I missed sitting in on Sunday's message (which was okay b/c one of the highlights of my month is teaching 3-5yr old Grace4Kids), but I burned a copy and have since listened to it thricely (it's a new word...look it up Webster). Psalm 127 was the passage, but I had no idea of the behind whooping I was about to receive from vs. 1-2. Two little verses that open up a gamut of Scriptural passages and principles applying to my current state.
Needless to say I've been a slacker most of my life. I've skated by on just enough because it was just enough to get by. I'm one of those guys who would skim his notes right before a test and get an A...one of those guys you probably love(d) to hate. I never really had to work for much, and my motivation for excelling has been non-existent. I hate to admit, but even in relation to spiritual things I figured I could coast on the grace given upon conversion, but never really relying on Future Grace (plug for one of my favorite books ever!)
So, this struggle became evident a couple months back as I saw myself coasting through a tedious job (which I'm grateful for don't get me wrong...but completely teeedddiiiouuusss), sitting on my hands when it came to preparing for possible teaching opportunities, and not looking (at all) for other career opportunities (job areas were just one arena, but provide the best example). That laziness came to a tipping point this past week when (b/c of work closings) I came face to face with not being able to pay my bills for the first time ever. I've always been able to finagle finances around to come out alright and sometimes even, but to not be able provide brought me to the end of myself. I'd always trusted in myself to provide (with maybe a lingering thought to the actual Provider), but when I couldn't...who do you think I went running to? 'Bout time.
My last post was alluding to this, but I hesitant to bring those things out because its just not something people talk about...but since this blog is all about "brooding over benevolence" I have to be specific in how God is working. So I had to bring those things out to someone, and I'm thankful for the wisdom of a certain godly man in my church who sat down with me, gave me prudent counsel, helped me lay down my goals and how to achieve them, and steps to take now to get myself out of the current hole. Talk about humbling...finances have always been something I've been able to "manage", but in many Christian subcultures you don't bring it up. I'm thankful God brought it to my heart and enabled me to share...we don't do this enough...but it's amazing the peace that comes from the Spirit when we're open and honest.
So, how does this apply to the message...God works through our work in building His Kingdom, in building up faith, and in building up each other (which sometimes may be painful). If God brought me to the city to labor for the kingdom and exhort the body, why was I doing such a lackluster job at it? If God had given me the passion and enablement to teach, then why wasn't I? If God had given me the ability to get of my keester and provide for my financial state (and my current employment is not doing that), then what am I still doing sitting here?
So, per God's grace and wise counsel...I'm on the road to being certified to teach in PA (met w/an advisor today at HFU...just gotta take the tests and finish the application process), took a test tonight to work part-time as an enumerator for the Census Bureau (got a good score...so the ball should start rolling on that soon), and working on some personal loan stuff that should consolidate/eventually eliminate my debt.
It's amazing to see the change in my heart, motives, and attitude about a self-induced, slipshod (alright...this actually is a word...look it up) situation. It's completely an evidence of grace as I start to see God working through my work...imagine that. And finally, I know I did a subpar job of describing the message on Sunday...listen to it here, subscribe on itunes, or I'll burn you a copy...it's that important. Grace and Peace.
Nate
He's Always Been Faithful
"If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that"...my brother texted me something similar to this earlier in the week and through continual struggles, doubts, indecisions, and worries that have been creeping into my consciousness this past week God has been faithful to bring this to mind over and over. I don't know the future, and I have no security in what tomorrow will bring (save God's sovereign nature).
I'm grateful how God has used this for me and even allowed me to share this morsel of grace to others. As I wrestle with concerns about tomorrow and provision for today, I'm being graciously comforted by the Holy Spirit that no matter the trial, pain, or test that is all my Hope and Trust. I'm thankful for the help, insight, wisdom, and graciousness of others to listen to my plight and seek to bear my burden in prayer and tangible ways.
I'm overwhelmed by Paul's benediction at the end of his letter to the church in Philippi where he expresses the graciousness of the Father to breed contentment in his heart no matter the circumstance (vs. 11-12), to trust in God as his source of strength in serving others (vs. 13), and to rest the Philippian congregation's assurance in Christ as the provider of their needs (vs. 19).
I was also encouraged by a faithful friend this past week to seek joy in suffering (Rom 5:3-5) which I didn't consider for my situation, but I am truly rejoicing in God's ability to use this momentary trial to stretch and shape me into the person He's make me to be.
I know it is no coincidence when God brings people, initiates conversations, provides poignant reading, and utilizes even my car stereo to remind me of where my trust needs to rest. I was listening to "You Have Always Been Faithful" from SGM and went online to find the lyrics, but came across this song by Sara Groves instead which is an old hymn put with new words, but an unchanging truth that "He's Always Been Faithful".
Morning by morning I wake up to find
the power and comfort of God's hand in mine.
Season by season I watch him amazed, in
awe of the mystery of his perfect ways
All I have need of his hand will provide.
