Put on the garment of praise

Tonight as we looked at this passage in Isaiah, an old song that we used to sing when I was growing up kept running through my head, 'Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, lift up Your voice to God, praise with the Spirit and with understanding, O magnify the Lord'.

It sounds kind of old-fashioned - maybe we could sing, 'put on the clothing of praise' instead, though it doesn't have the same ring.

Tonight I really GOT the first line of that song, 'Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness'. Yes, God can replace the spirit of heaviness with a beautiful garment of praise as we look to Jesus. What an awesome God!

Friendship

I've been thinking a lot about friendship of late. It's amazing how much you learn out of a broken relationship. Still so much to learn, but I'm learning more about what I value in a friendship, and what I potentially bring to a friendship. I guess mistakes are an opportunity to reflect, and think about how you’d like to do things differently in the future.

One of my best friends was the first person I phoned after finding out some pretty devastating news last year, and she offered to come and spend the night with me - it meant so much to have her there, to be able to cry with her, have her pray with me, and just be together. I was talking with her about friendship yesterday, particularly in relation to guy/girl friendships, and she reminded me that there will always be an element of risk in relationships, but that honesty is really important, knowing you can be up front with each other.

Friendship. Someone else suggested that appreciating friendship is learning to live in the moment – learning to value a person and their friendship for what we bring to each other’s lives in the here and now. Friendship. So many issues yet to be explored.

God's purposes in difficult times

Just read this Daily Devotional and thought it was worth sharing. I've definitely found that hard times drive me to 'seek opportunities for [God's] companionship'. It's then I'm reminded most that He is a good God, that He is faithful, reliable and merciful.

To date or not to date

The sermon on Sunday night was on relationships. I was hoping it’d be about relationships in general, but it seemed to focus on male/female relationships. I was a bit worried about it being a little too close to home, and how I’d react – sure enough my reaction was pretty much as I expected, had a good old cry.

Something else that stood out in that book ‘Boy meets girl’ was a comment that the girl in one of the stories had to learn to submit her emotions to God. Sometimes I hate my emotions!!!!

Why do I have to spill the beans when I’m interested in a guy, and ruin a potential friendship? Why do I then avoid him like the plague?

After church a friend and I were chatting about the idea of dating and she recommended a book by Henry Cloud. She said that in it he suggests going on as many dates as possible, and that going on a date doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get married. True. But initially my reaction was one of caution - I’m not sure it’s such a good idea, especially in my situation now. This idea might also be easier for people who are extroverts, and people who thrive on building new relationships, and for those who are more easily able to remain objective (and not overly emotional). Maybe it's the term 'date' that I have a problem with as it sounds more like a commitment, even though I guess it's not necessarily.

Not even sure why I’m worrying about it really – it’s not like there are opportunities jumping out at me ;-)

Interested in the journey

I had this book ready to give a friend, but at the last minute I changed my mind. It’s called ‘Boy Meets Girl’ by Joshua Harris (author of ‘I Kissed Dating Goodbye’). I came across it this week when we moved, and read a few bits again. Interesting what you pick up on when your life circumstances have changed and you have a different perspective. I also have a lot more questions reading it now at a different stage of life. It was a helpful reminder though that God’s using this tough stuff to grow me in Him and develop my character.

‘God is interested in the journey, not just the destination… God is in no rush. He wants to use this process, and all the questions and uncertainties it involves, to refine us, sanctify us and increase our faith.’ pp74-75

I want to get better at relaxing and enjoying the journey. I’m too eager to work out the destination and find the quickest route to get there.

He will guide me

Psalm 32:8-9

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you.

9 Do not be like the horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you.

Sounds ridiculous, but I read verse 9 several times, and wasn’t sure what the verse was getting at. Checked my NIV study bible cheat notes and here’s what it says, ‘God’s servant must be wiser than beasts, more open to God’s will then horses and mules are to the will of their masters.’

Though I know God’s plans are best, there are times I still struggle to accept His will. But reading verse 8 again, I’m filled with a sense of anticipation, that God will guide me and advise me… even though it may not be just yet!

