strengths and weaknesses
The history of the world comes down to the lives of people. There are billions of people living, loving, crying, working, laughing, and then dying on this earth. There have been people who are Muslims, Buddhists, Jews, Catholics, Atheist, and Protestants. We all live (have lived) on this earth together. We all disagree (have disagreed) with each other on something. Yet, it has been brought home to me that everyone has weaknesses. The greatest of Patriarchs were utter failures at something’s. The different religions all idolize their saints/gurus, and yet I have noticed that no matter how great the person he has some flaw. Likewise, no matter how great the denomination, there will be flaws.
To be honest with you, this is not old stuff to my little developing brain. A few years ago I didn't recognize the virtues of the Catholic Church for example. I held to the RP doctrine with all my might, and I still do, but with a more gracious spirit (to God be all praise and credit.)
I have gotten to the point where I can look at a Catholic friend and say, "as long as we agree that Christ is our salvation, then I have every reason to believe we will be Heaven together." The emphasis has shifted from truth in understanding, to truth in reality. See, I believe there will be people in Heaven who don't understand the doctrines that Calvin Westminster Confessions articulate so well. The widow who gave her two mites probably didn't understand how it was the Jesus was God, but she believed in the Word, and gave all she had. Jesus praised her. I don't need to cling so tightly to my doctrine that I forget the very King who saved me.
It would be similar to a women getting so focused on the exact outlining of her wedding ceremony that she forgets who her groom is.
Yet, there is another side to the tale. There is also the bride that is so overwhelmed by the decorating of her wedding, that she forgets she is getting married, and the sacredness of the vows (therefore her groom is forgotten as well.) Likewise, there is a danger to get so caught up in the material working out of the Christian life, that the very fact that we are saved by Jesus is forgotten. Also, the sacred truths of theology are dismissed because they are "irrelevant" to the life we live now.
The two extremes are dangerous ones. Many people fall to one side or another. Yet, our Shepard is here to lead the way. When we keep our eyes fixed on Him than we will walk the narrow path.
Please remember that in the end it's about our Lord. No one and no thing can override that truth.
"...but it's fine if you want to."
I've been thinking about the all too common phrase "It's not for me, but if you want to then that's fine with me." Or, "I won't do it, but if want to that's fine." There are several variations, but the basic principle is that a person is saying they personally have an objection to something, but they aren't going to make a general statement about it, instead they claim to "be fine" with other people doing things that way. Now, I've been thinking about the logic in all of this. Most would agree that it is a biblical principle to see people on different levels. We tend to have different preferences and opinions. Yet, the idea of tolerance is one that has far outgrown beneficial place and become and idol which our culture worships relentlessly.
Where is the line? Jesus makes statements like "remove the log in your eye, before pointing out the speck in your neighbor’s eye." I agree with Him. The problem I see with the statements is the disclaimer, "but if you want to that's fine." Obviously you see some danger in something, and you are avoiding it for whatever reason, it may be as simple as, "I don't drink decaf coffee, but if you want to that's fine." Now, this statement is valid, because it is dealing with mostly preference, (although there are dangers in decaf coffee, and I may go so far to say that I don't think it's the best for people to drink it very often, but that's besides the point.) I am dealing more with a question of morals and ethics, for example "I would never steal chewing gun from a store, but if you want to go ahead." Our culture has gotten to the point where a person who holds to an absolute, (example: I would never have an abortion, and you shouldn't either,) is totally unloving and inconsiderate of other people. Yet, when it comes down to it, there is a level of responsibility we have as Christians to defend the absolutes and explain why they are harmful. "I would never have an abortion because I would be putting myself into lifelong emotional trauma, and it would be killing an innocent person...." Why is it that our culture calls this unkind or close-minded? Because the world is in love with evil, and anyone who proclaims the truth against evil is an enemy to them. What they can't handle is real love. The world fears real love more than anything else, because it fears God and He is love. Real love is patient, and the world is impatient. Real love is not rude, and world is rude. Real love bears all things, and the world has to have convenience. Real love reveals the truth in kindness, and the world proclaims eloquent lies. Real love keeps no record of wrong, and the world can list our sin to the minute detail. Real love always trusts, and the world always doubts. This world claims to understand love, and it goes so far as to offer "love" to those who will be the model star/super star. We know that behind the masks they are broken, and don't understand love. We do. Let's love them. Let's open our arms and wrap them in love. Let's be the love of God for people. Let's be patient with people. Let's be kind. Let's bear all things, even inconveniences. Let's trust. Let's erase the record of the wrongs people have done against us. Let's offer the truth in gracious words. Let's love people, even when it hurts.
