Patient Endurance

2 Corinthians 1:6
If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.

Revelation 14:12
This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.

2 Thessalonians 3:5
May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.

Hebrews 10:36
Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.

2 Peter 1:6
and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness,

Revelation 2:2
“I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars.

Luke 21:19
By your steadfastness and patient endurance you shall win the true life of your souls.


=)
seeing some fruit.
and it's not for me to eat.
but to share!
God, be glorified!
He is so much greater.
His plans are bigger.
than I ever realized.
I'm rather sleepy..
but this is fun!
like a hula hoop.
back to seriousness.
Jesus.
loves YOU.
pray & believe & don't doubt!
Patient.
Endurance.
in Christ alone.
(my solid Rock)
Learning to lift my expectation in Him...
only to see Him surpass my wildest dreams.
Higher thoughts.
Narrower ways.
No greater Love.
^_^
goodnight.

Pursued

I would say, "oh my goodness," except it's, "Oh HIS goodness!"

Driving home this evening after 1 1/2 hours of an incredibly rich worship service...I realized (just a little bit) of how much Jesus pursues me! Do I respond to His love as I ought to? I know that I've been drawing nearer to Him through His Word and prayer - and I cannot get enough of Him! I'm literally waking up each morning with a different song running through my head, like He's giving me a playlist to launch my day off. (it is SO. COOL.)

Utterly abandoned to the Holy Ghost!

Seeking all His fullness, whatever the cost;

Cutting all the moorings, launching in the deep

Of His mighty power – strong to save and keep.

Utterly abandoned to the Holy Ghost!

Oh! The sinking, sinking, until self is lost!

Until the emptied vessel lies broken at His feet;

Waiting till His filling shall make the work complete.

Utterly abandoned to the will of God;

Seeking for no other path than my Master trod;

Leaving ease and pleasure, making Him my choice,

Waiting for His guidance, listening for His voice.

Utterly abandoned! No will of my own;

For time and for eternity, His, and His alone;

All my plans and purposes lost in His sweet will,

Having nothing, yet in Him all things possessing still.

Utterly abandoned! It’s so sweet to be

Captive in His bonds of love, yet wondrously free;

Free from sin’s entanglements, free from doubt and fear,

Free from every worry, burden, grief, or care.

Utterly abandoned! Oh, the rest is sweet,

As I tarry, waiting, at His blessed feet;

Waiting for the coming of the Guest divine,

Who my inmost being will perfectly refine.

Lo! He comes and fills me, Holy Spirit sweet!

I, in Him, am satisfied! I, in Him, complete!

And the light within my soul will nevermore grow dim

While I keep my covenant – abandoned unto Him!

~author unknown

With the Father pouring out so much (deep) truth to me lately, I'm thinking it's another 'fresh wineskin' season...

³⁶He also told them a parable: "No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment. If he does, he will tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old. ³⁷And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. ³⁸But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. (Luke 5)

*fresh: not previously known or used; new or different...recently created or experienced and not faded or impaired...recently made or obtained; not canned, frozen or otherwise preserved...full of energy and vigor...bright or healthy in appearance...etc.

Praise the Lord - fresh season coming up! Totally lines up with a verse one of my "little sisters" shared with me earlier this week ~

Isaiah 42:9 "See the FORMER things have taken place, and NEW things I declare; before they spring into being I ANNOUNCE them to YOU."

amen. =) Father, let me be utterly (completely, absolutely, entirely, perfectly, unconditionally) abandoned to YOUR plans for this life.

Faith & Works...Works & Faith

18Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 19This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence 20whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. (1 John 3)

14What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
......
20Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"—and he was called a friend of God....26For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. (James 2)

So, this concept of faith + works really hit me about a month ago...been processing through it all since then, and realized how directly/specifically I've gotten to walk this out in several different areas of my life. Just prayed and believed that God would do something - He did - but the work wasn't done! (Somethin' about working through us, strengthening us with HIS power, glorifying Himself in all of it...=) a glorious, recurring process.)

