Empty Me

Resolutions, No Lingering

Coming to the end of 2009 and looking ahead to a new year, there are plenty of questions and uncertainties. I know for me there are plenty of concerns. But the same God who held us all in His hand and brought us safely through 2009 will lead and carry us through 2010. As we make our list of New Years Resolutions and all the goals we hope to reach and things we hope to accomplish, I'd suggest we all look back on the resolutions of Jonathan Edwards and fill our lives with the same passion and the same heart as that great man of God....and many more just like him.

My list this year contains more than just the usual "work out more," "loose five pounds," and "eat healthier" resolutions. Mine contains a much greater list of things I want to accomplish more for the Kingdom. Things like:

1. Point and lead more people to Jesus
2. Win more souls for Christ
3. Sing stronger and speak more boldly
4. Spend over an hour in prayer each day
5. Study the Bible with more fervor than ever before....

As we wave goodbye to 2009 and say hello to 2010, let us Christians be resolved to stand firm upon the Word of God, unshaken and uncompromising. At this time, preparing to ring out the old year, and ring in the new, I'm reminded of the great hymn that says,

I am resolved no longer to linger
Charmed by the world's delight
Things that are higher, things that are nobler
These have allured my sight

I will hasten to Him!
Hasten so glad and free
Jesus, Greatest, Highest
I will run to Thee

May it be so...

Resolved | pt 3

re⋅solved 
1. to come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine (to
do something):
2. to convert or transform by any process.
3. to settle, determine, or state formally in a vote or resolution, as of a deliberative
assembly.
4. to deal with (a question, a matter of uncertainty, etc.) conclusively; settle; solve: to resolve the question before the board.
5. to clear away or dispel (doubts, fears, etc.); answer: to resolve any doubts we may
have had.

A list of the resolutions that Jonathan Edwards read once
every week to keep his mind on his duty before God.

The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards (1722-1723) Pt 3

31. Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.

32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that in Prov. 20:6, "A faithful man who can find?" may not be partly fulfilled in me.

33. Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining, establishing and preserving peace, when it can be without over-balancing detriment in other respects. Dec.26, 1722.

34. Resolved, in narration's never to speak anything but the pure and simple verity.

35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722.

36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it. Dec. 19, 1722.

37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I have denied myself: also at the end of every week, month and year. Dec.22 and 26, 1722.

38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord's day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722.

39. Resolved, never to do anything that I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or no; except I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.

40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. Jan. 7, 1723.

Let There Be Light

John 8:12
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world:
he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

From the beginning the Father
Had a magnificent plan
Revealed through the law and the prophets
To fulfill the redemption of man
You spoke after centuries of silence
In the midst of a still, starry night
And Emmanuel came down among us
And the Father said Let there be light

CHORUS:
Let there be light!
Let it shine bright
Piercing the darkness with dazzling white
Hope for the hopeless was born on that night
When God sent his Son
And said Let there be light

People who walked in great darkness
Gathered from near and afar
Shepherds with flocks in their keeping
Three kings who follow a star
Together the poor and the richest
Witnessed that Bethlehem night
And the sky full of angels announcing
The birth of a glorious light

CHORUS:
Let there be light!
Let it shine bright
Piercing the darkness with dazzling white
Hope for the hopeless was born on that night
When God sent his Son
And said Let there be light

BRIDGE:
We who are His have this calling
To praise Him, and make His name known
Soone day the presence of Jesus
Shines in every heart and every home
(Star of wonder,star of beauty bright)

CHORUS:
Let there be light!
Let it shine bright
Piercing the darkness with dazzling white
Hope for the hopeless was born on that night
When God sent his Son
And said Let there be light
Let there be light

Christmas Quotes

The Son of God became a man to enable men to become the sons of God.
- C.S. Lewis, (Mere Christianity)

What are we to of make of
Jesus Christ? . . .
The real question is not what
we are to make of Christ,
but what is He to make of us?
- C.S.Lewis

God's gifts put man's best dreams to shame.
- Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Best of all, Christmas means a spirit of love, a time when the love of God and love of our fellow men should prevail over all hatred and bitterness, a time when our thoughts and deeds and the spirit of our lives manifest the presence of God.
- George F. McDougall

The Giver of Gifts

For the past two days, I've been Christmas shopping. And what's funny is, I practically finished my shopping before Thanksgiving. But I LOVE going "shopping" during the actual holiday season. Even if I only walk around the mall or around main street and window shop.

