Amazing Ministry

First, watch this video:

http://www.wimp.com/robbertears/

I was extremely encouraged by that lady.

I want to meet her but if I don't before either one or both of our lives on earth are over, I know that I will see her in heaven.

I long for ministry opportunities just like that one. It's hard to live out your faith in a radical way when life seems so "normal." I mean, every day is drastically different in every possible way from another but crazy opportunities like what happened to that lady don't happen often, if ever, to most people. I will not discount the opportunities that God has given me to share my faith with others, I just haven't had anyone react in the same way that the lady claims the man who tried to rob her did. I wish I could see the Spirit working, moving, changing people's hearts. Changing my heart.

The video mentions that this lady's story is being spread, and I am again in wonder at how God uses these situations to bring glory to His name. This lady was not looking for attention, but she took her opportunity to minister and God has blessed her through it and has used it for bigger impact than I'm sure she expected.

As this lady has done, we as Christians are all called to spread the gospel message:

"For 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'"

- Romans 10:13-15

Yes, Lord. Send me. Amen.

Never Gonna Let Me Go by Kristian Stanfill

Once, I was lost, wandering in darkness
No life inside, no hope in sight
But He called my name, and He healed my blindness
Set me ablaze, now I'm alive with

His love breaking through my heart of stone, love breathing to awake my bones
Love reaching out to save my soul, love never gonna let me go

And now my heart, so full of worship
I can't hold back, I can't contain it
For all he's done, Jesus my Saviour
I am ablaze and full of thanks for

His love breaking through my heart of stone, love breathing to awake my bones
Love reaching out to save my soul, love never gonna let me go
Love calling me as I am, love making me new again
Love lifting me when I can't, love never gonna let me go

Wherever you've been, whatever you've done
Come as you are, come into His open arms
Wherever you've been, whatever you've done
Come as you are, come find His

Love breaking through my heart of stone, love breathing to awake my bones
Love reaching out to save my soul, love never gonna let me go
Love calling me as I am, love making me new again
Love lifting me when I can't, love never gonna let me go

His love breaking through my heart of stone, love breathing to awake my bones
Love reaching out to save my soul, love never gonna let me go
Love calling me as I am, love making me new again
Love lifting me when I can't, love never gonna let me go
Love never gonna let me go, love never gonna let me go

Wherever you've been, whatever you've done
Come as you are, come into His open arms
Wherever you've been, whatever you've done
Come as you are, come find His love

Worship

What does it mean to worship God?

Scripture says:

"Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness." - Psalm 29:2

"Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth!" - Psalm 96:9

"And Jesus answered him, 'It is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.'" - Luke 4:8

"But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." - John 4:23-24

"We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him." - John 9:31

"I appeal yo you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." - Romans 12:1

As I have been on various music worship teams over the years and have another opportunity to be on worship team tomorrow morning at church, worship has been on my mind.

We are continually reminded as members of the worship team to be in worship in every part of our lives, not only on stage on Sunday morning.

Looking at the Scriptures listed above, I would summarize that true worship is submitting myself to the Lord and serving Him whole heartedly in everything and acknowledging Him for who He is, giving Him all the glory.

Too often I find myself being a worshipper of self. Doing what I please instead of seeking to please the One who has given me life.

Today I failed to worship God. I was frustrated at work and decided to let my frustration affect my conduct. Instead of focusing on the Lord and His love for me, I focused on the negative situations happening at work and I operated with a negative attitude.

I would like to say that I have a reputation for being full of joy at work, but I know that it was a little stained today. After getting a text message from one of my coworkers, which expressed their concern that I seemed upset at work and they felt guilty because they had made a comment to me which they believed caused me to be angry, I realized that I had not operated in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ today. I quickly apologized to my coworker for my negativity and reassured them that the comment had been forgotten and forgiven.

May God continue to work in me to make me a better worshipper no matter what kinds of situations life brings my way.

Let me follow the perfect example of Christ Jesus and be a light to the world. - Philippians 2:1-18

Don't Worry

Ever since I wrote my last final exam on December 19th, the one I dreaded because the class was super hard and I was going into the exam with a 54, I was trying not to worry.

There were many things I was tempted to worry about such as:
- would I be allowed to continue in my program next semester if I failed?
- what would I do with my life if I couldn't continue?
- would I have to take the class again next year?
- what would the people who know me think of me if I failed?

I'm sure there were more things to add to that list but I decided to pray and trust the Lord to help me through the waiting period.

Waiting was hard. The marks were supposed to be posted last Tuesday but they weren't posted until Friday.

*breath of relief*

I passed!

Now when I look back on the situation I see God's provision. He wants me to be a good steward of everything that He has given me so why would He allow my effort and His money to be wasted? I know that all situations do not turn out this way but I see it as a clear confirmation that He wants me to keep pursuing a career in nursing. Next semester starts right away and I want to do my best for His glory at both work and school.

It feels good to be given a chance to begin fresh this semester. I praise God for His trustworthiness and faithfulness throughout my life, especially in the difficult waiting times. It's true that "The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him." - Psalms 28:7

New Year Goals

It always feels fresh and energizing to have a new start. I especially enjoy January 1st for that reason.
Though I usually just ponder about goals that I would like to achieve in the New Year, this time I want to write them out for a bit of extra motivation.

1. I want to spend at least 30 minutes reading the Bible and praying every morning.
2. I want to spend at least 30 minutes running every morning.
3. I want to run at least one official half-marathon and do it under 1 hour and 45 minutes.
4. I want to pray for specific people in my life who don't know Christ every day.
5. I want to stay debt-free.
6. I want to be able to do 20 man push-ups in a row.

I think that's a fair list. So far so good! :)