*Exhibit A: School - I wanted to get into Life University. Had some friends & family praying specifically about it, and declaring in faith with me, too - so I really wasn't the only one that wanted to get in. ;) I applied and got accepted! Now, a different sort of work begins. :) Believing for *continued* favor as transferred credits, finances and overall vision for the next few years are worked out. =) thank you, Jesus. (oh, plus the actual classes...hahaha, that might involve some work, too.) =]

*Exhibit B: Car - I wanted a "new" ;) car that I could pay for all at once & move on with my life. The ENTIRE car journey (death of Gadget, birth of R.u.b.y., haha) was such a clear picture for me of God's provision & perfect timing...still amazed! (I should not have had the funds for such a nice vehicle.) But, the Lord regularly reminded me of the word He gave me last fall when I was driving to school one morning, and my plastic window was flapping in the wind (haha! poor car):

"For I, the LORD, love justice;
I hate robbery and iniquity.
In my faithfulness I will reward them
and make an everlasting covenant with them." (Isaiah 61:8)

No, a silly car is not an everlasting covenant, BUT He IS just and knows my needs better than I do. Never, ever had any reason to worry or be anxious. But, I also had to get up early and go car hunting with dad a couple mornings before we found Ruby. Saw some duds, drove further than we had to, but God knew my budget and time frame (bound to happen when He holds the UNIVERSE in His hands). Then I had to get insurance, typical car needs (gas, oil change), and today I finallyyy went to get the title switched to my name. (woot!) Plus, I have such sweet, encouraging friends! :) Whether they lifted a prayer or e-mailed me a Craig's List possibility - God is faithful to work through His saints.

*Exhibit C: Quiet Time (just realized, I'm not listing these in any order of importance, because if I were, this would be first!) - Key for me: the "snooze" button is a trap! Resist in Jesus' Name! By getting back to early morning quiet times & a consistent prayer routine - life is getting sweeter and sweeter as I draw near to Him! It's like a massive dot-to-dot every week. (You know, those pictures in coloring books where you had to draw lines to complete the picture - LOVED those! Well, still do. praise God. =) ANYway, when I'm spending time with Him every day, I'm able to see how He'll take something that stuck out to me on Sunday morning, and keep unfolding/expounding on it each day. (He is SO AWESOME!) haha, it's usually Thursday or Friday that Jayme and I can finally hash out & share the crazy wonderful (and sometimes painful!) Truth that God has been unlocking for us all week.

*Exhibit D: Relationships - God brings so many people into our lives...what are we going to do with these blessings?! It's these precious people that are the ones who stand in agreement with me (or rebuke me! woohoo!)...they're the ones that I get to walk with as we try to grasp how wide/high/deep/long His Love is for us! Without all of the prayers & support I receive on a daily basis, I know that exhibits A, B, and C would not be feasible. There would be no one to decree/agree with, hold me accountable - my growth would be so stunted. I've got to be faithful to return the blessing by staying in touch, praying consistently, speaking their love language...I'm so done with taking people for granted.

I think it's the fruit of seeing my prayers answered (would that be like my faith being fulfilled??) that is meant to motivate & encourage perseverance (in order to be mature and complete - not lacking anything!). I've also been discussing Revelation with several friends recently, and these particular verses continue coming up:

"'I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you." (Revelation 3)

I believe it also ties in with choosing to be hot or cold, not lukewarm - if you're going to start the work but not finish it, then don't even start. (But I also know that there's grace, and God cares most about our heart's motives...can't be headstrong about "strengthening what remains," but humbly diligent.) I know that's where I'm prone to fall short, is completing the final step of whatever project/situation/etc I'm working on...paha, it could be something as simple as reading the last 2 chapters of a book! (sad, really) 'I've gotten the gist of it, isn't that enough?' Actually, no - stop being lazy and finish the flipping book. =)
Plus, it's not even my own strength anyway, it's HIS!

12So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. (Philippians 2)

There's no getting escaping it ~ from Him and through Him and to Him are all things! Praise the Lord. Friends, I pray that you get the courage to ask God to take you deeper, bring you closer...all to lift Jesus higher. :) He is worth your everything! May you have a break through in your everyday routines and just spend time in His Presence - abide in His Love!

*exhale*
(this was especially long...not sure if I should say "haha, sorry!" or "you're welcome." =] your choice.)

I love you all.
grace & peace!

Head up, Heart down

hm, I'm feeling kind of lazy...like I ought to be starting school tomorrow, instead of three months from yesterday. Thank you Jesus, for a change in routine, for the chance to grasp the NEW thing that You're doing.

Really excited to keep going deeper in this word I've gotten for the month of July - how I need to focus on taking root in His Word. (truly abiding in Christ - I can't be His branch if I'm not stemming from the same source!)

