tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74528837795085918292024-03-18T20:25:29.023-07:00Behold, God is Greatlauren joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04091022472600112161noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452883779508591829.post-82413528474599249452012-03-05T21:48:00.000-08:002012-03-05T21:49:43.743-08:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><div style="text-align: left;">Every day I wake up, I have to choose to believe </div><div style="text-align: left;">that love runs deeper than pain,</div><div style="text-align: left;"> that freedom is stronger than bondage and mercy is bigger than fear. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I wake up and look full into the face of the Creator. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I choose to discard loneliness and heartache. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I choose to fall again onto His promises. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Joy comes in the morning. </div><div style="text-align: left;">His blood speaks a better word. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I can either be weighed down by my insecurities</div><div style="text-align: left;"> or I can choose to walk above them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> No longer do I live under a spirit of bondage. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I am free, even when my heart aches. </div><div style="text-align: left;">There is beauty to capture far beyond my hurting.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Take me there.</div></span>lauren joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04091022472600112161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452883779508591829.post-20349693424522507792012-03-05T21:41:00.000-08:002012-03-05T21:43:18.599-08:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px; "><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">My life is a constant struggle, a battle of my will.</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Every decision, every action, every word</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">is a product of the motivation of my heart.</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">The motivation of a fragile, broken heart.</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">I want a pure heart.</span></i></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">I have the number for a counselor</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">who specializes in dealing with self-destruction.</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Most of me wants to call her,</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">sort these issues out for good..</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">But there is still a part of me</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">that likes the comfort of a broken heart.</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Something inside of me still hates me,</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">and I hate to admit it, but when it matters,</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">that part is almost always stronger.</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">I am more than a conqueror.</span></i></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">I am not defined by an eating disorder.</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">I am not defined by a weak heart.</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">I am not defined by my job.</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">I am not defined by the mistakes I have made.</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">I am not defined by my friends, my family or my enemies.</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">I am defined by Jesus Christ crucified.</span></i></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">I am a pure and spotless offering before my God.</span></i></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">I am no longer forsaken,</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">I am no longer desolate,</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">I am called Hephzibah,</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">I am the delight of the King of Heaven</span></i></div></span>lauren joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04091022472600112161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452883779508591829.post-35064740994350193862012-03-05T21:38:00.001-08:002012-03-05T21:38:55.630-08:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">It's You.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">It's You it's You it's You.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">From the moment I wake up to the moment I lay my head,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">it's You.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">In pain and in joy, it's You.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">In the times of trial and the times of peace, it's You.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">In the darkness and in the light, it's You.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">In every valley and every mountain top, it's You.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">In battle and in splendor, it's You.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">In weakness and strength, it's You.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">In lack and in prosperity, it's You.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">In every season of the soul, it's You.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">From eternity past, to eternity future, it's You.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">It will always be You.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">My glory, the lifter of my head.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; ">It's You.</span></div></span>lauren joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04091022472600112161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452883779508591829.post-54482666105272672192012-03-05T21:35:00.000-08:002012-03-05T21:36:24.310-08:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><div style="text-align: left;color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span">The lamb said “Shh” and I yelled.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span">The lamb held out his hand </span></div><div style="text-align: left;color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span">and I broke every bone there with my grip,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; ">because I didn't believe I would be safe.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span">The lamb promised beautiful </span></div><div style="text-align: left;color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span">and I covered myself in dirt.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span">the lamb said “this much” </span></div><div style="text-align: left;color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span">and I drove the nails.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span">The lamb held me in my sleep </span></div><div style="text-align: left;color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span">and I curse his name as I woke.