Dear Readers,
As I'm writing this on Monday, it's the first day of Tech Week for the play I'm in. For you non-theater people, Tech Week consists of practices every day until performing the final showcases. So yes, lots of work, make-up, costumes, mess-ups, laughter, relationships, and memories in the making. I'm so excited (and a little nervous). =)
But, because of that, I'm going to keep this post short, and I won't respond to comments until next week. I'll see you back next Tuesday for some updates in life and maybe photos.
I'll miss you all. Remember that you are loved and treasured. God rejoices over you with gladness and quiets you by His love (Zephaniah 3:17). Life's hard, but He's bigger.
If you haven't noticed, I took some time last week to redesign my blog, as it's been more than a year since I last did that. (thanks to my friend Alea who helped me immensely!) If you haven't seen the new look, here it is. =)
I'll leave you with some challenging words from Oswald Chambers that seem to add onto Project Love. Keep running the good race, my friends.
In Christ Alone,
Hosanna
Obedience or Independence?
If you love Me, keep My commandments. – John 14:15
Our Lord never insists on obedience. He stresses very definitely what we ought to do, but He never forces us to do it. We have to obey Him out of a oneness of spirit with Him. That is why whenever our Lord talked about discipleship, He prefaced it with an "If," meaning, "You do not need to do this unless you desire to do so." "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself…" (Luke 9:23). In other words, "To be My disciple, let him give up his right to himself to Me." Our Lord is not talking about our eternal position, but about our being of value to Him in this life here and now. That is why He sounds so stern (see Luke 14:26). Never try to make sense from these words by separating them from the One who spoke them.
The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear. If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation. If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself. Jesus Christ will not force me to obey Him, but I must. And as soon as I obey Him, I fulfill my spiritual destiny. My personal life may be crowded with small, petty happenings, altogether insignificant. But if I obey Jesus Christ in the seemingly random circumstances of life, they become pinholes through which I see the face of God. Then, when I stand face to face with God, I will discover that through my obedience thousands were blessed. When God’s redemption brings a human soul to the point of obedience, it always produces. If I obey Jesus Christ, the redemption of God will flow through me to the lives of others, because behind the deed of obedience is the reality of Almighty God.
– from My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers
I like the new design of your blog! Life's hard, God's bigger - such a simply statement yet how often do we forget it?
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, God shows us what we should do but He doesn't force us. Out of our love for Him we should desire to obey Him.
(I like the pictures by the way).
Thank you, sweet Sarah! =)
DeleteThat's where we often become confused, I think. We do all the right things and say all the right words. But it is because of Love? Is it a religion or a relationship? It comes down to our heart. We can't do anything on our own. Only Him... ♥
Keep Loving, Sarah. You're not alone.
OOOOH THAT RAINBOW IS REALLY PRETTY. (don't tell me you took that picture?!)
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are going to be pretty busy with your play--I will definitely be praying for you!! I always love hearing life updates from you, so naturally I am looking forward to next week's post--and this week's post was also beautiful!!
That quote. <333 SO much awesome truth!!
-Ariel
Thank you!! I think I took that picture, but I'm not completely sure. My brother is much better at photography, and I steal some of his photos for my blog. ;) But this one was mine. I think. haha
DeleteWell, you got to hear about the play! It was crazy and stressful, but God was strong. =) Isn't that the definition of life? We're broken. He holds us together. ♥
Keep your eyes upon Jesus, Ariel! God's got control over life. Always.
I love your new design!!! So pretty. <3 And thank you for sharing that quote. It's very true and thought provoking!
ReplyDeleteHave fun with the play! I'm sure you'll do awesome!
You're too sweet, Hannah! Your encouragement has brightened my day so many times, like this last week. Thank you. =) I'm so glad we are seeking the King together. ♥ You're amazing!
DeleteLife is hard, but God IS bigger. Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeletehttps://tizziestidbits.wordpress.com
So true! And He'll never let go of us, Grace. I read a verse from Psalm 119 today in the MSG Bible, "Everything’s falling apart on me, God; put me together again with your Word." He's in control. Never give up. Life's beautiful because of Him. Thank you for your sweet words, Grace!
DeleteI am bless by your blog.God bless!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kris!! Your encouragement brightened my day. =) Never forget how loved you are, my friend. God's got the whole world in His hands. That includes you and me!
DeleteYou amazed me of your wisdom at such a young age!Can you pls. share some tips in doing your devotion? :) God Bless you!
DeleteI wish I could take credit for it, but I certainly can't. Jesus has been so faithful, Kris. I fail often, but He loves me anyway. Any little pieces of wisdom I might have comes from Him. =)
DeleteGood question! When doing Bible time, I often find that journaling prayers to God, singing, or reading in silence is very effective. But all that really matters is that you read the Bible with an open heart and listen for His voice! He WILL answer (see Matthew 7:7)!
I posted some thoughts in a blog post back in January:
http://havingaheartlikehis.blogspot.com/2018/01/dear-christian-read-word.html
Thank you for the encouragement and kind words. I pray that God leads you closer to His heart, my friend. ♥
Lovely photos and reminder, Hosanna! That quote is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteYour new design is so beautiful as well. xx
Thank you, Emily! ♥ I found one part of the quote especially beautiful, "But if I obey Jesus Christ in the seemingly random circumstances of life, they become pinholes through which I see the face of God." Sometimes life doesn't feel beautiful. It doesn't seem to be making a difference. But, if we're faithful, we are creating pinholes through which we can see the face of God! Every detail matters to Him. What an amazing thought.
Delete