What’s in your mirror?

January 16, 2012 by Julie 5 Comments

"Morning face" while camping ... NO mirrors allowed!

The Saturday morning sight caught me a little by surprise. Looking in the mirror I couldn’t help but utter an “Ew!” when I saw myself. Knowing my husband was gone to a meeting, I decided to ignore “the face,” throw on a robe, and answer the coffee pot’s call. I left my baggy eyes, dark circles, and dry skin at the mirror and settled into my comfy kitchen chair.

What do you do with what you see in the mirror? You could be the kind of gal who gets to work with her toolbox to cover up and enhance. You might be the kind who exfoliates down deep. You may even be the kind to up your water intake, back up your bedtime, and offload cares through prayer. We all respond to what the mirror shows us.

God’s Word is like a high magnification mirror. We all respond to what the mirror shows us.

James 1:23-25

For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

God’s truth exposes us for what we are. To hear what God wants and then walk away without action would be foolish. Instead, as we learn the Word and implant it in our memory, we’re called to act on it. Doing something about what we see in the mirror of God’s truth leads to blessing. That blessing overflows to those around us.

I was just getting a refill to freshen up my coffee breath when the garage door opened and my husband walked in. With a look of concern, he came to me and tenderly asked if I was okay. “I’m fine. Why?” I responded.

“You look like you’re really upset, like you’ve been crying,” he said in a slightly nervous tone.

Nope. Just morning face that I ignored, forgot about about, and got comfortable with. Shoulda been a “doer” and done something about it! The next morning when I looked in the mirror, that same gal met me, but I dealt with her. I think we were all better for it; you could even say we were blessed!

How will you respond to what you see in God’s word today?

Will you walk away and forget about it, or will you deal with it?

Barely Scraping By {Run to Him}

January 13, 2012 by Katie Orr 38 Comments

Buried deep as you can dig inside yourself
And covered with a perfect shell
Such a charming, beautiful exterior
Laced with brilliant smiles and shining eyes
Perfect posture, but you’re barely scraping by
But you’re barely scraping by

Buried deep as you can dig inside yourself
And hidden in the public eye
Such a stellar monument to loneliness
Laced with brilliant smiles and shining eyes
Perfect make-up, but you’re barely scraping by
But you’re barely scraping by…

The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most —Dashboard Confessional

These lyrics have resonated with me for years. I often try to put on this perfect shell—the appearance that all is great.

Don’t we all long to look a certain way, even if our emotions don’t match the way we perceive?

Even if we’re barely scraping by?

I am weary with my moaning;
every night I flood my bed with tears;
I drench my couch with my weeping.
(Psalm 6:6 ESV)

For my soul is full of troubles… (Psalm 88:3 ESV)

My heart is struck down like grass and has withered… (Psalm 102:4 ESV)

Weary from weeping.

Forsaken.

Full of troubles.

Struck down.

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The Psalms are full of raw, honest—sometimes scary—emotion.

What is it about us that we like to hide our true feelings? Wear the spiritual makeup; put on a pretty front.

What are we afraid of?

What am I afraid of?

Through the example of the psalmists, we are given quite a different model to follow, when it comes to how we handle our emotions, especially in how we approach God.

Well this is one time, well this is one time
That you can’t fake it hard enough to please everyone
Or anyone at all…or anyone at all
And the grave that you refuse to leave
The refuge that you’ve built to flee,
The places that you’ve come to fear the most,
Is the place that you have come to fear the most.

The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most —Dashboard Confessional

When we bury our emotions, we deny who we are, and the need we have for a Savior.

Why do we bury our feelings when we are already known?

He knows the deepest secrets and the darkest emotions—and He loves anyway.

So, instead of burying, ignoring, and faking it, let us open up, fess up, and run; crying out to the One who longs to soothe, heal, and forgive.

Let’s run to Him.

I love the Lord, because he has heard
my voice and my pleas for mercy.
Because he inclined his ear to me,
therefore I will call on him as long as I live

(Psalm 116:1-2 ESV)

Are you barely scraping by? Do you have spiritual makeup on? What (or who) are you hiding your emotions from? What keeps you from running to Him?

Let’s chat in the comments…

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We start up the Run to Him study on Monday. We’ll be studying a collection of Psalms over the next 13 weeks. We would love for you to join us! Click here to download the free printable Bible Study of the Psalms, and join us back here each Friday afternoon for a commentary on the Psalm we have studied all week.

