And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Luke 2:36-38
Wow. This lady was married (I'm guessing in her early to mid teens because of the culture of the place and time?) & remained married until her husband died seven years later. Now she is 84 years old and since her husband's death has not departed from the temple but is serving God night and day with fastings and prayers. How is her body even capable of this at an old age? She obviously brought her body into subjection and cared more about serving the Lord God daily than living for herself. She lost something dear to her, and committed the rest of her life to giving every part of it for what she held most dear: her Maker.
Not only does she spend her nights and days with God in service and thanks to him, but she worships him by speaking of the Lord to 'all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem'. How did she know who was looking? She must have been intentionally looking for them. She must have had the ability to discern such things.We read nothing about whether or not souls are won or if lives accept redemption through Christ, but we know she is obedient to look for those in need and shares with them the treasure and Salvation of her life.
It seems that at the death of her husband she chooses to die to herself and is made alive in the Lord alone. How much exceeding joy I would have if my every second was intentional in service and worship to my Lord and those in need of Him! I doubt I would ever seek fulfillment anywhere else.
30 July 2010
24 July 2010
Finders Weepers Losers Keepers
Psalm 137:5-6
If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.
If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.
In this time and place we're always taught to look out for #1- me. But beware lest I forget my Jerusalem. My Lord, my home, my family, my leaders, my sisters and brothers in Christ. Let me not speak or perform if I do not choose them over my chief joy.
A friend and brother-in-Christ from high school died in a car wreck 4 days ago. He was 19. He was one of the only other students in school who used KJV so I instantly thought highly of him, haha. That's definitely not the only reason. He's one of the smartest guys I've ever met. His zeal and knowledge of the Word was astounding. I loved to argue with him, though we got under each other's skin at times. It was fun and I am thankful for knowing him. I was thinking about him this week. He's inspired me and caused me to question and seek out truth more than many brothers and sisters, though we never had opportunity for fellowship outside of school. Today at his funeral some inspiring words he had spoken or heard and passed on to others were read:
"To receive a crown of life in heaven we must receive a crown of thorns here on earth".
He spoke of how this life is full of sacrifice. It's the beautiful paradox the Lord gives us: whoever will lose his life for Jesus' sake will find it. In laying down our lives we receive life and joy and peace and the promise of the Father. May I prefer my God and His people above receiving the greatest joy. I have found that in putting The Lord first and then others in front of myself and my own happiness or comfort, I receive my chief joy.
If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.
If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.
In this time and place we're always taught to look out for #1- me. But beware lest I forget my Jerusalem. My Lord, my home, my family, my leaders, my sisters and brothers in Christ. Let me not speak or perform if I do not choose them over my chief joy.
A friend and brother-in-Christ from high school died in a car wreck 4 days ago. He was 19. He was one of the only other students in school who used KJV so I instantly thought highly of him, haha. That's definitely not the only reason. He's one of the smartest guys I've ever met. His zeal and knowledge of the Word was astounding. I loved to argue with him, though we got under each other's skin at times. It was fun and I am thankful for knowing him. I was thinking about him this week. He's inspired me and caused me to question and seek out truth more than many brothers and sisters, though we never had opportunity for fellowship outside of school. Today at his funeral some inspiring words he had spoken or heard and passed on to others were read:
"To receive a crown of life in heaven we must receive a crown of thorns here on earth".
He spoke of how this life is full of sacrifice. It's the beautiful paradox the Lord gives us: whoever will lose his life for Jesus' sake will find it. In laying down our lives we receive life and joy and peace and the promise of the Father. May I prefer my God and His people above receiving the greatest joy. I have found that in putting The Lord first and then others in front of myself and my own happiness or comfort, I receive my chief joy.
Blank.
