I receive daily devotions from Charles Spurgeon's Morning & Evening Ministries. Today's was particularly poignant, and I wanted to share it with as many people as possible. As it always does, God's impeccable timing brought these words to me during a time when my heart was receptive, and I was subconsciously yearning for them.
Christians who are truly, recklessly desiring to follow the Lord often feel persecuted or they wonder why they are being led to a certain thing/person/city/job. There are so many questions that arise with this initial inquiry -- Am I missing out on something else? What would happen if I didn't follow this calling? Why do other people have it so much easier? After you read the words of the following devotion, I hope it becomes clear to you -- as it did to me -- that these stemming persecutions and questions come solely from your human nature. Other people don't necessarily have it easier than you do. If you don't follow a calling you are a disobedient rebel. Jesus suffered for us in ways we cannot even fathom. He thus, called us to be his disciples. And -- (sorry to be the bearer of bad news) -- but disciples of the Lord are not comfortable all the time. They are not always rewarded in an earthly form. Jesus' disciples do not live an easy life. However, disciples do live a life that brings glory and satisfaction to the God of Creation -- a jealous, almighty and loving God.
I participated in a discussion about corporate ethics last week -- and I was labeled as a cynic. I explained in that discussion that I didn't believe that humans were capable of altruistic motives. And though many of my peers at this increasingly secular university will never understand my reasoning, I knew in my heart that I was relating the only one true form of altruism to God. His son endured a horrific death to save me and forgive every selfish and self-glorifying act I will ever contrive. This devotion helped me rationalize my words from that discussion as I realized who I am called to be and that suffering is part of that job description. I truly believe that we are called to vacate our comfort zone, suffer for the Lord -- and with every action, we are closer to an eternity of worship in the purest form.
Morning & Evening, by Charles H. Spurgeon
Revised and edited by William C. Neff, ©2003-2009
"Go to Him outside the camp, and bear the suffering He endured."
--Hebrews 13:13
Jesus, bearing His cross, went outside the gates of the city to suffer for His people. The Christian's reason for leaving the city of the world's sin and religion is not because he loves to be alone, but because Jesus did so; and the disciple must follow his Master. Christ was "not of the world." Indeed, His whole life was a constant protest against conforming to it.
In the same way, Christ's people must "go to Him," taking their position "outside the camp" as witnesses of the truth. They must be prepared to walk the straight and narrow path with bold, unflinching, lion-like hearts, loving Christ and His truth more than anything else in the whole world.
But why does Jesus require His people to "go outside the camp" to suffer?" One reason is to make them more holy, like Christ Himself. You can not grow in grace while being conformed to this world. And even though this path may cost you many hurts and battles along the way, it is the only life of true happiness. The warrior feels more calm and peace in his daily battles than others can possible know in their hours of rest and relaxation.
This is how we will win the crown of glory-- by communing daily with Christ "outside the camp." The crown of glory will follow the cross of separation. A moment of shame and suffering here will seem like nothing when we are "forever with the Lord." [M&E]
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
To whom much is given...
I haven't updated in quite some time because I felt like I didn't have a major event marking my journey. Then I realized...a LOT has been going on in my head. And I've come to conclude that those thoughts are just as important as any other updates I'd give. So, almost a month after my first post, here's a follow up :)
The month after my decision to join Teach for America has been an interesting one. I've discovered an even greater number of fears, learned about the feelings of others and daydreamed about what will be. Though *uncertainty* is the word of choice playing Pinball in my head, God has shown Himself supreme through each bump into the wall or flashing light in the arcade game going about my brain.
On Wednesday, I participated in a "Webinar" with TFA's Faith Community Relations Team. These corps members are responsible for reaching out to other members who have expressed an interest in learning about how the TFA experience and faith may go hand-in-hand. I listened to three different people share how their faith was challenged, questioned and (ultimately) strengthened. Pretty encouraging!
At the end of the chat, someone mentioned Luke 12:48..."...To whom much is given, much will be demanded..." I spent some time reading Luke after that. You should too! In this particular book of the Gospel, Luke described many accounts regarding the oppressed; whether that be the poor, women or those who were socially unethical. Also in this book were the stories of the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan. (Seriously, read the book of Luke again...and focus on the stories he tells. You'll be blessed!) There are so many things in chapter 12, in particular, that basically "knocked me upside the head" this week! I have not BEEN blessed, I AM blessed. So much has been given to me (a wonderful family, supportive friends, a superb education and experiences I never could have imagined...not to mention, I am saved by the Lord Jesus Christ -- what could be a better blessing than an eternity with Him?!).