Christ Church Organized
A victory won
Praise the Lord
A church begun
Praise the Lord
People unite
Praise the Lord
Prepared to fight
Praise the Lord
Love conquers all
Praise the Lord
Though we may fall
Praise the Lord
His strength is known
Praise the Lord
His mercy shown
Praise the Lord
His glory our goal
Praise the Lord
He saves the soul
Praise the Lord
Their serving hands
Praise the Lord
Knowing He plans
Praise the Lord
Wonderful days
Praise the Lord
A people to praise
Praise the Lord
Heart joins heart
Praise the Lord
A people depart
Praise the Lord
A victory won
Praise the Lord
A church begun
lov-el-ly
Today my friend Miss Alison from Ireland asked to see pictures of Indiana in fall. So, I set out to capture the beauty of the world with a small machine I call a camera. I have been prancing around searching for the most perfect representations of our lovely land. It's amazing how I have begun to appreciate the colors to a much larger extent since I have adjusted by perspective. The eyes of an ambitious photographer see potential and beauty in the world that miss Rebekah the tired student so often passes by. I do see some lovely things, and then I directly began thanking God for them, so that I never really end up dwelling on the beauty for very long. Now, there's nothing wrong with praising God for the beauty, but I have to say that I should be more eager when it comes to natures beauty. The trees reveal God and His glory.
Thank you Ali for the opportunity.
Prayer
I have been convicted recently. I do not spend enough time praying specifically for specific people. I want to use this post as prayer bulletin board. Please leave a prayer request in the comments below. It can be a praise request for something God has done or is doing. It can be a supplication for a friend or yourself. It can be a general prayer request for the church or the world at large. It can be an update on a missionary you have been praying for recently. Please comment for my sake. I need to be praying for you people because that's the way that we will make strides for the Kingdom. How can I be praying?
...things I've been thinking about
Coffee is good with almost anything... really.
This time of year it's hard to stay at the right temperature. First I blast the heat then I roll down the windows.
The more I read the more I am fascinated by the concept of reading... words, letters, portraying ideas... who came up with that?
Jesus said, "No one but the Father knows the day or the hour... not even the Son..." now that He is in Heaven, and is in perfect unity with the Father again, does He know when He is coming? I don't think so, but some disagree.
It's way more fun to do other people's dishes.
The skin on my hands doesn't like winter time, but the rest of me does.
Writing papers is 5% writing. The rest is thinking, and the will power to sit down and articulate exactly what needs to be written.
Unsought kindness in word or deed is more valuable then money.
Sometimes I cry selfish tears, and then my head aches. "I love you tears" don't give me a headache. Why?
It's significantly easier to do math with June is right there; just because I know she is watching me.
It's significantly easier to live life when God is right there, just because I know He is watching me.
Hugs are one of the most powerful means of communication.
It's so easy to go without saying the most important things to to most important people. Why?
Whenever I picture myself in the future I see a person different than who I am today... assuming that I will change dramatically between now and then. Yet, when I compare myself to who I remember myself as in the past, I feel like the same little girl with big dreams and high hopes. Silly Becca.
Gentle piano music is my favorite.
There's nothing more freeing then playing with kids. I think it's because their freedom and exuberant joy pictures of what we will be like in Heaven. "...For such is the Kingdom of God…"
Love has never failed.
Death
Death is such a hard thing. People die. It’s just a fact, but if it’s so normal why does it startle the soul? Why does it tear the heart? Death isn’t meant to be. When God first made man he was immortal. He didn’t ever die. The separation of soul from body is a painful concept. Death is the final blow. After death the devil can’t even pretend to touch us. We will never again succumb to sin. We will be able to live with God forever praising His great and holy name. Death is a step from a damned world into a perfect eternity.
We love each other, and when a person dies it’s hard to go on. We can’t help but wish to be in heaven too. We are a little jealous that God called them first, and that we still have to live here without the love and support of a friend and loved one. God knows best. If I had lived even a hundred years ago I wouldn’t have 11 siblings. I would probably only have about seven, maybe less. God has been gracious to reveal thousands of mysteries to our generation. We are blessed. Yet, death is still very much a reality, a very hard reality that makes us long for Jesus much harder than before.
