Jeremiah - the law and evangelism

At Think15 today, the pastor spoke from Jeremiah chapters 1-2. I found two points very interesting:

1. Jeremiah describes Israel's relationship between  God and them as a bridegroom and his bride.  Jeremiah then tells about how Israel wandered and chose to worship idols. The speaker pointed out that because of that relationship, worshipping idols was tantemant to adultery! Ouch!
2. Martin Luther,  when asked how he evangelized, said he spoke of Grace a little (Jer 1), spoke of the law (Jer 2),  so they would know they were sinners, spoke of the law more so they could feel the guilt,  spoke of the law yet again,  then ended with a full blown recitation of God's mercy...because until they understood thoroughly that they were sinners they didn't understand they needed Christ.

What does God want from Lent?

Today I read a devotional from Isaiah about how God wants people to give food to the poor and help people rather than to look like they are fasting in public.

I find it ironic in that a few weeks ago I spoke to a friend at school and realized that Lent wasn't about something that I had to give up in order to honor Jesus's sacrifices; it could be about something that I could give.

So I had decided to journal on this blog every morning about the things that were significant and poignant to me from that days devotional, or happenings.

How great God is in that he started me on this journey a week ago and is reminding me regularly that this is the right way to go to do something that is for him, to honor Jesus' sacrifice rather than give up something so that I can think about myself and what I'm giving up.

Praise God He is good all the time!

Also, I will pray for someone in my family who is struggling with their Christianity.

God's spirit makes us better than we are

I know for a fact that when I play the piano,  I play better that I really can.  The Spirit takes hold and the piano becomes my worship to God. I don't even know how it sounds to anyone else. I just know I am worshipping.

So, why am I afraid to volunteer to play the piano, and maybe be rejected, in my current church?

Lent - it's not about me...

I enjoy giving up something for Lent. I am not Catholic,  but I want to do lent to be reminded daily of Christ's sacrifice for me,  for all of us.  However,  after my devotional this morning, I realized I am doing this to show God I believe. ..when in reality I should be doing this so God can show me about Him.  It is not about me...it is about Him.

Again, The Book of Prayers is so humbling and insightful and speaks truth!

Oh God, the author of all good, I come to Thee for the grace another day will require for its duties and events. I step out into a wicked world; I carry about with me an evil heart. I know that without thee, I can do nothing, that everything with which I shall be concerned, however harmless in itself, may prove an occasion of sin or folly, unless I am kept by thy power. Hold thou me up and I shall be safe.

Love the insightful, heartfelt prayers from the Book of Common Prayers...

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

- from The Book of Common Prayer

Why this blog?

Lately, between the sermons at College Park Church and my devotions from She Reads Truth, I have realized that not only is God always pursuing me (and everyone else) but that He is always active in my life even when I forget about Him and do things my way. 

So, to respectfully remember the sacrifices Christ has made for me (and everyone) on at least a daily basis, I am going to observe Lent (and I am not Catholic). After speaking with a co-worker, I realized I don't have to give up something to observe Lent, I can add something to my life instead. So, I am going to blog daily about my devotions, Bible readings, prayers, or whatever seems to show God's glory and remind me of Christ's sacrifice for all of us once and for all!  Amen to that!

This is my FIRST post!  Yea!  :)