Update on Kenya

I don't have a lot of details, but I can confidently say that 2012 is shaping up to be the year I finally go to Kenya!

Proverbs Ponderings #4

Proverbs 16:4 (ESV)

The LORD has made everything for its purpose,
even the wicked for the day of trouble.

Cross references:

How easily we forget that EVERYTHING has purpose. This past week was one of crazy weather in Seattle, I know many scoff at our “inability to deal with snow” but I encourage you to read (THIS) as an aid to understanding exactly why it shuts Seattle down when it snows.

Consequently, I had a lot of down time last week…only making it up the hills to work twice. I thoroughly enjoyed the walks around my suburb and making a snow shark scene with my neighbors.  All too often we complain about things outside of our control…and I’m thankful that all the snow forced me to relax…to not plan my days as much and to see a good purpose in it.

This verse can also be a huge encouragement in many trials…knowing that whatever our circumstances/the people involved in them are, they are purposeful and providential…oftentimes especially the ones we don’t understand.

Commentaries:

Matthew Henry: Note, 1. That God is the first cause. He is the former of all things and all persons, the fountain of being; he gave every creature the being it has and appointed it its place. Even the wicked are his creatures, though they are rebels; he gave them those powers with which they fight against him, which aggravates their wickedness, that they will not let him that made them rule them, and therefore, though he made them, he will not save them. That God is the last end. All is of him and from him, and therefore all is to him and for him. He made all according to his will and for his praise; he designed to serve his own purposes by all his creatures, and he will not fail of his designs; all are his servants. The wicked he is not glorified by, but he will be glorified upon. He makes no man wicked, but he made those who he foresaw would be wicked: yet he made them (Gen. 6:6 ), because he knew how to get himself honour upon them. See Rom. 9:22 . Or (as some understand it) he made the wicked to be employed by him as the instruments of his wrath in the day of evil, when he brings judgments on the world. He makes some use even of wicked men, as of other things, to be his sword, his hand (Ps. 17:13, Ps. 17:14 ), flagellum Dei—the scourge of God. The king of Babylon is called his servant.

Summary:

This verse is an encouragement for us to remember God’s sovereignty, in all things. Even the worst of days, snow storms, and seemingly dead ends are purposeful...for HIS Glory (Philippians 2:13)

What are you going through? How is this verse and encouragement or “salt in the wound” for you today?

snow day musings: What Being a Teacher has Taught Me

Well it's another snow day in Seattle and while I plan on making a Calvin and Hobbes-esque scene soon, I've also taken the time to read and write today. This list resulted...it's not exhaustive and rather extemporaneus...

What being a teacher (of children who have special needs) has taught me:
Patience
Joy in the small things
Uniqueness is to be celebrated
little victories ARE milestones
the greater the obstacle, the greater the triumph
understanding weakness is key to cultivating strengths
we are not defined by our disabilities, but by our character
humility
it really does take a village to raise a child
validation is foundational to encouraging someone
often, my students are the teachers-
             in perseverance, honesty, and joy
asking for help is a way of revealing strength, not weakness
everything is interesting if we take the time to really look at it
a new friend can be a high five or a smile away

I am so thankful and blessed to teach children who have special needs, and hwo never cease to teach and remind me what really matters.

Proverbs Ponderings #3

Proverbs 16:3

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established (ESV)

            This is a well known proverb. It is one that brings comfort but also reminds us that we have a part- faith, trust, obedience; in the plans God has. Yes, each of our works are in his sovereign hands, but we are to walk in them. This week I was reminded of the dual aspect of this verse as I searched my house for my immunization records so I could complete the medical history part of my missions application. It’s easy, for me, to get caught up in the big picture of what I would like to happen, or to beat myself up for actions in the past, and forget that each day is new, containing many opportunities to commit my work and let God establish my plans. I want to live in mind of my legacy- knowing that my decisions today directly impact the legacy I’ll leave. They will become my habits, aspects of my character, requiring daily intentionality.

Who you are when you don’t have to be will determine who you will be when you don’t have a choice.

Commentaries

Matthew Henry: Roll the burden of thy care upon God, and leave it with him, by faith and dependence on Him.

Barnes: Commit- literally, as a man transfers a burden from his own back to one stronger and able to bear it.

Gill: Commit thy works unto the Lord
Natural, civil, or religious; seek to him for strength and assistance in all, and leave the success of all with him:… cast all care upon him and his providence for supply, support, and sustenance in life; and commit the business of the salvation of thy soul, and the important affairs of it, wholly to him, who is able, willing, and faithful, to keep what is committed to him; and, having so done, may sit down easy and satisfied, as one that is rid of a burden by casting it on another, better able to bear it, or more equal to the work committed to him:

when a man has, by faith and in prayer, committed himself, his case, his ways and works, to the Lord, his mind is made easy, his thoughts are composed and settled, and he quietly waits the issues of things; he says, the will of the Lord be done; he knows that he causes all things to work together for good; and whatever is for his good and God's glory shall be brought to pass; and this makes him calm, sedate, and easy; and he is in a fair way of having his designs, desires, and endeavours accomplished.

