God never fails

There's been several things that have gone on in the last few days that have made an impact on me.  

-Watching the movie "Fireproof"

-Got offered not one, but TWO jobs ( I accepted the higher paying one)

-God is showering me with His grace after sinning against Him

-The K's son had a friend that was killed in a car accident this afternoon

Being short on sleep time tonite, I can't really explain all these in detail right now.  Also, I would love to share about all the cool truths I learned about the Holy Spirit through my readings this weekend but Ill save that for later.  

I do want to share the passage that has brought HOPE to me this weekend :

Ephesians 2:1-10 

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you one walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience- among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.  But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ- by grace you have been saved- and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in KINDNESS toward us in Christ Jesus.  For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

"Him we proclaim..."

I have been blessed to be able to go to a gals study group from the Career class, that studies the letter of Paul, an apostle of Jesus, written to the Colossians.  We are doing a study of the letter through a Synthetic Method.  Basically a synthetic study helps us see the purpose and plan of the book (letter).  The author had information or subject matter he wanted to communicate to his readers.  The synthetic method helps discover that message through means of repeated readings of the letter, ignoring details and concentrating on the interpretation of the book as a whole, each reading focusing on different aspects of the content, finding themes, getting the big picture.  

I've found that as I have been reading the entire book several times in one sitting, I am growing in my love for God and His Word in general.  It is awesome!  :)  Colossians is not just another book in the Bible.  It was written by a man named Paul.  It was a letter written to the people of Colossai to warn and admonish them of false prophecy being taught there.  The leader of the study typed up the book of Colossians in letter form (without the chapters and verses) to give us a better picture of what the letter really looked like when it was written.  Just reading the letter over and over on my sheets of paper is making the WORD come alive to me!!  This is awesome because: "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. "  This letter written in 60 A.D. was not just written for the Colossians, but for me today in 2008!  Why would God's Word lie and contradict himself when he says it is living in Hebrews 4:12, just as "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God." (John 1:1)??  And, "All Scripture is breathed out BY God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16).  

Here is Paul's letter written to the people of Colossai, and to you and me:

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.  For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were created through him and for him.  And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.  And he is the head of the body, the church.  He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent (superior or above all others). For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.  But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation- if you continue in your faith, established and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a servant. 

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of the body, which is the church. {www.soniclight.org gave me some insight into what this sentence might mean: This "regards the afflictions of Christ as Christ's actual sufferings now, not on the cross but in and through Paul whom He indwelt (2 Cor. 11:23-28). When believers suffer, Christ also suffers because He indwells us (Acts 9:4).  "It is no wonder, then, that Paul rejoiced in his sufferings. Seen in the light of his union with Christ, they were transfigured and made an occasion for fellowship with Him, as well as a benefit to the body, the church."} I have become it's servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the Word of God in its fullness- the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints (Christians).  To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.  

Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

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I'm so thankful for God using our brother Paul to communicate this important message!  This is so helpful for me in many many ways.  Also, just picturing the sweat Paul must have worked up while writing this, gets my blood pumping.  He was a SERVANT.  He gave all he had for the gospel of Jesus!  He presented God's Word to the people.  What a privilege to be part of God's plan for the entire human race.  God used this Word for all the peoples of the earth to read and hear for HOPE and for Glory.  We can have assurance that the books of the Bible are written by God especially when in the book of John chapter 14:23-26, Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.  Whoever does not love me does not keep my words.  And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.  These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all these things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. "  Through reading God's Word, we can have hope in this dark world.  These were real words that came out of Jesus mouth!!  I want to learn more about Paul and how he lived his life for the sake of Jesus.  But more importantly, I want to learn more about Jesus, the image of God in flesh, who came here to live among us and show us that we can be reconciled to the Holy One.  

i like giving titles to my entries

This past weekend I totally flopped on getting my reading done for my class.  I mentioned in my last entry about my lack of discipline...that was one of the major areas that I was refering too.  Today I worked hard on my time management and made a tiny amount of progress in that.   I feel so good about that.  It is rewarding to be disciplined. And to be productive.  Or at least feel that way.  

I had the interview today with the child care job...went well.  I am waiting to hear back in the next few days.  I could be working 8-5pm Tues. through Friday. (I could pay off my loans alot quicker that way!)  God will either provide it or not.  Waiting on Him for this one.  