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span">He loves. he loves. he loves.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span">I am holding his heart already.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span">And I am learning </span></div><div style="text-align: left;color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span">that I can be sustained on his blood alone,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span">that I can give my own hear to him.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span">The lamb said “Shh” and I yelled,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span">so he made the world around me </span></div><div style="text-align: left;color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span">louder so I could obey</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; ">.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; ">-Kristin Laub</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><br /></span></div></span>lauren joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04091022472600112161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452883779508591829.post-30342020704138106002012-03-05T21:33:00.001-08:002012-03-05T21:33:22.322-08:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">This heart is heavy with pain,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">wracked with guilt and weary from striving.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">I'm longing for His love.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">For the healing of His warm embrace.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">I'm tired of sleepwalking through this season.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">I need breakthough. I need encounter.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">I need grace for the restart.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Another restart. Another restart.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Another welcome. Another welcome.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Another wave of mercy.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Another promise, truth to break the lies.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Everlasting grace for the restart.</span></div></span>lauren joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04091022472600112161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452883779508591829.post-7995626949071412332012-03-05T21:29:00.007-08:002012-03-05T21:38:02.407-08:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: 16px; font-family:Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;font-size:85%;"><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5714956694980033676" style="width: 520px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; font-size:13px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I know these little moments move Your heart, </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">and I know that right now that's all that matters.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">In this place where everything inside me wants to fall apart, </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">You hold me together. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">When I'm too weak to walk this road, </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">You are my strong arm. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I will continue to reach for You. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Yes, my heart will reach- </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">even if only for a moment before I break- </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">because I know it moves Your heart.</span></div><div style="clear: both; "></div></div><div class="post-footer" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-top: 20px; margin-right: -2px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: -2px; padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249); border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); "></div></span>lauren joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04091022472600112161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452883779508591829.post-12514828002538668822012-03-05T21:29:00.005-08:002012-03-05T21:33:44.404-08:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: 16px; font-family:Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5006032948579689015" style="width: 520px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; font-size:13px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">I don't want to become a stranger. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:85%;">I don't want to forget how Your voice sounds </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:85%;">or the way You hold me till the storm passes. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:85%;">I don't want to run away from home anymore. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:85%;">I don't want to desire anything less than all of You. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:85%;">I don't want to live in loneliness and fear. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:85%;">I will run into Your arms again. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:85%;">Yes, I will run. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:85%;">Like a prodigal to my Father's warm embrace, I will run. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">And You carry me, You give Your child sweet rest, </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">You restore my strength.</span></div><div style="font-size: -webkit-xxx-large; clear: both; "></div></div><div class="post-footer" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-top: 20px; margin-right: -2px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: -2px; padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249); border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); font-size: 11px; "></div></span>lauren joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04091022472600112161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452883779508591829.post-32345095704590183382012-02-20T19:35:00.000-08:002012-02-20T19:56:35.753-08:00I'm learning to love my Jesus again.<div>I'm learning to fall on my face before Him and live in the wake of Grace and Mercy every day.</div><div>The past 2 years have been rough, I'm not going to sugar coat it, but I'm also not going to dwell on what has been and miss out on what God has for me in this season. </div><div>I'm a new creation. There is nothing I've ever done, nothing I could ever do that will make God love me any less. I'm His little lady, I'm his delight, I'm His beloved.</div><div>My testimony is riddled with pain, regret and so many mistakes. Im not proud of anything I've done, I'm not here to glorify my sinful nature, I'm here to declare the goodness of God. I should be dead, but He's kept me here and if I never do anything notable in my life but love Him and worship Him, I'm ok with that. </div><div>I'm learning to get back to the simplicity of devotion, the freedom of living in the presence of the Spirit. The joy of loving my King above any worldly pleasures. </div><div>I've done it all, I've been in places and put myself in situations that have made me realize this, I never want to walk away from my Papa again. I would give my life if I could prevent just one person from having to feel the intensity of the pain that is living in this world without God.