Proverbs 27:21
"The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and a man is tested by his praise. "

The thoughts about what true humility is - in the heart - kept me up all night last night......Sometimes I wonder if Jonathan Edwards knew that his writings would tend to keep people up all hours of the night pleading with the Father for a nature change. He probably didn't get much sleep either. If my thoughts seem scattered, that's why, and I'll probably come back and edit for readability later.

So, as brothers and sisters we are commanded to exhort and encourage one another and to say only that which is helpful and what will build up the body in love........well then, how do we receive encouraging words?!! Honestly, I would rather be rebuked 100 times a day than praised once. It is far less confusing for me. I feel like everyone can see my folly so plainly, and I wish that they would encourage me with scriptures to fight against my corruption........but instead it seems that the Lord convicts me, leaves me feeling foolish and broken hearted and desperate for grace, and then a brother or sister mentions something kind about seeing God's grace working in me........and then - the testing begins. (see above verse) I have wrestled in conversation for hours on the phone with a friend when I was doubting that I was truly born of God based on the lack of fruits of the spirit - evidences in my life.
(subjectively, is there more love more humility more ability to see the sinful nature of sin)

And I know that my brothers and sisters desire to be obedient by encouraging me - truly....but I doubt what is said most times because it's so plain to see that I am low in grace, and it feels somewhat like I'm being patronized.......I have not come close to where I should be......as Edwards said "it is astonishing that one so despicable and vile is brought no lower before God"

So, how do I keep from error in denying God the praise that is due to HIM for what He is working in me and avoid the potential for error in merely desiring to be praised and accepted by people? This is so hard because I DO care that people don't give up on me. I NEED to be around them to be sharpened and to imitate and learn from them......and so even if I doubt that what they are saying is true of me, (accepting it externally and internally dismissing it) it seems that if they think that I have grace, it's better because then they will keep me in fellowship a little longer. I think that sometimes people think it's no big deal that they overlook a persons faults......but it is a huge deal ~ I thank God for my small group people so often, and my heart for them is huge when I pray respecting them....because I know that keeping me in fellowship is due to the grace God has given them to accept me as I am. That God Himself hasn't given up on me............All of the grace to persevere and the means - purchased by Christ Jesus on the cross - just Priceless.

Is 25:4
"Thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm."

Hiding in Him ~
Jen2

More on Music ~ It's not over until Jesus comes back !

Well, I have to say that I'm not as informed as I'd like to be on the history of art / music......and I'm super excited to get to studying. (first stop, I'll be checking out Plato's observations)

I'm hoping not to make the issue of "what kind of music brings glory to God" into too large of an issue.....since it is not necessarily a salvation issue.
To reference a great discussion blog on this topic head to www.truthdiscussion.blogspot.com

Culture: defined as "The totality of socially transmitted behavior patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, and all other products of human work and thought.
These patterns, traits, and products considered as the expression of a particular period, class, community, or population: Edwardian culture; Japanese culture; the culture of poverty.
These patterns, traits, and products considered with respect to a particular category, such as a field, subject, or mode of expression: religious culture in the Middle Ages; musical culture; oral culture. The predominating attitudes and behavior that characterize the functioning of a group or organization. Intellectual and artistic activity and the works produced by it."

I know if I could say that any particular culture (including American "western culture" today) in and of itself can be deemed unholy (or not glorifying to God) I think that we should analyze/ evaluate the behaviors of the people in the culture as being sinful or not, based on the guidelines of the scripture. (of course, we need to always remember the text that whatever is not done from faith is sin, and for that person it is sin.....so I would not encourage any who believe rap or rock to be a sin to simply 'get over it' - heed your conscience always)
The texts that can be found regarding how Christians are to be set apart from the world seem to be very clear - that we are not to be participating in sinful practices, and absolutely to be abounding in good works in keeping with repentance.

As I've been thinking about it lately, I can see both sides. With the VERY few christian rap / rock groups that I enjoy listening to - the commonality is that their lyrics are either exact texts or professions of sound God-centered doctrines. So when I think of music such as old school classical, of which there are no lyrics, the text that comes to mind is
Romans 10:14-17 "But how are they to 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!" But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?" So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."