I have a huge family, so there are plenty of things to buy every Christmas. I've only wrapped four gifts! The rest are stacked against the wall in boxes, shoved under my bed, or crammed into my closet. I have quite a bit of wrapping left to do, come to think of it.

At this time of year, we often get too caught up in the gift-getting and gift-giving process. We anxiously and excitedly write out our lists of all the great things we want. We run to the store and buy up plenty of wrapping paper, boxes, bows, ribbon, tape, scissors.... we wrap each gift with care and place it under the tree, then look at it often, pleased with the job we did. Or we browse through all the gifts trying to find that one present with our name written on the card. Gifts, gifts, gifts. Sometimes, we get consumed with gifts, yet we forget about THE GIFT God gave us long ago. When we were desperately in need, God gave us the fulfillment of all - Jesus Christ. And not only that, but He continues to fill us with more gifts throughout our life, in our daily walk with Him!

This is a little reminder - to you all reading and also to myself - gifts are wonderful and fun, but the true gift is Jesus. And we don't get this gift once a year, we get it every moment of every day. Each year, we say "Remember the Reason for the Season!" and it's become clique' because we say it, then forget it entirely. So let's make an effort to TRULY remember the reason, not just for the season, but for every day. Let's remember the reason why we give gifts to begin with; the reason we get gifts. It's all because of Christ who was the Ultimate Gift 2,000 years ago. And everything about this wonderful time of year is due to Him and His birth.

Merry Christmas to all of you!

Resolved | pt 2

re⋅solved 
1. to come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine (to do something):
2. to convert or transform by any process.
3. to settle, determine, or state formally in a vote or resolution, as of a deliberative assembly.
4. to deal with (a question, a matter of uncertainty, etc.) conclusively; settle; solve: to resolve the question before the board.
5. to clear away or dispel (doubts, fears, etc.); answer: to resolve any doubts we may have had.

A list of the resolutions that Jonathan Edwards read once
every week to keep his mind on his duty before God.

The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards (1722-1723) Pt 2

11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances don't hinder.

12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.

13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.

14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.

15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings.

16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.

17. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.

18. Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.

19. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.

20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.

21. Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.

22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power; might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.

23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God's glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.

24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.

25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.

26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.

27. Resolved, never willfully to omit anything, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.

28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.

30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.

Clear The Stage

This video had an amazing impact upon my heart. Sent to me by my lovely Momma, it moved me and convicted my soul.

We are the next generation. We need to take note. It's time, as Christians, to clear the stage and to clear our hearts, and minds, and lives; to be rid of all idols....and simply worship the One True God.

Clear the stage...

Resolved | pt 1

re⋅solved 
1. to come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine (to do something):
2. to convert or transform by any process.
3. to settle, determine, or state formally in a vote or resolution, as of a deliberative assembly.
4. to deal with (a question, a matter of uncertainty, etc.) conclusively; settle; solve: to resolve the question before the board.
5. to clear away or dispel (doubts, fears, etc.); answer: to resolve any doubts we may have had.

A list of the resolutions that Jonathan Edwards read once
every week to keep his mind on his duty before God.

The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards (1722-1723)

Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ's sake. *** Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.


1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God's glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriad's of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.

2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and contrivance to promote the aforementioned things.

3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.

4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.

5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.

6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.

8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God.

9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.

10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.

Quotes of the Cross

But all through life I see a Cross
Where sons of God yield up their breath
There is no gain except by loss
There is no life except by death
And no full vision but by Faith
Nor glory but by bearing shame
Nor Justice but by taking blame
And that Eternal Passion says,
"Be emptied of glory and right and name."
- Amy Carmichael


There are some who would have Christ cheap. They would
have Him without the Cross. But the price will not come down.
- Samuel Rutherford

I've Got Plenty to Be Thankful For

Here we are....Thanksgiving Day 2009. If you'll alow me, I'd like to jot down a small list (and, indeed, it is small) of things I am most thankful for this year. I'd encourage you all to do the same. :)

I'm thankful for...

* God's unconditional love, His grace, and Salvation
* The Word of God given to us for hope, wisdom, instruction, etc.
* The greatest Dad in all the world
* The best Momma in all the world
* The cutest, silliest, most wonderful sisters
* My grandmothers, aunts, uncles, and cousins
* My fiance' who is my best friend
* The Ministry my family surrendered to years ago
* Our Campground and all the good God has done through it
* The ability to "go and tell the world"
* The strength to endure whatever comes
* The opportunity to travel around the world
* All the gifts and talents God has blessed me with
* All the people I've been privileged to meet & sing with
* The opportunity to be on the radio and reach people for Jesus that way
* The hardships, trials, persecution, etc. ("consider it joy...")
* The craziest friends EVER!! (but also the best too :)
* Moments of love, unity, and prayer with my friends
* The opportunity to witness and see souls saved!
* The cards, e-mails, phone calls, & chats that make life sweeter
* The nights of watching movies with my family
* The wisdom talks from my Dad
* My prayer warriors and soul sisters...they know who they are :)
* My beautiful horse, my cute little kitty, and all our other pets
* God's provision
* My circle of gal-pals who encourage and strengthen me
* My home
* My Church
* Living in this Country
* The freedom to worship my God
* The gift of music
* The spirit of love and giving that comes this time of year.

