Pour My Love on You

"Pour My Love on You"--one of my favorite songs for worship:

I don't know how to say exactly how I feel
And I can't begin to tell you what your love has meant
I'm lost for words

Is there a way to show the passion in my heart
Can I express how truly great I think you are
You're my dearest friend
Lord this is my desire to pour my love on you

Like oil upon your feet
Like wine for you to drink
Like water from my heart
I pour my love on you

If praise is like perfume
I'll lavish mine on you
Till every drop is gone
I pour my love on you

Is there a way to show the passion in my heart
Can I express how truly great I think you are,
My dearest friend
Lord this is my desire to pour my love on you

Like oil upon your feet
Like wine for you to drink
Like water from my heart
I pour my love on you

If praise is like perfume
I'll lavish mine on you
Till every drop is gone
I pour my love on you

Great is His Faithfulness

This year I am reading straight through the Bible. I just started reading the book of Joel. It is amazing to see the character of God throughout the Old Testament. Here are some selections from what I read this morning:

"Rend your heart, and not your garments;

Return to the Lord your God,

For He is gracious and merciful,

Slow to anger, and of great kindness;

And He relents from doing harm...

Fear not, O land; Be glad and rejoice,

For the LORD has done marvelous things!

...You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, And

praise the name of the LORD your God,

Who has dealt wondrously with you;

And my people shall never be put to shame.

Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel:

I am the LORD your God

And there is no other.

My people shall never be put to shame....

And it shall come to pass that whoever

calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved."

--Joel 2:13, 21, 26-27,32a

Even though Israel constantly turned their back on God and sought satisfaction in other places, God was faithful and sustained them, "dealing wondrously" with His people!

Arise Woman of God

Rise up O woman of God
In what He has given you
The things God has laid on your heart
Rise up, go forth, and do

Unlock what God has placed within
The potential you have inside
The world is waiting for your release
To expand your wings and fly
Arise in your God-given gifts
For this is your finest hour

Arise in the Lord’s holy might
Ignited and empowered
For God is calling you to come forth
To impact this world for Him
Don’t hold back or limit yourself
Let His power arise within
And take His message to the world
To those that have lost their way

For you can surely make a difference
If you’d hear His voice and obey
You shall be strengthened in the Lord
As you begin to arise
Conquering those doubts that pull you down
And believe who you are in Christ

For you shall surely be transformed
As, in you, God increases more
And become a woman of true excellence
Bringing honour to her Lord

By M.S.Lowndes

Singleness Redefined

I have been known to judge a book by its cover, literally. In many cases, I am wrong, and in many, I am right. My most recent "cover judgement" was correct. I picked up the book Singleness Redefined: Living Life to the Fullest" by Carolyn Leutwiler for two reasons. One reason--the title seemed good and applicable. But, the main reason I picked up this book was the bright cover with a picture of shoes lined up across. What girl is not drawn to shoes?!?! ;-)

As I read the book, I was not disappointed. Each chapter contains valuable truths that all women can glean from. The book is directed towards single women, challenging us to take advantage of this time (be it a phase in life or our lifelong destiny) and use it for God's glory.

Leutwiler holds up marriage as the good gift from God that it is. However, she cuts down the sinful motives for marriage that many, and probably most women have. She encourages passionate pursuit of godliness, not men. Over and over I was reminded of God's sovereignty over all things, including our future marriage, or lack thereof!

This is a great book. Great because it is an enjoyable, well written book, but mainly because I was encouraged to fall more deeply in love with Christ first, trusting in Him for all things, including this present gift of singleness. How will we serve Him now?

"Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame.

Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated

...For your Maker is your husband- the LORD

Almighty is His name."

-Isaiah 54:4-5

Thoughts on Suffering

I just finished watching an interview on Larry King Live with the Steven Curtis Chapman family. As you may have heard, their youngest daughter Maria Sue was killed by a car accident in their driveway. When the news was released that this had happened, thoughts and questions filled our minds. Just about two months later, the family can gather on national television and speak with confidence about the sovereignty of God. Another music tour is beginning. Plans for the wedding of their oldest child, Emily move forward. Life goes on, but not unchanged.

The Chapman's were not angry. They trust in God and in His good plan. No matter what happens, He is still good and is still on His throne. How can one rest with peace and joy after experiencing such pain? It is by the grace of God alone. As Lamentations 3:22-23 says, "the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning."

Every morning! Each day God gives us the strength to endure whatever trials or pain or suffering is in our life. We can trust His promises that it is for our own good. Caleb Chapman spoke at his sister's funeral service about the restoration and healing that would come to his brother, who was the driver of the car. He told of how he was sure that the new Will Franklin would be stronger and more sure of his faith. God uses our circumstances, whether good or bad to drive us to Him.

Why did God allow the death of Maria Sue? Why the death of someone you love? Maybe God will use this story to bring people to Himself. Maybe He will use this to encourage others to adopt. Maybe we will never know why. That is beside the point. We must be faithful to Him so that Christ is glorified by life or in death.

I've never endured suffering like that of losing a child or a sibling. One day, that may come. I asked myself tonight how I would deal with that pain. Would I be angry? I hope and pray that if God wills that in my life, I will have His grace to rely on the sure foundation of His word. I pray that I would cling the love of Christ and His people.

I pray that through the faithful witness of the Chapman family others will see the goodness of God and cling to Him. To see the interview, and learn more about their ministry, see http://www.stevencurtischapman.com/.

Satisfaction

Our souls are meant to be satisfied in God. But we have learned again and again that this satisfaction in God comes to consummation when we extend our satisfaction in him to others. Pouring ourselves out for the poor is the path of deepest satisfaction.

—John Piper, A Hunger for God, p. 151.

Prayer

Prayer is not for the enhancement of our comforts but for the advancement of Christ's kingdom.

—John Piper, A Hunger for God, p. 150.

Words from the Wise

I have not had much time to write much of anything lately. However, John Piper has much more wisdom, and he has said many great things to help us focus on Christ. I'll let him do the talking again today!

We are made to mediate the glory of God's grace to others. For this there is strength when we think that all is spent.

—John Piper, A Hunger for God, p. 149

Our church is hosting a youth conference this Saturday! There will be great teaching, worship and fellowship. This conference will be beneficial for students and parents alike! Pastor Kent Keller will be speaking on modesty and the myth of adolescence.
Tell all your friends!
Call for more information! (An RSVP is great, but not necessary!)
706-216-4366

O, that we would not be put off by the paradox that pouring out our lives is the way to fullness. God would give us himself, but he would have us know that he satisfies most fully when he is shared most freely.

—John Piper, A Hunger for God, p. 148