If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to get posts delivered to your inbox, so you don’t miss a beat!

Five tips for setting goals for spiritual growth in 2012

January 9, 2012 by Kathy Howard 14 Comments

What do the following things have in common?

Exercise more
Lose weight
Improve my relationships
Pay off debt
Get organized

Every year these items pop up in lists of the Top Ten New Year’s Resolutions. Did you make any resolutions for 2012? The first of the year is a great time to start fresh, set goals, and begin something new. In fact, it’s the perfect time to evaluate our spiritual health and set some goals for growth.

We can’t cause our spiritual growth. Only the Holy Spirit has the power to transform us into the image of Christ (2 Cor 3:18). But God does expect our obedient and active cooperation (1 Cor 9:24-27). One way we can purposefully “train ourselves to be godly” (1 Tim 4:7-8) is through spiritual evaluation and goal-setting.

Resolutions and goals can be hard to keep. Statistics show that, at best, only 46% of New Year’s resolutions are still kept six months into the year. Often, people lose their resolve so quickly because they set unattainable goals.

Concentrate your efforts. Set just one, two, or three goals at a time. Don’t spread yourself too thin. When you experience success then add another goal.
Be realistic. Set goals that are attainable. If you don’t read your Bible regularly now, don’t set a goal to read the entire Bible in three months. Instead commit to read it 3 to 5 times per week.
Think concretely. Set goals so progress can be measured. For instance, this goal is too ambiguous: I’m going to spend more time with God. Instead be concrete: I will read one Bible chapter and pray for 10 minutes five times a week.
Include strategies. Develop strategies designed to move you toward your goals. If one goal is to memorize Scripture, determine how you will do that. What verses you will memorize? How often you will tackle a new one? What memorization techniques will you use?
Create manageable steps. Break your overall goal into a series of smaller goals that are doable and will foster success.

To get started, first take a serious look at your spiritual health. You may use the free “Discipleship Evaluation” download. This tool covers 17 different key discipleship areas. Your weakest areas can be great growth this year.

Next, set spiritual growth goals using the five tips above. Planning is not unspiritual. Living a life that glorifies God will not happen by accident. The free “Spiritual Goals” worksheet lists specific areas of discipleship such as time with God, ministry, service, and Christian education.

Most importantly, ask God to guide you as you evaluate your spiritual health and set goals for growth. He will bring the spiritual transformation as you strive to live a live that pleases Him.

Let’s talk! What goals for spiritual growth have you set?

Announcing…Run to Him

January 2, 2012 by Katie Orr 16 Comments

Run to Him, our winter Bible study, will start up Friday, January 13. We will be diving into a selection of Psalms; searching for how to relate our emotions, fears and challenges to the God who knows; digging for promises we can cling to when our soul cries out.

Maximize Your Mornings

Once again, we will be hosting this Bible study in partnership with Inspired To Action’s Maximize Your Mornings challenge. If you are looking for encouragement and accountability toward getting up early to meet with the Lord, this is the challenge for you! Check out the details here, but go quickly, as registration ends January 3rd!

Anyone is welcome to participate in the study, regardless of whether you are a part of the HelloMornings challenge. Be sure to stay tuned for a Run to Him study guide and more details about the study!

Four Tips for Scripture Memory

January 1, 2012 by Katie Orr 22 Comments

Psalm 119, James 3, Psalm 1—these are not verses I’ve memorized, but just some of the verses I have (unsuccessfully) attempted to memorize!

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I’ve tried the whole memorization thing for years. Each attempt I dove head first, setting aside time every day to read, memorize and review my verses. Each time, I didn’t make it past 5 verses.

After distancing myself from the sting of what I felt was failure, and then doing a bit of research, I have established a four-pronged attack which I have found (finally!) successful in the area of Scripture memorization. (The following is a shortened excerpt from Savoring Living Water: How to have an effective quiet time by Lara Williams and myself.)

Hear it.

We need to hear His Word. In order to have that passage stick into our minds and bury into our hearts, our ears need to hear it over and over again.

I keep the audio version of my current memorization passage on my computer and on my phone. When my hands are busy but my mind is free to listen, I play the track. I listen while I drive. I listen while I clean toilets. I listen while I fold towels. I hear it.

Write it.

Something happens in my brain when my pen hits the paper. Writing things down helps me remember. It helps me remember what I need from the grocery store, and it helps me remember the Scripture I want to memorize.