I hope that each and everyone of you can find a hint of encouragement in these words...
35"Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.37It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. 38It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. 39But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."
The month after my decision to join Teach for America has been an interesting one. I've discovered an even greater number of fears, learned about the feelings of others and daydreamed about what will be. Though *uncertainty* is the word of choice playing Pinball in my head, God has shown Himself supreme through each bump into the wall or flashing light in the arcade game going about my brain.
On Wednesday, I participated in a "Webinar" with TFA's Faith Community Relations Team. These corps members are responsible for reaching out to other members who have expressed an interest in learning about how the TFA experience and faith may go hand-in-hand. I listened to three different people share how their faith was challenged, questioned and (ultimately) strengthened. Pretty encouraging!
At the end of the chat, someone mentioned Luke 12:48..."...To whom much is given, much will be demanded..." I spent some time reading Luke after that. You should too! In this particular book of the Gospel, Luke described many accounts regarding the oppressed; whether that be the poor, women or those who were socially unethical. Also in this book were the stories of the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan. (Seriously, read the book of Luke again...and focus on the stories he tells. You'll be blessed!) There are so many things in chapter 12, in particular, that basically "knocked me upside the head" this week! I have not BEEN blessed, I AM blessed. So much has been given to me (a wonderful family, supportive friends, a superb education and experiences I never could have imagined...not to mention, I am saved by the Lord Jesus Christ -- what could be a better blessing than an eternity with Him?!).
I hope that each and everyone of you can find a hint of encouragement in these words...
35"Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.37It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. 38It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. 39But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."
41Peter asked, "Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?"
42The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? 43It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. 44I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.45But suppose the servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time in coming,' and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk. 46The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.
47"That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
It's Official!
Well...It's official! Yesterday, I accepted my offer to Teach for America in Jacksonville for the next two years. This was -- without a doubt -- the scariest decision I've ever made. Throughout the past few weeks I recounted each major decision I've made in my life. None of them compared. I have just committed to step out my comfort zone and away from my field of study to teach children in low-income schools and help bridge the achievement gap -- a situation that I never imagined until seven months ago.
As I spent close to four months at home in Orlando this summer working part-time and interning with a public relations agency, I considered what I would do after graduation in April. I read an account of one of my sorority sisters who was a Teach for America corps member in Atlanta, and I became so intrigued about her life and the mission of TFA. I read their Web site and my heart melted immediately. I quickly realized this could be a calling beyond my wildest imagination!
Throughout the TFA interview process, my feelings ranged from anticipation and excitement to uncertainty and inadequacy. In the end, I have no doubt that the Lord has called me to give myself to students in Jacksonville for the next two years. I know that it will be a challenge. I know that at times I will feel completely incapable. I know that I will face disappointment and failure. Yet, I know that beyond these momentary hardships, I will make a difference in the lives of children who need to be reassured that they matter and that education is a vital part of productive citizenship and a fulfilling life.
As a lover of writing and communication, this blog will be my outlet and my way to reach the people I care about the most. I want each of you to know about the new adventures in my life. And, selfishly, I want you to how to pray for me specifically during this time.
"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." Matthew 6:31-34 (The Message)
As I spent close to four months at home in Orlando this summer working part-time and interning with a public relations agency, I considered what I would do after graduation in April. I read an account of one of my sorority sisters who was a Teach for America corps member in Atlanta, and I became so intrigued about her life and the mission of TFA. I read their Web site and my heart melted immediately. I quickly realized this could be a calling beyond my wildest imagination!
Throughout the TFA interview process, my feelings ranged from anticipation and excitement to uncertainty and inadequacy. In the end, I have no doubt that the Lord has called me to give myself to students in Jacksonville for the next two years. I know that it will be a challenge. I know that at times I will feel completely incapable. I know that I will face disappointment and failure. Yet, I know that beyond these momentary hardships, I will make a difference in the lives of children who need to be reassured that they matter and that education is a vital part of productive citizenship and a fulfilling life.
As a lover of writing and communication, this blog will be my outlet and my way to reach the people I care about the most. I want each of you to know about the new adventures in my life. And, selfishly, I want you to how to pray for me specifically during this time.
"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." Matthew 6:31-34 (The Message)
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