He's always been faithful to me
I can't remember a trial or a pain he did
not recycle to bring me gain. I can't
remember one single regret in serving
God only and trusting his hand
All I have need of his hand will provide.
He's always been faithful to me
This is my anthem, this is my song, the
theme of the stories I've heard for so long.
God has been faithful, he will be again.
His loving compassion, it knows no end.
All I have need of his hand will provide.
He's always been faithful to me
I'm grateful how God has used this for me and even allowed me to share this morsel of grace to others. As I wrestle with concerns about tomorrow and provision for today, I'm being graciously comforted by the Holy Spirit that no matter the trial, pain, or test that is all my Hope and Trust. I'm thankful for the help, insight, wisdom, and graciousness of others to listen to my plight and seek to bear my burden in prayer and tangible ways.
I'm overwhelmed by Paul's benediction at the end of his letter to the church in Philippi where he expresses the graciousness of the Father to breed contentment in his heart no matter the circumstance (vs. 11-12), to trust in God as his source of strength in serving others (vs. 13), and to rest the Philippian congregation's assurance in Christ as the provider of their needs (vs. 19).
I was also encouraged by a faithful friend this past week to seek joy in suffering (Rom 5:3-5) which I didn't consider for my situation, but I am truly rejoicing in God's ability to use this momentary trial to stretch and shape me into the person He's make me to be.
I know it is no coincidence when God brings people, initiates conversations, provides poignant reading, and utilizes even my car stereo to remind me of where my trust needs to rest. I was listening to "You Have Always Been Faithful" from SGM and went online to find the lyrics, but came across this song by Sara Groves instead which is an old hymn put with new words, but an unchanging truth that "He's Always Been Faithful".
Morning by morning I wake up to find
the power and comfort of God's hand in mine.
Season by season I watch him amazed, in
awe of the mystery of his perfect ways
All I have need of his hand will provide.
He's always been faithful to me
I can't remember a trial or a pain he did
not recycle to bring me gain. I can't
remember one single regret in serving
God only and trusting his hand
All I have need of his hand will provide.
He's always been faithful to me
This is my anthem, this is my song, the
theme of the stories I've heard for so long.
God has been faithful, he will be again.
His loving compassion, it knows no end.
All I have need of his hand will provide.
He's always been faithful to me
Another day off...still brooding
As I thought about writing a new post (which I'm sadly reverting to my old days of keeping "current"), this song came on my itunes through a "random" happening (I quote random b/c nothing is random). It sums up my brooding thoughts today...so glad I've been forgiven (not just once, but continually) and I've been adopted as a child by the God of the universe never to taste the wrath of my just "reward".
"Always Forgiven"
I don’t deserve to be Your servant
And how much less to be Your child
Anger and wrath, sure condemnation
Should be my portion, my just reward
Never have seen it, never will know it
Your lovingkindness enfolds my life
All You have shown me is
Grace, love and mercy
Now and forever I am Your child
Freely You pour out
Your lovingkindness
Father of grace
You welcome me in
All of the sin I have committed
Was placed upon Your righteous Son
And now You see me
Through His perfection
As if I’d never done any wrong
Always forgiven, always accepted
No fear of judgment
Before Your throne
Always Forgiven by Jonathan and Ryan Baird
Sovereign Grace Worship
I say this isn't a random occurrence as well b/c I just started Ephesians today, and if you're family with vs. 1-14 then you know this fit more perfect than I could have planned. And as I look at the snow covering everything in a blanket of pure white (not so pure in some spots...this is the city), I'm reminded of that forgiveness "which he lavished upon us...to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth." Powerful...powerful stuff, and how can I not reflect on it.
The view from my Arrott Suite...and still coming down. Glad I got to spend a portion of my day watching the snow fall while I drank tea and meditated...very profitable day off.
And just for fun...your *moment* of *common grace*
"Always Forgiven"
I don’t deserve to be Your servant
And how much less to be Your child
Anger and wrath, sure condemnation
Should be my portion, my just reward
Never have seen it, never will know it
Your lovingkindness enfolds my life
All You have shown me is
Grace, love and mercy
Now and forever I am Your child
Freely You pour out
Your lovingkindness
Father of grace
You welcome me in
All of the sin I have committed
Was placed upon Your righteous Son
And now You see me
Through His perfection
As if I’d never done any wrong
Always forgiven, always accepted
No fear of judgment
Before Your throne
Always Forgiven by Jonathan and Ryan Baird
Sovereign Grace Worship
I say this isn't a random occurrence as well b/c I just started Ephesians today, and if you're family with vs. 1-14 then you know this fit more perfect than I could have planned. And as I look at the snow covering everything in a blanket of pure white (not so pure in some spots...this is the city), I'm reminded of that forgiveness "which he lavished upon us...to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth." Powerful...powerful stuff, and how can I not reflect on it.
The view from my Arrott Suite...and still coming down. Glad I got to spend a portion of my day watching the snow fall while I drank tea and meditated...very profitable day off.
And just for fun...your *moment* of *common grace*
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