Each week I take non-‐fancy, white 4×6 index cards and write out my verse or passage. I typically write it four times on four different cards so I can keep them in four different places.

I also like to write out the verse or passage in my journal every morning. Beneath my prayers of repentance and my words of thanksgiving, I write His Word.

Repetition causes remembrance.

See it.

I take those index cards and post them on my fridge, computer, shower door, and car dashboard. They serve as constant reminders of the truths for which my soul desperately thirsts. Seeing the verses imprints His Word upon my mind.

Speak it.

There is power in the spoken word. When we speak our verses out-loud they embed deeper into our hearts. This aspect is absolutely vital to successful memorization.

As I “hear” my verses while I fold the never-ending laundry, I talk with the recording. If it’s a new verse, I say it a half second behind the track. If I know the verse, I say it alongside the audio.

Speaking my verses solidifies the words in my mind and shows where I need to review. Speaking them enables me to remember.

If you find yourself stuck in your scripture memory efforts, try adding a few of these approaches to your routine and see if it helps!

Are you memorizing Scripture? Have you tried hearing it, writing it, and speaking it? What has worked for you? Share your struggles and tips below in the comments!

Written a post this month about scripture memory? Link it up below. We hope you’ll visit some other blogs, be encouraged, and leave some comments along the way!

For more tips and encouragement on how to connect with God through Scripture memory, journalling and personal Bible study, Savoring Living Water is available for immediate download to your computer, Kindle, and Nook. Second edition paperback copies are also available for pre-order, and will be shipped mid-January.

Bologna or steak?

December 27, 2011 by Lisa Burgess 2 Comments

The Word of God cuts through the fog of Satan’s lies and shows me where true and lasting happiness is to be found. And so the Word helps me stop trusting in the potential of sin to make me happy.

Instead the Word entices me to trust in God’s promises.

When faith has the upper hand in my heart I am satisfied with Christ and his promises. This is what Jesus meant when he said, “He who believes in Me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).

When my thirst for joy and meaning and passion are satisfied by the presence and promises of Christ, the power of sin is broken.

We do not yield to the offer of sandwich meat when we can smell the steak sizzling on the grill.

~ John Piper, Future Grace

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For the month of December we are sharing posts and quotes to help us escape the Cycle of Try Harder, through Believing Better.

Little Faith, Big God {Believing Better}

December 21, 2011 by Kathy Howard 9 Comments

If you had to rate your faith on a scale of 1 to 10, how would your faith score? A “1” means your faith is hard to find. A “10” means your faith impacts everyone you encounter. If I am totally honest I would have to say it depends on the day.

If you had to describe your faith using adjectives, which ones would you use? I would love to say “strong, unwavering, passionate, and big.” And some days I could use those words to describe my faith. But there are other days. Days when I would have to say, “weak, shaky, dry, and small.”

Recently, God reminded me of something during my time with Him: The reality of my faith does not depend on feelings. My feelings fluctuate depending on my circumstances. Sometimes my faith feels weak because I’m battered by the world or I’ve yielded to temptation. But other times – like when I’ve witnessed God do something awesome – I feel like my faith can move mountains.

The truth is, the true quality of my faith depends on the Object of my faith. My faith may be small, but my God is infinitely big. My faith may be weak, but my God is stronger than I can comprehend. He is the Mountain-mover. Not me.

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Daily, I must remind myself that my faith does not depend on my feelings or my circumstances. Those things change constantly. My faith must be grounded in the Person of God. Who He is and what He does.

A big faith will not make me believe better. But faith in our Big God will. I cannot live a Christ-like life by depending on a big faith. But I can faithfully follow Christ and please the Father when my faith rests in my Big God.

Just how big is our God? He has all power. Scripture tells us He hung the moon and stars in the sky (Psalm 8:3). He marked off the heavens with the breadth of His hand and weighed the earth’s mountains on a scale (Isaiah 40:12). Nothing is too hard for Him (Jeremiah 32:17)!

God also has all authority. God not only has the power to do anything, He also has the right. He establishes kings and deposes them (Acts 17:25-27). He controls life, death, and eternity (Ephesians 1:20-22).

What matters most is not the size of our faith but the size of our God. It is not my faith that resists temptation, obeys God’s will, or moves mountains. It is the Object of my faith working in me.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Eph 3:20-21, ESV

How would you describe your faith today? Now, how would you describe your God?

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For the month of December we are sharing posts and quotes to help us escape the Cycle of Try Harder, through Believing Better.

