"Blessed are those who wash their robes..."
Haha. Jesus supported laundry. It's not really laundry day, that's tomorrow. The point I'm making is this: Every day is laundry day, every day we need to wash our robes in the blood of Christ and re-shoulder our cross.
My devotional this morning was to find an obscure scripture...didn't work too well, but this was where I turned to.
Anywho, Revelation 7:14-17 promises excellent working conditions for those whose robes are made white in the blood of the Lamb. As a child, I did not understand how something could be washed in red and come out white, didn't make sense to me, and was never fully explained. Now, I know that we're not talking colors here, we're talking appearance before God. It's not possible for a soiled, dirty robe to be washed in red blood, and come out white. But it is definitely possible that a soiled, dirty robe can be immersed and covered in the blood of the pure and perfect Christ and come out without stain.
How?
Glad you asked.
Imagine, if you will, that we are all born with white robes. Every bad thing we do adds a deep, dark stain to our once spotless white robes. Every wandering of the eye, and purposeful evil deed just makes our robes dirtier and dirtier. One day, we realize that our previously beautiful garment is disgusting and it shames us, we are sure that everyone can see our dirt. So we do all we can to cover it up. We try to conceal the stains of our garments with friends with robes darker than ours, we try to just embrace the appearance of our robe by continuing to make it worse, we even try to clean it ourselves-sure that religious rituals will get the job done, that just stepping foot inside a church will clean us up.
Eventually, after all the covering up, ignoring, and futile attempts to clean it ourselves fail, we look for more help. And, voila, the Jesus who has always been there, strong, mighty hand extended, offers a solution. Jesus lived a perfect life, his appearance never marred by evil thoughts or actions. His solution? If you cover yourself in His blood, which was ultimately shed for you, then when God looks at you, God will see you as spotless.
Worth a try, right? Nothing else worked, and this Jesus character seems pretty legit. You hand over your robe, and Jesus literally washes your robe in His own blood. Even more surprising is that, when He hands it back, it's not red, but the whitest white you've ever seen.
Yes, Jesus has done it for countless humans, and He can do it for you, too.
Whether you've known Jesus all your life, have been recently reunited, or you never even met the guy, it's laundry day. Take your robe, which is sure to have some kind of stain on it, to the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
Be of the many who "have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."
Praying to see you at the end of the world blowout.
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)
Amen, Jesus, let it be so.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
What's YOUR problem?
Many times, when we hear this phrase, we are immediately on the defensive, ready to rebut with "I don't have a problem. What's your problem?"
But my question to you tonight is: What is your problem? Where does your struggle lie? What keeps you from being honest with your Creator?
My problem, would have to be selfishness. From my sins to my song choices, it's all about me. I was actually pretty convicted about this, to the point that I changed my facebook profile picture because the shirt I was wearing said: It's all about me.
So, child of majesty, where does your problem lie? What is binding you to a complacency with a missed mark? What past issue, disobedience, person, or pastime prevents a greater intimacy with the King?
I read a verse today in James, that said if a believer didn't have wisdom, he should ask for it, because God would freely give it, if he does not doubt.
I beseech you, Brother, I earnestly ask you, Sister, to ask God for wisdom in your life. Ask Him to reveal why you haven't grown in 2 months, ask Him what you can do to make your witness more powerful. Inquire of the Lord what His good, pleasing, and perfect will is. Stand before the throne and ask God who you should be pouring your life into, praying for, checking up on.
This may seem unrelated to you, but if I only speak to one, if I only speak to myself, I will have listened to the gentle nudging of my Lord, and be working in the covenant I made with the One who breaks no promises.
I love you all. See you very, very soon. Hugs all around!
As said from a previous post:
What my life boils down to: Love my Lord, Obey my Master, Serve my King.
Goodnight, saints.
But my question to you tonight is: What is your problem? Where does your struggle lie? What keeps you from being honest with your Creator?
My problem, would have to be selfishness. From my sins to my song choices, it's all about me. I was actually pretty convicted about this, to the point that I changed my facebook profile picture because the shirt I was wearing said: It's all about me.
