grateful

Today has been a good day and I am so grateful. Like a normal Wednesday, I had my math class and got my quiz back. It wasn't a 100% like last week (I doubt that will ever happen again...), but it wasn't terrible. Then I met with Diana and Jessica for d-time and was reminded of the preciousness of God's Word. I was reminded that I do not spend quality time in His Word and that I do not treasure it as much as I want to. We were challenged to memorize a verse or two to help us combat whatever is going on in our lives. As we were skimming through trying to find verses that pertain to our life in this moment, I was struck with how much good stuff is in the Bible! It's full of grace, comfort, truth, peace, wisdom, etc. Oh how I wish I were more disciplined in spending time in His Word. [we'll get back to that later in the day...]


Then I met with my math group. So.much.fun. Our time may not have been the most productive, but it was highly enjoyable. We were just goofy and in great moods. We laughed, sang songs, joked around and it was great. I know I keep saying this to myself or to other people, but I really enjoy them. If for nothing else, I am grateful to be a math major because of getting to know them. 


Starting last week, I will be discipling Katie R. and I am really looking forward to our time together. She is so sweet, compassionate, and genuine. I don't know her very well, but I want to. It'll hopefully be a sweet time for both of us. But today, we looked at a passage in Luke about worry. We are commanded to not worry because God knows what we need and will provide when we need it. We don't have to think about what we'll eat or drink or what we'll wear because God will provide. Then we talked about seeking His kingdom first. This has been a key verse for me through the years because I have been challenged by the word "seek." Seeking is an active thing and life doesn't just happen, we need to seek His kingdom. I pray that I am seeking Him above all else. [now coming back to God's Word...] I pray that I seek Him through His Word and truly meditate and soak in learning about who God is and what I can learn from Him. 


Bible study was really great too. We talked about who we are and focused on spiritual gifts, talents, and abilities that make us a unique part of the body of Christ. We affirmed one another with what we thought other people were strong in. I love affirming people and being affirmed. That in itself is encouraging and one thing I am grateful for. Something someone said about me was about my presence and that even though I seem quiet and gentle, I seem confident in who I am. I pray that that's true. I know I have had some confidence issues, but I truly pray that my identity is in the LORD and not in myself. 


Our soccer game tonight was less challenging than normal which made for a fun night. Plus, a few friends came out to support us which always make playing more fun. I was encouraged by that and by Sarah coming. I really enjoy playing and even more, fellowshipping with my teammates who are incredible, humble, and really good at soccer. :)


Finally, my day ended with IHOP. So.Good. I went with Jill and Sarah and again, I enjoyed them so much. It's refreshing talking and listening to people who aren't in my Christian "bubble". They share their lives with me and I with them and it's good. 


I praise God for today because He knew I needed the encouragement and pick-me-up. Not that life had been bad, but it was just OK. I am so grateful for what I have been given and I pray that I glorify Him through it.

I will rise

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"

- Chris Tomlin, "I Will Rise"

This has been one of my favorite songs over the past few years. Every time it comes on the radio or Pandora, I stop and really listen to the words of the song. It's incredible. 

Last night in Bible study, Kaila went through the parable of the unmerciful servant. As we were studying this, we were reminded that we have been forgiven much.  The king's servant owed him millions of dollars in modern day equivalence and he "took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go." [Matthew 18:27].  WHAT?! Who would do that? What's more surprising is that the servant who was let go quickly forgets what has been done to him and wants to throw one of his servants in prison because he owes him a significantly lesser amount of debt, but doesn't cancel it. 

Let's examine this a little more. The king canceled the debt of his servant then the servant doesn't cancel the debt owed to him by another servant. Thinking of this in terms of us and Jesus, it's remarkable. Jesus is the King. On the cross, He paid everyone's debt in full. Think about that for a minute. As I think of my life and how much I owe to my holy and perfect God, it's unmeasurable. Now, multiply that by humanity and that's an intense amount of debt; BUT, Jesus paid it all! None of our debt remains to be owed, we are completely set free from that burden of needing to pay to a just God. So we are the king's servant in this parable. We have been forgiven much, but we forget quickly how much and then we do not forgive our brothers and sisters. We are hypocrites  when we do not forgive others. 

This hit me hard last night because a few weeks ago, a friend hurt me and I did not want to forgive her. She repented and was sorry, but I didn't want to let it go that easily. I was so wrong and didn't even think about how much I have been forgiven. Who am I to do such a thing? I am the king's servant. Praise God for grace and forgiveness. 

"God has forgiven you such a great debt, that any debt owed to you is absolutely insignificant in comparison. No man can possibly offend me to the extent that my sins have offended God. This principle must be applied to little things done to us, but also to the great things done unto us." - David Guzik

hope

Hope is one of my favorite words. I love that there is more than what I can see and experience. I am patiently waiting for my hope to be made complete when I am home with my Father. While waiting, however, I have to be continually reminded that He is my hope now. He promises to provide for me, to heal me, to lead me, etc. Often I forget His promises to me, but He is still faithful even when I am faithless [2 Timothy 2:13] and by His grace, He continues to remind me that He will [fill in the blank]. He is the One who does and is all-knowing and good. Over the years, I have realized more and more how much I love and learn from songs about Jesus and have noticed that in almost every post, I include a song. Below are some lyrics from Revelation Song which I have been blessed by.

Filled with wonder awestruck wonder

At the mention of Your name

Jesus Your name is power, breath and living water

Such a marvelous mystery

 

Oh, You're worthy, mystery

You are worthy

 

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty

Who was and is and is to come

With all creation I sing praise to the King of kings

You are my everything and I will adore You, I will adore You

Jesus is worthy. Jesus' name is power and that is one truth I easily forget and often do no trust. He has the power to take away any of my sinful thoughts and desires, but when I pray for Him to, do I believe He can? Do I have the faith to trust in His timing and power? In all things, I pray that His will be done.