Our First Problem

December 6, 2011 by Katie Orr 2 Comments

Our first problem is that our attitude toward sin is more self-centered than God-centered. We are more concerned about our own “victory” over sin than we are about the fact that our sins grieve the heart of God. We cannot tolerate failure in our own struggle with sin chiefly because we are success-oriented, not because we know it is offensive to God.

God wants us to walk in obedience—not victory. Obedience is oriented toward God; victory is oriented toward self. This may seem to be merely splitting hairs over semantics, but there is a subtle, self-centered attitude at the root of many of our difficulties with sin. Until we face the is attitude and deal with it we will not consistently walk in holiness.

—Jerry Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness

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For the month of December we are sharing posts and quotes to help us escape the Cycle of Try Harder, through Believing Better.

Eternal Treasure Boxes

November 24, 2011 by Patti Brown 4 Comments

Did you have a treasure box when you were a child?

I had a special box just for my rock collection, a plastic box with a bow on top. Even more precious to me was a carved wooden box that had been my grandmother’s. It had a tiny padlock on it, and in this box I kept only my most cherished treasures.

Now I have a special drawer which I fill mostly with letters and pictures from those dearest to me. Sometimes when I am struggling, I will open my drawer and pull out a handful and soak up the love written and drawn just for me.

If you have spent much time here at Do Not Depart, you are surely familiar with this verse:

I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (nlt) Psalm 119:11

Many of you have joined in the Hide His Word challenges to memorize scripture. And many of you have dug deep into the Word in bible studies with us.

But did you know that the word translated “hide” doesn’t just imply study and memorization? Some versions actually translate it as “treasure.”

Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You. (nas) Psalm 119:11

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A treasure, to be tucked away in my most tender and precious place… my heart. God’s Word is a sweet gift to be delighted in.

I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. (esv) Psalm 119:16

How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (esv) Psalm 119:103

The scriptures are a God-sized, holy version of the drawer of precious letters written full of love and encouragement just for me. This treasure is a free offering, given for each one of us, accessible at all times!

Today is Thanksgiving in the United States, and families around the country will be sitting down to share a meal and count their blessings. As believers, we know that we are to joyfully give thanks every day and in all circumstances.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Certainly, one of the greatest blessings and joys for which I am thankful is God’s Word. While I was raised in a Christian home, I didn’t really read and study God’s Word until I was an adult. It is not an exaggeration to say that it completely transformed my life.

As we head into the days after our Thanksgiving holiday, much time and money will be wrapped up in pursuing earthly treasures. Gift shopping has become so deeply a part of our culture at this time of year that we have special names for the days after Thanksgiving… Black Friday… Cyber Monday.

But you and I, children of God, have the privilege and joy of pursuing heavenly treasure.

Let us delight in His Word, and make our hearts eternal treasure boxes!

Abiding Fruit :: Galatians 5:16-26 :: The Secret to Fruit-Filled Living

September 26, 2011 by Katie Orr 18 Comments

Are you looking for the secret to fruit-filled living? Well, look no further, here’s your answer.

Walk by the Spirit.

That’s it folks. Galatians 5:16-26 does not tell us “Go, be more patient. Learn to be more self-controlled. And, would you stop those fits of anger already?”

There is just one central command. Walk by the Spirit.

In verse 16, the Greek word used here is peripateo, which is derived from the word peri (all around) and pateo (to tread). So, the meaning here is to walk around.

Everywhere, all the time, walk by the spirit.

But Paul uses a different greek word in verse 25. Stoicheo, which means to keep in step with. Like those following their military orders.

“Left, left, left, right, left.”

The Spirit of God is moving and active. We are to follow Him, listening and waiting for our marching orders, ready to conform to His plan for every moment of our days.

If we do not keep in step with the Holy Spirit, we do not just stand still. By default we walk in the flesh.

Walk by the power of the Holy Spirit, and fruit will come.

Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16

Oh how I get this backwards! I like to focus on the “to-do”s, as if I can produce patience or love through working hard for it. But trying to keep up with any sort of list is exhausting, and ultimately a futile pursuit. My “to-do” list is ultimately the way of the flesh.

I can never do all the “do”s and don’t all the “don’t”s. There is only one thing I can do that will bring any hope for change. Stay needy.

As you and I walk by the power of the Spirit, it is only then we have hope for the fruit we long for in our lives. Because, it is only then we are in step with the only One who can bring fruit.