</div><div>He is worth it all. He is better than whatever this world can offer. He is abundantly good. Learn to love Him again, I promise you won't ever turn back.</div>lauren joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04091022472600112161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452883779508591829.post-76299403346468426232011-02-11T23:05:00.000-08:002011-02-11T23:19:22.878-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NpQpnC1a2P6b6nwJJE7YiIZ9iD5FncB-1e_2w6crZSxTp55eTt4JKFERli8SCD8Vmd41yRBsPoVA4ENdsOaNVDfYLzas1OpNBRVhx9uz8cBZgIuOl5jynu9RNK9L6N60In4SDSwbwLk/s1600/tumblr_lgallkEzRb1qbf2nqo1_500.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NpQpnC1a2P6b6nwJJE7YiIZ9iD5FncB-1e_2w6crZSxTp55eTt4JKFERli8SCD8Vmd41yRBsPoVA4ENdsOaNVDfYLzas1OpNBRVhx9uz8cBZgIuOl5jynu9RNK9L6N60In4SDSwbwLk/s400/tumblr_lgallkEzRb1qbf2nqo1_500.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572696289652275330" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Throw anything at me. If it hurts I won't show you. If I need you I won't tell you. I'm so used to being an island. These walls are a part of me now, and nothing can get past them. I'm so close to breaking but I won't be found in pieces, no one gets to see me cry. No one touches my heart. Have my body, have my time, have my constant thought.. But you'll never have my heart, there's too many secrets hidden away in there, too much aching and longing and far too much desire. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm waiting for the fog to lift. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm waiting for the phone call. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm waiting for a savior. </div>lauren joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04091022472600112161noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452883779508591829.post-48721240976239541422010-10-12T01:43:00.001-07:002010-10-12T01:48:19.519-07:00Enough.<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlp3cR2LXl23l8NJqJAZ91aIbOr3UpOmPqaF-FqnzU6emSsuCN6YxnYI9Ol_fDz8AJJlFKklyYrG3Iii3ITOa2QIUrAYFtmIMgw_690M2DjXcVesbUk1S8OEZbqcLr-OJ9bMdcRv27MZA/s1600/tumblr_l8pbstI5qt1qa80u6o1_500.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlp3cR2LXl23l8NJqJAZ91aIbOr3UpOmPqaF-FqnzU6emSsuCN6YxnYI9Ol_fDz8AJJlFKklyYrG3Iii3ITOa2QIUrAYFtmIMgw_690M2DjXcVesbUk1S8OEZbqcLr-OJ9bMdcRv27MZA/s400/tumblr_l8pbstI5qt1qa80u6o1_500.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527078659586033058" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><div style="text-align: center; ">I'm so broken. I'm hardened, addicted and lost. I'm lonely and needy. I'm jealous and I'm angry. Calloused, offended, confused, obsessive, hurt and upset. I'm insecure. I'm jaded. I'm bitter, and I'm selfish.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">I can't let people in, so I let them walk all over me. I'm never enough for the ones I so desperately want to be enough for. I'm retreated and I'm drawn-back. I get hurt too easily, and I never give myself the time to heal. I constantly feel guilty.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">From the moment I wake up to the moment I lay my head, I'm never good enough for me. Never skinny enough. Never pretty enough. Never together enough for me. I spend hours in a day dream that I know will never come to pass. I hide my pain, and only ever let it show around the wrong people.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">I'm desperate for love. Desperate for healing, for hope, for commitment and for restoration. I long for redemption.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Redemption.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">For the soft whisper of I am enough. The touch of a Savior. The blood of a Son. The blood of a man who came to die for my shortcomings. The man who stretched His arms wide on the Hill of calvary and proclaimed to the world that I am His beloved, welcomed me into His embrace. The man who died for my broken heart. For my redemption and my freedom. Spilled His blood, for me. Just, me.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">I am carried into His presence,</div><div style="text-align: center; ">I am crippled at His table.</div></span>lauren joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04091022472600112161noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452883779508591829.post-65776992589126676632010-08-02T03:17:00.000-07:002010-08-02T03:31:46.856-07:00This is My King; Jesus<div style="text-align: center;"><i>This is humility; </i></div><div style="text-align: center;">the K<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">ing of th</span>e universe came as a baby <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(Matt. 1:21-25)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This is influence;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"> thousands came to sit on a hill and hear Him preach <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(Matt. 5:1)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This is power;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"> He healed the blind <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(Matt. 10:27-31)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This is compassion;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"> He stood in the gap and wrote in the sand <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(John 8:1-12)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This is true rest; </i></div><div style="text-align: center;">He trades our burden of sin for an easy yoke <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(Matt. 11:25-30)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This is servanthood; </i></div><div style="text-align: center;">He washed His disciples' feet <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(John 13:1-17)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This is grace;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"> He shared the cup with His betrayer <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(Matt. 26:23)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This is pain; </i></div><div style="text-align: center;">He was sweating drops of blood in the Garden<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> (Luke 22:44)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This is patience;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"> He didn't say a word<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> (Is. 53:7)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This is love;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"> He hung on a tree for my brokenness <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(Matt. 27:35)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This is forgiveness;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"> His shed His blood for my purity <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(Rev. 5:9)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This is truth;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I belong to Him <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(Ezekiel 