tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47206290834516995082024-03-13T09:24:25.559-07:00Fearfully and Wonderfully MadeKelsey Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282294103335857500noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720629083451699508.post-25912904737936924052016-08-03T10:44:00.003-07:002016-08-03T10:44:51.258-07:00Delight in the Lord
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Luke 18:31-34<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Jesus took the twelve aside and told them, “We are going up
to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of
Man will be fulfilled. He will be delivered over to the Gentiles. They will
mock him, insult him and spit on him; they will flog him and kill him. On the
third day he will rise again.” The disciples did not understand any of this.
Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking
about.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SB7gIdKN3Jk/V6IqEMvmkzI/AAAAAAAABeA/xaD9IJ7iDdo2rxr03XEqHRYVvN0TEo4JQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SB7gIdKN3Jk/V6IqEMvmkzI/AAAAAAAABeA/xaD9IJ7iDdo2rxr03XEqHRYVvN0TEo4JQCLcB/s320/IMG_3797.jpg" width="320" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
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Jerusalem was where Jesus reached the climax of His Father’s
will. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who
sent me.” (John 5:30)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Doing the will of the Father was the one dominating interest
all through our Lord’s life, and the things He met along the way—joy or sorrow,
success or failure—never deterred Him from His purpose. He steadfastly set his
face towards Jerusalem (Luke 9:51). <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We go to Jerusalem to fulfill God’s purpose, not ours. We of
course will have ambitions along the way, but we have no concept of what God is
aiming at. We may have our own ideas of what God is calling us to, but since we
don’t know God’s whole plan, it may end up looking differently to us. Sometimes
God’s aim looks like missing the mark because we are too short sighted to see
what He is aiming at. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Psalm 37:3-4<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy
safe pastures. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of
your heart.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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A lot of people hear this verse and get confused when they
don’t get the desires of their heart. But I think we are confusing the meaning
of what it’s actually saying.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To <i>delight</i> in
someone means to experience great pleasure and joy in his or her presence. This
happens only when we know that person well. Thus, to delight in the Lord, we
must know him better. Knowledge of God’s great love for us will indeed give us
delight. As we get to know Him better, we start to desire the very delight that
just his presence brings. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The passage continues after that…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Psalm 37:5-9<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do
this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication
like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do
not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked
schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to
evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord
will inherit the land.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To <i>commit </i>ourselves
to the Lord means entrusting everything—our lives, families, jobs, possessions,
dreams—to his control and guidance. To commit ourselves to the Lord means to
trust in him (37:5), believing that he can care for us better than we can
ourselves. We should be willing to wait patiently (37:7) for him to work out
what is best for us. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Anger and worry (fretting) are two
very destructive emotions. They reveal a lack of faith that God loves us and is
in control. We should not worry; instead, we should trust in God, giving
ourselves to him for his use and safekeeping. When you dwell on your problems,
you will become anxious and angry. But if you concentrate on God and his
goodness, you will find peace. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So more and more we see that what this verse is actually
saying is <u>not</u> that if you don’t get what you want, it’s because God
didn’t actually put that desire in your heart. It’s that our true desire should
be to <b>be</b> with God. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we delight in God the true desire of our heart will
turn from things of this world, to being in his presence. Our ambitions are
good, but they are only the scaffolding around the plan that God actually has
for you. We can’t know that plan fully, but we can stay in his presence and
delight in that. We have not yet understood all there is to know of the
compelling purpose of God. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Isaiah 58:13-14<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from
doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the
Lord’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and
not doing as you please of speaking idle words, then you will find your <b>joy in the Lord</b>, and I will cause you
to ride in triumph on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance
of your father Jacob.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If we desire anything in this world more than we desire God,
we will be disappointed. Always. But when our hope is in what is unseen and our
joy comes from the One who provides and overflowing fountain of it, we will
never be empty or defeated. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
John 7:37-38<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Out of his
heart will flow rivers of living water.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5kvEqBfgh9U/V6IsvashB-I/AAAAAAAABeQ/Ru0VaX1PW9AIIaTMEqBr-NycB5oTk8NggCK4B/s1600/IMG_0378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5kvEqBfgh9U/V6IsvashB-I/AAAAAAAABeQ/Ru0VaX1PW9AIIaTMEqBr-NycB5oTk8NggCK4B/s400/IMG_0378.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Kelsey Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282294103335857500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720629083451699508.post-67559007682646042402015-10-02T11:39:00.001-07:002015-10-02T11:39:13.321-07:00Thirsty
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
My soul is thirsty. And isn’t it
true for so many things in life that it’s when you’re hungry and thirsty you
start making compromises. That’s when you become weak and the temptations
around you start looking like a more decent option than they would if you had
fed yourself earlier. Temptations are always around, but now they feel like
fortified walls of must do’s instead of a mist you can easily walk through. The
fear of missing out starts kicking in, and logical thoughts start taking on a
new form. The world is sneaking in, but the world isn’t there for you, it
doesn’t have your back. It’s false promises and empty claims latch on and
suckle the life out of you. Entertaining you for a moment just long enough to
forget what you forewent to get that fleeting pleasure. Using truth laced lies
to get from you what it will never replenish. Like an abortionist sucking a
fetus from the mother’s womb, promising you a more comfortable, convenient
life. But instead you’re consumed by guilt, shame, and regret leaving you not comfort or convenience in the least. You are full of the
world but it doesn’t make you full. It’s a leach feeding off of you, a parasite
using you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
You aren’t just hungry and thirsty.
You are starving.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
All that’s left of who you were is
a skeleton; sunken and desperate to remember what it was like to be fleshy and
vibrant. To remember walking in the freedom set before you, without chains
entangling your feet. To remember being radiant with joy as you’d close your
eyes and breathe in the rich love of a creator who cherished you. To remember the
warm feeling of a father’s protective love.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Tired and weak, you curse the world
for robbing you of anything tranquil; for draining your joy and peace, leaving
you bankrupt. You tip your head back looking up toward the heavens and curse
the god who let you get to this point. How could he just sit there and watch
you waste away in misery? You squeeze your eyes shut and tense your whole body,
allowing yourself to feel the rage that is coming from somewhere deeper than you’ve
ever known. Tears start streaming down your face. You crumple to the floor, and
the sobs take over. Struggling for a deep breath, you give into the dark
sadness you feel lost within. You feel swallowed in depression. You pound the
floor and scream! No one is around to hear you, but you scream anyways. Your
frail body is so weary and fatigued you have no energy left to even hold
yourself up. You lay on the ground, catching your breath. Thoughts of completely
giving up flood your mind, what you wouldn’t give for a little bit of peace.
Leaving this gloomy, selfish world seems like your only option. You shudder as
the darkness around you seemingly reassures death as your only way out of this
unbearable pain. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
You close your eyes and slowly exhale.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
You’re nervous and uncomfortable,
but willing to go to the most extreme lengths to escape this unbearable agony.
You stretch out on the cold tile floor in a symbol of surrender. If there were
a god out there, now would be the time for him to say something. You lay in the
silence, listening, only hearing the sound of your shallow breaths. You don’t
hear anything. No soft voice, no comforting breeze. But you keep lying there. You
lay there so long you give into your exhaustion and drift off to sleep. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Even in
your dreams you cannot seem to escape the darkness. You’re running and running
but the darkness never stops. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And then,
in your dream, you hear something faint. You sop running and look around,
trying to quiet your breath so you can hear better. There’s a long pause, and
just as you’re about to start running again the voice comes for a second time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I love you. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It’s so
delicate you somewhat believe you are making voices up, even in your own dream.
Besides, look at you. Who would love this shadow of who you once were; this
decrepit, pathetic version of you? You have nothing. You are nothing. Who could
love that? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then,
interrupting your thoughts, you hear it again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I love you. I want to be with you. Come to
me!</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>No. You
don’t know what I’ve done. You don’t know how I’ve hurt people. You don’t know
how I’ve hurt myself. I knew the things I was doing were wrong and I did them
anyways. You don’t want to be with me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I knit you together in your mother’s womb. I
was with you in the darkness. I know you. I know all of you. And I love you.
Come to me!</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></i>I’ve gone too far. I’m too weak.
I’ve done too much. You can’t love me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Fear not, for I am
with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will
help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">In your dream you look up and see
a hand stretching out towards you. You try to step towards it, but you feel
chafing around your ankles. Chains. You are still shackled to the weight of
shame and guilt. You stare down at them, any hope you had dashed again. Then the voice
comes back. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">So
if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. Give me your hand. I love
you. Come to me. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">You’re sure the hand is out of
reach, but desperate for love you stretch out your own anyways.
Miraculously, you feel the touch of the hand as it takes yours. Big and strong,
it closes around your hand and all of a sudden there is a bright light all
around you. You feel warmth coursing throughout your body. Parts of your soul
you thought were long decayed spring to life! Chains are broken and you feel
the weight of them slipping off. Weightless and hopeful, you laugh for the
first time in what seems like forever! The soft voice is now a booming one,
loud and powerful and full of authority.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fear
not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This time you don’t just hear the
words, you embody them. They hold such truth in the love that you feel you
can’t help but respond with rejoicing! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">I am yours and you are mine, God! You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me. You are familiar with all my ways. Where can I go from your
Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are
there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. Even the darkness will
not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light
to you. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">At that moment you awaken from your dream. What you just
experienced was indeed a dream—in your mind. But you know with a deep
conviction the truth that it held in reality. You stand up. You still have
remnants of physical weakness, but there is something drastically different. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Hope.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">If there is hope, expectant hope, there is also joy. You feel
so full of joy it’s impossible to contain! It feels as though it is bubbling up
within you, overflowing because you know the Good News! Your hope is based on
eternity. It is based on what the Lord has already done for you and the love He
has shown. You close your eyes and feel His presence! One day you will see him
face to face and what else can you do but praise Him and thank Him and sing His
praise! </span><span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What, then, should you say in response
to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You
start walking forward. Each step, a step in freedom.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
Kelsey Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282294103335857500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720629083451699508.post-10278681492156246562015-04-02T18:30:00.002-07:002015-04-02T18:31:31.792-07:00Moment with an Inchworm.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zR3e_2dkBUw/VR2DmCdn0cI/AAAAAAAABVs/3eloyOJTlpw/s1600/Inchworm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zR3e_2dkBUw/VR2DmCdn0cI/AAAAAAAABVs/3eloyOJTlpw/s1600/Inchworm.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
I had a moment with an inchworm the other day.<br />
Call me crazy, but it was a real, honest to God moment with this inchworm.<br />
<br />
Okay, so the moment lasted about a second, as I nearly killed him with my bike.<br />
But for some reason I really felt for the little guy.<br />
<br />
I identified with the exposure he was in from putting himself out there. He had mustered up the guts to inch his way across the paved bike path; subject to sun, birds, runners and bikers.<br />
He was exposed to the world, yet he was still just inching along.<br />
<br />
The truth is that we are all like these little, vulnerable inch worms, inching our way through life.<br />
Learning the necessity of putting ourselves in exposed positions in life in order to grow, even if it is scary.<br />
<br />
As I've grown older, now at the ripe old age of 24, I think I am gaining a more well rounded understanding for some of the negativity I've seen adults walking around with.<br />
With a jaded, bitter, chip on their shoulder.<br />
I've always wondered why that bitterness existed. It seemed to be everywhere.<br />
But the more I get burned for doing the right thing, for letting people in, or for putting myself out there, the more I understand the callousness. Why would I ever want to do that again if that is how I get treated?<br />
<br />
Enter: a jaded, bitter, chip on my shoulder.<br />
<br />
Unless.<br />
Unless I made the choice to not let the bitterness enter. <br />
Unless I decide to keep my attitude like a child-wanderer.<br />
Like a an inchworm bravely inching into the danger and excitement of the exposed world. <br />
<br />
So I made the very conscious decision to see the world in a glass-half-full kind of way.<br />
But.<br />
The real struggle for me actually came after the initial decision to refuse bitterness. <br />
I have been ridiculed by other adults for my optimistic attitude. Calling me naive, uneducated and only wanting to see the best in people, therefore blinding myself to the truth. <br />
<br />
I have been tempted to become more negative in order to seem more grown up.<br />
To "mellow" down, and not get so excited about things because it makes me out to be childish.<br />
To keep things to myself in fear of being judged by it.<br />
<br />
My little inchworm would be so disappointed! <br />
<br />
I don't want to live a life of fear.<br />
Fear will betray me.<br />
I don't want to live a life of apathy.<br />
It does not define me. <br />
<br />
I want to choose to keep inching. <br />
Expecting Jesus Christ every at every turn, giving my life the attitude of child-wonder, which He wants me to have. <br />
Against what the world may say, I want to continue to have a optimistic perspective. Knowing that I may not automatically think all good thoughts or have a pure or positive attitude about everything.<br />
But if I keep
listening to God, I will be changing all the time into the person HE wants me to be. <br />
<br />
So.<br />
I am choosing to muster up the guts to inch my way into an exposed life. Subject to the world, but with my strength and hope in Christ Jesus. <br />
<br />Kelsey Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282294103335857500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720629083451699508.post-25828210809749201702015-01-15T13:22:00.000-08:002015-01-15T14:41:19.027-08:00One Thing Remains.<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$4:0"> A little while ago I had a friend who was going through a hard time. Some of the things he described going on in his life hit a cord; sympathy welled up in me knowing that I had been in that same place before. Sometimes we experience dark times in our lives, and in the midst of being in this darkness, it is essential that we remember the true source of Light. However, sometimes the memory of Light seems to fade, and even though we know the truth of the source in our head, our hearts can't seem to remember the warm feeling of the Light. In those times, we need to be reminded of the Light--to be turned around and pointed in the direction we forgot we were going. We need to be reminded of the truth. There is a lot that we can get distracted by. Life is full of changes in plans, reasons to celebrate, reasons to cry, people who love us and people who persecute us. In all these situations, only one thing remains: the Way, the Truth, and the Life...that is, God himself. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$4:0"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$4:0">I wanted to share some truths I was able to share with my friend. A few things to hang onto in the times of distraction and darkness. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$4:0">____</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$4:0">My
heart has been so heavy for you after you told me some of the things
that you've been going through and feeling lately. Not in a way that
overwhelms me or is too burdensome, but probably more because my heart
has known some of the same struggles you mentioned, and has known them
deeply. But I wanted to offer you some encouragement, and do that by
pointing out some of the things that I have seen to be true.</span><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$8:0"></span><br data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$13:0" /><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$14:0"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$14:0">--</span></span></span><br />
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$14:0"> </span><br data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$15:0" /><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$16:0">Feeling
lonely is one of the worst feelings....I truly believe that the lie of
us being alone is one of the number one tools that Satan uses. He wants
us to feel alone, that way we become more susceptible for even more lies
he has ready to launch at us when we are at our weakest. This time of
year that lie is especially being thrown in your face, even without
other factors to add into it. <i>But this is what I do know to be
true</i>....you are far from alone.</span><br data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$17:0" /><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$18:0">You. Are. Not. Alone.</span><br data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$19:0" /><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$20:0">There
are people at work who you are around everyday, who appreciate you so
much, but just don't always remember to tell you. There are other YL
leaders who have become like a family, and may seem busy, but would be
there for you at the drop of a hat if you let them know. There are high
school students whose lives have been changed simply because you invited
them into yours. You allowed them to be a part of who you are, and have
covered them in love through all the efforts you put into that ministry
every single day. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$20:0">And of course, there's the cliche, but all too
true matter of fact that you're not alone because you know Jesus Christ.
Who you can't hide from no matter what you do.</span><br data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$21:0" /><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$22:0"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$22:0">Psalms 139:7-10</span><br data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$23:0" /><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$24:0">Where
shall I go from your spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven you are there! If I make my bed in the depths, you
are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far
side of the sea, even there your had will guide me, your right had will
hold me fast. If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light
become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you;the
night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.</span><br data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$29:0" /><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$30:0"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$30:0">--</span></span></span><br />
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$30:0"> </span><br data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$31:0" /><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$32:0">I
know that you feel tired--warn down, exhausted, and over-worked. <i>But
here is what I do know to be true. </i>There is no better time for God's
strength to be witnessed than the time when we feel completely run down.
