Volume 59: Rest in the Registry

 

A picnic blanket.
A pair of matching T-shirts.
A kickball.
A set of bases.

All wrapped in Christmas Dinosaur wrapping paper....

These were the items that were in my trunk as I was on the way to Jess's bachelorette in Florida last weekend...

To pass time on the drive, I started listening to Paige Brown's sermon that was sent to me. And in her sermon about why it's important to read the Bible, she began with (something along the lines of...) "This week, my husband and I are celebrating our 20 year anniversary.... 20 and a half years ago, I was the person that refused to get my friends something off of their registry, thinking that the painting I pick out is much more fun than the boring things on the list. And then I got married... and I learned that people actually want what they chose! Stick to the registry!"

And I began to laugh out loud, in the car, to myself.... OOPS!! Sorry, Jess!!! I don't think any of those items were on your registry... 

Paige then went on to connect her example with how God doesn't want us to try and get creative in the ways we grow in our relationship with Him, He just wants us to stick to His "registry."

It hit me... how often do I try to bring Jesus kickballs and bases instead of praying or dwelling in His Word or giving Him thanks, etc. 

There are many times in my faith when I overcomplicate the basics. When I overthink and forgo the simple gospel that Jesus set out before us. Yet, Scripture has it all laid out for us... 

When we want to know how to pray... Jesus responds, "when you pray..." 

When we are broken and lost... Jesus responds, "Follow me."

When we are facing persecution for our faith... Jesus responds, "you will be hated for my names sake. But the one who endures until the end will be saved."

When we are exhausted in the business of the world today... Jesus responds, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest."

When the storms of life are enclosing around us... Jesus responds, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid."

Sell your riches. 
Do not murder. 
First be reconciled to your brother.
Do not commit adultery. 
Love your enemies.
Give to the needy. 
Do not get divorced.
Lay up treasures in Heaven. 
Do not be anxious. 
Do not judge others. 

The Bible is full of foundational truths and commandments. What may seem like a list of strict rules turns out to be our guide to freedom and joy! His registry is the most important to follow! 

In a world that continues to try and tell us different ideas, off the registry, may we be confident in the Word of God, as our one true source! 

"We have made the Bible a prop for us instead of the plot line..."

Earlier today, as I was driving back from Blakely's awesome birthday party, the song "SNAP" by Rosa Linn shuffled on and I was so excited. Just three weeks ago, I had never heard this song, but now it is one of my favorites... 

I was hanging out with my cousin Jessie and her girls when Annie, the youngest who is 4, randomly asked in the most gentle manner, "Mom can you please play Snap??" While the other 2 sisters were loudly bickering back and forth in the back seat, Annie began to sing out all of the lyrics to this song with full confidence. She was fully content and just in her own world. 

As I sat there, trying not to give her too much attention in fear that she would get shy, I found so much joy in this moment of Annie being so bold, a side I had not seen much of from her. 

Now SNAP, a song that never would have made it onto my playlist on my own accord, is played often... Why? Because Annie loved it and I love Annie. So it brings me joy. 

And I think we could all list a lot of things that we love simply because the people we love do. For example, just ask Debbie what college football team she cheers for!!! 

It's a natural thing to do! We want to relate to people and we want them to know that we care! 

So as we attempt to live our life according to God's "registry," we will hopefully see ourselves begin to care more and more about the things God cares about! For our hearts to break for the things that break His. And love the things that He loves. 

It's November - HAPPY MONTH OF GRATITUDE!!!! In the wise words of Christine Caine, "When we have an attitude of gratitude, instead of looking at what God's not doing, we look at what God is doing." May we be quick to recognize the ways God is moving all around us and give thanks in this season!

Reach out! Send the text! Say the compliment! 

This week, I listened to an episode on the Happiness Lab podcast, which is always interesting to me! This one was about how our minds will always undersell how much a compliment or simple text reaching out can mean to the person receiving. We make ourselves think "they already know this!" or "I am annoying them!" or "they are too busy for me" or "it won't seem sincere" ...

But, as psychologist study this phenomenon, their studies show that the recipient is always more grateful and happier than the sender anticipated. Therefore, just send the text! Speak the encouragement! The studies also show that both parties benefit positively from such interactions! 

Currently reading the book "Confronting Jesus," and this is a powerful quote from the chapter about Jesus as King! 

"Instead of taking up the throne, Jesus had taken up the cross.

Instead of taking power for himself, he'd given it all up.

Instead of beating others down with conquest, he lifted up the most despised in his society with tender care. 

Instead of the cross being his moment of defeat, it represents His greatest victory.

By suffering injustice, Jesus came to roll out justice like the world has never seen before."