEN.

How bout Paul's beautiful prayer in chapter 3. It has always been one of my favorite passages of Scripture of all time. But again- slightly different. Check out verse 18 especially. "that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have the strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth (END) and to know the love of Christ that surpasses all knowledge so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Do u see that? Its like that we may comprehend what is the breadth and length and height and depth.... thats it. NIV says that we may comprehend the breadth and depth and width of HIS LOVE. By putting that and before knowing the love of Christ it totally changes it doesn't it?? What I might comprehend what IS the breadth and depth.

I know this will probably not make any sense. Nor do I really care.
Holy fire, burn away- my desire for anything that is not of you and is of me. I want more of you and less of me.
OK. I REALLY should get some work done now. ;)
o man.

Preach it Elizabeth

"Things are given to us to enjoy for awhile. Nothing has done more damage to the Christian view of life than the hideous notion that those who are spiritual have lost all interest in this world and its beauties. The Bible says, 'God... endow us richly with all things to enjoy. It also says, 'do not set your hearts on the godless world or anything in it.' It is altogether fitting and proper that we should enjoy things made for us to enjoy. What is not at all fitting or proper is that we should set our hearts on them. Temporal things must be received as temporal things- received, given thanks for, offered back, but enjoyed." -Elizabeth Elliot

Worship

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship." -Romans 12:1

Last week, I was challenged by a dynamic man of God to think about making apple pies as an act of worship. What a cool mental picture that was. What a challenge to me!

Tonight I had a fat dance party with my roommate trying to WARM ourselves up in our frigid home. I put together a dynamic jamming playlist, grabbed my hip scarf and we started dancing. ;) We were able to not only raise our body temperatures BUT, believe it or not, actually raise the house temperature by two degrees. ;) But that is besides the point...

Point is, as I looked at Yvonne- I just knew that in her heart she was praising God and she was truly worshipping Him through her dancing. It all comes back to the heart and my heart was not there... and the Lord showed it to me.

I read in Jerry Bridges book 'Respectable Sins' that our biggest sin is just a purvasive ungodliness- going through life without constantly thinking of God. Ungodliness is at the root of every other sin we struggle with.
"Do we consciously and prayerfully seek His glory in all we say and do in our most ordinary activities of the day? Or do we actually go about these activities with little or no thought of God?"

Lord may the way I dance, cook, jog, sit in class... all be an act of worship to you.
Change my HEART O God!!

O TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD!!!

Last night I went out to dinner with a sweet single friend of mine and she requested prayer for contentment in her singlehood. We talked about the fact that she was a non-dater like me and she was always content UNTIL she started dating. After knowing what it was like- now it is much harder for her to stay content. She has been there and knows how good it feels.

I just see this phenomenon in a few areas...
Been talking to a B-O-Y (whoa) recently and each 'taste' I get of talking to him or hanging out with him makes me want to do it more. I hang up or leave and am already ready for more. Or who am I kidding when I say- I just want to TASTE this dessert? Of course once I taste it I crave more!

God you are good!! I have tasted and I have seen! I have tasted the GIFT of you! And the sweetness of your WORD! O Lord may I never settle for anything less palatable!

"It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. "
-Hebrews 6:4-6

ALSO... why is it that in the two areas noted above- I am constantly trying to restrain myself... and diminish my craving for more. Hold back from sending an email or getting a second portion of dessert. Lord you are the ONLY thing that I can desire unsatiably and it is good for me to do so! Yet that seems like it is the one desire that is naturally suppressed. I definitely don't have to work hard at holding myself back- if anything I have to work hard at truly desiring you. Lord change my heart! Change my desires! circumcize my heart! Increase my desire for you! Remind me of your taste! Exalt yourself above all!

Obviously this practice needs to happen more in my life

This summer I went to Alaska for 2 weeks. Email was sparse 'up there in Alaska' ;) and I accidentally left my cell phone in Virginia for the duration of that trip... ;)

Usually I love that... it is like leaving your leash at home and being fully present where you are and who you are with.

HOWEVER. Last night I had decided to be sans-electronic communication for the day today.... give my thumbs a break from all the texting and be more focused. This morning I woke up and deliberately did not check my email and promptly turned my cell phone to OFF. Today in class during breaks, I didn't know if someone had left me a voicemail or not... I figured everything could wait until 4:00...