Take hope in knowing that when you find yourself in the midst of an
impossible task, it may actually be right where God wants you. Because
you were made to be in a desperately dependent place for Christ.</span><br data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$33:0" /><br data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$35:0" /><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$36:0">2 Cor. 12:9-11</span><br data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$37:0" /><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$38:0">But
he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made
perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about
my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why,
for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in
persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$38:0"> </span><br data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$39:0" /><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$40:0">--</span><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$42:0"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$42:0">I
want you to feel encouraged, and I do feel like there is truth to those
words. I know this about my own life, and where the journey has taken
me in the past...when I would be over-worked, and tired, I would then
get overwhelmed, which turned into anxiety, which eventually lead to a
depression that was pretty hard to get out of. And when I was first
experiencing this, I thought it just was something that just WAS. It was
there and it sucked the life out of me, but there was a reason it was
there and so it was just something I had to live with. What I have
realized, however, is that there is something that <b>can</b> be done. I can <i>fight to
captivate my thoughts</i>, and <i>to identify lies</i> and put them back in their
place, and <i>to remain in what I know to be true</i>. I can choose to see what
I should <i>praise</i>, and what I can be <i>thankful</i> for. And these things
really, really helped me.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0"><br data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$45:0" /><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$46:0">--</span></span></span><br />
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$46:0"> </span><br data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$47:0" /><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$48:0">I
am praying for you. For your heavy heart, and the darkness that
is weighing it town. Praying that you could see the truth more
clearly--even through the heaviness. Praying for peace, and for the
loneliness to fade away.</span><br data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$49:0" /><br data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$51:0" /><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$52:0">You
have something that I have seen other people strive for and desire, but
haven't quite experienced yet--and it's a true, authentic, conviction
and relationship with Jesus. It is more obvious, and inspiring than I
think you even know and I am thankful that I have been able to see bits
of this!</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$52:0">_____</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$4:0">Life
is full of changes in plans, reasons to celebrate, reasons to cry,
people who love us and people who persecute us. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$4:0"><b><i>In all these situations,
only one thing remains</i></b>: </span></span></span><br />
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$4:0">the Way, the Truth, and the Life...that is,
God himself. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$4:0"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".3e.$mid=11418372666319=23571c7e740b53d3f66.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$4:0"><br /></span></span></span>Kelsey Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282294103335857500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720629083451699508.post-84896064124135386182014-12-23T00:13:00.001-08:002014-12-23T00:13:43.412-08:00Joy to the World! <span class="_c24 _50f3"><span></span></span><br />
<span class="_c24 _50f3">A few years back, I had an assignment to write an exegetical paper from a passage in Luke. Seeing as it is appropriate for this time of year, the time when we remember and celebrate Jesus coming to earth, being born as a child, I thought I would share it. I will admit, it is a bit dry, but hopefully there is something that you can learn from it. <br /> </span><br />
<br />
<span class="_c24 _50f3">Luke 2:8-12<br />8 That night , there were some shepherds staying in the field nearby, watching over their flocks 9 when unexpectedly, an angel of the Lord stood among them. The radiant glory of God beamed all around them and they were filled with fear . 10 But the angel comforted them saying “Don’t be afraid. I am here to deliver a message full of good news and great joy to all people, everywhere ! 11 On this very day, in the city of David, a Savior has been born; a Savior who is the Messiah, Christ the Lord . 12 When you look for him , look for a baby wrapped in cloth and resting in a manger.”<br /><br /><br />Exegetical Issues<br /> This passage is a periscope from within a larger context of the birth story of Jesus. We pick up in the story after already knowing that Jesus is born, but now getting a glimpse into how the rest of the world discovers the birth of the Savior. The news is first brought to the shepherds staying in a nearby field. This is consistent with the theme in Luke of bringing up the lowly and focusing on poverty. I focused on the initial interaction between the angel of the Lord and the shepherds in the field. <br /> There are several manuscripts which say “behold” before the angel of the Lord, however most important manuscripts omit this . Either way, it doesn’t change much other than emphasizing more excitement within this verse. The only other text critical issue could be seen in verse 11, saying “Christ the Lord” instead of “Lord Christ,” though this is also not seen as anything significant. There is also no significant text variance in this passage. <br /><br />Verse-By-Verse Interpretation<br /> “8 That night, there were some shepherds staying in the field nearby, watching over their flocks” <br /><br /> Pointing out that the shepherds were near or in the same region as where Jesus was born points out a circumstantial link between the shepherds and the birth scene . There are several connections to David through this location and profession, (which I will get to later in this section). Living in the field, or “out of doors” was frequently linked to the life of a shepherd; they were known to spend their life in the open air . Watching was kept by turns, so that only one shepherd needed to be awake at a time. The night setting prepares the scene for the spectacular illumination, one of the many juxtapositions displayed in this passage. It also affirms both the unexpected event and the dark predicament of the people of Israel . This watching at night was a natural nightly activity of the shepherds. <br /> Israel understood themselves as a nation of shepherds compared to their neighbors who are either settled farmers or city dweller . Because of this, the image they used for their God and their king or Messiah was the image of a shepherd. The shepherding occupation held a low place in society. They were classified as thieves and were outcasts, not allowed into the city for they were not trusted by the general public . Shepherds were seen as shiftless, dishonest people who let their flocks graze on others lands . It is important to note that the Angel of the Lord is announcing the birth to the shepherds, rather than to the parents; this gives a double meaning to the shepherds being “outsiders.” They are not only low in regard to society, but they are also outside the circle of Jesus’ family of origin, “This portends the considerable ramifications of this birth, which cannot be conceived as a family affair, and may also anticipate the redefinition of “family” in Jesus’ ministry .”<br /> There is significant context that we can draw from knowing a little about the shepherds. “The implication of Luke’s story is that Jesus was born at a time when sheep could still be kept in the field—sometime between April and November .” It is interesting that we celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25th, but it didn’t actually start that way. In the third century A.D. some parts of the church celebrated January 6 as the birthday of Jesus. It wasn’t until the fourth century that the date was displaced by December 25 (it was the date of the winter solstice according to the Julian calendar).<br />It is fascinating how the reference to shepherds sparks a positive, pastoral image in modern time after hearing how negative their occupation was. This could be because of the association with the line of David, in the first century. <br /> Before David became King, he was a shepherd, keeping his sheep, “Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Are all your sons here?’ And he said, ‘There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.’” (1 Samuel 16:11). David’s origins remained in Bethlehem, “but David went back and forth from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Bethlehem.” (1 Samuel 17:15). The very pastures that the angels visited were the same ones that David spent his youth and fought the lion and the bear . God called him away from an occupation of shepherding sheep to become a “shepherd” over the nation of Israel, “Thus says the LORD of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel” (2 Samuel 7:8). There is often a symbolization used with shepherds to show all who care for God’s people . <br /> During the time of David’s rule, there was a great longing of Israel for the restoration of the glory. The people hoped for a king who once more should set Israel free. David did much more than just rule the people; he represented the immortal grandeur of the heart of humanity seeking after God . The birth of Jesus represents a new richness of significance as we link it with the long, long needs and yearnings of the centuries that have gone. <br /> In just one verse, Luke is able to pack in context; developing further Jesus’ connection with David and Bethlehem, and, second, graphically picturing Jesus as one sent to the lowly and outcast. <br /><br /><br />“9 when unexpectedly, an angel of the Lord stood among them. The radiant glory of God beamed all around them and they were filled with fear.”<br /><br /> The word used to say “to come up and stand by” seems to by a favorite Lukan word, used of the arrival of supernatural persons . Due to the fact that the angel who came to visit is referred to as “an Angel of the Lord,” probably indicates that he be equated with Gabriel. Gabriel also appeared to Zechariah and again to Mary . They were both greeted in the same way . Accompanied with the appearance of the Angel, there is a dazzling display of the glory of the Lord which illuminates the entire area around the shepherds. The word that is used here literally means “to shine around.” This specific word is only used one other time in the NT at Acts 26:13, “At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me.” The illumination and bright lights are a sign of being in the presence of heavenly beings. It is here that we find a beautiful juxtaposition of night and light.<br /> The definition of glory is “the splendor associated with God’s perceptible presence , or a luminous quality, frequently a divine attribute” or “the majesty and splendor accompanying God’s presence .” There are examples of this all over the OT, but some references include Exodus 16:7, 10; 24:17; 40:34; Ps 63:3; Isa 60:1; etc. <br />It is interesting to point out that the glory of God is seen not around the manger, but around the angels. What does this mean? It is not history, but the Word of God that has splendor. As Bovon said, “Only the Word of the Lord, which cannot be taken captive, can shine forth as theologia gloriae.” From the moment Jesus is born, we are directed towards the story of the cross. The crescendo of the “glory of the Lord” plays up the eschatological relevance of the present happening.<br />The fear of God in the presence of all his glory can only be great, but Luke leaves no room to doubt that the shepherds were completely filled with it. Fear is a standard reaction to having a divine encounter. There are many people in the Bible who were confronted by God through his angels and their responses all consistently included fear. We find stories of these encounters with Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Jeremiah, Daniel, Zechariah, Mary, Shepherds, Peter, Paul and John.<br />There are also plenty of times throughout the ministry of Jesus that he has to reassure the person he is with to not be afraid. Even his disciples had this kind of fear and needed Jesus’ assurance; for instance, they were all terrified at the transfiguration of Jesus , as well as when they were at sea and saw Jesus walking towards them . <br />The definition of the kind of fear used in this passage (phobeo, phobos) is “to tremble or to quake. ” In the OT, fear was often also referred to as a reverence, or to hold in respect. <br /><br /><br />“10 But the angel comforted them saying “Don’t be afraid. I am here to deliver a message full of good news and great joy to all people, everywhere!”