It's quite a task, unfortunately, remembering these things all year. Sadly, we tend to only think of thankfulness at...well... Thanksgiving. But we should keep them in remembrance all throughout the year.

My uncle taught me this Hebrew song many years ago...

Hodu la' Adonai ki tov.
Ki le'olam chasdo.
Hodu la' Adonai ki tov.
Ki le'olam chasdo.

Give thanks unto the Lord for He is good.
For His everlasting Grace.
Give thanks unto the Lord for He is good.
For His everlasting Grace.

Let us give thanks where it is due this Thanksgiving season....and always.
Happy Thanksgiving!

A Lesson from an Acorn

"God's ultimate plan was as far beyond our imaginings as the oak tree is from the acorn's imaginings. The acorn does what it was made to do, without pestering its Maker with questions about when and how and why. We who have been given an intelligence and a will and a whole range of wants that can be set against the divine Pattern for Good are asked to believe Him. We are given the chance to trust Him when He says to us, "

...If any man will let himself be lost for my sake, he will find his true self.

"When will we find it? we ask.

The answer is, Trust Me.
How will we find it? The answer again is, Trust Me.
Why must I let myself be lost? we persist.

The answer is, Look at the acorn and trust Me.

-Written by Elisabeth Elliot, Passion & Purity

Titus 2:13 -
"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;"

Hebrews 12:2 -
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Psalm 40:3-4a -
"And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust..."

Be Like The Deer...Run to Water

I'm not sure about the north, but I know that if you're from the south, then you will most likely be wearing camo around this time. Deer season begins a week from today this year.

You may be wondering, "What does deer season have anything to do with Christianity?"
Well, one verse stands out to me at this time of year.

Psalm 42:1 -
"As the hart (deer) panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God."

My Dad taught me years ago that when a deer is hit, they run to water. Their mouth dries up, and they try to get moisture from the air. So they pant and run towards water...towards life.

....as should we.



Life is hard. Sometimes we get hit. And sometimes when things go wrong, we tend to look up to the sky and yell "WHY God?!" But instead of doubting your Creator and Savior, be like the deer. Run to water. Run to life. Run to Him! Jesus said in His word that those who drink the water He gives shall never thirst again. They will be refreshed and fulfilled and satisfied. When we are wounded, let us run to Him and drink Him in. Let Him quench our thirst. He promised to do so...

John 4:13-14 -
"Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."


As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after Thee.
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship Thee.

You alone are my strength, my shield,
To You alone may my spirit yield.
You alone are my heart's desire,
And I long to worship Thee.

You're my friend and you are my brother
Even though You are a King.
I love You more than any other,
So much more than anything.

I want You more than gold or silver
Only You can satisfy.
You alone are the real joy giver
And the apple of my eye.

You alone are my strength, my shield,
To You alone may my spirit yield.
You alone are my heart's desire,
And I long to worship Thee.

If you're like me, then you desire to live every day literally panting for Christ. Whether you're an avid deer hunter or you're more enthused about being indoors, learn a lesson from the deer.

Pant for your Savior.

Silence....and Noise!

Not long ago, I was reading various passages and one little thing kept popping up - noise. It got me thinking. Have you ever tried to pray and then heard the phone ring? Or thought about something you forgot to do? Have you ever said, I'm going to sit down and read my Bible - really read it! - and then, when the time came, the TV from the other room was blaring or your brothers or sisters decided to play tag in the house? Noise. Noise. Noise!! I realized, we get so used to the noise of life that, sometimes, we subconsciously crave noise and forget how to be silent. We forget what it says in Ecclesiastes, "to everything there is a season......a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;" (verses 1 and 7) We forget that Jesus still speaks in that still, small voice.

It puzzles me wondering why we beg God to speak to us and then we fill our lives with so much noise and distractions that prevent us from hearing what He has to say. It's almost like asking God to call us and then having our music blaring so loudly that we can't hear the phone ring. A bit silly, don't you think?

