I operate on my own strength

I have to tell you something that I am so embarrassed to admit. This morning I dried my hair in my bathroom for the first time in a year! What in the world are you talking about, you say? Well, the plug in my bathroom has officially not worked since I moved into this house, exactly 1 year and 5 days ago.

Yes, I've gone that long without telling Jerry that it's been broken. It totally was not intentional, but I just kept forgetting to tell him. I would always think about it super early in the morning or late at night, and just never could get myself around to telling him.. until yesterday. You see my toilet was broken, which led me to tell Jerry, which led him to ask me if anything else was broken.. and I FINALLY remembered to tell him about the plug. Of course it turned in to a huge fiasco and the plumber and electrician were at the house fixing things all.day.long. yesterday. What a mess!

He couldn't believe it took me a year to tell him that the plugs haven't worked. Going without electricity in my bathroom for a year is silly. Why did I do that?

I've been studying Deuteronomy for the past 5 weeks. This morning in Deuteronomy 27 Moses wraps up everything he's been saying for the past 26 chapters, which reiterates over and over again "love the Lord with all your heart, follow his commands, walk in His ways.." It got my thinking about my life, and how I desire to follow God in every aspect of my life. But here's the deal:

i've been trying to do it in my own strength

God sets all these commands for the children of Israel, but none of them could fulfill them all. No one was perfect. Except Jesus. He was the only person who completely fulfilled the law. And then it hit me.. " Linnae, your heart and your desires are starting to match up with mine, but you cannot do this on your own strength. You've got to let me do it for you… operate through you…."

What a relief! I finally feel like this is a new beginning for me. Cliche? Maybe. But so new to me today.

Why didn't I tell Jerry a long time ago about the plug in my bathroom? Because I operate on my own strength. I want to be independent and fix things myself. I don't want to rely on others. And I especially don't want to rely on God at times (yikes!).

Trust in Him

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

I need this verse to reign over my mind, emotions, and actions today…..

I Want You

I WANT YOU TO BE ALL MINE. I am weaning you from other dependencies. Your security rests in Me alone - not in other people, not in circumstances. Depending only on Me may feel like walking on a tightrope, but there is a safety net underneath: the everlasting arms. So don't be afraid of falling. Instead, look ahead to Me. I am always before you, beckoning you on - one step at a time. Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, can separate you from My loving Presence.

Deuteronomy 33:27; Romans 8:39

Jesus Calling - Sarah Young

Discipleship

God's really been doing a lot in my life this past year. I can't really explain it or put it to words, but I'm thankful for this process that He is taking me through. It's been very hard at times, but the things I'm learning I feel will only bring Him glory in my life and bring more freedom to me.

I'm part of a Life Group with our church that has been one of the most wonderful and favorites parts of my life here in Dallas. My church (really what God is doing in the church and the people) has been the most incredible part of my journey. It's real… these people really love Jesus, desire to live holy lives according to the Word, and love people. It's not a movement, it's not the cool thing to do, actually at times I think people have thought I'm weird, but I don't care. Because I encounter God! It's not a feel good, tell me what I want to hear place.. it's people living for Jesus.

Anyway, I could go on and on and on… but back to my Life Group =) This morning one of our leaders asked us to answer some questions, and they are still running through my head, and will be over this week. And I'm curious to know what your answers would be? The church wants us to be poured into, feel covered, initiated with, encouraged, challenged, rebuked, and loved well as a people, and go after everything God has for us. Part of that has to do with discipleship. So I'm wondering if you would answer these questions and be honest? It would be cool to hear what you have to say….

Are you being discipled right now?

If so, by who?

If not , would you like to be? Concerns, questions, thoughts regarding this?

Are you discipling anyone at the moment? If so, who?

What are your thoughts on a discipleship group?

Do you feel spiritually covered right now? If not, how could that improve?

Looking forward to hearing what you have to say!

Miss Beth Moore and Priscilla

You've got to see this video too! Hah.. sorry, I never post two blogs at one time, but I love this. Miss Beth and Priscilla on motherhood…..

Going Beyond Ministries Blog

can't stop watching this…..

Some of you have probably already seen this, but I thought this video of Matt Chandler is so interesting. He's is right in the middle of his chemo treatment for brain cancer and I think it's great to watch.

Hop on over here to watch the short video. And continue to remember to pray for he and his family.

We have a lot to be thankful for, don't we?

The Poor

Last night our church had a last minute prayer and worship meeting for the people of Haiti. There's so many facebook messages, tweets, emails, etc. going around for Haiti. I think that now more than ever we are concerned about the well-being of those less fortunate than us (sort of). At least in my little bubble I feel that way, not necessarily a country as a whole.

Last night we just wanted to pray and worship God on behalf of Haiti. We believe and know that Gods heart is for the brokenhearted and the poor, and a lot of times we need people to intercede on behalf of us when we are in those situations. Our hearts broke as we prayed, but I also believe that because of our prayers, God is going to do miracles among these people this very minute.

All over scripture God refers to the brokenhearted, the poor, the fatherless, the widows. It was no surprise to me that this morning I read, yet again, about the poor, and what we are to do as a blessed nation and a people belonging to God.