Once upon a time
there was a lovely land where all people were happy. Men and women got a long in perfect harmony. The land was wealthy for the people worked hard and were quick to share in times of struggle. The land was lovely. It had the most gorgeous gardens and fields. The soil was rich and moist for streams and rivers ran throughout the land. People didn't live in houses for they were not practical. They all built small cottages out of logs. Each evening after a full days labor in the fields the fathers would play the lute or the fife, and the mothers would rock their younger children to sleep. The older ones would say sweet things and invent interesting stories while their mother rubbed their backs and hummed along with the music. It was a perfect world. A world run by the season. In spring the whole community would be out planting. In summer the children would have their schooling in the mornings and then the boys would go fishing and the girls would pick berries or flowers. The women would tend the gardens and the men would care for the fields and the livestock. At harvest time everyone would hurry to bring in the crop, and then they would all prepare to be snuggly kept in the cottage for the winter. The women would sew by the fire, and the men would perfect their music, or maybe build furniture. Things continued like this for quite some time. We aren't exactly sure when, but then one day a tragedy occurred.
Cain killed his brother Able. The little community of people didn't know what to do. They knew that someday men must die, but they had never faced death before. It was a moment of frustration and agony.
The world is not a perfect place. No matter how far back we look into History we will always find people who worked, lived and died. They all had political issues. They all had various trials. They all dealt with sin. We like to refer to the good old days as if there was a point when man was not a sinner. Yes, it's true for at least a day mankind was absolutely perfect, but we aren't anymore. There is so such thing as the good old days. You may think that your friends who aren't Christians are living life and truly happy. You are sorely mistaken. Even if they have all their earthly pleasures fulfilled today, (which they probably don't) there is coming a day when they will be more miserable then you can imagine. We must keep eternity in focus, and live for the King. Sin is no surprise, but we must fight the enemy with the power of the Cross.
you know what...
It's really wonderful to be a Christian. It's really wonderful to be able to say no to sin. It's really wonderful to just... serve God and know that someday I'll be able to please Him perfectly. I just forget sometimes what I have been saved from because there isn't a clear time that I remember not trusting in Christ. Yet, He has saved me from horrible things on earth and for eternity.
If you've ever read "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" you know what I'm talking about. I would suggest reading it again. We had to for school last week, and even though I've read it before, it was worth the reread. God has been so gracious to us and He deserves all our praise. He deserves all our service. He deserves all our love and affection. He is worthy. We must tell the world. We must proclaim His praises to all men.
Sometimes I think that I have to be witnessing for people's sake. It's true, but I'm even more motivated (f0r better or for worse) when I witness for God's sake. He is worthy of the praise of all people. The kids I know that are not Christians are His enemies and they are defying Him. For His Name's sake I should talk of His greatness to those who are unsaved. Hell is a horrible place, and we know so many who are headed there.
Also, I don't always have to sit down and go through the Gospel message with someone. I can just praise God in my conversation. When I refrain from giving Him credit, it's wrong:
Example:
Friend at school: "You're happy today."
Myself: "Yeah. *smile*"
Friend from school: "Any reason?"
Myself: "I'm just happy."
I failed to give God the credit for the hope that is within. I took it. It was wrong. I should have said something like, "Yeah, God is my God, and He has saved me. *smile*" Because that is the turth. In a way I'm bearing false witness. I am also refusing to praise Him in front of someone who might think I'm obsessed (which would be ok really) or strange, or just a goody-goody. Well, who cares what they think. What does God think when I take credit for His work in my life. I wouldn't be happy without Him. He is my joy.
Ok... I'm done.
beautiful break
My Dad came into the dark room. He turned on the light and began to wake the girls up. I stirred from unconsiousness only to pleasantly remind myself that it is my break, and I don't have to wake up for school. I slept for 3 more hours. It's kinda fun to be mostly not homeschooled.
Today is a beautiful day in Indianapolis, Indiana. They told us it would snow, they were wrong *hah ha.* It is gorgeous. The sun is brilliantly shining, and the sky is full of white puffy clouds. Tomorrow I'm going to spend the day watching kids, which I'm excited about but it will be a different kind of break. =)
Proverb of the day (an old tradition)
"The one who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray."
Proverbs 12:26
a happy girl
Good Morning,
I'm glad you're awake. I'm glad you're smiling. I'm glad you have a reason to live today. I'm glad that you are my friend. I'm glad that God has blessed you, even if you don't know exactly how. I'm glad that today we're one day closer to Heaven. I'm glad that we get to serve Him. I'm glad that He loves us. I'm glad that He takes care of us. I'm glad that He has a day that is just for Him. I'm glad that it's fall. I'm glad that I get to go to school today, and that on Thursday I don't have to. I'm glad that I'm done with my lab report (all 8 pages of it!) I'm glad that I am feeling well. I'm glad that it's a beautiful day. I'm glad that you called. Oh, wait maybe you have yet to do that, but I'm glad that you will. I'm glad that God has me at 2RP. I'm glad that He knows best. I'm glad that our pastors are willing to follow His lead. I'm glad that I'm learning. I'm glad that yesterday we got to worship Him, and have communion. I'm glad that I can understand the Word He's given me. I'm glad that there are wiser men to explain it when I don't understand. I'm glad that I can love. I'm glad that I am loved. I'm glad that I have a duty in the Kingdom. I'm glad that I'm a daughter of the King.
