Once upon a time not very long ago when I was nervous about going to nursing school and leaving my family, another wise mother told me a story about her daughter... This sweet family is true blue {literally} and was an example of humility, trust, and love to me when they did not even know it. Thanks to Teenpact we got to meet a couple years later! These bright smiles were the highlight of my day, and the cheery handfuls of wildflowers picked for me were a close second :)
1 Comment
"Rend your hearts and not your garments."... Joel 2:13 I have to admit, it has been a long time since I last read Joel. But since reading this short book last week, this one verse has replayed in my mind over and over... What does it mean to rend your heart - practically? It is contrasted to tearing your clothes which is often mentioned in Scripture as a sign of intense grief or anguish usually in response to a loved one's death or God's judgement on the nation of Israel. The book of Joel was likely written after the children of God returned from a time of exile in Babylon to the land of Israel. The people were then faced with a famine due to locusts and God calls His people to repent and return to the Lord, for in the Day of the Lord He will bring deliverance and judgement to the nations and bless His people with His Spirit. “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, In other verses it is compared to circumcision. This is an even more tangible, painful, obvious picture. It is sometimes easy for me to slip into thinking that repentance is only necessary for salvation, or perhaps, we only take time to cry out to the Lord after a special conference or camp, but it should be a regular part of our worship to the Lord. A question once asked by a pastor still rings in my mind, "When was the last time you cried over your sin?" This does not mean you have to cry to be sincere, but when is the last time we at least thought seriously about our sin? A Christian imprisoned for his faith once asked his wife to please not cry for him but cry only over sin. I am convicted to think how often we are desensitized to sin. For what are we ever truly remorseful? Or can we dismiss the memory of guilt by turning on the radio on the way home from work, can we sever the conscience enough with entertainment, can we accept profanity in the name of jest? We are created as new creatures and given a new love for our Savior, yet we cannot experience growth in our walk with Him and continue as lovers of the world living for the world's acceptance or approval. The two cannot coexist. To repent requires humility - which is definitely not a natural response. So do we truly love the Lord? enough to tear off the sin, enough to forsake it completely, enough to remove it from our life, enough to cut it out? I am afraid we are too often lovers of pleasure instead of daily examining our thoughts, reflecting on our attitudes, accepting responsibility for our actions, and choosing do what is right - as painful as it may be. And when {not "if"} temptation does rear its ugly head, flee! And when we fall into sin, repent! We must realize the pain Christ suffered for our sin and how it grieves his heart when we choose to continue to walk therein. ... What does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, The purpose of rending or tearing our hearts in humility before the Lord is to love Him more fully. It is an inward, heartfelt, intentional action that God desires and not a show of knowledge or appearance of fake sincerity. It is not visible for others to see, but is a beautiful sight in God's eyes. ... Circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. You have a radiant smile, sharp mind, gentle glow, quick thinking, and tender heart. All the makings of a great future nurse! I am so excited to see all the Lord has in store for you. Congratulations on your graduation and the next step in college. Keep trusting Him in the journey! ~ Sisters ~ |
AuthorI will be the first to admit that I am not a writer, but have a sincere aspiration to articulate Truth with grace, in love, seasoned with salt. Here is a journal of sorts, or photo documentations of a journey - one currently around the world in Papua New Guinea working at the Kunai Health Center. Thanks for visiting and your support! Archives
May 2019
Categories
All
|