The truth is though- it was SO difficult today! What? 10 hours without a cell phone? WOW.

And there are so many factors so I really debated which analogy to pull out here.
One- it was because I was looking forward to hearing from someone in particular. ;) It changes a lot. (Lord let me crave your presence and Word with such eager expectation!)

Second is because I wasn't enjoying myself in class today like I was enjoying myself in Alaska... sometimes we can totally use it as an escape from the current circumstances.(Lord remind me the secret of being content wherever I am!)

Thirdly is the fact that I had brought the phone to class with me even though it was turned off! It was sitting right there and even though I had told myself I wasn't turning it on today- it was a true temptation. It DEFINITELY would have been easier to have just left it at home or in my car. In Alaska I didn't really have a choice. (Lord may I not subject myself foolishly to temptation!)

That last thought on steering clear of tempting circumstances is something I heard recently in a sermon on legalism. It definitely is easier to just remove all forms of temptation than to have to rely on God for his grace... It also helps me feel better about myself because Im not daily confronted with my wretchedness and how quickly I can fall! The laws and rules and 'do not' safegaurds of the Old Testament are almost easier than depending on God's grace!
(Not to say in any way that I need to foolishly place ourselves in tempting circumstances!!!)

Father I need thee every hour. Thank you for redeeming me from the curse of the law!

Racing in my own lane

"We will not boast beyond measure but within the limits of the sphere that God appointed...." (2 Cor 10:13)

Pastor Rodney Finch expounded this verse by explaining that this could be referring to a familiar analogy of the time. The Corinthians loved the races... and held all the famous games in Corinth. Limits of the sphere likely refers to the lanes alloted for the runners of the race. Paul is saying- I am running in my own lane and not someone elses. And the lane that I am running in is appointed by God.
I am focused on my own calling and my sphere of influence.

Vanesa- this person is doing this and this person is doing that... GREAT! ;)
But I need to be focused on my sphere of influence and run in my own lane!
A lot of times when you look outside your running lane- you fall... or in swimming races- when you look to see how your competitor is doing, you lose time.
Lord remind me to work on what you have annointed and called me to do.

"When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves they are not wise." -2 Corinthians 10:12

Commitments

This blog is going to be extremely breif. ;)

Just thinking about John McCain and his 'spending freeze' and how that relates to my life.
Thinking about commitment and being overwhelmed, doing what is right, choosing to be involved in what is best...

I think one of the saddest things is when you choose to be involved in so many things that the most important ones (as in my priority of school) start to slip (aka poor grades) and then I have to be like WHOA- stop, back up, can't be involved in that, let me back out of this....
So foolish! Just be wise in your practices so no freeze ever needs to occur!
Forgive me Lord! Help me to discern what is best and just abide in you.

Job 11:12
"But a witless man can no more become wise than a donkey's colt can become a man."

Dog Vomit Path

So yesterday I went hiking with some friends @ Humpback Rocks. Its a short little hike and it was probably the most perfect day ever for it.

Since I had hiked the trail before, (and because the others were SLOW ;) ha- love u) I was leading the group on the way up... However, I told them all that I have hiked this about 4-5 times and EVERY single time I end up somehow off the path on the way down and end up having to hack my way back to the trail. HA. Seriously! Every time!
So I said- whatever, you guys pay attention and someone else has to lead on the way down because I know myself and I know we will end up on the wrong trail.

Well someone else DID lead... but we found ourselves on the wrong path yet again!
Isn't that sad? Does it remind you of the path that leads to sin? It was like we were aware of the wrong path, we knew that we had to be on guard or it would end up happening to us again, there was a herald warning, yet somehow I ended up BACK on that same wrong path....
FOOL

"As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly."
Proverbs 26:11

Addendum to this post 10/13/08:

So this morning on the way home from the Y... I was thinking about the further analogies to be found in this situation. Its actually funny because on the way down the path, one of my friends (Jamie) said to me- there has got to be one of your analogies here, what can we learn? And I was like- ugh, no there isn't. I don't even want to think about that- I have done this so many times. Its like how sometimes when we are back ON that same path again- we are so stubborn! We don't really want to take the time to learn or think about the fact that we are back where we thought we would never be. ALSO both Jamie and my roommate Yvonne were nervous that we were not on the right path... as they were lamenting ;) I was busy telling them- "O stop... Its fine! I told you I have done this so many times- we come out right up here. Don't worry." Isn't that also true with repetitive sins in our lives? Others may be horrified but we are so comfortable with it! Its familiar to us. We know how we got there and how we can get out- sometimes to our detriment in the fact that it doesn't disgust us as we should. You know the attitude I speak of.... I found my way out the last time and the hacking out wasn't really that bad is akin to "Well God has forgiven me for this before..."