While thinking on these things, I penned these words...

Speak to me
In the silence, or in the noise!
Because Lord, sometimes I'm just not still

Sometimes I'm just not still. Don't you hate that? Though we don't mean to, sometimes we tune God out. We get carried about by the bustle of the life we live. School, work, deadlines, homework, bills, activities, social events, Church events, family outings, errands, chores...stuff has to be done! And as the clock ticks, we wonder how we're going to squeeze it all in and we forget about the One thing our whole existence should be built upon - Jesus! We forget that we will be restless and unsteady inside unless we have our Cornerstone, our Rock, and our Foundation set and in place! Most times we long to hear the Lord speak to us, but there is too much noise ringing in our ears that it's nearly impossible to detect His voice. We've got to learn to be still and be silent. We need to learn to put our relationship with the LORD first along with all the time, energy, care, commitment, and sacrifice that is required of us. When we learn to shut off the noise and center our focus (and our ears!) on the Lord, then we grow a little more and the lines are open to where we can hear His voice more clearly!

So as the holidays draw near, remember to be still. Take the time to get alone with God every day and listen to what He has to say. Unplug the phone. Turn off the computer, the TV, and the cell phone. Go for a walk. Pull over on the highway and sit still. He has so many amazing things He wants us to know and learn...so many exciting adventures and treasures...and all we have to do is just sit still and listen.

Christianity and Babe Ruth

Last night at Bible study, we read a very profound verse in Colossians.

Colossians 1:26-27
"Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:"

What is the mystery this verse is talking about? My Dad put it in very good words.

Say you want to try out for the Red Sox. You go and you tell the coach that you'd like to hit a few balls.

"No way!" the coach yells. "You're a nobody!"

"Just one hit," you say.

After a hesitant sigh, the coach agrees. "One hit. That's all."

You go and grab a bat and stand on the home plate. The pitcher comes and, humorously, throws you a curve ball. You swing and THWACK! The ball flies....and mouths drop.

"Another!" you say.

A second ball is thrown. THWACK!! There it goes again.

Then you point and say "I'll hit it that way next." And sure enough. THWACK!!!

Home run.

Now everyone is standing in awe, wondering who you are! Why, you're just an average Joe and yet you play baseball like a seasoned professional!

.....but they don't know the secret. The secret is this: Babe Ruth has come back from the dead and is now living inside of you. The power and ability you have to hit home runs is only because Babe Ruth is doing it through you.

Now, let's apply this spiritually. Here we are on the field. We pick up a bat. A ball is thrown. THWACK!! A stunned Satan thought that would work. But no matter, here comes a second ball. THWACK!! Satan tries again. THWACK!! You hit it again, for the third time. Satan had a mind to strike you out, yet you hit a home run every time.

How?

Because you have a secret. The great Defeater, Jesus Christ, has come back from the dead and is now living inside of you. And every hit, every swing, every run, every victory is a direct result of His power in your life. It's not really you achieving that victory. It's Him.

We are nobodies. We can't hit a home run spiritually (or physically in my case). We can't swing a bat with the force of a Major League Baseball player. We can't resist sin. We can't glorify God in our bodies. We can't do ANYTHING.....at least on our own. But we have a secret to success. A secret to victory. A secret which is a mystery to the lost world.

Jesus Christ is inside of us...

He is the super hero....the "Babe Ruth" if you please. He is the power. He is the ability. He is the mystery that is now revealed to those who are in Him. And He is waiting for us to showcase His strength, His might, His power, His love - His everything! - in our our lives.

May it be so for all of us.

The World Is Unworthy

Hebrews 13:3, 7

Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; [and] them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of [their] conversation.



Hebrews 11:33-38

Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

And others had trial of [cruel] mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:

They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

(Of whom the world was not worthy:)...



Of whom the world was not worthy....



That phrase is enough to make us delve into such a great mystery. The world was not worthy? Of whom??



Of men and women all over the world who have shed their blood for the cause of Christ. Who have spoken truth, even in the face of death. Who have stood firm in the face of persecution and horrific torture. While we shudder at the thought of someone disliking us or excluding us from "the group," they pour out their lives in complete commitment. They care not at all what the world thinks of them. They don't see the rolling eyes, they don't hear the mocking laughter. They don't see the swinging sword, the sharpened blades, the loaded guns, or the wood and the matches. They see only Christ.



Would that we all could have a place in this great group of heroes. In 100 years, will we be a man or woman "of whom the world was not worthy?"













"He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." - Jim Elliot

Holy Violence

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IylydrxatiU