Where Are You?

December 3: Where are you? 

Read: Genesis 3:1-21

We’re only two chapters in, and the whole story falls apart. Perhaps this is the saddest story in all the Bible. It is the part of our history referred to as The Fall — when we swallowed the fruit of sin and stumbled away from God. Tempted by that snake flashing scales of deception, Adam and Eve ate of the tree God had forbidden. They drew up fig leaves to hide their shame. And they knelt low to hide from God. And then it came, the gentle walking of God, the Voice that spoke the cosmos to life, He now calls to us, a whisper in the wind: Where are you?

Reflect:  What would you say if God called out to you now: “Where are you?”  What does it mean to you that God seeks you out and finds you when you are far from Him?

Pray: Lord Jesus, “The Fall” says it all, our life in two words. But You have so much more to write in our story — for You wrote Jesus into our story, who keeps whispering to us all of Advent — “Where are you? Please let Me come to you…”

As I was reading this devotional from http://cogmakati.org/COGM2015AdventDevotional.pdf, I was listening to Jeremy Camp’s Here I Am (I love to listen to worship music while studying). I got to the Reflect section, and as I read the words “Where are you?”, Jeremy sings “Here I Am”.

I just sat back in my chair in awe, as I had just prayed only an hour before that God would just reveal Himself to me, even if it was just in a small, subtle way. The fact that the Creator of all things would listen to me is mind blowing; the fact that He will answer, especially so quickly, is beyond humbling.

So, where are we standing right now? Not physically; I don’t mean standing in line for coffee, or sitting on the couch in the living room, or taking a quick break from work. I mean Spiritually, with Christ. 

Where are you standing?

Are you in the shadow of His cross? Are you walking so close to Him that the world has a hard time bearing your joy that comes only from God? Are you trying to be that close to Him?

These are all questions that I am desperately searching answers for. I am constantly checking myself, ever so critically.

Sadly, that’s not a good thing.

I have starting relying on what I can do, rather than on what God can do through me.

So, how do we change this mindset?

We have to *once again* die to self. We have to *once again* let go, and give our lives back over to Christ. We have to *once again* break down the walls of pride and allow our hearts to be softened by the everlasting love of Jesus Christ, and let Him show us where He wants us.

This isn’t a one-day thing; this is a daily battle. But remember! We can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us. We can have victory, because He first had victory.

Are you struggling with secret pride and fear of not being a ‘good enough’ Christian? Tell me how you are fighting a winning battle in the comments! I LOVE hearing about how the Lord is working in your life!

Week 10 of Project Leap of Faith

Week ten! You're here!

I actually am re-writing this post, even though I was completely ready to post the original one.

The problem? 

It was 

ONE.

BIG.

COMPLAINT.

Yep. A big collection of complaints over how I hadn't been here long enough, how much I loved it here, etc etc.

When I proofread it, I couldn't believe how much I sounded like the Israelites! I wasn't being grateful and enjoying the blessings while I have them still, and rather than share about all the wonderful experiences God has so richly lavished on me, I COMPLAINED.

Shame. On. Me.

SO. Here is the revised post! Gone with the bad attitude, and I'll do all things without murmurings and disputings! (:

Friday night was, per usual, wonderful, because (as usual!) Lizzy and I spent it with the Allisons!

I also pierced Lizzy's nose. So now we're twinsies! :D

After we stayed up all hours of the night watching When Calls The Heart, (and screaming at the TV because it wasn't fair for the characters; I'm sure you guys understand!) we woke up bright and early Saturday morning and almost immediately started learning new songs on guitar.  On the walk home, we gathered bundles of ragweed and daisies (and some other beautiful flowers) to dry. I now have a beautiful little bouquet that will last for quite a while (:

Sunday was beyond incredible. The morning's service was given by renowned New Zealand preacher and good friend of the Campbell family, Mr. John Walton. He was speaking about the heart cry, and how when we pray, it should be a heart cry! It should be a deep, intimate moment with God, not a 5-minute prayer time. (Yes, it did impact me so much that I've started praying that way now.)

After church, some of us young people organized a game of Spoons. If I haven't mentioned it before, DO NOT PLAY SPOONS WITH CHERISH ALLISON. It can get violent. (The rug-burns on my elbows should be proof enough haha!) Despite the violence, the games were still very fun. At the end of the last game, Noble Barrett, Josiah Calhoon, and Cherish Allison were playing against each other. Cherish was working herself over, trying so hard to win. But Josiah and Noble had already won, and quietly slipped the two spoons into their possession. When Cherish finally had her four matching cards, she jumped forward to snatch a spoon... And found nothing. The look on her face was priceless, and we all had a good laugh at it. 

After we had cleaned up from lunch and finished preparing for Stephen and Auntie Vange's 50th birthday party, we all just kind of went wherever and did our own thing. We girls watched the guys play football and braided each other's hair, or found flowers to press. (Or stole the iPhones off the table and take random pictures with them.) 

When the party started, it was fantastic. There were so many families represented, and so many people. And the more people present, the more fun can be had! Josiah Calhoon taught me how to do a couple of new strumming patterns on guitar (You're welcome Mr. Steve! ~he's my guitar teacher~) and we talked music for a bit. Finally, someone who understood the hardships of being an adult and not having time to play music as much as one wanted! 

As the party drew to a close, a few of us young people went outside and played Midnight tag. As people were leaving and I said goodbye, it hurt and it was hard to think that I may never see some of these precious people ever again, but then I rejoice! As a dear friend of mine told me, I now have these memories and bonds to cherish for life.

I'm so grateful for God's incredible love and grace. I'm so grateful for the knowledge He gives me of His strength and power, for the ability to trust in Him alone.

So as I come to the end of the most amazing time in my whole life, I stop and I think. What if I had walked out that door? What if I had forsaken the way I'd been raised, and become nothing more than another sinner on the street. What if, what if, what if?

But because of grace, I don't have to say What If. Instead, I can say, By God's Grace, I'm Here Instead of There!!!!!!!

Praise be to God!