<br /><br />The response to an interaction with an angel is consistently fear, but the response of God is also consistent: do not be afraid. As soon as they sense God’s desire to communicate with them, the fear subsides. The angelic messenger deals with the fear by assuring the shepherds that God’s intentions are gracious. He also validates the encouragement of telling the shepherds not to be afraid by the content of the message that he brings; they went from being filled with fear, to being filled with joy. This is yet another beautiful juxtaposition held within this passage, “The darkness is showered with brilliance as the people who wait in darkness see a great light (Isa. 9:2). The contrast between the humble setting of the birth and the glory of the angelic announcement could hardly be more dramatic. ” <br />The joy that is enclosed in this message is so extensive that it banishes all fear. The “great joy” is in order because of the “good news.” Of course, as Bovon states, “’joy’ should be understood metonymically. The good news for all the people is the birth of the son, not the shepherd’s joy.” The verb that is used to “announce good news” is the same verb used for the proclamation of the gospel, and the effects of this good news will be joy for all people. Luke uses this verb for describing the gospel message throughout the book of Acts . Joy and celebration were a sure reaction for the news comprised of everything which the Jews had been hoping and waiting for—a Savior! Soon the good news would bring great joy to people across the entire globe. <br />At first, “all people” was meant just for the people of Israel (the word here, laos, referred to Israelites, not to people in general ). It is quite possible that Luke’s desire when describing the angel’s announcement was to emphasize the universalism of the gospel. <br /><br />“11 On this very day, in the city of David, a Savior has been born; a Savior who is the Messiah, Christ the Lord.”<br /><br /> Luke uses the verb for “on this very day,” or “today,” several times throughout the book , often using it to mean the beginning of the time of messianic salvation. It is both a fulfillment of the prophecy and its present relevance, meaning that if we know God in our lives today, we should hear his voice; salvation is in our sight. <br /> It is here that for the first and only time in Luke, the word “savior” is used of Jesus . Jesus is referred to as Savior one other time in the Gospels, by the Samaritan who came to believe in Jesus . The combination of the title “Messiah, Lord” is nowhere else in the NT, and the precise meaning is unknown . The name “savior” was often use for the Greeks and Romans to refer to their gods as well as to great military or political leaders. For example, Julius Caesar was called “savior.” Now, the role of Savior as Lord, one who helps or delivers his people, has been transferred to Jesus . <br /> The title “Christ the Lord” is not found anywhere else in the NT . In Greek, The word for Christ means “Anointed One.” To be anointed meant to be set apart for some special purpose, for example, Moses anointed Aaron and his sons as the first priests of Israel . Lord could also be used of the Roman emperor (and was used of Augustus), but in this case refers to deity; proclaiming that this child was “Lord” meant that God had arrived in human form, he was the one for whom all Israel was waiting.<br /><br /><br />“12 When you look for him, look for a baby wrapped in cloth and resting in a manger.”<br /><br /> We see in this verse once again Luke focusing on the theme of poverty. We see the Savior, Messiah, Christ the Lord who is the source and meaning of all life reveal himself in the form of a little child, coming unnoticed into an unknown town. Not even the shepherds had heard of the place where Jesus was born, but they were to go looking for him. The sign given to them by the Angel would not only lead them to find the Child, but it would also attest to the truth of the Angel’s words to the very last detail. It was in simplicity and lowliness that Jesus’ life began, and it was through the simple and low people and places that most of his work would be done.<br /><br /><br />Significance for Theology and Preaching<br />There are no similar passages in any of the synoptic Gospels. One interesting thing I did find, however, was that the phrase used to describe the fear the shepherds felt when the Angel of the Lord appeared is the same exact phrase used in Mark 4:41 when the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water (they feared a mega fear). While none of the other Gospels contained this story, it remains through the entirety of Luke of the first shall be last and bringing up the lowly. This passage is a beautiful representation of how the Lord of all set the example with His life, starting his mission from the moment He was born.<br />This passage is the start of Jesus’ incarnational life. From the very beginning, He came to and for those who are considered lowly in this life. This was showed in a couple of different ways throughout the passage, including being born and placed in a manger, and having shepherds be the first to know of his birth (besides Mary and Joseph). Jesus was not born unto Herod, in his palace at Jerusalem, or to Augustus Caesar, on his throne in mighty Rome, and certainly not to chief priests and scribes. No, Jesus was born unto the humble, the lowly, to the expectant hearts; this is the redeeming message. Jesus reveals through his birth, and through the rest of his life that the message is not only that there is a God, but that God comes very near; “To believe that God is a strength sufficient for us is another and still more inspiring confidence. But to believe that God is not only almighty, that he is not only all-sufficient, but that he is God with us, God near, the understanding and the intimate—that is best of all. ” <br /><br /><br />Works Cited<br />"Phobeo, Phobos" TDNT Vol. IX Pg 189; 198-204; 208-211; 212-217. <br />1, Luke. Luke 1. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2002.<br />Barton, Bruce B., Dave Veerman, and Linda K. Taylor. Life Application Bible Commentary. Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, 1997.<br />Bock, Darrell L. The NIV Application Commentary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996.<br />Bovon, Francois. Luke 1. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2002.<br />Bowie, Walter Russell, Paul Scherer, John Knox, and Samuel Terrien. The Interpreter's Bible. New York & Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1952.<br />Evans, Craig A. New International Biblical Commentary. Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group, 1990.<br />Green, Joel B. The New International Commentary. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1997.<br />Keck, Leander E. The New Interpreter's Bible. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1995.<br />Neale, David A. Luke 1-9. Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press, 2011.<br />Nolland, John. Word Biblical Commentary. Dallas: Word Books, 1993.<br />Plummer, Alfred. The International Critical Commentary. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1914.<br />Smith, Jonathan Z., and William Scott Green. The HarperCollins Dictionary of Religion. San Francisco: HarperCollins, 1995.<br />Washington, Harold C. "Fear" ABD. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2007.<br /><br /></span>Kelsey Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282294103335857500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720629083451699508.post-44427512270951745262013-08-19T23:08:00.001-07:002013-08-19T23:08:28.627-07:00Post Camp Reflection<div class="MsoNormal">
For me, camp is a magical place. It’s a place where expectations
are left at home, walls come down, you let loose and you become more yourself
than you’ve ever felt. People always describe a camp high feeling that you get
after leaving camp, this feeling that is you to the absolute maximum capacity. I
am convinced that this feeling is fulfilled by an encounter of us coming to
terms with exactly who God created us to be—fully alive. Think about every
activity you engage in at camp. In most cases, you are completely present; the
biggest distraction may be a curiosity about what’s on the lunch menu or if the
boy from the Broken Arrow cabin did a double take in your direction. But even
then, these are slight in comparison to the distractions we face on a daily
basis in the “real world.” Camp provides you with the opportunity to take a
break from whatever you may have come from back home, and just be focused on
one thing, and one thing only, and that is being fully alive. Granted, there is
no way for us to be fully alive if it were not for the presence of the Lord,
giver of life itself. But that’s exactly where the magic of camp happens, what
a beautiful thing!<o:p></o:p></div>
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This past week has provided for me once again to be a part
of that magic. Being behind the scenes and on the Young Life team in the Czech
Republic gets me all jazzed on life and camp and youth ministries all over
again! I may sound like a broken record, but I just feel so blessed to have
been able to have the opportunity to come and be a part of what the Lord is
doing over here. I cannot tell you how much hope I am filled with when even
though I am in one of the most self-proclaimed atheist counties in the world,
the kids that come to camp being no exception, by the end of the week hearing
story after story from leaders of how hearts are being opened, and how kids
felt something that they simply couldn’t describe. Our God is bigger than following
rules of 20 minutes of silence, and he is bigger than the title of an atheist.
In fact, he is WAY bigger. <o:p></o:p></div>
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At the end of the week, after the gospel message was
presented, and after 20 minutes of silence, summer staff and work crew gathered
on stage to sing and welcome kids back into the club room. As all of us sat on
stage singing worship songs for the camp of 109 students, I have never felt the
Holy Spirit more present. Kids who tried to deny all week, were finally
breaking down to a point of finally allowing themselves to feel. </div>
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As these Czech
kids trickled into the room, singing and filling the room with words of praise
there was such a feeling of hope inside of me I couldn’t help but smile as I
kept singing and looking at all the faces around the room. It was an honest and
beautiful holy moment that I will never forget.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I don’t think there is any way for my experience in Prague
to have been any better. God has been opening my eyes and my heart to new
places and new people. We left Prague on a train today, and as sappy and cheesy
as this sounds, as I looked out over the beautiful scenery, I honestly felt my
heart growing more and more attached to this country. It’s too early to tell
when exactly now, but I do know that I will be back. That’s for sure. <o:p></o:p></div>
Kelsey Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282294103335857500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720629083451699508.post-11649774041661549162013-04-21T23:47:00.000-07:002013-04-21T23:55:52.374-07:00More Than A Feel Good God.<br />
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All around me I am seeing
Christianity being advertised as something that will make you feel better. God
has become someone that exists to take away our problems and turn our lives
into a fairy tale with a happy ending. Christianity is being taught as a social
lubricant--it is a nice thing, and people feel good when they do nice things.
But with this, we find that yeah sure, not a lot of people are opposed to
Christianity, but at the same time there are not many people who are strongly
devoted either. In order to make it more appealing, the church is offering a
Christianity that is watered down, and it is turning into nothing more than
Moralistic Therapeutic Deism. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, as I keep reflecting on the
past few years, I see that there have been quite a few struggles that I have
encountered. I got to thinking that if I believed in a God that existed to make
my life better and easier, then after going through the things I have recently,
I should have no faith left. A feel good God hasn’t been doing a very good job
at making my life feel super good all the time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Thank GOD, that is not the God that
is omnipotent. While it may seem backwards, the God I worship actually calls me
into suffering. There are things in this world that are not good, but He has
already suffered them, and still remained good. And through my trials, I am
confident that He is good no matter which way my life turns. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Last week I got to witness a
miracle. My friend, and teammate noticed that she her lymph nodes were swollen.