The class was so intense yesterday. With the lectures and observing the counseling sessions. Pastor Viars taught a section about the Doctrine of Spiritual Growth.  He's really got a passion.  He really loves God and His Word and the application of the Bible in people's lives.  He covered alot of different topics, but there were a few that got me.  He talked about Ephesians 4:11-16 : the GOAL of the church.  This whole passage speaks on GROWTH.  Not just a church growing, but personal growth.  "...so that we may no longer be children..."  "...we are to grow up in every way into him who is the Head, into Christ," "when each part is working properly , makes the body grow so that is builds itself up in love."  Pastor V. shared that every year, he and the church elders/staff go down the list of EVERY member in the church, and they make sure they know where that person (or familiy) is at spiritually.  They take God's word so seriously that if they DON'T know where/how that family is doing (if there's any sinful struggles) then they schedule a time to meet up with them.  If a family is not handling sin properly in a Biblical God-honoring way, then the church intervenes and encourages counseling, or if the fam decides not to deal with it, then there will be some church discipline. They take their role as leaders in the church seriously and esp. God's word seriously.  Faith Baptist is at about 1800 members right now. 

My point is not to share about the means of action that are taken if a family is not obeying the Lord and growing.  But I just wanted to share about the fact that God is serious about growth as believers.  Wow.  Through the scripture we looked at while talking about this, I woke up a little bit, if ya know what I mean.  We talked about Jesus.  He grew.  Luke 2:52  Romans 8:28, 29 (to be more Christ-like).  2 Peter 3:18.  It's scary to think about a person (myself included) struggling with the same sin issues for years.  Most believers don't even acknowledge the sin they struggle with.  

Something that discourages alot of believers (in my own struggle and observation), is that they don't see the change they'd like in their lives.  When I struggle with a sinful issue, over and over, it is discouraging.  It's hard to see yourself fail again and again. But, I have to realize that I am growing, even if it's not straight up.  A popular phrase I've heard up here, is "Progressive Sanctification".  We first believe Jesus as Savior and Lord and and confess our sin and ask for forgiveness.  We are then justified.  No sooner than we finish a prayer and we sin again.  We confess and repent and ask forgiveness.  We go through the day.  5 minutes later, we realize we've sinned again.  We confess, repent and ask forgiveness.  I feel as though I go back to square one every time.  Like I can't make any gain or real change.  Well, I have to start believing and understanding scripture when it talks about growth. ( Paul was a God worshipper. He was a stud, but even he didn't "arrive".  "Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own." (Philippians 3:13)).  

I am only growing more like Christ if I deal with my sin in a Biblical God honoring way.  Confession, repentance, and then "put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness".   Ephesians 4:20-24.  I have to realize what sin I am committing and then start thinking and acting like Christ.  Tonite, I was jealous of something.  Instead of being jealous like the old Renae before Christ, I should be practicing rejoicing with other's sucesses and be thankful. 

We wouldn't be commanded to grow if we were already complete and perfect, would we?   

Failures and goodies

Today was full of so many wonderful gifts...the sermon this morning at Faith, the song we listened to in service, the joy of being connected to a body of believers of Jesus, being able to read the Bible in freedom, good Indian food at Taj Mahal, my nap, reading homework for my class, talking with my cousin, random conversations, catching up with an old friend and discussing heart and world issues, typing on my laptop on the floor, etc.  

God in His grace and mercy decided to bless me today even though I was not disciplined in certain things.  That's who God is.  That's what I am learning about Him more and more.  He gives when I deserve death for the sin in my heart.  

The song the music pastor sang this morning in church was called "Carried to the Table".

Here are the lyrics that shattered the moldings of pride that gripped my heart this morning:

Carried to the Table

Wounded and forsaken

I was shattered by the fall

Broken and forgotten

Feeling lost and all alone

Summoned by the King

Into the Master's courts

Lifted by the Savior

And cradled in His arms

I was carried to the table 

Seated where I don't belong

Carried to the Table

Swept away by His love

And I don't see my brokenness anymore

When Im seated at the table of the Lord

Im carried to the table

The table of the Lord

Fighting thoughts of fear

And wondering why He called my name

Am I good enough to share this cup

This world has left me lame

Even in my weakness

The Savior called my name

In His holy presence

Im healed and unashamed

You carried me, my God

You carried me

God has seated me at a place at His banqueting table of love...a table I am not worthy to sit at.  I will never be worthy to sit at on this earth.  Praise God for His love and the LOVE of Jesus!!!  Praise Him for WHO HE IS.  He is the only ONE who can help us see without the guilt and shame that fogs our eyes.  He really carried me last year.  I really had let myself get beaten up by the sin I chose for myself and He had to CARRY me back to Him.  Praise Him!!