⁷ "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.

⁸ He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit."
(Jeremiah 17:7-8)

¹⁶Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. ¹⁷But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. (Mark 4:16-17)

¹³Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. (Luke 8:13)

Knowing my own personality and how I (honestly) strive to be optimistic & encouraging, I have to be extra sure that my motives/responses are sincere. ie: 'receiving something at once with joy' isn't too hard for me...it's a matter of applying that joy to various situations. And I don't want the joy to be a flighty facade, but a genuine lifestyle - because the fruit of the root is so worth it!

"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ..." (Ephesians 3:17-18)

^"6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, ⁷rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." (Colossians 2:6-7)

ah, I long to be overflowing with thankfulness! There are some days that before I can even open the Word, I have to take the initiative and write down or say out loud, whatever I'm thankful for...it's so basic, but it works! Removes any desire to whine or complain when I realize how good God has been/IS to me. You know, after going through all of those verses, how appropriate that God would call me to take root during this season of rest (academic rest, at least)...write it all on my heart now, so I can stand the test(s) once school is back in my face on a daily basis. Not just school, but anything that may come up - I will be rooted and established in the perfect Love that casts out/drives out/banishes/expels fear. (1 John 4:18)

Kinda random - I found this fern + bamboo story below while I was going through my files at work last week. (hahaha, I am terrible at electronically organizing myself...but, God's grace is sufficient to sort it all out!) Anyway, I found its encouragement to sort of parallel with my root word - because, for a while, God may be the only one to see the fruit of finding my root in Him.

A Story of Purpose

One day I decided to quit...

I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality... I wanted to quit my life.

I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.

"God", I asked, "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"

His answer surprised me...

"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"

"Yes", I replied.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them.

I gave them light and water. The fern quickly grew. Its brilliant green covered the ground.

Yet, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But . . . I did not quit on the bamboo.

In the second year, the fern grew more vibrant and plentiful.

Again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But . . I did not quit on the bamboo.

In year three, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed.

But I would not quit.

In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed.

I would not quit." He said.

"Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth.

Compared to the fern, it was seemingly small and insignificant. . .

But just 6 months later, the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.

It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive.

I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."

He asked me, "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots?"

"I would not quit on the bamboo and I will never quit on you."

"Don't compare yourself to others." He said.

"The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern, yet they both make the forest beautiful."

"Your time will come", God said to me.

"You will rise high."

"How high should I rise?" I asked.

"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.

"As high as it can?" I questioned.

"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."


*Another something random ~ Shane and Shane's I Want it All...

use me, break me, waste me on You, Lord
Ruin me, take me, waste me on You
For to die is to live...

To starve is to feast
And less of me is more of Jesus
Lord, I want it all
Lord, I want it all
If i lose my life
I gain everything
And at the cross
Away with all death's sting
Lord, I want it all
Lord, I want it all

There is power in the blood
There is victory in Jesus
Come in power, wash me clean
Overwhelm me with Your presence
There is power in the blood
There is victory in Jesus
Help me glory in the cross
Help me find my gain in loss



Also, discovering a key to humility (heart down) - a shift of my focus (head up).
¹I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
² My help comes from the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.

³He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
⁴Behold, he who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
(Psalm 121:1-4)
*Look to You ~ Hillsong United

Hope you've enjoyed/been encouraged/challenged to think from this smorgasboard of everything that God has been tossing my way lately. =) It's going to be a good July...expectantly not knowing what to expect other than getting ready for God to surpass my expectations!

Steadfast(ness)

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinithians 15:57-58)

(when will I learn that when I speak something out loud, Satan can hear it and will try to attack it?!)
geez...thank You, Jesus, for an ABUNDANCE of grace! At the end of our staff Bible study last Wednesday (10-Year Challenge! woot!), we all spoke something prophetically over ourselves, an area that we personally wanted to grow in. The one word that came to mind for me: steadfastness.
Let me tell you - really since last Thursday after a particularly insightful sermon, it really felt like I was under attack. Still praising God, praying, and being thankful for the small (and big!) things...but all weekend long, I kept questioning whether or not I could hear the voice of God, or if I had even been hearing Him before? (it may not have been superficially evident, but I was a miserable wreck - questioning/doubting myself on way too many levels.) SO grateful that in the midst of this struggle, Fri/Sat/Sun evenings all brought some rich, much needed hours of sob-my-face-off-flat-on-the-ground-dance-like-crazy worship services. (Something about getting in the LOUD presence of God that finally lets me release the junk that I try to hold on to, because my hands are constantly extended heavenward.)