So, if an unbeliever were to listen to classical, even the most beautiful melody, to me it doesn't qualify as the "word of Christ." and I see it not being a tool that would be beneficial for reaching the lost.

On the other side.......I would agree with a friend of mine, in that classical music DOES communicate emotions and in turn then does stir the heart up - BUT I am convinced that our emotions must be guided toward that for which the music is intended for; ie....to feel the weight of divine things - depravity, repentance, love for Christ and thankfulness to God, holy fear etc....- Otherwise music of little value at all, right?
An example would be that if an unbeliever - who is very educated and cultured, LOVES to listen to Bach and he has many affections as he listens, who as he is in an unconverted state his affections are of little worth, since his affections are only based on the delight in the music for music's sake.

I'm suggesting that we need discernment in view of what exactly is the SPRING of our affections ~~~

Another example of misguided affections would be something like:
In waking up in the morning I am in a good mood; I slept well, I woke up on time, I was prepared for my day, there was no traffic on the way to work and the people at the coffee shop gave me my coffee for free that day.....then I got to work I was complimented on my outfit and asked if I had lost weight, and then there was a note on my desk from the boss congratulating me on the "great job" I did with such and such client ..............I then sit down at my desk - Now......I have JOY........but can you tell me - is this raised emotion glorifying to the Lord in and of itself ??? I would say it is not necessarily.

Instead, if when I sit at my desk, I am thinking about all of the good that has happened to me that day - then- in turn that causes me to be caught up in thoughts of divine things, scripture, praise to God for His mercy on such a worm as I ---- The affections then, would have been inclined by the end result of the good that came to me - and I would not merely be delighting in the good things that happened to me, but in the Sovereign Lord - who brings about all events in time and space. (A truly gracious affection / joy will not be simply rejoicing in the "free coffee" or the praises of men........but joy in the God who controls all things)
We are called to "Rejoice IN THE LORD always, and again I will say rejoice"

In a nutshell - Let's get our focus and meditations on right things so that our affections are set on things above and not things of earth.

I'm all over the place....
Praise Him today - for who He is and that He revealed Himself to you - the greatest blessing in the world !!!

1 Peter 3:15
"But in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you"

I've noticed in myself and heard the confessions of others that as women, it seems that we have a tendency to (inadvertently) live vicariously through other people's lives.
With single women, sometimes it's through a friend or someone who has gone before us in the faith, or small group leader's passion for the Gospel. With married women that I know well, many seem to lean far too much on their husband's walk with the Lord and use that as their own spiritual thermometer. If the friend/ husband is going on with God, then they feel that "all is well" This is so unfortunate! How can we love as we ought if we are not abiding in the Father AS HIS daughters apart from anyone else's experiences or testimonies??
This is critical -since we alone shall rise or fall before our Lord.
Think about it - just little old me, alone before the Almighty.

I find myself attempting to encourage brothers and sisters in the faith by asking of them what God is showing them in recent days, and the tragedy is that many people are not ready to give an answer for the reason behind the hope that is in them - in the present moment - and it breaks my heart. Some have said to me that that it is not "appropriate" or that some people are uncomfortable with sharing......and while, yes, we need to discern how much we share in certain circumstances, I wholeheartedly believe that this is a precious means of accountability within the body......to exhort one another while today is called today and to guard each other against bitter hearts and sinful thinking.
The sad thing is, that I am not always ready either!! And this is why I desire to know that someone could ask me at any moment how my relationship is with my Father to see to it that I be earnest in my cultivating a loving obedient relationship to Him and growing in how I listen and heed and repent. I mean, seriously, if someone were to ask you about your relationship with a family member who loved you unconditionally and sacrificially, and you hadn't spoken to them in awhile you might feel a deep conviction of your lack of love and slothful pursuit in cultivating a relationship to that person who loves you so much...... would you not ???

We need to call a halt to our dreaming after what we would "like to do in ministry" and get busy with seeking to be a blessing to others in sacrificial ways, as Christ demonstrated His love by sacrifice...... not merely a smile and a nod and "stay warm and eat well" wish as he left the company of the sheep He loved unto death.
"Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth" 1 John 3:18
And especially dear sisters, we need to stop looking at what we're "not" and quit comparing ourselves to each other, and get busy gazing at Jesus, and reading the word and seeking thoughtfully and earnestly how to apply it today. It is impossible to conduct your life as a saint without definite times of secret prayer.