The K's House

Finally some answers!

So this is Claire.  She makes me laugh!  She reminds me alot of our first dog, Minnie because of her temperament and coloring.  But she sure is sweet and a cuddler.  The K's took her to get her hair cut on Tuesday.  It'd been a long time, so the barber decided to shave her I guess.  When I got back to the house after gals Bible study, I walked in and she came to greet me like usual.  I barely recognized her and I think she knew it!  She kind of cowered away and hid...I think she was embarrassed.  She looked so tiny and rat-like!  ha! I put a before and after picture.  I guess when the doggies get a trim, they get a complimentary bow or scarf put on them...cute... :)

So here's an update to the latest decisions:

I sat down with Jeff last nite to look at my finances for the next year.  This really gave some clue as to whether I could do the internship.  Financially I could swing it, but with the schedule, it would be insane.  Today, I met with the director of VOH for my second interview.  I told her right up front that I would not be able to commit to the internship right now.  When my class is over in December, things might look a little different.  But for now, I am going to volunteer there and get some experience.  It's been such a battle deciding all of this these past few weeks. I had so much peace last nite about it all.  It was so nice.  :)  

BIBLICAL COUNSELING CLASS ON MONDAY:  

Monday was our second class...and it was great!  We started by finishing up with the Key Elements in the Counseling Process.  (As a note, these are all developed by God's word, the writings of Jay Adams, and the Biblical Counseling Ministry at Faith Baptist).  The Key Elements are: 1. Gather Data, 2. Find out the Problem, 3. Establish involvement, 4. Give HOPE, 5. Proper Instruction, 6. Give homework.

I enjoyed hearing about Giving homework.  To give a counselee homework, is to challenge them to actually put God's word to work in their life.  Just talking about your life problems all day is not going to change anything!  You actually have to work at growth!  (If only Id realized that a long time ago...there is no born a superChristian.) 

Next we spent a while comparing counseling philosophies.  This was good to look at.  Some guidelines to think about are : How do people propose to know what they knew?  By science research?  What is their view of man?  Do people have to take medicine to cure everything?  What is the GOAL of counseling?  What is the role of the counselor?  So then we looked at the counseling methods of Freud, Skinner, Rogers, and then God.

Through reading and conversation in the last year, it has come to my attention that there is alot of modern psych. mixed into what is being taught in the Christian Orthodox church today.  Im talking about issues of ADHD, depression, schizophrenia, etc.  I think our society is too quick to diagnose people's symptoms as a mental illness when it really could be a sin issue.  There is alot on this topic, so I'll write more later.  I wanted to give a heads up to this topic though.  

I observed 3 counseling sessions on Monday.  All three were very different: counselor personality and style as well as the case.  The last counselor I observed was so patient with this one couple.  I was sitting there in my chair just watching this new married couple.  They were both on their 3rd marriage, dealing with all kinds of issues.  One of them has grown up going to church, but has never had someone sit down & explain salvation to her.  The husband did not show that he knew Jesus personally. I just couldn't help but think: where in the world do you start to help this couple?? But, they are ready to work and make changes in their life! Praise God!  I observe the same cases all semester until they are finished, so Im curious to see what work they are going to do as well as the Holy Spirit in their hearts.

I want to share about all the cases I observed but this is getting long.  

Hostas

Since being up here in Indiana, I've been thinking about different plant species.  You would think that by having a dad who specializes in plants and trees I would know alot about them, but I really don't.  Not using him as a resource was bad decision on my part.  My cousin has just started working on her garden in the last 2 years and is really enjoying it.  I am somewhat envious of this because I have been longing to have a garden of my own. Not having a house yet and moving around alot kind of prevents me from doing some experimenting with planting.  Anyway, my cousin has been showing me her "hostas" on the side of her house and how she had to move them to shade.  They are a really interesting flower.  They are perennials and sometimes have white, yellow, or pink flowers.  They get sunburnt easily so they prefer shade (as my cousin learned).  There's one type of hosta called "hosta plantaginea", sometimes called "August lily" because it blooms in late summer.  But the thing this plant is known for is that it's flowers open up in the evening and close by morning.  Again, they don't like the sun.  That is so amazing!  I would love to get my hands on one.  Don't know how popular they are though.