Seeing the fruit of the Spirit in my life brings assurance of my salvation.

I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God…And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:21,24

The nastiness of the flesh comes easy. I don’t have to exert much effort to have fits of anger when my children push my buttons. The outbursts just happen. I don’t tell myself to be jealous of another’s waist size, most days it seems innate.

But there are days when I can see the fruit and I know that it came from outside of myself. When I get a paycheck, and I want to give as much of it as I can to gospel causes. When I pick up the messes in my house one more time, and find joy in serving my family. When I shut the computer down and get to bed on time, so I can wake at 5:30 to spend time with my God.

My sinful flesh wants to sleep in (and does), it constantly craves more stuff, and it certainly does not want to serve others. So it is in these moments, when I do contrary to what my flesh desires, that I see fruit. It is through seeing this fruit in my life that I can know that there is an all-powerful God who loves me and is working in me to produce this fruit, because I am His child.

Walk by the Spirit = Abide in Christ

This coming week we will be studying John 15:1-11, a passage all about abiding in the Vine. This is just another metaphor for the same thing- stay in His presence.

What did you learn this week through Galatians 5:16-26? Feel free to share any links to posts you’ve written!

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Savoring Living Water is (Almost) Here!

September 12, 2011 by Do Not Depart 2 Comments

Lara and Katie have been busy working on their new ebook, Savoring Living Water: How to have an effective quiet time.

The ebook releases tomorrow, and they have loads of fun things planned. You’ll want to be the first in line to snag your copy of Savoring Living Water as soon as it is available!

Be sure to check out their (Lara’s and Katie’s) posts today for more info on what’s in store. (It may involve prizes!)

Are you snacking or feasting? {Guest Post}

September 8, 2011 by Do Not Depart 11 Comments

I’m no stranger to the drive-thru. Any drive thru. McDonalds, Starbucks, the Dry Cleaners, the Library- I love them all. They are convenient and quick, and when you are hauling four children around with you everywhere you go, convenience is king.

But the other day, I started thinking about how this love of convenience bleeds beyond just running errands, and has become a mentality affecting other areas of my life, including time spent in the Word.

Have you ever tried really quenching your thirst or satisfying your hunger with a sip from a water fountain and a handful of peanuts? Sure, it’s quick, but it’s not long before you are hungry and thirsty again. That’s what it’s been like trying to grow in my faith, by only reading a verse or two without really taking the time to fill up on the truth.

Just sipping.

Just snacking.

Jesus said, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” John 7:37-38

True satiation for our hungry hearts and parched faith comes through drinking from the living waters, from feasting on the bread of life.

I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35

Isaiah 55 reminds us what happens when we seek to grow closer to God by searching His words. God calls the thirsty, the poor, and the hungry to Himself to be fed.

Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. Isaiah 55:2b

Did you see that bit at the end- “the richest fare”? Anything else we substitute for time spent in God’s word is sub-par, sawdust in place of substance. God’s truths, spirit breathed into the words of scripture, are what delights us, and gives life. (Psalm 36:9)

God’s truth gives life. Not just physical life, but taking the time to ingest the living quenches a starving spiritual life, it makes way for a living faith.

Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. (Isaiah 55:3, emphasis mine)

In my efforts to know God on a deeper level, he has constantly been reminding me that I cannot know his heart, if I don’t spend time in His word, at the table. James encourages us to “draw near to God”, and that “He will draw near to you”. (James 4:8)

If we want an active, living faith, a faith that “yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater” (Isaiah 55:10) if we want a faith that produces fruit, then we must invest time in reading and learning the very words of God.

When we take the time to read Gods word, He says that His word is powerful and “will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10)

Time invested in studying the word of God, brings forth fruit and accomplishes great things for His glory.

Getting your “daily bread” from a verse or two on a desk calendar with no further study of the word is like snacking from the drive-thru instead of feasting on the “richest fare”.

I know this because I’m a recovering ‘snacker’. All this time, I’ve just been cheating myself out of the good stuff.

How can you revamp your time spent in the word so that you leave the table full, with the sweetest honey on your lips? (Psalm 19:10)

Lets stop the snacking and start digging in to the good stuff, I promise you, once you start, the rewards will far outweigh the convenience of the drive-thru.

By Kris Camealy Always Alleluia

Kris loves Jesus with her whole heart, and is a stay at home mom and Compassion Advocate who spends her days homeschooling 4 kids, and playing wife to her amazing husband. The floors are covered in crumbs and the washing machine never stops running but she counts each day as a gift! In her spare time (ha ha ha!) she enjoys writing, reading and photography.