16:8)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This is a conquerer;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"> death couldn't hold Him <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(Matt. 24:1-12)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This is passion;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"> His eyes burn like blazing fire <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(Rev. 1:14)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This is beauty;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"> His face is like the shining sun <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(Rev. 1:16)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This is sovereignty;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"> He's coming again <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(Rev. 20)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">This is the Son of God</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">This is the Redeemer of my soul</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">This is the Beginning and the End</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">This is Jesus</span></div>lauren joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04091022472600112161noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452883779508591829.post-9396571708534444492010-07-17T17:49:00.000-07:002010-07-17T21:22:26.127-07:00There's Never Been a Man Who's More Alive<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">"If the spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you,He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies who dwells in you." </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Romans 8:11</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I've been spending time meditating on the phrase</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>"death couldn't hold Him down"</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">and the more I think about it, the more I am astounded at the power of God to raise His Son from the dead. Not only did He allow Jesus to be pierced for our sins so that we can live free from the sinful nature and so that we can walk in relationship with the Father because our redemption has been FULLY paid for at calvary, but He raised Christ from the dead through the spirit, and then said to all of broken humanity, "here, walk in this same power." And all we need to do is ask and we will receive the life-giving, life-changing, nation-shaking power that was present at the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour! Awesome!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">The resurrection is a part of the gospel that I feel I don't spend enough time thinking about. I always get so caught up in the crucifixion and what we gain from Jesus' death; atonement for sin, everlasting life, freedom.. And I forget the life of power we are called to live in wake of the resurrection. We are commanded to be filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit, which is available to us because Jesus DIDN'T STAY DEAD!</div><div style="text-align: center;">We should be a church who walk in resurrection power and see people healed everywhere we go, see the dead raised, see salvation break out all around us. </div><div style="text-align: center;">In John 14:12-14 Jesus tells His disciples that they will be able to do "even greater works" than He had done, through the power of the Holy Spirit. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The same spirit that lives in us.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The spirit that allows us to walk in the supernatural.</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is our mandate, to be filled with the resurrection power for the salvation of the lost, the freedom of the captives and the healing of the sick. Amen.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>lauren joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04091022472600112161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452883779508591829.post-86962605073064926302010-07-16T22:46:00.000-07:002010-07-16T23:16:20.022-07:00Revival<div style="text-align: center;">I believe revolution is coming to this nation. I just spent the week at Getsmart conference in Auckland with 1000 other hungry young people on fire for Jesus, on fire to see their friends, families, schools and universities changed.</div><div style="text-align: center;">A few weeks ago my friend and I were having coffee and he said this "I think this next generation is going to be the generation that, one one side, are furtherest away from God, but on the other side the generation that pursues God hardest." And I completely agree. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's be a people that pursue purity, love and intimacy with God above anything else. I believe this is how we're going to see awakening in our land, and across the globe.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I want to see God move in this land, and on the hearts of a people who are deeply in love with their creator. </div>lauren joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04091022472600112161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452883779508591829.post-2296465006500891982010-07-04T05:22:00.000-07:002010-07-04T05:52:37.699-07:00This, Love.<div style="text-align: center;">I am Hephzibah.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am the beloved of the Bridegroom.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am the Daughter of the King.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am a priest.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am His beautiful one.</div><div style="text-align: center;">His delight is in me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He rejoices over me with singing.</div><div style="text-align: center;">His affections are for me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am as white as snow in His eyes.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am the one He holds in His arms.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am dust.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He knows all my thoughts, desires and passions.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He satisfies my soul.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He is a good good father.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am the apple of His eye.</div><div style="text-align: center;">All His desire is for me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am royalty before Him.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I move His heart.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am forgiven.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am lifted up.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am no longer desolate, forsaken or broken.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He has adopted me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">His eyes burn for me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He decides my fate.</div><div style="text-align: center;">His blood has the final word on my life.</div><div style="text-align: center;">His righteousness is mine.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He is coming back for me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am the one His heart yearns for.</div><div style="text-align: center;">There is nothing I could do to make Him love me less.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He died on roman cross-beams for me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have been on His mind since eternity past.</div><div style="text-align: center;">His banner over me is love.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am His dove, His sister, His bride.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am His lovely one.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He created me in the depths of the earth.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He commands His angels concerning me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am His fair one.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And He is mine.</div>lauren joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04091022472600112161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452883779508591829.post-17473497216605580952010-06-16T02:17:00.000-07:002010-06-16T02:33:49.634-07:00Awake, My Soul!<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For the past few weeks I've had a phrase from Psalm 57 going around and around in my head and going deep into my heart.. Psalm 57:8</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"<i>Awake, my soul!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Awake, harp and lyre!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I will awaken the dawn."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The first line just gets me everytime. "Awake my soul". And I've spent some time meditating on exactly what it means to have an awakened soul, and why King David would desire his soul to be awakened.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tiny bit of context: David wrote this psalm when he was hiding out in a cave after fleeing from Saul and his croonies who were trying to take his life.. In a nutshell, David was in the pit.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">But the thing I love about this psalm and the other psalms he wrote while in this position is that it shows David's character beautifully. In the midst of his darkness and lonliness, he sings songs of praise and declares God's love. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So in the middle of his deep distress, David calls out to the Lord. In Psalm 57, David is mostly making statements about his situation and exalting God, but he does ask the Lord for two things; 1: mercy (verse 1), and 2: an awakened soul (verse 8). </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And what was the purpose in having an awakened soul while he was in the pit of despair? So that he could praise and worship, sing and make music to the Lord! So that he could be joyful despite his circumstances. We need to get a hold of this mentality. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This generation is walking round with tired, destroyed and downcast souls. They are literally everywhere. Imagine if we had the joy of the Lord and an awakened soul, every day. No matter what the situation, mood or season. If we had steadfast hearts that could not be shaken- grounded in the joy and goodness of God. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">When we have an awakened soul, we are free to praise- liberated by the love of God- in any season. Joy does not rely on circumstances, it is not "hapiness", it is constant and it is straight from the heart of the Lord.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Our souls need to be awakened with joy, so that we can praise and worship in every season, simply because He is worthy. Our souls need to be awakened to the goodness of God, so that we may find rest in Him (Psalm 116:7). And our souls need to be awakened to the likeness of God so that we may live righteously, and satisfied in Him alone (Psalm 17:15).</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Just before Jesus was about to be crucified, He went up to the garden of Gethsemane, He asked one thing of His disciples; to keep watch while He went to pray. When He came back, He found them sleeping and was deeply upset. He begged them to pray, to stay awake. (John 22:46)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Let's not be found sleeping.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Let's be a generation of people who are awake, in tune with the spirit. We could change the world.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"You have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Wake up!"</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">-Revelation 3:1&2</span></div>lauren joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04091022472600112161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452883779508591829.post-53740348912921169032010-06-02T02:51:00.000-07:002010-06-02T04:19:21.804-07:00Think About Such Things<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Philippians 4:8</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Today I was listening to a song by Death Cab for Cutie, called "I will possess your heart". Basically the song has like, one verse and a repetitive chorus that goes;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">You've gotta spend some time, love</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">You've gotta spend some time with me</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And I know that you'll find, love</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I will possess your heart</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I have no doubt at all that Ben Gibbard wrote the song for a girl and all that blah blah.. But hear me out. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It got me to thinking.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The things/people/activities that we spend our time with, whether good or bad, are essentially the things we lend our hearts to. Thus, these things possess our hearts. Right?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So this got me to thinking that we should be careful and Godly about the way we spend our time and energy and what we put time and energy into thinking about. Yes.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So this is where Philippians 4:8 comes in. In a roundabout kinda way. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I love this quote from Misty Edwards "Most of your life takes place on the other side of your face." (meaning, in your mind) I could not agree more. We are thinkers, us humans. Always thinking, our minds wander here and there constantly. I'm always having to pull my mind back into focus, away from daydreams or wandering thoughts. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In Philippians 4:8, Paul clearly lists the things we should be setting our minds to, the things we should be thinking about and the things that should be taking up our time, both in our heads, and out.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The list is pretty elite.