So, child of majesty, where does your problem lie? What is binding you to a complacency with a missed mark? What past issue, disobedience, person, or pastime prevents a greater intimacy with the King?
I read a verse today in James, that said if a believer didn't have wisdom, he should ask for it, because God would freely give it, if he does not doubt.
I beseech you, Brother, I earnestly ask you, Sister, to ask God for wisdom in your life. Ask Him to reveal why you haven't grown in 2 months, ask Him what you can do to make your witness more powerful. Inquire of the Lord what His good, pleasing, and perfect will is. Stand before the throne and ask God who you should be pouring your life into, praying for, checking up on.
This may seem unrelated to you, but if I only speak to one, if I only speak to myself, I will have listened to the gentle nudging of my Lord, and be working in the covenant I made with the One who breaks no promises.
I love you all. See you very, very soon. Hugs all around!
As said from a previous post:
What my life boils down to: Love my Lord, Obey my Master, Serve my King.
Goodnight, saints.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Wow...My Savior. My Savior. He's amazing.
While showering, I had to be honest with myself. All the scrubbing in the world could not wash away the dirt and shame that I felt. No amount of soap, or designer shampoo would get rid of the feeling of darkness over me. I could soak in rubbing alcohol and dry off with a Brillo pad, and it would be to no avail. Only the precious, perfect, powerful blood of the perfect Lamb, Jesus Christ, can remove my dirty sins.
You know, sometimes it's hard for me to get over my stereotypes.
I have 2 examples, one, of the mindset that Mexican are dirty people. I heard it so much in America, that, before I could go on my mission trip, God had to deal with me. I had to practice saying the word 'Mexican'. I had to intentionally change my view. It was hard, and even now I have to stop and check what I'm saying or thinking about any group-because it's never true of a majority.
The other example would be prayer. I have always been under the influence that prayer MUST be solemn, and very serious. As a Christian acknowledging Jesus as Lord, and not just Savior, it's a pretty daunting thing to tackle. I, even now, consciously tell myself that Prayer=talking to God. If I don't, I find myself putting off prayer because I am not somewhere quiet, completely shut of from the world. I am in no wise saying that prayer can not be done in those settings, but it's not mandatory. There won't always be times where we can go off and just pray. There will be times where we will be forced to pray where we stand. If you hear nothing else, hear this: Prayer is talking to your best, most intimate, favorite Friend ever, who just happens to hold your life and soul in His hands. Yes, prayer will be solemn. But prayer is communication in the most important relationship of your earthly existence. Talk to God. Prayer is just talking to God, you can even smile. Enjoy talking to God, He does.
Sorry that was such a chunk. What I really came to write this blog about was a tangent of surrender. While having a revelation overload, I saw a picture of myself, if you will. And I was saying this to Jesus, :
Lord, I want to be completely under your control. I sacrifice myself right now, at the altar. I want you to guide me. Lord, I want to say, "I've picked up my cross Lord. Where to? I want to be so full of you that everyone I meet will forget my name and remember Yours. That they will not remember what I said, but know that You spoke to them. That they would be drawn to You. That they will know that You exist, and You love them."
I don't know guys, I am just so full of God right now.
Another thing, it says somewhere in 1 Peter, that we should always be ready to given an account for the joy that we have, but to do it with gentleness and respect. And I was just practicing what I would say on God (Excellent audience if I may say so), and it went something like this.
That someone, like the early church, would grab me, and ask me what was different about me. And I would respond in a likewise manner, "I am at a place in my life where I have someone who cares for me. He makes sure that I have something to eat, somewhere to go, someone to talk to. He insures that I am never alone. He always does what is best for me. He completely rules my life, and yet He is not controlling. He advises me in all things, but forces me to do nothing. I have no problem serving Him, no qualms with doing as He wishes, because He has never thought twice about sacrificing everything for me. He gave up all of His comfort to be with me. He was beaten, made fun of, spit on, and killed for me, but he never opened His mouth to defend Himself. He endured ridicule and hatred, just so He could have a relationship with me." At this point I would probably be shaking my head, then I would add, "And He wants the same peace of mind, and relationship with you, as I have with Him. Jesus Christ, Son of God, aches for your heart to beat for Him. He desires to lavish His love on you, as He does on all those who acknowledge Him. Would you like to know how to obtain that love?"