A Happy Girl,
Rebekah Ann
"O happy people who are thus, o happy people who can say they have the LORD to be their God!" Psalm 144.
of life as I wish to live it
It’s a gorgeous day here in Indianapolis. The sky is gigantically blue. The trees cast vulnerable glances. Some of them have lost more than half their protective leaves. A proud pumpkin set on our porch keeps away strange visitors. In the case of a scary man with a black hood coming to the door while my parents are out, he wouldn’t dare come in the house. The pumpkin would bring him to the realization that there must be a fairy godmother (how else could it seriously be that big) around, and a Cinderella preparing for the ball. If he were to interfere he would be turned into a horse or something useful. The pumpkin keeps us safe. On second thought, maybe I should be ready for an exciting evening.
Alright, enough fun. I have piles of homework. Although, this post is going in my journals for Mr. Pulliam, so I’m being productive.
Maybe the scary man would come in the door because he was curious about the gardener who grew the pumpkin. Upon first sight of me, he would laugh. I would remind him “not to be deceived by appearances, for beauty is found within,” but to no avail. Seeing that there was no love in his heart I cast him out of the house, with a curse on himself and all those of his kingdom.
I don’t know, maybe I like the going to a ball story better for today.
God Knows
October 3, 2006
God knows. Sometimes it’s really nice to have a reoccurring theme for a certain phase of life. Then when we look back we can better recall our lessons and struggles. Well, the first half of this semester the words that have pounded in my ears are: “God knows.” Recently our beloved pastor has been called to labor in a different section of God’s field. As the tears keep coming I’ve found myself in a squeezing hug whispering “God knows.” In various journal entries about college next year, and the life that follows I find myself writing “God knows.” When chatting with a distressed companion about the issues of life, it’s pointed out, “God knows.”
So I ask myself, what am I supposed to be learning here? How can I apply God’s knowing to my everyday living? Exactly what does He know?
God knows all.
He knows everything there is to know about the past ages.
He knows everything there is to know about the present.
He knows everything there is to know about what is to come.
He knows.
Not only does He know everything; He knows me.
He knows everything about me, and what I think and feel.
He knows what’s best for me.
He knows how my life will be lived.
He knows who I am.
Not only does He know everything about me; He knows everything about every other person.
He knows you.
He knows what’s best for you and every other that you know and don’t know.
He knows what you’re doing, and why you’re doing it.
He know everything about you.
He knows us.
He knows the freaky neighbor, the pretty waitress, and the depressed priest.
He knows.
Not only does He know everything there is to know about everything and everyone that exists or will exists (humans never cease existing,) GOD KNOWS AND UNDERSTANDS GOD.
He knows what He will do, and why He will do it.
He knows how everything will work together for His glory.
God knows all.
What am I (or we) to do when I understand the vastness of His knowledge?
A few steps:
1. Praise Him. It’s basic, but so often neglected.
2. Ask forgiveness for pride. Sometimes I think I know it all, and I don’t. He does.
3. Ask Him to give us stronger faith.
4. Ask Him for wisdom. (James 1:5-8)
5. Remember that God knows. I must conform my mind to Jesus, so that in my conversations I recognize Him as the all knowing God who understands things beyond my comprehension. I must remember that I am a daughter of the King.
It’s exciting to know that God knows.
There's something interesting about...
a stack of important papers.
a yellow envelope addressed to my name.
getting a good grade with various notes written on the test/paper.
washing dishes with almost too hot of water.
a sky full of puffy clouds.
having a jam packed calendar.
packing for a trip the night before.
going to Covfamikoi where almost everyone knows my name.
rereading old poems and remembering what inspired me to write them.
filling an entire page with notes.
writing a to do list, and never checking it off.
flannel sheets.
swimming in a freezing cold lake.
biking in a skirt, and smiling at everyone who I pass by.
drinking several cups of water in a serious conversation.
standing to sing Psalms with my church.
wearing Pomegranate toenail polish all year round.
dancing barefoot at midnight.
reading the Bible like love letter, and letting God melt my heart.
relearning that I love to read.
painting a room a pretty color.
single handedly removing a bush from the ground.
being hugged for a really long time.
drinking Snapple ice tea and listening to county music.
practicing piano.
winning blisters at a hard work contest.
walking on tip-toes.
having some like Mr. Pig to always understand.
snail mail.
hearing "I love you" for no apparent reason.
staining a paper with a coffee ring.
getting an email from a good friend.
waves.
the way God loves us.