Then Monday evening, finally had the chance to sit down with my parents and younger sibs over dinner...haha, conversation excerpt:

*Joesh nearly drops chicken leg*
Dad: "Hey, that gave me an idea for a new restaurant - 'The Slippery Chicken!' Right?"
*Mom give questioning look*
Emily: "Thaaat does not sound correct."
Mom: "What about, 'Get a Grip'?"
Emily: "That sounds like an insane asylum."
Joesh: "For crazy chickens?"
Dad: "That's been done - Pollo Loco."
Abbie: "WHAT ARE WE EVEN TALKING ABOUT!?"
=)

Finally, followed by a convo with my madre, who does such an amazing job of hearing my heart then pointing out what's a) Godly, b) girly, c) garbage. (Yes, the alliteration was intentional - makes my heart happy.) Thank you LORD, for a family that reminds me to take YOU seriously, not myself.

Going back to the 1 Cor. 15 verse, I was so encouraged to read that this morning and have clarity brought to some Psalms I found on Sunday...

Unless the LORD builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.
(Psalm 127:1-2)

"knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain"

Seek Him first, and you're not running or working in vain! You have a specific purpose, destination and focus. Praise God...so wish I could've had this epiphany sooner than I did. Yet - I know His timing is perfect and purposeful.

⁶Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ⁷Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

⁸Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

¹⁰And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. ¹¹To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5)

Please don't get me wrong, I had an incredible week. (how can you NOT when a Pinkberry opens up within 10 miles from your house?!) Just learning (and re-learning) to be full of thanksgiving when I'm brought unexpected lessons. It's nothing new (v9) and God's not surprised. Hallelujah!


ps-you truly ought to buy DC*B's Summer Happiness album...less than $4 for some acoustic joy! =D

pps-um, if some of this post is randomly in all caps...hahaha, I have nooo idea why. Something is kitschy...

Too flipping blessed!

THIS is what happens - when you work with the most amazing people in the world. The kind of people that still let you work with them, despite a schedule that has changed every 10 weeks for the past 2.5 years. Absolutely amazing. =) Thank you, Jesus.

Next step

Well, I did it (through Christ, Who strengthens me!).
=)
Took my last Chattahoochee Tech final today...and it doesn't feel surreal, it feels like God's timing. I was in such a hurry to get out of there and, honestly, avoid building any relationships...haha, didn't work! So thankful for how God used CTC to break me down, build me up and make me more like Him. I was feeling slightly nostalgic this morning, so being the journaling fiend that I am, since today was my last class day at CTC, I wondered what I was thinking before my first day of classes at CTC...

*January 1, 2008, 10:10pm (yes, I totally write down the time. don't hate.)
"Looking back, I think there was a part of me that never thought I'd make it to college. But I have! This really is a BIG deal, and I'm determined to not let myself believe otherwise. This really is an accomplishment, to be putting myself through school, maintaining a job, and still dancing --- GOD IS SO FAITHFUL!
I am excited.
This will be a WONDERFUL experience.
I will not freak out or be stressed.
I am blessed, favored, anointed, and was raised up for this very purpose.
In Jesus' Name - amen! =)"

January 3, 2008, 12:03am
"...I MADE IT!!!!!!!
It won't all be easy, but I am SO relieved to have my first day of college behind me!! It's a small step in the big picture, but I'm enjoying it being a BIG step right now. Jesus is so sweeet to me!"


haha, 2.5 years later, and ditto! Looks like a big step today, but God holds the bigger (greater) picture...and all of it is a reason to praise Him!!
Friends, God doesn't go back on His Word.

"You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you; And light will shine on your ways." (Job 22:28)

Hallelujah - He has before and continues to light my path!

"See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father." (1 John 2:24)

So thankful for the gift of abiding in Him. every. single. day.
Even when I repeatedly falter and stumble and grumble, there's fresh grace and mercy every morning! hm, think it's time to start declaring His truth and love over the next step - something good is on the way!

ps - thank you for your prayers over the past 2.5 years (+before & beyond)...there is no way I would have accomplished anything without the prayer covering I receive on a daily basis.
I love you all!