Through His word and much prayer the Lord has been opening up a wonderful view to me, where even a girl like me can hope to attain the meek and quiet spirit that will please my Father. Though I am a work not completed, I will not let Him go except that He bless me with the joy of being more obedient and pleasing in His sight.
Thank God for Jesus.....oh, my precious Jesus.

Jen2

If anyone knew me in High School - they would never think that this blog belonged to me!!! (praise the Lord~) Jesus is my everything.....so enough about me.

Friends - the facts are simple.
#1 - There is a God. Deep down we all know it. He knows your heart and your thoughts as clear as day
#2 He is Holy, as in, He doesn't judge things as we do......He judges with equity and righteousness, and will punish ALL who continue in their sin.....no matter how many times they have attended church, or if they have been baptized. Period.
#3 He commands all people everywhere to repent (turn from their sin)
***Beware of the mindset that God loves you because you are having a good life, making good money, have a spouse and 2.2 kids and a nice home.....because the Lord chastises those whom He loves, as a Father disciplines a Son in whom He delights. If you have not a repentent heart...all of your pleasures are a snare for you, a distraction from the reality that will come upon all who ignore the call to repent. Seek Him while He can be found.
#4 Lastly, and very important - Trust in the only perfect one who ever lived- being 100% God and 100% man, who was crushed for YOUR sins, tortured, mocked, spit upon...and crucified. He defeated the grave and lives today. Eyewitnesses to seeing him die and rise again and in hearing His commands- obeyed Him unto their own deaths.....most of them were killed for their testimony of what they had seen with their own eyes and would not back down, knowing that Jesus' words were truth....and that nothing on earth will EVER come close to what God has prepared for those who love Him. May God open your hearts to see the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Special note for my old party friends from CR: I pray for you often JT,HH,JJ,DN,SC,TM

The Current Scoop ~ Music: Part 1

I've recently been in a very intriguing - seemingly long term debate/ conversation with regard to sacred music (hymns and old school classical) verses Christian Rap / Rock with Christ honoring lyrics. It has been proposed that Rap and Rock have "worldly culture" inspired music that contradicts the Christ honoring lyrics..........(I'm hoping to keep my mind open to whatever would give me a deeper sense of and greater love and longing after divine things)
For now, I'm holding fast to the little that I know, since I am without any hard and fast convictions on this matter........seeing that there are SO FEW bands anyway that are unashamed of Christ now days. Many go under the label of "Christian" and they call the music their "ministry" but all the while they are ambiguous as to what they are singing about. Don't get me wrong, they have a form of talent for sure......but can anyone tell me why you would call anything a ministry if you do not use it as a means to obey command of the great commission ?
I won't name any names, but I went to a festival last year here in MN, and was sooooo disappointed that EVEN at a Christian festival, many of the "artists" sang their vague music about "something bigger out there" or with the feel that "God is big, He's out there somewhere and He's nice." Most did not take even a minute to BOLDLY profess their love for the Christ. And yes, I should and do assume that they love Jesus; I only disagree with their being so quiet about it. All of that "my faith is personal" garbage seems to be just a cover for those who do not read their bibles, do not walk in the fear of the Lord, and are still in an unconverted state. For, if one REALLY believes in the Jesus of the Bible, who He claimed to be and the realities of heaven and hell - it can be concluded that it is hateful to be silent about the matter of faith.
Okay, okay...I'm opinionated....doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out.

I'll just leave you with this ~
I think Cross Movement said it best when they said:
(that was for you Tim :)

"WE.....
Make sure what we give to the people is PURE,
That's why we.....
Live life in the LIGHT never take flight from the LORD.

A life given, not taken, for the lust in men,
That's why I'm driven, not shaken, by the stuff I see.
Some things may never change,
But when you believe Christ for life, you are never the same.
You want your thing to re-arrange?
Then let him hack in, change the OS on your main frame,
Your system's corrupt......And if your life were to end abrupt, then what? NOT MUCH.
Movie's over, end credits....You played a part, but the Oscar -You didn't get it.....
There's JUDGEMENT and reward - choose yours..
join me and chant the anthem of "WE"