Lengthy, I know, but I am hard-pressed to describe my King in less words. Family, I love you all. Operate in your gifts-God knows what He's doing. Trust Him-even when you don't have to. That's it for this princess.
G'Night.
You know, sometimes it's hard for me to get over my stereotypes.
I have 2 examples, one, of the mindset that Mexican are dirty people. I heard it so much in America, that, before I could go on my mission trip, God had to deal with me. I had to practice saying the word 'Mexican'. I had to intentionally change my view. It was hard, and even now I have to stop and check what I'm saying or thinking about any group-because it's never true of a majority.
The other example would be prayer. I have always been under the influence that prayer MUST be solemn, and very serious. As a Christian acknowledging Jesus as Lord, and not just Savior, it's a pretty daunting thing to tackle. I, even now, consciously tell myself that Prayer=talking to God. If I don't, I find myself putting off prayer because I am not somewhere quiet, completely shut of from the world. I am in no wise saying that prayer can not be done in those settings, but it's not mandatory. There won't always be times where we can go off and just pray. There will be times where we will be forced to pray where we stand. If you hear nothing else, hear this: Prayer is talking to your best, most intimate, favorite Friend ever, who just happens to hold your life and soul in His hands. Yes, prayer will be solemn. But prayer is communication in the most important relationship of your earthly existence. Talk to God. Prayer is just talking to God, you can even smile. Enjoy talking to God, He does.
Sorry that was such a chunk. What I really came to write this blog about was a tangent of surrender. While having a revelation overload, I saw a picture of myself, if you will. And I was saying this to Jesus, :
Lord, I want to be completely under your control. I sacrifice myself right now, at the altar. I want you to guide me. Lord, I want to say, "I've picked up my cross Lord. Where to? I want to be so full of you that everyone I meet will forget my name and remember Yours. That they will not remember what I said, but know that You spoke to them. That they would be drawn to You. That they will know that You exist, and You love them."
I don't know guys, I am just so full of God right now.
Another thing, it says somewhere in 1 Peter, that we should always be ready to given an account for the joy that we have, but to do it with gentleness and respect. And I was just practicing what I would say on God (Excellent audience if I may say so), and it went something like this.
That someone, like the early church, would grab me, and ask me what was different about me. And I would respond in a likewise manner, "I am at a place in my life where I have someone who cares for me. He makes sure that I have something to eat, somewhere to go, someone to talk to. He insures that I am never alone. He always does what is best for me. He completely rules my life, and yet He is not controlling. He advises me in all things, but forces me to do nothing. I have no problem serving Him, no qualms with doing as He wishes, because He has never thought twice about sacrificing everything for me. He gave up all of His comfort to be with me. He was beaten, made fun of, spit on, and killed for me, but he never opened His mouth to defend Himself. He endured ridicule and hatred, just so He could have a relationship with me." At this point I would probably be shaking my head, then I would add, "And He wants the same peace of mind, and relationship with you, as I have with Him. Jesus Christ, Son of God, aches for your heart to beat for Him. He desires to lavish His love on you, as He does on all those who acknowledge Him. Would you like to know how to obtain that love?"
Lengthy, I know, but I am hard-pressed to describe my King in less words. Family, I love you all. Operate in your gifts-God knows what He's doing. Trust Him-even when you don't have to. That's it for this princess.
G'Night.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
What's up withchu?
Yo yo yo!
I have lots to tell all of you. So, I'm going to do a very brief synopsis of it all.
Prayer: My prayer life has not been my shining glory lately. It's been pretty good, don't get me wrong, but I feel like I didn't pray for some things that God definitely could have used to build my testimony and show me his great power. My devotional time has been a hard fight, and I have yet to back down-nor will I ever.
Visions and such: So, some of you may know that I have seen angels before. And of those few, few others know that I continue to see one angel in particular. Well, I've seen him again, and this time I think I know his name.
