Rest in ME a while....

I unintentionally woke up very early this morning so started reading the Bible. After I read and journaled, journaled and read, I looked over at my night stand to see the devotional book Jesus Calling. Today's devotional couldn't be more fitting with what I have been reading and praying about these last few weeks.

Rest with Me a while. You have journeyed up a steep, rugged path in recent days. The way ahead is shrouded in uncertainty. Look neither behind you nor before you. Instead, focus your attention on Me, your constant Companion. Trust that I will equip you fully for whatever awaits you on your journey.

I designed time to be a protection for you. You couldn't bear to see all your life at once. Though I am unlimited by time, it is in the present moment that I meet you. Refresh yourself in My company, breathing deep draughts of My Presence. The highest level of trust is to enjoy Me moment by moment. I am with you, watching over you wherever you go.

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." Psalm 143:8

"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go..." Genesis 28:15

Sin Defined

I listen to John Piper's 'Ask Pastor John' podcast every once in awhile and he defined sin in a way that I had never heard before. When you read it, it makes sense that this is sin, sinful, sinful acts.

Sin is...

the glory of God not honored,

the holiness of God not reverenced,

the greatness of God not admired,

the power of God not praised,

the truth of God not sought,

the wisdom of God not esteemed,

the beauty of God not treasured,

the goodness of God not savored,

the faithfulness of God not trusted, 

the promises of God not believed,

the commandments of God not obeyed,

the justice of God not respected,

the wrath of God not feared,

the grace of God not cherished,

the presence of God not prized,

the person of God not loved.

"But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin." Romans 14:23 NIV

"But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning." - NLT

Another definition by John Piper: Sin is anything, any act or any emotion or attitude, that does not sprout from the soil of such confidence in the God of hope. "Whatever is not from faith is sin."

With all of this sin talk....here's faith defined according to John Piper.

Faith is confidence in God to work in the affairs of our lives so that only what is best for us happens to us. Unbelief is what displeases God in every sinful act. "Without faith, it is impossible to please God." Hebrews 11:6 

And without faith, how can we experience joy and peace from God?

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 NASB

John Piper Blog Post: Whatever is not from faith is sin

Lord I'm Ready Now by Plumb

I don't listen to the radio much anymore but I did one evening on a quick run to the store.  As I was scanning the stations, I heard a few lyrics from a song that spoke to me. Sometimes that expression "spoke to me" seems overrated, but I think in certain situations, you can't help but say it.  The lyrics to this song did in fact spoke to me.  It spoke to tell me exactly where I am and where I have been.

Even though I had already arrived and parked in front of the store, I sat there listening to the rest of the words.  The song style was sorta of sappy (and I'm sure this song is being constantly played on Christian stations) but lyrics can tell a different story.  After the song was over, I said out loud, "Yup that's me!" Everything in this song is what I have been battling and struggling with for the last year.  I have been struggling for a couple of years but this last year had to have been one of the most numbing, insipid ones in my life. What was I doing? Where was I going? What was I thinking? And lots of questions of why, why, why?

I have been feeling defeated because I've been choosing to be on my own instead of asking for help so this is what I've come to......to declare that I'm ready now. But the greatest thing.....the Lord is always ready.

I just let go

And I feel exposed

But its so beautiful

Cause this is who I am

I've been such a mess

But now I can't care less

I could bleed to death

          Oh Lord I'm ready now                           You called my name                          I've nothing left to hide

          All the walls are down                          I turned away                                      No reason's left to lie

          Time is running out                             But now I                                                Give me another chance

          And I wanna make this count              Am listening

          I ran away from you                            I was so caught up

          And did what I wanted to                     In who I'm not

          But I don't wanna let you down              Can you please forgive me?

          Oh Lord I'm ready now

          Lord I'm ready now