The Breath of God

August 10, 2011 by Katie Orr 6 Comments

Have you noticed how many times in scripture God’s power is revealed through Him speaking? He spoke the universe into place. He breathed life into man. He stilled the storm with the command of His voice.

Just last week I was thinking of doing a study on how often God uses his breath to accomplish His will. Sunday night my husband preached a message on exactly this topic. We had not talked about it at all. I thought it was pretty fun that we had the same thing on our hearts!

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
and by the breath of his mouth all their host. Psalm 33:6

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Here is the outline from my hubbie’s talk:

The Breath of God…

Created everything :: Genesis 1
Gives life :: Genesis 2:5-7

…then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.

Sustains life :: Psalm 119:25, Job 33:4

The Spirit of God has made me,
and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

Controls nature :: Mark 4:37-41
Raises the dead :: Mark 5:35-42, John 11:38-44
Gives the Holy Spirit :: John 20:19-23

And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit”.

Causes regeneration :: Eph 2:1-5, Titus 3:3-6

…by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior…

The word breath is translated from the Greek word pnuema. The cool thing? The word spirit is also translated from pneuma. The Spirit of God is the breath of God in us.

Reveals scripture :: 2 Tim 3:16

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.

Defeats death and sin :: Luke 23:44-47, Rev 5:1-10
Defeats His enemies :: 2 Thessalonians 2:8, Revelation 19

And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming.

And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse…

I hope you can get a moment soon to take a better look at each of these verses. It is amazing to see the thread of God’s action through the breath of His mouth.

God’s breath is powerful. Imagine what would happen if He ever lifted His ﬁnger?

Have you noticed this theme of God’s breath in scripture? Which of these actions of God most strike you with awe?

We have a Faith-Race to run.

July 20, 2011 by Lara 7 Comments

Throughout my life, summer has meant slowing down. A silencing of the schedule. A softer pace through the longer days.

flickr photo credit: meredith farmer

But the wise words of a professor from years ago hit me afresh recently,

“We cannot coast through a single day.”

Not a single day.

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run,
but one receives the prize?

Run in such a way that you may obtain it.
And everyone that competes for the prize is temperate in all things.
Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25

I’ve recently started running. Physically running. If you can call it that. I huff up the hills, and then praise him for gravity when I start down the hills. But running has made these verses from first Corinthians come to life.

We are in a faith-race. And in this race we can choose to run fervently and passionately, or we can choose to sit on the curb and eat donuts in defeat. Every day we have a choice. And coasting will not lead us into victory. Coasting will only cause our hearts to become entangled with deception.

True, it’s summer. But the enemy does not take a summer vacation. The flesh does not cease from striving against the Spirit. Unless we keep running — keep hiding His Word in our hearts — we will not live in the daily abundance promised by our Lord.

So I leave you with what I’m now tempted to yell out of my car window when I see fellow runners hitting the pavement. “You go, girl. You run that thing.”

What truths or promises from His Word are you standing upon these days?
How would you say your endurance in this faith-race is going?

the day His word came to life

May 18, 2011 by Lara 8 Comments

Oh, I was on-fire for Jesus. The kind of on-fire that calls old friends to make amends and weeps with joy over a forgiven past. He redeemed me from so many pits. He lifted me out of myself and opened my eyes. Then like only our wild God can do, he led this prodigal to seminary.

I craved him deep. I wanted to see him and know him. I wanted to love him and believe him. I wanted to hear him.

I’ll never forget that particular day. I had been studying for my classes when his word came to life. As I poured over the pages of scripture, he personally, intimately spoke to my soul. He bent down into time and his word pierced me. It met me right there in that little coffee shop. And I knew he saw me…and loved me. I knew he was speaking.

When I got back to my dorm room the thought overwhelmed me. I threw my bible down on the bed, looked at my roommate, and said, “The thing is alive and it’s freaking me out!”

It is. Alive.

His word breathes. His word is. His word stands. And we are a needy people. We are needy for his truth to meet us in the everyday moments of life, from the mundane to the monumental. Guiding us. Defining us. Sustaining us. Affecting us…if we are willing to listen.

Remember with me today. His word is alive and active. He is willing to speak to our souls and invade our day. So let’s dig deep and believe him.

How has his word come alive to you?