"O that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be ashamed when I compare my life against your commands." -Psalm 119:5-6

"I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your Word." -Psalm 119:101

AWE inspiring verse of the day

"You are resplendent with light. More majestic than the mountains rich with game."

-Psalm 75:4

Seasons

Fall is my favorite time of year.

I LOVE the crispness in the air, hiking, apple picking, drinking hot cider, picking/carving pumpkins, watching the leaves change... just enjoying the beauty and saturating my senses.

Two days ago, I was driving through Charlottesville on my way home to see my parents and it was cloudy and pouring rain. However... I was thinking, I have got to still capitalize on my drive thru Charlottesville. I can't waste this opportunity- Im right here!

After much deliberation, I decided against hiking in the rain, but I did decide to stop by Carter Mtn apple orchard to pick a few apples and get some hot cider. When I got there- it was so gross! So muddy, dreary, wet, cold... ;) HA.

All I could think was that- there is no perfect season. How great is summer to enjoy the lake and be off school- AND BE HOT AND HUMID. Or the beautiful snow on the ground in winter... the skiing, lights, Christmas- AND be freezing, snowed in...

So this analogy goes with life, huh? There are so many different seasons in life! Being single, being a student, graduating being a newly wed, buying a home, being a new parent, kicking the kids out of the home after being married 25 years (no particular order neccessary here!) EVERY season has its true blessings and joys, and every season has its trials.

I am so thankful to live in Virginia where we get to realy experience all the different seasons. And I am thankful, and pray that Lord willing, I will be able to experience all the different seasons of life.

"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him." -Daniel 2: 20-22

End in Mind

So about a week ago I watched the CHEESIEST movie (shout out J's) I think I have seen to date. ;)
However... one of the points in the movie was that if you don't neccessarily think there is a Biblical right/wrong in an area- to just fast forward your life and look toward the future to see if it is something that you would regret looking back on.

I think if we could master this "living looking toward the future" bit... things would be a lot easier.

This morning as I ran out of the YMCA at 6:30 am, I had so much joy, energy, exhilaration, praise... I was SO thankful to have completed my daily exercise and have the whole day ahead of me. However- when my alarm went off at 5 AM- joy, gratitude, and exhilaration were the last things on my mind.

Another example is like indulging on a fat piece of chocolate cake. If you could fastforward to about 5 minutes post consumption... you would realize that instead of feeling joy- you feel groaning and the ooooo why did I eat that blues. ;)

I have a feeling that in heaven we will think, why on earth did we so often trade the long term for the temporary? As a believer, I am not called to live for the moment, but live in light of eternity! And hopefully tomorrow when the alarm goes off at 5, I can CALL TO MIND this truth.

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." -2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Extended Camping Trip

Paul, the tentmaker, knew a LOT about tents.
I on the other hand- know almost NOTHING about them.

I listened to a neat sermon this eve that made me think about this...
Don't you find it odd that he only uses them in analogy ONE time in all the books that he wrote?
I do.
The only time you find the word tent in the Pauline epistles is in the beginning of 2 Corinthians 5.
Usually the analogies come from the things we see day in and day out... at least mine do.

2 Cor 5
Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

One of the attributes about tents that I am so thankful for is that they are temporary! So glad I don't have to live in one day in and day out! Whenever I get home from backpacking I cant wait to sleep in my nice air conditioned house and comfy bed.
Can't wait to trade in my tent for a mansion one day!

Ananias and Saphira moment

I am ashamed to write this, but not at the same time. It just reveals the sickness and sin nature within my heart- our default setting.