She had me feel them while we were warming up for our 4x1 relay. We thought it
was weird that they were so big, and yet she didn’t feel sick at all. We
laughed at the possibility of her slowly turning into a dinosaur, and then
dismissed it as we prepared for our race. A couple of days later, she ended up
going to the hospital due to the nodes increasing in size. She was quickly emitted
and referred to an oncologist to biopsy the growths. They put her under as they
removed the node completely to send it to the labs, however, the oncologist,
seeing similar cases every day, gave her the odds. There was a 92% chance that
it was cancer. He was so sure it was some form of lymphoma, he started to
discuss with her and her family about how she would need to start chemo
treatment as soon as possible. Additionally, because chemo was so aggressive,
it would in turn make her sterile, so she needed to start thinking about if she
wanted to harvest her eggs in the hopes of having a child of her own one day.
As you can imagine, this was a lot to take in. It seemed as though her whole
life as she knew it was going to change.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The next
day, the oncologist came running to her room. The results were in, and to the
shock of everyone, they did not include cancer! Instead, she had a rare disease
that is usually only found in young Asian women called Kikuchi-Fujimoto (…she
is far from Asian, making it even more rare). Not only was it great news that
she didn’t have cancer, but Kikuchi-Fujimoto is a disease that doesn’t even
need treatment, her body would naturally take care of it and the swollen nodes
would simply dissipate in time. Praise Jesus for His healing and for His mercy!
This was a time to celebrate! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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A couple of days later we had a
track meet out in San Marcos. As I was in the midst of my normal warm-up routine,
I noticed one of the girls on my team just kinda zoning out. I went up to her
and asked how she was doing. Immediately her eyes started to well up, “track
wise, or life wise?” she asked. “Both.” “Well. I’m not feelin so good about
this race. And well, this week has been rough.” Her eyes started to water even
more. Just a few months prior, her mother passed away after a long battle
against MS. “I mean, of course I’m thrilled that Jenn is healed. And I hate
that I feel this way, but I can’t help but feel some jealousy. It’s great that Jenn
doesn’t have cancer, but why did she get healed and my mom didn’t? For all the
people praying for my mom, and the people depending on her, and for what a
beautiful, wonderful heart she had for the Lord, why did she have to die? Why?
What makes the situations different? I don’t get why she couldn’t get healed.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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At this point I found myself wiping
my eyes as well. I had no words to give her, so we just stood there and cried
for a little while. It was a beautiful moment of simply being present. And
while I think that these moments are very needed, it still bothered me that even
after I couldn’t come up with a solid answer to that very loaded “why”
question. So I started doing some searching. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Word is the place where the Lord
reveals himself, so I started there. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We find honesty in scripture. In
Acts, James dies, but Peter is released from prison. Why? <i>Sometimes healing comes now, and sometimes healing comes at the
resurrection. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
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John the Baptist sends to ask if
Jesus is the one that is to come, or if they should be waiting for someone
else. Being in jail, what John wants to hear is that the captives are set free,
yet that is not the message he hears in return. Instead, he hears “blessed is
anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” (Luke 7:23) In other words,
blessed are those that don’t stumble just because they do not understand what
Jesus is doing. But trust enough to not try and take things into their own
hands. John wants to hear that the captives are set free, but what he <i>needs</i> to hear is that the dead are
raised! <o:p></o:p></div>
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What it comes down to isn’t an
answer that we ever really like to hear. There is no one way of addressing the
why of things we don’t understand happening. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Except to trust. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Trust that the God we believe in is
a good God, even when our circumstances are anything BUT good. Trust that while
we may be broken now, we will be healed and will get to experience the resurrection.
Our hope and our trust is not in what is seen, but in what is unseen. <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Kelsey Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282294103335857500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720629083451699508.post-40522781510494125162012-12-01T17:28:00.000-08:002012-12-01T22:46:37.010-08:00Reflection of Ministry<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">From spring semester of junior year at PLNU, I reflected on my ministry, particularly with Younglife:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This semester as an intern for Younglife has been a continued lesson of being humbled. God has been showing me how little I actually know, but in the midst of that how I can still be used in this state just simply by being present. Through various classes this semester, books I’ve read, and the events life has thrown at me, I have learned an incredible amount about what it means to have an enduring resilience when it feels like the whole world wants me to fail. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My views of what ministry is have changed somewhat dramatically over the course of just a few months. My previous ideas of ministry have grown and have been added on to, while I have also gained new perspectives. Before, ministry to me was an organization; while this can be true, it is not limited to that. I have learned how I can apply myself in the most impactful way to an organized ministry, and I have also learned the beauty of being a “walking” ministry. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Being part of Younglife has given me a deeper sense of the endurance needed in ministry. There is a serious delay of gratification that comes along with it, especially when you are just starting out. Even though I grew up in Younglife, coming back as a leader and trying to hang out with big crowds of high schooler’s was very intimidating for me. It took longer than I wanted for me to start feeling comfortable and for me to form the relationships that I wanted with the high school students. I have learned that sometimes, feeling uncomfortable, tired, and annoying doesn’t mean that I’m in the wrong place or doing the wrong thing, but is actually part of the job description. I have learned that more times than not, I don’t feel like going or being involved, and could come up with one hundred excuses not to; but I have also learned that there isn’t a single time I have regretted my decision to go anyways. Through my participation in Younglife I have created a community with high schoolers as well as fellow leaders, and with community, comes passion.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Community has always been my passion, but being a part of Younglife has helped me to define the details of what that looks like. A rich community is the result of intentionality. There is something to be said for pursuing each relationship and making it a point to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, wanted, and like they can be themselves. Younglife has shown me the importance of this intentionality and the hard work it takes. For example, texting high school girls every day, or meeting them before school—these are not my first choice activities to do, but without them the relationship between me and them would not exist. There is also a certain sense of accountability that is applied when you start to be more intentional. I have found how I am an example and a leader in every facet of life, and not just from one aspect of it. This is where living incarnationally really comes into play. I want my whole life to be an example of how to live a Christ centered life, not just bits and pieces of it. The people I’m leading shouldn’t have to rely on me to have the right words; to the best of my ability as a flawed human, I should be a walking example <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have learned how my gifting’s of hospitality, encouragement and helps all work together to brew up my passion for community. Knowing my own gifts, passions and strengths better has helped me to see ministry outside the organization. There is something so much bigger going on than just doing a nice thing for someone else, or “paying it forward”. When I am doing something that is JUST for someone else, I see myself get warn down after a short time. But I have learned to change my perspective; I am not in a ministry of doing nice things for other people, but rather a ministry of serving Jesus, Lord of all. There are times when I am doing something nice for someone else, but instead of having a loving heart about it, I catch myself holding a grudge inside, as if I am keeping tabs in a sense of all the good things that I do compared to others. This is the point at which doing nice things becomes draining. However, I have been learning to change that entire mindset. For example, I do not do my roommates dishes because she deserves for me to be doing them, but because it is a way in which I can be serving God. That is the point of which doing dishes goes from a seemingly big hassle, to instead the very simplest way I can glorify God. My perspective changed drastically when I compared doing dishes for someone else as a nice act, and Jesus innocently dying of the cross for me as His nice act. This comparison can almost be laughed at it is so absurd! This new perspective has enriched so many of my relationships and has even helped me to become a much more joyful person.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Throughout this semester my relationships have been a key factor in helping me to get though some particularly hard times. It has been interesting and humbling for me to see the two very different sides of relationships. On one hand, I have been very broken, and in low places where I have needed people to come and see me at my lowest in order to help me get back up. On the other hand, I have become a leader to girls who look up to me. The people that I surround myself on a daily basis have an incredible influence on me, and I am so blessed to have women of faith who can encourage me in my life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Throughout this internship, I have come to learn that you can expect almost nothing in terms of what the journey of ministry will look like. We may have ideas, and thoughts, and goals for places we want to go, and more often than not God will step up and redirect our plans, reminding us that our view of where we are going is almost blind compared to what God can see as the bigger picture. God is outside of time and is really good at looking past what we can get stuck in seeing. In reading Henri Nouwen’s books, I have learned how our ministry really isn’t an act. Sometimes we can see ourselves as up on a tight rope, performing an act for everyone and expected to be applauded and praised when we get to the other side without falling. Get down. This isn’t about you. Why should I be expecting so much praise for myself? What I am but a mere instrument in God’s glorious master plan?! I have experienced so much grace from the people who surround me in ministry. Learning that I am going to fail sometimes, but that doesn’t make me a complete disappointment. There have been many times when I haven’t been able live up to my own expectations, and in turn I become very hard on myself, but I have been so blessed to be surrounded my people who remind me that it’s OKAY, and that I am still doing a good job simply because of how much I love. This has been vital, as sometimes I feel so inadequate that I want to quit, but the encouragement from those around me reminds me of the grace I receive every day. We are all “inadequate” in some way, but God still chooses to give us jobs that He trusts us with. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by the people I am in ministry with, and how my relationship with those people has grown exponentially since joining Younglife. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I look back in reflection over this past semester and the ministry I have been involved in, it is very apparent to me how much growth occurred. I feel like I have gotten to know myself so much better, and along with that I have been able to apply myself places where I can be most impactful. I am able to feel so much more joy than I feel like I ever have before; I have also gained a new perspective on ministry, community, relationships, myself, and life in general. While I would never choose to go through the journey I have been on this past semester again, I am so, so grateful that I have experienced what I have. The future in ministry is one I can honestly picture myself in, and is one that I feel I am being prepared for every day. I feel better equipped than I ever have, and that makes me excited for the future, but I also know that I have so much to learn. I want to continue to learn, but not let the knowledge of what I learn get in the way of the relationships that develop out of a real open heart passion. </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Kelsey Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282294103335857500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720629083451699508.post-89432111207339201052012-07-27T19:02:00.001-07:002012-07-27T19:02:23.913-07:00It's a Younglife Thing<br />
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After car-washes, rummage sales, flocking, and hounding everyone I knew for financial support, we finally made it to Younglife camp. I learned so much, and had the most amazing time building relationships with the high schoolers and fellow leaders. I would love to share some of my experience...</div>
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This year we went to Lost Canyon
Younglife camp which is located in the high elevation of Williams, Arizona.