Also, had a dream last night, a really, really scary dream. The gist of it was: There were demons trying to kill my soul, and get me to let this use my body to do their dirty work. It wasn't until after I thought about it this morning when I woke up that I realized it. So, guess who's now really on guard. Thank God for His merciful updates.
Schoolin': I worked ~ 25 hours a week at Krispy Kreme while taking 2 classes and moving...twice. Anywho, I was taking a First Aid class, and Trigonometry. I worked hard in my classes and at my job. God rewarded me with TWO A's! (Oh, I can't seem to locate my First Aid certification card, please pray that I find it.)
And in the coming Fall: I will be taking a 3rd Spanish course, Organic Chemistry, Genetics, a class for my child sciences minor, and, again, Biology II Lab-Animal Diversity. Please pray for me brothers and sisters, that I can be excellent in everything for our King.
Recap: Well, that was pretty much it. I can't wait to see all of you again. I'll be coming down the 20th or 21st, so can I get some ground control for safe traveling please?
I am so much better at asking for prayer nowadays. Praise God people!
Psalm 40.
love you all.
lex
I have lots to tell all of you. So, I'm going to do a very brief synopsis of it all.
Prayer: My prayer life has not been my shining glory lately. It's been pretty good, don't get me wrong, but I feel like I didn't pray for some things that God definitely could have used to build my testimony and show me his great power. My devotional time has been a hard fight, and I have yet to back down-nor will I ever.
Visions and such: So, some of you may know that I have seen angels before. And of those few, few others know that I continue to see one angel in particular. Well, I've seen him again, and this time I think I know his name.
Also, had a dream last night, a really, really scary dream. The gist of it was: There were demons trying to kill my soul, and get me to let this use my body to do their dirty work. It wasn't until after I thought about it this morning when I woke up that I realized it. So, guess who's now really on guard. Thank God for His merciful updates.
Schoolin': I worked ~ 25 hours a week at Krispy Kreme while taking 2 classes and moving...twice. Anywho, I was taking a First Aid class, and Trigonometry. I worked hard in my classes and at my job. God rewarded me with TWO A's! (Oh, I can't seem to locate my First Aid certification card, please pray that I find it.)
And in the coming Fall: I will be taking a 3rd Spanish course, Organic Chemistry, Genetics, a class for my child sciences minor, and, again, Biology II Lab-Animal Diversity. Please pray for me brothers and sisters, that I can be excellent in everything for our King.
Recap: Well, that was pretty much it. I can't wait to see all of you again. I'll be coming down the 20th or 21st, so can I get some ground control for safe traveling please?
I am so much better at asking for prayer nowadays. Praise God people!
Psalm 40.
love you all.
lex
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Welcome to July
Hey loved ones,
I miss writing in this blog. I have had a great time getting caught up with all the ENCM news and happenings, see you guys next weekend!
Anyway, here's what I have been up to lately: Taking 2 classes this summer. Including a first aid class that I think should be really fun. Working part-time at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. Acing my first math quiz (Praise God!) Not getting enough sleep. Writing, printing and soon-to-be sending out my mission trip newsletter. Praying.
So what's the news with you guys. I miss all of you and can't wait to come down next weekend. Oh, who wants to give me a ride to the Champions for Christ events?
Love you all. Oh, my phone is off right now, so if you're trying to call...sorry. Hit me online and I'll try to call you back within a day or so.
Did I say I loved you already? I reallt do guys, if you ever need anything, if you have to reach me by carrier pidgeon, I can be reached. Sleep well. Praying for you.
later.
I miss writing in this blog. I have had a great time getting caught up with all the ENCM news and happenings, see you guys next weekend!
Anyway, here's what I have been up to lately: Taking 2 classes this summer. Including a first aid class that I think should be really fun. Working part-time at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. Acing my first math quiz (Praise God!) Not getting enough sleep. Writing, printing and soon-to-be sending out my mission trip newsletter. Praying.
So what's the news with you guys. I miss all of you and can't wait to come down next weekend. Oh, who wants to give me a ride to the Champions for Christ events?