Similar Verses

Psalm 37:3-7Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. 7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes

Philippians 2:12-13 12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

What stands out to you about this passage? How can you practically live out trusting your works to the Lord each day? My prayer this week is that I live in light of the truth that as I commit my works to God, being faithful in what I see in front of me today, that I will remember that HE is faithful and his plans are good. The pastor of Langley Evangelical Free Church, Darren Young, remarked in one of his recent sermons that “our pain, families, problems, and cares are all in HIS hands. They’re HIS business. He cares about them; even more than we do. He is working and we can trust him, daily.

Proverbs Ponderings #2

Proverbs 16:2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. (ESV)

(NIV) –but motives are weighed by the Lord

            This is my second post in the Proverbs 16 series. I thought about this verse the past week. My goal is to post these on Sundays but yesterday was full with church, teaching Sunday school, and much needed encouraging conversations with several close friends. I was surprised at how much this verse encouraged me this week…caused me to check my motives, my heart, my attitude and to humbly thank Jesus for his sovereignty and plans. He really does know me better than myself. One thing that stood out was how my desire for clarity and direction is more often than not a result of pride and fear- that I *should* know where things are headed (relationships, job, Kenya) and the reality that I don’t and am not in control of at least half of the outcome of each of those things leads to fear, because all too often my hope is in those things instead of Jesus. Additionally, this first week in January is often one of “planning”, “re-evaluating”, goals, and this verse is a humble reminder that all our resolutions, plans, check lists, etc. are not the real issue- it’s our heart, not simply our behavior that Christ is after.

Insights from Others:

John Piper on Planning

            Planning is essentials. Planning helps us to look at our motives, to not just act on impulse but depend on grace.

            Careful planning is what makes us wise and productive.

This reminded me of “7 Habits of Highly Effective People”, Steven Covey, and his analogy that life is like a jar where our time should be meted out with priorities- that the most important (rocks) should be scheduled first, then pebbles (needed things but not absolutely necessary), and finally, sand (optional things). Reverse the order (optional things) first fills up the jar with sand and the rocks and pebbles don’t fit. Prioritizing matters.

In addition, I read a wonderful article this week, 11 Things You Need to Know at 25 (ish)

            Which I actually used as a “template” on Friday for planning and prioritizing this month and the year over all. We must be intentional about taking time to seek God in our plans, to have community around you. One thing the article suggests is to take a day a month for rest and evaluating how the month went, what you tried, what decisions you made, what changes you would like to make, etc.

Personally, I hope to do this each month, it’s a practical way I can be intentional about “legacy living”.

Ultimately, our works do not save nor sanctify us; rather they are a result of it.  Knowing God “weighs my heart”, reveals His grace and the truth that I can never merit it. I am inherently sinful without his abundant grace. He weighs my heart, knows my motives, and loves me regardless.

This verse isn’t present to discourage, nor to immobilize; its purpose is to draw us to the cross in humility, to remind us of the infinite grace of God and his omnipotence. We must remember that “God graciously enables the conditions that He requires” Piper, Future Grace p. 235.

           

2012 A New Series: Proverbs Ponderings #1

         The last week or so, thinking ahead to this new year, I have been impressed upon to study Proverbs 16.  I am not one of those people who makes resolutions, rather I tend to end up with a theme for the year. With that said, my plan is to write a post a week on sequential verses in that chapter. The series will be titled “Proverbs Ponderings” but beyond that I don’t know what it will end up being. I may end up memorizing the chapter...something I haven't practiced in awhile...My goal is for it to be an interactive series, where we share our thoughts on the verse for the week. So, here goes…

Proverbs 16:1 (ESV)

The plans of the heart belong to man,
   but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.

            This verse could not come at a more opportune time. Not only is it the first day of a new year, but it’s also an exciting season. I am in the final stages of applying to go to Kenya with an organization called Serving in Mission (SIM) and I can’t wait to see how that fleshes out this year. This whole process has definitely exemplified this verse…there have been countless times since middle school where I’VE made plans…the path to this application has been the work of God…only progressing when I have taken my hands off the wheel.

            I can also see this verse at work in the countess conversations I have each day…from how I interact with coworkers to the local baristas. Christ wills and works through me and in the lives around me. I can’t wait to see how He continues to work on my heart and speak through me. HE is the one in charge of where and how I go…He hems me in before and behind….the same for you…

How have you seen this verse work out in your life?

Blessed to Action December 26, 2011

            This week I have been periodically struck with awe by how blessed I am, how easy my life is compared to a majority of people on earth, and how much I don’t want to waste it. I don’t want to live comfortable, complacent, in lazy easiness. I want to live love. Live the love that is lavished on me. I know that looks different for everyone, and for me I know how it is fleshed out in my life will be seasonal. It wont be stagnant, it wont be easy, but it will be eternally worth it.

            I’ve been overwhelmed by the simple blessings I take for granted; warm house, clothes, lots of food, and more. What we as Westerners see as “needs”; more clothes, better electronics, etc., all to “keep up with” or “beat” the Jones is so extravagant; a vicious, never satisfying cycle. What we see as basic is often a dream for many around the world. I’m not saying wealth is wrong; just the supremacy of it. I can’t be content to sit in comfort without thinking  of the millions of who truly lack basic things: water, shelter, food, clothing, and not be compelled by compassion and conviction.

            I don’t know how this will lead to action in the next days and years, but I can’t wait to see, to go, to obey in Love.