After a 7 hour bus ride, we emerged from the trees and into an oasis which made
the kids eyes go wide! We were greeted by music, summer staff cruising down the
zip-line into the huge lake, people flying off the blob high into the air
before splashing in the water, and two grown men dressed up like they were
cowboys from the wild west. From the moment we stepped off the bus, we knew we
were in for the week of a lifetime. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The list of our activities is a
long one; there is rarely a still moment at camp, but none of us would have it any
other way! On a regular basis there was the option to go on the zip line,
launch off the blob, go down two different water slides, go on a 100 foot
swing, rock climb, play Frisbee golf and other field games including soccer and
football, play basketball (on the inside or outdoor court), cool off with an
ice cream treat, create jewelry from what seemed like an endless supply of
beads, and that’s just to name a few! We also had assigned days to go horseback
riding, mountain biking, and make our way through a ropes course 70 feet in the
air. The activities provided endless fun, as well has valuable life lessons as
the girls accomplished things they never thought they could.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My cabin had 5 high school girls in
it. The typical schedule for Younglife camp includes a camp speaker followed by
what’s called “cabin-time”, or just a time to all get on the same level in your
cabin, eat yummy snacks, and talk about what the speaker had just gone over.
Usually, the first night is pretty surface level, progressively getting deeper
and more vulnerable as the week goes on. However, in the case of our cabin, the
girls opened up right off the bat on the first night, proving just how bad they
needed someone to listen. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I have had a lot of experience with
Younglife as I have grown up with it in Wilsonville…but let me tell you,
leading in San Diego is a whole different ballpark than leading in the small suburb
I was in. I was in awe as I sat and
listened to how much each of these girls had gone through already in their
lives. It brought me to tears listening to the hurt and pain that they had endured
in their lives at only 16. Not one of them came from a family in which their parents
were still married; one girl met her dad for the first time earlier in the
year, and broke down talking about how poorly her time with him had gone and
how unloved she felt. One girl didn’t have a home to go back to as they had
just been evicted right before she left for camp. One girl wept as she
described the horrible rumors that were flying around the school directed at
her. One girl talked about how she felt more at home when she went to school
than when she went to her house (and considering their school, that’s saying a
lot). One girl confessed to having an abortion. I could go on and on about the
painful confessions but needless to say, these girls needed this week away from
home and all their pain and had definitely come to the right place. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As the week went on, we (me and the
other leaders) continued to develop close relationships with these girls. The
truth and the love of God were starting to penetrate into their hearts. The
further into the week we got, the more questions they would ask. There was a
longing desperately crying out from a void in their heart they had been living
with this whole time. They were so curious about the bible and about Jesus and
all the stories—it was amazing to watch their curiosity! There was one night
when two of the girls stayed up until 4am reading the bible in the bathroom.
They woke up excited the next morning to tell us about Abraham and what he did
in the Old Testament. Their longing for the Lord was apparent, and by the end
of the week, they were excited and eager to accept Christ into their hearts and
start living a life for Him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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On the night of the last cabin
time, we snuck off into the darkness of camp to a secluded area, the stars
brighter than any of these city kids had ever seen. We sat in a circle and
after repeating the words I provided them with, 4 of the 5 girls accepted
Christ into their hearts to rule their lives. They confessed their sins and acknowledged
that they believed He died and rose again three days later. After they each had
their turn saying the pray themselves, I explained how all the multitudes of
angels were having a party in their honor, welcoming them into the family! We
all sat there and wept, overcome with the love that we felt surrounded by. It
was by far, one of the most beautiful and powerful moments I have ever
experienced. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The one girl that chose to wait a
little longer to accept Christ into her life has a very large seed planted in
her. She was given a bible, the first she ever owned, and has since been
digging through it. We have been reading through Matthew together, and it is
amazing being able to answer some questions for her. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I have been so humbled. Sometimes
being called a “leader” gives off the impression that we will be doing the
teaching. But over and over again I have found that I learn way more from the
girls I lead than I ever expected. I went into camp with a lot of insecurities,
and left feeling strong and empowered.<span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0.5in;"> I have been so blessed by this incredible opportunity that I had the honor of being a part of. How amazing
and how BIG is our God, eh?!</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Psalm 95:2—Let us come into His
presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of
praise.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>Kelsey Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282294103335857500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720629083451699508.post-52489975623252795072011-11-15T09:51:00.000-08:002012-12-01T17:30:04.004-08:00Humbled by Obedience<div style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">
I have been a christian my whole life. I have prayed. I have read the bible. I have been in fellowship. I have gone to church. But I've never felt the Holy Spirit in me as much as I did last week. It woke me up, it gave me a clear image and told me to pray. It told me to be obedient. It commanded it! The following letter is a result of this. It was written to a man named Bob Goff. This man does incredible work for the kingdom. </div>
<br />
<b>A little bit of background on Bob: </b><br />
<div class="entry">
<i>Bob is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Restore International, a non-profit organization which was established to address the atrocities and injustices committed against children. With a passion and vision for finding audacious ways to restore justice to children and the poorest of the poor, Restore’s mission is to make a difference on behalf of those who do not otherwise have a voice.</i><br />
<i>With a team of dedicated people, Restore International has pursued justice for the needy. They have worked with Uganda’s judiciary in bringing to trial over 200 cases, including cases involving children who were languishing in jail without trial. In 2007, the Restore Academy was started. It is a school in the war-torn region of Gulu, with a current enrollment of 220 students. (Bio taken from <a href="http://bobgoff.com/?page_id=2">http://bobgoff.com/?page_id=2</a>)</i><br />
<i>Recently, he has been helping to prosecute the witch doctor that attacked a little boy named Randolph. Randolph is an 8 year old Ugandan boy who recently had his genitalia cut off by a local witch doctor and was left to die in a field. What Bob and the judge who prosecuted the witch doctor are doing is making sure word is out that if they do anything of the sort again they will go to prison for life or get the death penalty. </i><br />
<br />
<b>Now, listen to this work of the Holy Spirit. </b></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Good morning!<br />
This is a little bit of a strange message. I don't think I've ever actually met you in person, but I know who you are, and some of the things you do over in Uganda with the youth. Something kind of strange happened to me this morning.<br />
<br />
About an hour ago I just woke up. (Keep in mind, this NEVER happens to me. I don't "just wake up". I'm the girl who has to set about 6 alarms on my phone and have my roommate shake me just so I don't sleep through my classes. But even beyond that I was up late last night studying for a wold civ exam that I have today--needless to say, it was strange). I was laying in my bed and I just really felt God telling me to pray. Pray hard. Pray specifically for a young man who is in Uganda who you have been helping.There was a heavy burden that was put on my heart for this young man. As I was praying, I also really felt him saying "Kelsey, open my word". So, I started reading my bible. There were a few verses that particularly stuck out to me. <br />
<br />
Psalm 18. Even those that love God, who call him Rock, and Fortress and Deliverer go through strong periods of struggle. It talks about the cords of death entangling, and death being right in front. God gets mad, but he then reaches down from on high and takes hold. He rescues from the powerful enemy! <br />
<br />
I didn't really want to tell you this because I don't know you and was scared of the possibility that you had no idea what I was talking about and I would just look like a fool. But the next thing I read was this:<br />
<br />
Proverbs 15:23 "a man finds joy in giving an apt reply--and how good is a timely word!" <br />
<br />
SO...I don't even really know how to conclude. I guess just know and be blessed that there is an army behind you. People who you don't even know who are praying for you and for everyone you encounter and help. And as for the young man in Uganda, if anyone specifically come to mind, it would be cool to know who I am praying for. If not, I will just continue to pray for those who feel like they are cinched in Hell's ropes, with a noose tight around there neck, the devil's water washing over them. Pray that they would know Jesus can save them. That He will catch them and save them and put their life back together because He loves them so, so much.<br />
<br />
Thanks fro your time, <br />
have a wonderfully blessed day!<br />
<br />
In His name,<br />
Kelsey Starr</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Hello Kelsey,<br />
Thanks for your note. It'll blow your mind if I tell you what I will, but here goes. You wrote your note and I got it after meeting with the witchdoctor I got a life sentence against at trial who is now in the maximum security prison here in Uganda. It's a pretty scary place and I wondered what this guy would say to the guy who put him away for life for taking the body parts of the little boy.<br />
Something amazing happened though Kelsey. I went there to tell him that God forgives him and still wants him to be part of His family. Kelsey, this witchdoctor who is serving a life sentence now has a new life, as He asked Jesus to forgiven Him and to start over....<br />
Thanks for the prayers, friend. In the morning, meeting with 30 other witchdoctors to pick a fight, then leaving with the little boy tomorrow night.<br />
Bob </blockquote>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">How glorious is our God that he would bless me by showing me the powerful affects of prayer, and being obedient! I have learned something so valuable in my heart. I have been humbled and have seen the work that our mighty God can do even through someone as simple as me. Let this be an inspiration. To be obedient, even when you think you may look like a fool. God is much bigger than the fools. Let Him work through you. Will you let Him do that? </span>Kelsey Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282294103335857500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720629083451699508.post-65491858792325162392011-09-29T01:36:00.000-07:002011-09-29T01:36:32.964-07:00God's Time.<a href="http://www.ilasting.com/nadyneqirreh.php">Bolts</a><br />
<br />