So tonight me and my roommate went for a walk in our neighborhood and went in to one of our Catholic neighbors house for a bit to chat with them. The husband has been very ill and had mentioned wanting to go out to the movies but wasn't sure if he could go because he has been wheelchair bound. While they were talking I was thinking- perfect. I have a free movie ticket from my sister and I can give them one in a little card and an invitation to come over for lunch.

So we got home and I was writing the card and I went a movie ticket and put it in the card. Yvonne looked at me and said- you just have one movie ticket? And I said- "YES! (wow) I get them from my sister." LIE! I actually had THREE movie tickets but I wanted to hold on to two of them to go with a friend. Not a bad thing in itself- I didn't have to give them ANY of the movie tickets, but just revealed the evilness deep in my heart. Same exact situation as in Acts 5... God didn't require the giving of Ananias' and Saphiras profits- but he does want a cheerful giver, a pure heart and motives, and honesty before him and fellow believers! Humility of heart rather than seeking praise from men. In about 45 seconds conviction flooded and I was like Yvonne I take it back!!! Thank God the lightening didn't strike.
Forgive me Lord for my foolishness!

John 17:17 proves true over and over in my life

Romans 12:1-2... be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

My life verse- John 17:17 "Sanctify them by your Word- your Word is truth."

Both were evidenced today as I was looking at something I had written in my journal (not normally a journaler) a mere TWO weeks ago when reading through Luke! I had written:
"I wonder if anyone is called to being poor or missions or if we are ALL called to it... I mean wouldn't everyone rather have a comfortable air conditioned home? Are those who sacrifice it just aware of the brevity of this life and that this is not our true home? One day we will live in palaces! Why on earth would we want an imitation one now? Luke 7:25"

Honestly I read that today and thought- WOW- did I really write that?? It sounds so super-spiritual. I kind of do want a palace now...

Just goes to show you how the Holy Spirit really does transform you during the reading of His Word. Transform me Lord!

Overused Analogies

So I ran the rock n roll half marathon this past weekend and there were SO many analogies running around. However, most of them are nothing profound so if it wasn't about time for another blog, I probably wouldn't post them.... ;)

I started running with my sister and 2 of her friends and one girl fell behind instantly. About mile 4 I was jamming to my ipod, getting my grove on and a song came on the playlist entitled "Miserable." It was NOT the song to be listening to while running. I started thinking- DUDE I AM miserable. Why on earth did I sign up for this? It seemed like a good idea at the time... ;) Just made me think how important the attitude and MIND is. If I sit in class thinking how miserable I am... or how much Im learning- BIG difference.

The climax/disaster in the race happened at mile 5. My headphones for my ipod severed and died! Talk about discouraging. I INSTANTLY stopped running to try and fix it to no avail. This is when the mental game really picked up. Just quit now. Forget it. I was walking at the water station when the girl who was a part of our team that had fallen behind initially caught up to me. It was such a relief to see her and to have a buddy to help get through the rest of the race together! I honestly am not sure if I would have started running again if it wasn't for her. I need people and friends to push me/keep me accountable! She also produced some magic energy beans at mile 10 that enabled us to get to the finish line.

My sister had made us wear these crazy outfits (ie hot pink knee socks) and post verses and motivational quotes on our back. Mine was- the best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer everybody else up. SO TRUE. (maybe a little WEAK- I mean the best way to encourage yourself is with the Word but hey) The more I cheered for the people around me- the more I could push it and the happier I got. Also the socks really helped us stand out- and all the crowd was yelling- I like your socks! or Go socks! ;) wow.

Basically, the moral of my tale: encouragement is key against discouragement and lies.


"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." -Eph 4:29

so true

Jonathan Edwards once said that godly people can, as it were, smell the depravity of an act before they can explain why it is evil. There is a spiritual sense that something is amiss. It does not fit in a world permeated with God. Ephesians 5:3 says that some things “are not fitting” among saints.” “Fitting-ness” is not always easy to justify with arguments. You discern it before you can defend it. That’s good, because we have to make hundreds of choices every day with no time for extended reflection. But from time to time we need to pause and give rational, biblical expression why something is not fitting.

Heresy?

So Im not really sure if this post will be theologically sound or not... and its again not an analogy. Feel free to comment or disagree. ;) I really feel like this was what God revealed to me this morning, but edification and refinement is always welcome and needed!