Tired from the journey

Tonight this verse stood out to me as our Pastor was speaking about the story of the woman at the well:

'..,Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well...' John 4:6

It reminded me of God's heart for people - that even when Jesus was tired, He was still thinking about other people's needs. If I want to be like Jesus, I've got a mighty long way to go!! I'd love to have Jesus' heart for others and be able to still love and care for them despite my tiredness. At this point I just feel tired from the journey.

Today's been kind of a big day - sang both services, shared a bit this morning during the service, and we're preparing to move, probably this week. I think reflecting back over the last 19 months or so made me feel a little overwhelmed. God has been incredibly faithful, but His faithfulness doesn't erase the pain.

This morning's sermon was on Job - it was an excellent sermon. This is embarrassing to say, but I had never read/heard the ending of Job, and realised that there's a 'happy' ending. I thought Job just had a miserable life his whole life. I was excited to see God turned things around for him.

Oh yeah, and tonight it was great to chat more deeply with a few people after the service - one gave me a hug and just encouraged me, and another offered to pray with me. That's what the body of Christ should look like - people supporting other in life and pointing each other to God.

Honest cries of breaking hearts

are better than a hallelujah sometimes.

Thanks Amy Great for writing this beautiful song.

It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking we can only come to God when we have everything sorted. We may even think we can come to him in our brokenness, but that we need to have our emotions and thoughts sorted before we come to Him, but David often expressed heart-wrenching pain to God in the Psalms.

Honest cries of breaking hearts. We can pour them out to God, His love is not dependent on us in any way, that's why it's called grace - a free gift.

Complicated

Last night as I lay in bed, the main thought running through my mind was 'life is complicated'.

Since I woke up this morning, God has constantly been reminding me to enjoy today, and stop worrying about tomorrow. Yeah, life may be complicated, but God gives me the strength to deal with today. He knows my needs. Matthew 6:31-35

My grandparents were down from Queensland recently for my Pa's 80th birthday. Yesterday we took the girls to the beach and they absolutely loved it, especially Lucy. Lucy lives for the moment, and enjoys all the good things God's given us. Meanwhile I was getting frustrated because I thought it was too cold for them to be in the water, but Lucy wouldn't listen to me, she was determined to get in the water. I was worried they might get sick again if they got too cold. I also don't like getting sand everywhere.

Sarah and I did have fun drawing in the sand and building various shapes, but I know it would have been more enjoyable if I'd been prepared to worry a little less, and just enjoy the opportunity God had given us. To enjoy today.

Using our Imaginations

I read this interesting thought in Hope 103.2's Life Words (daily devotional), titled 'A Different Way of Seeing', on Friday.

The writer to the Hebrews sees faith as focussed on what we may not yet see. God may even guide our imaginations to stir us and sustain us when things look bleak.

I guess God may sometimes choose to use our imaginations to give us hope? I guess though ultimately our hope should be in Jesus.

Rediscovering Jesus

My Great Aunty's friend gave her a book to give to me (not sure why exactly, but it was very generous of them), called 'The Indwelling Life of Christ: All of Him in All of Me' by Major W. Ian Thomas. In the introduction he writes:

'The utmost need in every ministry group, every missionary outreach, every denomination, is to rediscover the Lord Jesus Christ and the indispensability of His indwelling presence within the believer. This means encountering the risen living Lord who shares His life with us on earth on our way to heaven... so that He may accomplish through us what He began to do in His own physical body two-thousand years ago.'

Think it'll be a good read. Our greatest need: to encounter and rediscover Jesus.

Foodscapes

I'm working on a creative arts unit for primary school students as part of my studies. I'm not very artistic, or particularly creative, so it's proving interesting, but I came across these great works of art made entirely from food. This one's my favourite - I'd love to be able to create something like that out of food!! They're all very clever though.


One of Carl Warner's Foodscapes

Pondering about Jesus

Jesus. In Him I find complete acceptance, just as I am, no strings attached. Jesus. When I need a listening ear, someone to share my concerns with He's there waiting for me to come to Him. Jesus. He offers peace, true peace, peace amidst the storm. Jesus. He's a Solid Rock. I can depend on Him 110%. Jesus. He has the power to heal. Jesus. He sets me free from sin and death. Jesus. He offers hope. Jesus. Life without Him isn't the same. Jesus. He offers to carry my burdens. Jesus. He meets my every need.

Inspired by this post from InTouch.