Love you all. Oh, my phone is off right now, so if you're trying to call...sorry. Hit me online and I'll try to call you back within a day or so.
Did I say I loved you already? I reallt do guys, if you ever need anything, if you have to reach me by carrier pidgeon, I can be reached. Sleep well. Praying for you.
later.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
whoops....
So, i totally know that it's has been well over a month since my last blog. i apologize. Also, this post won't be grammatically correct or proper, sorry liz.
But i have experienced so much in the last 6 or so weeks. i have been outside of the country and way outside of my comfort zones. i have seen and heard some things that have upset me, and things that have brought me to tears. I am finding it hard to live at home again after 2 years of freedom and responsibility. And i am seriously missing all of you.
I hope to blog again soon. But i am still alive and kickinh satan's butt. You guys are all still with me right?
Don't lose your fire. I pray that each of you will not only fall in love with God again every week, but that you'll be set on fire and others will catch. i miss and love you guys so much. Can't wait to hear everything the summer has brought each of you. feel free to leave a comment.
oh, and i am so jealous of Supernatural Sundays! I wish i could come!
love love love love love you guys. Praying for you ALL.
Keep Christ as head and stay in line, sometimes it's hard to be in a relationship with someone who's always right-so work at it.
did i tell you i loved you already?
call me people. text me. see you guys soon.
But i have experienced so much in the last 6 or so weeks. i have been outside of the country and way outside of my comfort zones. i have seen and heard some things that have upset me, and things that have brought me to tears. I am finding it hard to live at home again after 2 years of freedom and responsibility. And i am seriously missing all of you.
I hope to blog again soon. But i am still alive and kickinh satan's butt. You guys are all still with me right?
Don't lose your fire. I pray that each of you will not only fall in love with God again every week, but that you'll be set on fire and others will catch. i miss and love you guys so much. Can't wait to hear everything the summer has brought each of you. feel free to leave a comment.
oh, and i am so jealous of Supernatural Sundays! I wish i could come!
love love love love love you guys. Praying for you ALL.
Keep Christ as head and stay in line, sometimes it's hard to be in a relationship with someone who's always right-so work at it.
did i tell you i loved you already?
call me people. text me. see you guys soon.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Freedommmm!
No, I am not done with finals, so this isn't an end of the year entry. But you know what I realized today?
I love my FREEDOM!
Take today, for example:
Take the mission trip I'm going on in summer:
I don't have to coordinate with my work.
I don't have to check with my spouse.
I don't have to make sure my kids are taken care of.
No bills to pay in advance.
I am completely free to just go as I feel God is telling me.
Doesn't that blow your mind! I am finally embracing and understanding this whole 'Season of Singleness' deal! I mean... WHAT FREEDOM!!!
Man, praise God for new revelations and understanding. I pray that God continues to use me fully as a tool of the Kingdom while I still have all the free time, and none of the responsibilities of 'adult life'.
I am amazed! I love my freedom!
WAHOO! Bring on the lost, Lord!
YOUR KINGDOM COME. My freedom used. Wahoo!!!
I love my FREEDOM!
Take today, for example:
- Up at 7:30am.
- 2 final exams.
- Lunch in the union.
- Hung with Keith, Niegel and Phil a little.
- 3rd exam.
- Back to the room.
- Dinner and movie with Liz.
- Home at ~11:30pm.
Take the mission trip I'm going on in summer:
I don't have to coordinate with my work.
I don't have to check with my spouse.
I don't have to make sure my kids are taken care of.
No bills to pay in advance.
I am completely free to just go as I feel God is telling me.
Doesn't that blow your mind! I am finally embracing and understanding this whole 'Season of Singleness' deal! I mean... WHAT FREEDOM!!!
Man, praise God for new revelations and understanding. I pray that God continues to use me fully as a tool of the Kingdom while I still have all the free time, and none of the responsibilities of 'adult life'.
I am amazed! I love my freedom!
WAHOO! Bring on the lost, Lord!
YOUR KINGDOM COME. My freedom used. Wahoo!!!
; )
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