So I have been riding into school super early with my dear roommate, and I have been joining her in memorizing Philippians on the way. Today we started in chapter 2. After arriving at MCV, waiting for class to start, I was meditating on the rest of the chapter.
I got to verse 4, which says, "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." In the margin of my Bible I had written out next to this verse- selflessness.

However, as I was meditating this morning- it really struck me that that I don't think that is really what this verse is saying. It is not saying selflessness... it is saying in addition to... look NOT ONLY to my interests, BUT ALSO to yours.

Not that I am justifying selfiSHness either, but it made me feel a little better.
Addendum:
Because of context, the next verse (calling me to have the SAME attitude as Christ, really in fact does make a call to selflessness) My pastor made a great call addition/observation to this post. He thinks that Paul is assuming that we will always be looking out for our own needs, but the part of the command we need to battle with is to also look out for others needs.

He related it to the analogy of 1 Tim 4:8 which I thought was very fitting. People take that verse to mean that physical discipline is of no value which is not what it says. This verse doesn't mean its wrong to look out for our own needs, but the call is to put others first.

Those who honor me I will honor...

I am SO excited to blog about this right now. ;) It is just an awesome testimony to the Lord, when I really struggled with doing the right thing.

SO I have a student membership to the local YMCA that is only $18 a month compared to the normal $40-50 dollars a month rate. The requirements are that you have to be a full time student with at least 12 credits (easily met- Im taking 21 grad credits this semester) and you need to be between the ages of 18-23.

I am 24 (yeah baby), however, since I signed up for this membership when I first moved to Richmond and was 23, they were still just deducting $18 a month from my checking account. After moving to the Southside last month to a different Y, I started to feel convicted that I should tell them that I was 24 now and shouldn't still be getting the student rate. BUT with the conviction also came the justification- Im still a student, Im on loan money, I can't afford $50 a month, they don't really care... you can see how my mind could go on and on.

The analogy that came to mind is from one of my professors at Liberty. This analogy has proven faithful to me over and over. EVERY time it comes to my mind, it makes me realize how stupid my own justification is. My professor, Dr. Ed. Barker, always used to say- 'Your integrity is not worth a chocolate chip cookie.' Meaning that we are so easily tempted to trade our integrity for something SO SMALL and trivial. We so often trade that which is of the utmost value to that which is of no value at all (or at least perishing/fleeting value). It is never worth compromising your integrity to save $2 on your grocery bill, or for me to save $30 a month on a Y bill... forget it. So sheepishly I decided to do the right thing and tell the Y.

AND HERE IS THE BEST PART! I love it so much because this is how God works! ;) This afternoon I called the YMCA and explained to them my age dilemma... and that they need to change my monthly membership fee and the girl on the phone said that I actually qualify for a different membership bracket and my new rate is only going to be $10 a month! ;)
I love it.
Thank you Lord for the positive reinforcement to do hard things. Whether we see the reward in this life or the next- it is always worth it.

Not really an analogy...

The analogies are still swimming in my head, but I have not felt pressed to write about them recently.

A dear friend of mine recently challenged me with something her pastor had mentioned about the miracle of the floating axe head in 2 Kings 6.

She said- God put this miracle in the Bible for a reason. What does he want to teach us thru this? For the past few days it has made me a little more heightened as I am reading. Sometimes you really wonder- why on earth does he mention this? What is the point?

If I can't figure it out from the context, I turn to Mr. Matthew Henry's commentary.
Today it was the 'Death in the pot' story from 2 Kings 4:38-41

One thing Matthew Henry said about these scriptures really brought a smile to my face:
"The sons of the prophets, it seems, were better skilled in divinity than in natural philosophy, and read their Bibles more than their herbals."

The prophet may have been a poor cook, he might not have known how to season soup, and he may have even cooked up poison without even knowing it! But he was more knowlegeable about the Word of God then he was about the plants and the herbs. Isn't it tempting to want to be wise in the ways of the world? To want to be skilled or knowledgeable about many different things, whatever it may be?
Fleeting.

“Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-29

Spurgeon Says...