If you look at Deuteronomy 15: 7-11, Moses shares with the Children of Israel how they are to handle the poor. Verse 4 says this:

However, there should be no poor among you, for in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you

Wait, there should be no poor among them? Can you imagine America without any homeless? I can't. Why shouldn't there have been any poor when the Israelites enter the promised land? Because God was going to richly bless them, if they were obedient.

Obedient, how? By being openhanded and freely lend to the poor whatever they need. They were to be careful not to be hardhearted and tightfisted. They were to give them what they needed, knowing that they wouldn't be paid back.

Idealistically there was the possibility that poverty would be eradicated in the Land(Canaan) "for the Lord would bless them in this Land." The fullness of this blessing, however, is based on Israel's obedience. Verses 4-6 are an encouragement to strive for reduction of poverty.

If you hop on over to Verse 11, it says "There will always be poor among you. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in you land."

Realistically, the disobedience toward the Lord on Israel's part meant that there would always be poor people in the Land. So.. there were poor because of Israel's disobedience? Yikes!

I'm curious to know how you think this relates to us.. now.. America? How do you handle a statement like this? Do we have tons of poor people because of our tons of disobedience? I'd love to hear your thoughts…...

French Press

So, I'm starting to do some research because I want to buy a french press. I honestly do not know the first thing about french presses, what the best kinds are, what the best deal is, how do use them, etc. but I'm realizing that because I'm the only one in my house, I don't need to use my big coffee pot to make coffee in the mornings. My boss used to drink coffee when he comes in to the office (aka my house), but he's not really drinking it anymore, so it's just lonely ole' me.

So, my question for you is, do you have a french press? What are the best kinds? What do you think I should buy?

Any suggestions!??!

How much do we love our God?

If you want or have some time this weekend of extra reading, I want to encourage you to read over Deuteronomy 6. And read it again… and then again some. It is so rich and full and I think it will bless you and encourage you this weekend.

Write verse 5 on a notecard and take it around with you this weekend.

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Some things to think about:

1. What would be the danger to the children of Israel once they entered the promised land?

2. Do you see this same possibility in the life of a Christian today?

3. Why is it danger?

4. How could the children of Israel fall into such a trap? What were their specific instructions?

5. Why didn't God want them to have any other Gods besides Him? What do you learn about God from this statement? Do you live accordingly? Has God changed? Can He change?

Things which happened to Israel were to be an example for us, and were written for our instruction. How much do we love our God? How diligent are we about learning His Word so we can keep it before our eyes at all times? What is the most important thing we can teach our children, and how diligent are we in this respect? Are we so busy that we are giving ourselves to that which is temporal and ignoring that which has eternal ramifications?

Watch yourself lest you forget your God…..

We Bid You Farewell, Mason

Join me in saying "au revoir" to Mason as he leaves today for Kenya with his dad on a medical mission trip. They are going to be gone for two weeks, accompanying a few doctors trying to figure out what the needs are in the city they will be.

Mason is one of those people who lives simply. I've always loved that about him. He's intelligent, cares for people, and loves to serve those less fortunate. One of the things you might not think about Mason is that he is a "fashion designer." Yes, the most un-steriotypical fashion designer you've ever met. Check out his website.

Mason has helped me out so much since we launched our new website, helping me figure out what everything means in Google Analytics. And let me tell you, it has revolutionized my website skills! Thanks Mason for who you are and sharing all the intelligence with me that's in that brain of yours.

Have a great trip! We are praying for you...

Deuteronomy

Over these past two weeks I have completely fallen in love with Deuteronomy. I'm finally (a year later) through studying the first four book of the Bible, and now finishing the Pentateuch. I'm going through Kay Arthur's "Teach Me Your Ways" inductive study. It has been perfect for this season of life that I am in and I love studying the Old Testament.

Deuteronomy is such a beautiful thing - it is tying in everything that I have studied thus far so perfectly - such rich text and words full of life. This morning I am completely ruined and in awe of chapter 10 and just keep reading it over and over, begging God that these words would define who I am and what I live by…..

And now, (Linnae), what does the Lord your God as of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?

To the Lord belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it. Yet the Lord set his affection on your forefathers and loved them, and he chose you, above all nations, as it is today. Circumcise your hearts and do not be stiff-necked any longer.

For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing.

And YOU are to love those who are aliens, for your yourselves were aliens… Fear the Lord your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name. He is your praise, he is your God…

Deuteronomy, thus far, keeps saying the same thing over and over again. It's as if God is trying to ingrain something in our hearts?! Duh!

Fear God… Love Him…. Love the aliens - those differing in nature or character from you (those you don't feel natural loving) YIKES! … Serve Him…. with what? … all your heart and all your soul… walk in all His ways…..

Why? Because He loves US... He saved US from death... and He loved those who weren't loved and accepted... and He is the Lord our God… He is God… Lord… awesome… mighty… owns and created the heavens and the earth and everything in it… and yet He chose US!

Jesus help me this day… open our eyes and our hearts to these words.. make them living and active… penetrating our souls. This is what I'm attempting today… Love God, serve Him, love His people…..