I happened to see this on Hollie’s blog. As I decided to stay up and have some “me” time while everyone is in bed, my “me” time has turned into “Audrey” time. If you are familiar with the christian group “Selah”, you know who Todd Smith is. He and his wife have an amazing tory of faith and praise in the eye of death. Please, for the love of all that is good, set some time aside, and go to Angie’s site. Read from the beginning. You will feel hurt you have never felt for another person, as well as a respect and admiration for them beyond expectations. Here is a link to the very first post in the story of Audrey. After you read the post, go to the end of the page and click “newer post”.
In the Bible a person’s name is a description of his or her character. Likewise, the names of God in Scripture are various descriptions of God’s character. In a broad sense, then, God’s “name” is equal to all that the Bible and creation tell us about God When we pray, “Hallowed be your name” as part of the Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9), we are praying that people would speak about God in a way that is honoring to him and that accurately reflects his character. This honoring of God’s name can be done with actions as well as words, for our actions reflect the character of the Creator whom we serve (Matt. 5:16). To honor God’s name is therefore to honor him. The command, “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in wain” (Ex. 20:7) is a command that we not dishonor God’s reputaion either by words that speak of him in a foolish or misleading way, or by actions that do not reflect his true character.
from “Systematic Theology” by Wayne Grudem, Page 157
Men, you need to read this story. Women you need to make your husbands read this story. This is what discipleship is. Men need to recognize their need for a mentor, as well as their need to be a mentor. Paul is very deliberate when He tells Timothy to teach the things he has taught him to faithful men so that they will tell other men as well. Women need to encourage their husbands to do this. When your husband feels your support, you’d be amazed how much harder he will pursue it.
Likewise, women need to understand the importance of mentoring relationships with each other as you are told to in Scripture. Too much, these days, we have drifted from nurturing our relationships with substance to sustaining them with pleasing each other and catering to our longing for acceptance, by others, of our sinful selves. We don’t want other to prod us toward change in the truth, rather we want people to leave us alone and just keep us happy. How sad is that?
Read the story of Josh Harris, and think of how you can pursue this.
I’m reading through a great book right now. It’s called “Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life”. It’s a great book outlining 12 disciplines each Christian should pursue. Every Christian should have this book.
This is a good song by Phillips Craig and Dean. The video is neat that this person put to the song. It lists the names of God. The song talks about the power of God’s name. No matter what good things you do in life, if it isn’t for God’s glory and to show him, it’s to show yourself.
I’m kinda getting tired of people putting all these songs to the Passion. I wish people would just let it speak for itself. That being said, I did like theuse of it in this video. When you came to Christ, you placed your trust in him. Do you still? When your finances dwindle, do you still put your trust in him alone? When your job, or your spouse’s job is on the line, do you still put your trust in Him alone? When the diagnosis comes back positive, do you still put your trust in Him alone? How about when you’re lifted up as a hero, do you still put your trust in him alone? Do your kids know it’s Christ who gives you strength, or do they see their mommy or daddy as a superhero? I think it’s something to really dig into ourselves and find out. There’s two videos on here that I think dig into my ego, hopefully they do the same for you.
Some of you have heard of Beth’s mom’s recent spat with possible Ovarian Cancer. They had found a huge mass on her ovary a few weeks ago. Beth’s grandma told her mom a few days before the exploratory surgery that she had Catholics, Methodists,and Baptists praying for her, so she was pretty much covered. We chuckled at it, but it was great to see how many people were praying for her. After the surgery this past week, I told Beth the Pentecostals must have been praying to(again as humor). When the doctors went in they were expecting to remove both ovaries and possibly a kidney, as there seemed to be something on one of them as well. Praise God, because he made it quite a bit easier and showed up with his power. The doctors found no trace of this mass on her ovary. There was no sign of tumors anywhere, and they dug around quite a bit to find it. We’re very excited at what God has done.
As I said in a recent post, Starfield is one of my new favorite Christian artists. Their song, “Unashamed”, pounds me when I hear it. The song pierces me the whole way through.
I have not much
To offer You
Not near what You deserve
But still I come
Because Your cross
Has placed in me my worthOh, Christ my King
Of sympathy
Whose wounds secure my peace
Your grace extends
To call me friend
Your mercy sets me freeAnd I know I’m weak
I know I’m unworthy
To call upon Your name
But because of grace
Because of Your mercy
I stand here unashamedI can’t explain
This kind of love
I’m humbled and amazed
That You’d come down
From heavens heights
And greet me face to face