Life is so fragile.Kelsey Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282294103335857500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720629083451699508.post-23887290561102370682011-07-26T12:08:00.000-07:002011-07-26T12:14:00.328-07:00Full or Empty? Working at Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp has been teaching me an innumerable amount of life lessons! The most recent of these lessons has been learning what it really means to serve: to serve each other, to serve the children that come, to serve yourself, and most importantly, how to serve God. One of the biggest things I'm finding out is how they are all connected. Serving the children that come is what you may think is the main job description when you hear about working at a summer camp, but it's so much more than that! All the other staff members and myself are constantly emptying ourselves out for them. We are serving God by serving these kids, trying our best to be an example of Jesus to them. But we are all learning that as much as we would love to keep pouring out love on them, we can't do that if we are empty. God has been continuously teaching me that I can't do this ministry on <i>my </i>own power, <i>my </i>own energy and <i>my </i>own love; it's not sufficient, it has to be coming from him. We as staff have to put our "oxygen masks" on first.<br />
<br />
What does it mean to serve yourself? What is your oxygen mask? How do you get from empty, to full?<br />
<br />
<br />
Take.<br />
The.<br />
Time.<br />
<br />
Listen to the things God is trying to teach you. Soak it in. What is he saying?<br />
<br />
After coming to my end, after breaking, after running on empty until I about crash, I finally took the time to let God take over. He had some things to remind me, to whisper to me. He reminded me by showing me a series of different verses that I will share with you.<br />
<br />
Awake, O sleeper, and rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. --Eph. 5:14 <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Kelsey! Do you realize that in order to shine, you have to let ME do it?? </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Let ME fill you up. Let me in. Give me the time, the space, and trust that I can do it. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ...restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself too, lest you be tempted."--Galatians 6:2</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">THIS is the power of Christ in me. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart....If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand."--Psalm 37</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Kelsey, it is OKAY to mess up sometimes. You don't always have to say perfect things, just love me. They will see that you love me! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">"Come to me, all who labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you REST. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."--Matthew 11:28-30</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">You don't have to do this alone Kelsey. I'm right here, and I want to help you!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">"Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you. I've called your name. You're mine. When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you. When you're in rough waters, you will not go down. When you're between a rock and a hard place, it won't be a dead end--because I am God, your personal God. The Holy of Israel, your Savior. I paid a huge price for you: all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in! <i>That's</i> how much you mean to me! <i>That's</i> how much I love you! I'd sell off the whole world to get you back, trade creation just for you. So don't be afraid: I'm with you."--Isaiah 43:1-5</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I'm on your side. I always have been. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Trust that when you're going through a hard time, you can lean on me. Give it to me! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">"So if you find life difficult because you're doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he's doing, and he'll keep on doing it." --1 Peter 4:19</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">When you're doing what I tell you to do, it's definitely not always going to be easy...but trust me! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Trust that I won't ever give you more than you can handle. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Trust that you're doing the right things. Trust that I know what I'm doing. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I'm bigger than all your problems, than all your fears. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."--1 Peter 1:6. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">You're doing this for me, Kelsey. Be an example of me...even in the trials. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">You can do this. I know you can. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">"Gods thoughts are not our thoughts. The way that he works surpasses us all."--Isaiah 55:8,9</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I am way bigger than you could ever imagine.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I work in ways that you don't understand. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> God filled me up when I gave him the chance. He taught me things that I have been able to pass along to campers, other staff members and friends. Sometimes we feel like we don't have time for ourselves because we have to use that time to "serve". I would encourage you to remember that in order to be the best example of Jesus, we have to be full of him, overflowing with his love and his presence in our life. So take the time. Find out what your "oxygen mask" is, and put it on first. Take care of yourself so you can take care of others. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Kelsey Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282294103335857500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720629083451699508.post-48332026609899599502011-04-14T01:09:00.000-07:002011-04-14T01:09:27.812-07:00Hurricane<h3 class="songtitle" style="text-align: center;"><span id="ctl00_cp_lblTitle2"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Find the truth in these lyrics that fit specifically in your life. Tell me how it fits and what it means to you!</span></span></h3><h3 class="songtitle"><span id="ctl00_cp_lblTitle2">Hurricane Lyrics</span></h3><h3 class="songtitle"><span id="ctl00_cp_lblTitle2">needtobreath </span></h3><span id="ctl00_cp_lblContent" style="display: block;">In the fallout now<br />
<i> It's hard to feel like we can turn around<br />
With the damage done<br />
It's hard to see how far we've come</i><br />
<b>We could not be proud<br />
Of where our feet have walked along the ground</b><br />
In the silence now<br />
We play it back and forwards again<br />
<br />
There's a sound in our <span style="font-size: large;"><i>guiltiness</i></span><br />
It's a warning bell that rings<br />
It's a call for our <span style="font-size: large;"><i>loneliness</i></span><br />
And we can't see<br />
<br />
We roll the dice we play like fools<br />
We plead with time to change the rules<br />
It's like a hurricane is coming our way<br />
<u><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: small;">We've all been warned but we still chose to stay</span></u><br />
<br />
I can't believe it now the time has come<br />
<br />
Play the victim here<br />
You know it's nothing but your <span style="font-size: large;"><i>pride </i></span>and <span style="font-size: large;"><i>fear</i></span><br />
But the more you hurt<br />
The more you love the one you were<br />
<br />
<b>There's a sound in our guiltiness<br />
It's a warning bell that rings<br />
It's a call for our loneliness</b><br />
And we can't see<br />
<br />
We roll the dice we play like fools<br />
We plead with time to change the rules<br />
It's like a hurricane is coming our way<br />
<u style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">We've all been warned but we still chose to stay</u><br />
<br />
I can't believe it now the time has come<br />
<br />
In the light of the morning<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Can we change what we felt and heard</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Can we turn it into the glory</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Break the paths of our fathers before us</span></b></i></span><br />
Though we stand on the outside<br />
We will find what we once believed<br />
And will crawl our way to the clear skies<br />
Standing up we are<br />
Standing up we are<br />
<br />
We roll the dice we play like fools<br />
We plead with time to change the rules<br />
It's like a hurricane is coming our way<br />
<u style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">We've all been warned but we still chose to stay</u><br />
<br />
I can't believe it now the time has come</span>Kelsey Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282294103335857500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720629083451699508.post-78870061120209214262011-02-22T01:57:00.000-08:002011-02-22T01:59:26.107-08:00F.R.O.G.<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Ever since about freshman year in high school I have been keeping some sort of journal. Back then, I mostly just wrote everything about my days: the events, the hardships, the exciting news, friends, boys, and the occasional prayer. While I still like to write about things that happen during the day, as I've gotten older I find myself more writing down things that God is doing <i>through </i>the events of my life....a different perspective than before. Probably one of my favorite reasons for keeping a journal is the opportunity it gives me to look back on what God was doing in the past and how things always seem somehow work out. I love relearning things that God taught me at a time of trial. I had the experience of relearning one of these lessons today.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Last spring was kind of a rough time for me. I went through a number of unfortunate events and was tested through it. All the events seemed to pile up and they left me questioning God. It seemed as though every plan I had for the future was bing shot down, changed, or taken away. During this time I was going through a devotional book that had a different verse and meditation for every day. I would write in it things that I was going through and how it applied to that days verse. Looking back, it's pretty incredible how each verse I had seemed to be the most encouraging thing for me in that moment.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I had so many fears and doubts in what God was doing..."God is taking away everything that I thought I had set for my future. My roommate, living situation, guys track team, summer job; I'm scared for my future. I'm stuck. I don't know where to go or what to do. I'm so confused!" However, it seemed as though every step of the way there was a perfect verse to encourage me. For example, Jeremiah 29:11 "'I know the plans I have for you' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'" or Psalm 42:11 "Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again--my Savior and my God!".</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> The whole time God knew exactly what I needed. He was always there to comfort me. Even after every time I ignored him and tried to put the situation into my own hands, he was always quick to forgive and help me again. Going through the book now, it is so evident to me now just how much God had my best interest in mind. His path was, and still is, so much greater than any I could ever think of! God changed my roommate, my major, saved the boys track team, provided me with summer job, and so much more! Each one of these events proved to be so much more than I could have ever asked for.