Psalm 139:4 'For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
More often than not I am speechless. I have so many frustrating thoughts and feelings I experience of which at times I simply cannot put into words, especially verbally. This inability to effectively communicate myself to those close to me makes it the more frustrating for me as well as for others, I'm sure. I can hardly pinpoint triggers myself, much less explain them once I have some kind of idea where these feelings might have come from. It's as if I've learned so well to be utterly passive in any circumstance that when I experience extreme emotion now, I'm caught off-guard and cannot trace the roots of my emotions. Other times I am numb, yet I expect to be emotionally connected. It's as if my emotions are constantly in conflict with the words I'm telling myself in response to everything that happens. I tell myself something doesn't bother me, or that I'm trusting and carefree. And then I am pushing people away, I'm angry, I'm crying. I have so many... pictures and ideas? running through my head, but no words to tie them together. I just sit wrongly befuddled and irritated. Nothing used to bother me, and now I get heated so easily. Then I am so numb when I obviously should be touched or wrecked. Am I truly trying to protect myself in some way? Maybe I'm becoming a real person, ha. Entering the battle. Much like my spirit warring against my flesh, but more so my heart warring against my mind, although some consider them the same. Maybe I'm learning to be honest with myself. Maybe I'm crazy. I only pray I'm not letting my flesh take control. I hope this is either a result of or the working toward growth and not of recession. Perhaps it is both.
I have learned and continue to learn to not let my feelings and even my thoughts rule me, although sometimes they receive more victory than I intend for them. That's why I desperately need truth to reign in my heart. That's why I must daily seek the Lord and meditate on His Word as often as I may.
I always heard that life is a battle, a race, that it only gets harder... but I guess I believed differently or thought I'd get used to it and it would become easy. However, such is not the case. I feel like I was such a strong little girl. I thought I understood so much and could go through anything. Now I feel I'm a fool when I have to relearn the basics. Perhaps Christ is building upon foundation that has already been laid. Perhaps he is fixing some cracks and holes. Regardless, I know I must trust Him and humbly submit to His will and His teachings every day. I love His doctrines and His discipline. He is so good to me to not leave me the sad & helpless being I am without Him. He is everything to me.
Lord God, You are my rock and my fortress. You are my strength and my shield. You are Truth, You are Life, You are Love, You are Lord. My hope is in you.
More often than not I am speechless. I have so many frustrating thoughts and feelings I experience of which at times I simply cannot put into words, especially verbally. This inability to effectively communicate myself to those close to me makes it the more frustrating for me as well as for others, I'm sure. I can hardly pinpoint triggers myself, much less explain them once I have some kind of idea where these feelings might have come from. It's as if I've learned so well to be utterly passive in any circumstance that when I experience extreme emotion now, I'm caught off-guard and cannot trace the roots of my emotions. Other times I am numb, yet I expect to be emotionally connected. It's as if my emotions are constantly in conflict with the words I'm telling myself in response to everything that happens. I tell myself something doesn't bother me, or that I'm trusting and carefree. And then I am pushing people away, I'm angry, I'm crying. I have so many... pictures and ideas? running through my head, but no words to tie them together. I just sit wrongly befuddled and irritated. Nothing used to bother me, and now I get heated so easily. Then I am so numb when I obviously should be touched or wrecked. Am I truly trying to protect myself in some way? Maybe I'm becoming a real person, ha. Entering the battle. Much like my spirit warring against my flesh, but more so my heart warring against my mind, although some consider them the same. Maybe I'm learning to be honest with myself. Maybe I'm crazy. I only pray I'm not letting my flesh take control. I hope this is either a result of or the working toward growth and not of recession. Perhaps it is both.
I have learned and continue to learn to not let my feelings and even my thoughts rule me, although sometimes they receive more victory than I intend for them. That's why I desperately need truth to reign in my heart. That's why I must daily seek the Lord and meditate on His Word as often as I may.
I always heard that life is a battle, a race, that it only gets harder... but I guess I believed differently or thought I'd get used to it and it would become easy. However, such is not the case. I feel like I was such a strong little girl. I thought I understood so much and could go through anything. Now I feel I'm a fool when I have to relearn the basics. Perhaps Christ is building upon foundation that has already been laid. Perhaps he is fixing some cracks and holes. Regardless, I know I must trust Him and humbly submit to His will and His teachings every day. I love His doctrines and His discipline. He is so good to me to not leave me the sad & helpless being I am without Him. He is everything to me.
Lord God, You are my rock and my fortress. You are my strength and my shield. You are Truth, You are Life, You are Love, You are Lord. My hope is in you.
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