Bounteous is Jehovah in his nature; to give is his delight. His gifts are beyond measure precious, and are as freely given as the light of the sun. He gives grace to his elect because he wills it, to his redeemed because of his covenant, to the called because of his promise, to believers because they seek it, to sinners because they need it. He gives grace abundantly, seasonably, constantly, readily, sovereignly; doubly enhancing the value of the boon by the manner of its bestowal. Grace in all its forms he freely renders to his people: comforting, preserving, sanctifying, directing, instructing, assisting grace, he generously pours into their souls without ceasing, and he always will do so, whatever may occur. Sickness may befall, but the Lord will give grace; poverty may happen to us, but grace will surely be afforded; death must come but grace will light a candle at the darkest hour.

Thank you

Do you think the desire to 'pay people back' is an innate sin-nature trait, an innate God-given trait, or a learned-by-society trait?

Im not sure... I know it is partly pride but I wonder if it is originally a God-given trait that has been tainted by pride... or originally a sin-nature trait we have to combat.

There is a couple in my church who have given me so much it is ridiculous. They are constantly giving-giving-giving and it is embarassing! I honestly feel like avoiding it or just not mentioning anything because I don't want them to give me anything else! Being needy is truly not a comfortable situation for most of us. I have been thinking constantly how I can show them my gratitude? Should I buy them a gift card? I feel like a thank you card doesn't have value because Id have to give them one every day and it loses its meaning.

This is how we are before God. We can never ever pay him back! This is why grace is such a hard concept for us and we'd prefer a works salvation because then at least I did something for it! With God, our desire to give back is like slipping someone a buck who just saved your life. 'Here- go have a cup of coffee on me.' Ludicrous. I remember listening to a Piper sermon where he talked about the line in Come though Fount- "O to Grace how great a debtor daily Im constrained to be..." Every day I get further and further indebted!

How can I show God thanks?

"How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people." -Psalm 116:12-14

What is Faith?

This morning I attempted to teach swim lessons to an 8 and a 9 year old girl who were afraid of drowning and didn't know how to swim. One of the little girls wouldn't even try... She had almost drowned once and her fear had completely immobilized her. No matter how much I assured her that I wouldn't let go of her, her fear of drowning was greater than her faith in my words.

This analogy could go many ways. One way that I will leave open for you is that despite her fear she REALLY wanted to learn how to swim. When we left she was almost in tears because she didn't get to really try to swim because she refused to do all the things I asked her to. I sat down with her before we left and asked her if she would try next time and if she really did want to learn how to swim. I have been told before that you will do whatever you desire more... if you desire to be thin more than you desire the chocolate cake- your actions will follow accordingly. If your desire to swim is greater than your fear- you will do what it takes to learn. To that argument many have produced the example Paul sets forth in Romans 7 about conflicting desires. When I asked this little girl- which is stronger, your desire to swim or your fear of the water? And she adamantly shouted BOTH! Infer what you will.

I want to expound on the faith issue. Today I read in Luke 7 about the faith of the centurion. In my opinion, faith is a very hard concept to define. Hence why God gave us an entire chapter of what faith looks like analogies in Hebrews 11. In Luke 7, Jesus says this is the greatest example of faith He's seen in all of Israel. The centurion recognizes the absolute power of Christ and places himself wholeheartedly (and humbly!) under his authority.

Side note: I LOVE the centurion's attitude and I know Christ did as well. In verse 4, the people all come to Jesus and say (Vanesa paraphrase version)- this man DESERVES you to heal his servant- he loves his nation and has even given the money to build our entire church building! WHOA. ;) The centurion however says, "Lord I don't even deserve to have you enter my home!"

Lord keep me in an attitude of humble faith! Recognizing how underserving I am of all your graces. No matter how much I could ever give or do... it is so small! I deserve death.

"Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this GRACE in which we now stand." -Romans 5:1-2

Beautiful Sovereign Grace song entitled GRACE UPON GRACE. My favorite of the day:

You have ordained every breath we take
In pleasure or pain, there is no mistake
Gladness and grief, both are in Your hand
And sufferings brief carry out Your plan
And our fleeting sorrows will yield an endless prize
When some bright tomorrow we’ll see You with our eyes,
****************
Grace upon grace flows down, flows down
Grace upon grace flows down, flows down
Through the precious blood of Christ.
****************
Father of lights, Giver of all grace
Your mercies crown our lives all our days.
River of Life, quench our thirsty souls
For no true delight does Your love withhold.
And in every season we are satisfied
For just one reason- Christ was crucified

Bouquet Toss

This morning in church I was talking to a few dear friends of mine who went to a wedding last night. One of the lovely single ladies had caught the bride's bouquet during the toss. Since she was quite obviously less than thrilled, I probed a little deeper.

It was really funny to hear them tell the story. For anonymity sake, we will call them Andrea and Margaret. ;) We will say Margaret was the one who caught the bouquet.

So you have all been to weddings where several girls parade out to the floor to cat fight, kick, and claw over the flying floral arrangement. Having been to quite a few weddings, Margaret has caught one of these fight-for-your-life bouquets before. This wedding was far the exception. Only 4 single girls dragged themselves out to the floor for this bouquet toss. Sheepish and embarrassed, Margaret and Andrea definitely did not do any reaching or body-blocking when this bouquet was tossed. It hit the floor first... then Margaret shamefully extended an arm to pick it up.

Funny how something that Margaret had previously gloated in became an object of shame?
Hello S-I-N.

"What benefit did you reap from the things that you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death!" -Romans 6:21

Canadian Geese

Today I almost ran over 3 canadian geese just marching along in front of my house... they have been overly domesticated from the consistent feeding of my neighbors and now no longer know to STAY OUT OF THE ROAD.
Especially when I'm driving. ;)

While in the Grand Canyon, we found squirrels who had the same perilous problem. The rangers said they have had to shoot 21 deer in 2008 alone! The deer have become so dependent on food from the humans that they no longer know how to find their own food in nature.

This is analogous to MANY things in our lives... but I think the most convicting is in regard to our desensitization. There is a couple at my church who continually sharpens me, and they are so far removed from the world that things still shock them. We have become so intertwined with the things of the world that not only does it not seem bad, we don't even remember what it was like to desire the pure spiritual milk of the Word more than the imitations the world feeds us!

One of the ways they have opened my eyes is in the area of modesty. They will look at something and have to look away or be embarrased as I am sitting there like WHAT? What is wrong with it?
Sick.
Lord open the eyes of my heart to recognize the pretty treats and lures of the world are disguised graves bringing shame! All praise to my creator who knows how to feed me best!

"Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious! But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave." -Proverbs 9:17-18

Feast or Famine?

My mind is currently full of these analogies (hence the reason for starting the blog)...

I recently backpacked a few days in the Grand Canyon with a dear friend of mine (Kata holla). Amid the scoffs of those who found us foolish for facing the desert in July, we had an amazing time.

We did hit the usual low point, however, this time on day #2. During July, the national park service guidelines are to avoid hiking between 10 am-4 pm each day because of the high risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration. We started hiking that day at 6 am, and aside from a short break from 10-11 at the gorgeous Ribbon Falls, we were hiking in the heat of mid-day and OUT OF WATER. Around 1:30 pm, the headaches begin and the grouchiness ensues, but we are foolishly determined to press on. By the grace of God, we made it to our destination in mostly one piece, got water and attempted to cool off the best we could.

So where is the analogy?

The minor detail I left out of the above description is that for almost the entire hike back that day, our trail was about a stone's throw away from the river. Gorgeous blue, cool, running water, well within reach (with a little effort) but we were determined to forge on without it.

It just really reminded me how often we go through our days ignoring the stream of LIVING water. It is totally within reach, requiring some effort but not unattainable amounts, but we choose to do without it.

"O Lord, the HOPE of Israel, all who forsake you will be put to shame. Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the Lord, the spring of living water." -Jeremiah 17:13

Post #1

Today in church, my pastor talked about how in Nehemiah the people created BOOTHS on top of their homes and lived in them for 7 days as a symbol to remind them of God's provision, grace, and restoration. (Nehemiah 8:14-18) I won't rehash his whole sermon, but you can check it out at http://www.gracebiblerichmond.org/

He also talked about how the people used to wear coats made of itchy, skin irritating fabric to be a constant reminder to them of the disgusting nature of their sin.


I am currently reading through Ezekiel and the whole book is basically an analogy. God puts the prophet Ezekiel through amazing trials in order to try and help his people truly UNDERSTAND a picture of the message he wants to send them. The Lord even kills Ezekiels wife in chapter 24 to show the people he will take away their heart's delight and joy!
Unreal.