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> In the midst of everything changing, God kind of hit me over the head with a saying to try and get me to let go of my own desires. It was to F.R.O.G., Fully Rely On God. We take things into our own hands way too often; we forget that God is BIG enough to handle it...."it" being anything we are worried about! We are to live each day according to his will. Knowing his will however, isn't always an easy thing to figure out. We can't just throw everything at God then and do nothing about it. It's an active process. James 1:5 says "if you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly tell you. he will not resent your asking.". In everything we do, we should be doing it because it is what the Lord has called us to do. When we start to think we have a handle on things on our own and go after our own desires, we may be fooled into thinking we're satisfied in the moment, but truth is, Gods plan is so much bigger and so much greater! We must remind ourselves daily to FULLY RELY ON GOD (emphasis on the FULLY). Keeping in mind that better may be harder, stop directing yourself, and start listening to the whispers of God. I guarantee he will take care of you. </div>Kelsey Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282294103335857500noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720629083451699508.post-75808752087872644692010-12-06T15:18:00.000-08:002010-12-06T15:24:16.286-08:00Your Lives Aren't Small So the other day one of my friends asked me this question, "do you ever find it hard to follow 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 all the time"? (Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus). My answer to him was absolutely yes! I have been through my share of hard times, and looking back, I didn't always do the best job at being joyful and giving thanks through it all. It's so hard to be joyful ALL the time, or to give thanks in ALL circumstances. But last night when I was reading my bible (2 Cor.) I was reminded of a very important point: it's all in how we handle these situations, after all, we are Christ's representatives. God calls us to "stay at our post", and after we get out of the hard times, he calls up to open up our lives and life expansively! I love the passage from 2 Corinthians 6:3-10, the message version--<br />
<br />
<blockquote>"People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly...in hard times, tough times, bad times; when we're beaten up, jailed, and mobbed; working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love; when we're telling the truth, and when God's showing his power; when we're doing out best setting things right; when we're praised, and when we're blamed; slandered, and honored; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die; immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all."</blockquote><br />
God knows the hard times we're going through; God knows everything. We weren't meant to go through it alone. These times are here to make us grow. God's not the one holding us back, we are. I'm connecting a lot right now with the church of Corinth, and when Paul addresses them in 2 Corinthians 6:11-13 it feels like he's addressing me...<br />
<blockquote>"I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life. We didn't fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren't small, but you're living them in a small way. I'm speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!"</blockquote> I challenge you to share with someone the struggles you are going through. Live openly and bless someone.Kelsey Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282294103335857500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720629083451699508.post-89380630597188280962010-12-05T02:38:00.000-08:002010-12-05T02:45:15.757-08:00Child You're Forgiven and Loved Earlier this week as I came before God, asking for his forgiveness for not spending as much time with him as I should, I was filled with remorse and just felt terrible about not making time in my schedule for what I know should be my top priority...then the this line in the song came...<br />
<div> "I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way that <i>you love me</i>."</div><div> God. He loves me and is simply excited for me to be coming to him now! We spend way to much time reflecting back on to all the things we could have done better, when really there's no need; we're already forgiven! When God forgives, he forgets (something we should learn to do). I thank God for loving me when I so, so don't deserve his love. That is why he is so great....he's so full of love, it BLOWS MY MIND. No matter how much crap I deal to him, he still loves me and still desires to just be in an intimate relationship with me. Nothing can ever separate me from Gods love!! </div><div> Romans 8:38-39 "I am my beloveds and he is mine". I belong with you Jesus! I belong in your arms. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Another song I love, by Jimmy Needham...check out these lyrics. So much truth in this. There is no condemnation in Christ. </div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><strong>Lyrics to Forgiven & Loved</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Tell me I’m forgiven and loved</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">‘Cause I hear it from the street corner priests</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">On how God is love and how man can be clean</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">But my joy has been on holiday</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">And my peace has almost passed away</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Tell me I’m forgiven and free</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">CHORUS</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">O I tried and tried to rectify my hopeless situation</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">But I bought the lie I still have work to do</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Now I’m working nine to five like I can earn my own salvation</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">But there is no condemnation in You</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">O whisper to me now that it’s for real</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">‘Cause in the silence of these walls righteousness lost its appeal</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Dirty deeds have done me in</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">O but that can’t stop the faithful friend</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Giving mercy once again as You heal</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Here it is I’m feeling it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">(Chorus)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">O He died, He died to rectify my hopeless situation</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">And His blood commands my guilt to leave</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Now on Calvary I stand</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Empty pockets, open hands</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">O there is no condemnation for me</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">(Chorus)<br />
<br />
Child, you’re forgiven and loved<br />
Child, you’re forgiven and loved<br />
Child, you’re forgiven<br />
And child, you are loved<br />
Child, you’re forgiven and loved </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span></div>Kelsey Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282294103335857500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720629083451699508.post-33975281655612079872010-12-04T12:03:00.000-08:002010-12-04T12:04:37.906-08:00Make It What You Want It<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> After many weeks of questioning why God placed me here at Point Loma, I finally have found somewhat of the answer. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A little bit of background--</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Over the last few weeks, I've really been feeling confused as to why I was actually at the physical place that I was. I found myself asking questions like, why am I spending all this money to go here when I don't even have a clue about my future? What do you want from me God? What do you want right now? Or tomorrow? Or next year? I'm so lost. I feel like I'm just going through the motions. Will I be here in a year? What have I been doing??</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> To be honest, I was kind of disappointed at the community I found here. I chose to come to a Christan school so I would be surrounded by people on fire for God and ready to challenge me and help me grow. Not to say there's no one here that loves the Lord...I have connected with some truly incredible, Christ seeking people...but as a whole community, it just wasn't what I was expecting. Having a feeling of somewhat being surrounded by hypocrites, and people who don't seem to really be here for the right reasons was kind of bringing me down. Then I would look at a school like Oregon State...a state school, for cryin' out loud...and see them have what seems to be a better Christian communities than I felt we did here. I had to ask myself, why? Why is it that I wasn't getting as much Christ centered relationships at a Christian schools, as some of my friends seemed to be getting at a state school? We've gotten lazy.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> At the peak of all this confusion, I went to a pray/worship night in the greek with some other students. A lot of the people who were there I recognized, but I didn't actually know a lot of them. We worshiped some, then just started randomly sharing things that God had been teaching us recently. After a few people shared, I felt like I needed to speak up. I shared how I didn't really know what I was doing here, how I didn't get why OSU had a better community than we did...I mean, that's the whole reason I came here! I shared more of the struggles I'd been going through. Little did I know, I was preaching to the choir. Then it really hit me--here we are, all these people feeling alone when really all we need to do is come together! Think of what the community would be like if all these people who were struggling with the same thing were intentional about <i>not </i>letting those things happen! We don't want to be someone we're not, but so far on this campus we feel like we're changing...and just can't help it. But together, we can! We need to make this community the community that we want it to be. It doesn't just happen, we make it happen. This may be difficult, but we just have to focus and make a conscious effort to really create this environment. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> So after a bit of trying to start things, a not really being successful, I started to get discouraged again. Why wasn't it just WORKING? God, this is so hard! Why me? I am so busy already. Is this really what you want me to be doing? ....and yet again, God proved to be so faithful. Why do I ever question him? I was at a prayer meeting writing down all these questions and pondering again what I was really doing. Later that night, my friend Abbie shoots me a text saying "God gave me some words for you". The next day I met up with her and she gave me a folded up piece of notebook paper that she had written on the night before at the same prayer meeting. As she handed it to me she said "I honestly don't even remember what I wrote. This is totally from the Lord." As I read it, I almost started crying. It read...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"Kelsey--The word of the Lord:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I love you my precious daughter. You've come so far this year. Continue to pursue intimacy with me my faithful daughter. Your community is here. Create the community you want to see. I have transcended my Holy Spirit upon you."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Thank you God for being SOO big, and watching over me. As I grow older, and in deeper relation with my Heavenly Father, I realize more and more just how small I am, and how big he is. He's got me just where he wants me. I am here now and I need to allow myself to be used by God in any way. I am his servant, even when it may be hard, I need to be obedient and trust that the Lord know what is best for me. </span>Kelsey Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282294103335857500noreply@blogger.com1