Sunday, February 26, 2006
Be Still
Yesterday was a marvelous day. I went to Akaroa with Steph and Rebecca. The road winds along the coast toward the Banks Peninsula. The cliffs and blue water were gorgeous. We walked around the town for a while and then found a cute cafe called "By the Green" and had lunch. We then walked along the pier and looked for Hector dolphins, which are the world's rarest and smallest dolphins apparently found only in that area. They're so small- like a third the size of a regular dolphin. On our way back we decided to take the "scenic tour," which partially got us lost, but all the sheep along the way made it more than worth it. They're so skittish, but I suppose that's a good thing, because if they were friendly they'd get themselves killed quickly. We saw this one that had gotten out of its fence and was trying to get back in. I wish I was more like that- striving to get back to the good Shepherd whenever I've messed up and gone past where I need to be, realizing that He will always accept me back and I don't have to earn my way back, not that I even can.
For me today is the Lord's Day. The church this morning was lively, a little more than I'm used to. The people were awesome- some of the people were from U-Church that I went to on Wednesday night with Gloria. Every Nation Church was its name, I got picked up by a friend to go. You could feel the warmth and inviting Spirit these people had everywhere- it was awesome. The preacher is from Capetown, so in a way I felt at home. He spoke on Exodus 14, in which is found one of my favorite verses. I find it so interesting how much we relate to the Israelites today- how they boldly went out in verse 8, only to be terrified in a moments time when things got rough. Also, how quick we are to blame the devil or remark that some things are uncontrollable, when God determines all things- He holds the world in His hand. Why can't we see that in ALL things God works for good (Rom 8:28..)? Then comes a life verse for me, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still" (v 14). We're not fighting the battle of life for victory, we're fighting from victory. We're not here to save lives, we're here to be still and follow orders. Not to say that lives won't be saved along the road, but I'm realizing that it is of far greater value to listen than to speak. If they are meant to follow Jesus the Spirit will enter their lives and they will be transformed by the working of the Spirit- we merely are occassionally used as a tool to carry out God's perfect will.
Biblical matters often get confusing- like how to fight for Jesus, how to follow the ten commandments, but I'll say this- look to Jesus and His scriptures for the answer, not some How To book. I love reading and I think it's a necessary part of the Christian life, but not a supplementary part. Also, the scriptures aren't meant as God's final word, but as God's written word. We must seek God Himself through prayer for the proper answers to questions and be led to the sciptures or some other avenue.
I'm off- I'm heading to the Chinese Lantern Festival in the town square- I'm pumped. God bless you all, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Soli Deo Gloria.
For me today is the Lord's Day. The church this morning was lively, a little more than I'm used to. The people were awesome- some of the people were from U-Church that I went to on Wednesday night with Gloria. Every Nation Church was its name, I got picked up by a friend to go. You could feel the warmth and inviting Spirit these people had everywhere- it was awesome. The preacher is from Capetown, so in a way I felt at home. He spoke on Exodus 14, in which is found one of my favorite verses. I find it so interesting how much we relate to the Israelites today- how they boldly went out in verse 8, only to be terrified in a moments time when things got rough. Also, how quick we are to blame the devil or remark that some things are uncontrollable, when God determines all things- He holds the world in His hand. Why can't we see that in ALL things God works for good (Rom 8:28..)? Then comes a life verse for me, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still" (v 14). We're not fighting the battle of life for victory, we're fighting from victory. We're not here to save lives, we're here to be still and follow orders. Not to say that lives won't be saved along the road, but I'm realizing that it is of far greater value to listen than to speak. If they are meant to follow Jesus the Spirit will enter their lives and they will be transformed by the working of the Spirit- we merely are occassionally used as a tool to carry out God's perfect will.
Biblical matters often get confusing- like how to fight for Jesus, how to follow the ten commandments, but I'll say this- look to Jesus and His scriptures for the answer, not some How To book. I love reading and I think it's a necessary part of the Christian life, but not a supplementary part. Also, the scriptures aren't meant as God's final word, but as God's written word. We must seek God Himself through prayer for the proper answers to questions and be led to the sciptures or some other avenue.
I'm off- I'm heading to the Chinese Lantern Festival in the town square- I'm pumped. God bless you all, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Soli Deo Gloria.