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">whatever is:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">True</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Noble</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Right</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pure</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lovely</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Admirable</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Excellent</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Praiseworthy</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And, here's the list of people/things that possess all the qualities afore-mentioned:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">God</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This is challenging. There's SO much out there to spend time thinking about, why would we want to think about God? I am the most prone to daydreaming person alive.. I think all the time about everything. It's overwhelming. I'm sure you'd all agree. But why, why do I spend my time thinking about all this clutter and chaos when all God requires of me is to think about Him? To set my heart on things above.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Imagine what kind of a world we'd live in if we became a generation who walked round daydreaming about Heaven? Constantly spending time contemplating and meditating on God. In order that the thing we spend our time on would, indeed, hold our affections, and therefore;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Possess our hearts.</span></div>lauren joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04091022472600112161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452883779508591829.post-31770865024526607062010-05-31T03:53:00.000-07:002010-05-31T04:06:45.061-07:00The Biblical Call to Purity<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"></span>-Matthew 5:8</div><div style="text-align: center;">About a month ago I was reading the book of Matthew, I got up to the sermon on the mount when a verse I'd read a million times before started to fascinate me.. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" it's the 6th beatitude. And in my opinion the coolest.. Don't get me wrong, I love the other ones too (no offence other beatitudes, you're doing a great job) but the reason I love this one so much is because it really doesn't make sense. I mean, think about it.. Purity of heart=seeing God. If you never had a decent reason to pursue purity before, meet Matthew 5:8. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I spent hours meditating on this verse. Literally hours, and the more I read it, the more it blew my mind. </div><div style="text-align: center;">This is what Jesus is saying; to those who pursue purity, to those who delight in walking blameless before God, to those who guard their heart, to those who's motivations are God-centered, to those who hunger to know Him.. It is these ones whom God will reveal Himself to. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Need encounter? I do. Long to see His face, His eyes that burn like blazing fire? I do. Want to live in the fullness and abundance of knowing God? I do. Well here's the good news.. Jesus tells us the solution, plain and simple.. Walking in purity of heart! </div><div style="text-align: center;">So what does it look like to have a pure heart? Good question. We're living in the single most sin-saturated generation in human history. Everywhere we turn there's darkness and temptation to fall into sin and give our hearts over to impurity. I believe this is the exact reason why the spirit is emphasizing the call to purity in our generation. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I reckon the coolest thing about Matthew 5:8 is that it goes both ways. Meaning this.. Want to have a pure heart? Seek God. The key to purity, according to the God-man Himself, is seeking the revelation of God. The revelation that God is the superior pleasure, that He is better than sin, He is better than immorality, He is better than the fleeting pleasures of this world. The biblical method of walking in purity is to be satisfied in God's revelation of Himself to you! He just tastes better.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I realise there is so much more depth to this verse and this subject, and I have no doubt I'll delve into it again, but this is about all I have for now.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm praying for a people to rise up from this generation obsessed with seeing God, pursuing purity and finding satisfaction in Him. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The only way to conquer sin is to get this truth into your gut;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><b>He tastes better.</b></span></div>lauren joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04091022472600112161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452883779508591829.post-464524939346978472010-05-28T13:21:00.000-07:002010-05-28T13:39:45.624-07:00Joy Comes in the Morning.<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLG5CfRzV7HnZ_7l2SaqHtl7u4BrtveDaYFnsFa93DmDURkE8H8wI6-BBJ9cfqW7C0Uny4J-gu2SwMOyO40WEbkU_tBx9gVIO7pnALz6XuEDu6jDd7jqOrWVnZ5wVddZTgmKMpdHggILY/s1600/tumblr_kpb0u2g4SA1qzy5cxo1_500+(1).png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLG5CfRzV7HnZ_7l2SaqHtl7u4BrtveDaYFnsFa93DmDURkE8H8wI6-BBJ9cfqW7C0Uny4J-gu2SwMOyO40WEbkU_tBx9gVIO7pnALz6XuEDu6jDd7jqOrWVnZ5wVddZTgmKMpdHggILY/s400/tumblr_kpb0u2g4SA1qzy5cxo1_500+(1).png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476423099636077010" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."</span> Psalm 30:5</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I love the promise of a new day. I don't know about you but I find usually that if something's going wrong in my life, it usually seems the worst at night. Whether it be regret or pain or sorrow.. But the promise of the Lord is that there is JOY in a new day! That there is newness and gladness to be attained in a new day no matter what the situation might be. 90% of the time we do wake up to the same situation, but God is always there to pull us out of bed and become our strength. Take courage;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">"For the joy of the Lord is your strength."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Nehemiah 8:10b </span></div>lauren joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04091022472600112161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452883779508591829.post-77661611418111170442010-05-28T03:32:00.001-07:002010-05-28T04:05:58.172-07:00So Good, so, so Good to me.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Recently I've been spending time meditating on the goodness of God. It's a seriously uplifting activity. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Over the past few weeks I've been going through some things that have been really painful and hard on my heart and amongst it all, I seem to have found myself turning around, back to God and trusting that He holds every situation and every circumstance in His hands. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Often it's not easy to turn to Him with a broken heart. In the past I've found that when I'm hurting the first thing I do is hold God responsible for my pain and give Him no opportunity to do His good work.. But this time, in my going back to Him and offering Him my situation, He's had the chance to pour out His love onto me, to remind me that He is sovereign and good and abundantly faithful, even when people are weak. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I've heard over and over again, His whisper to my soul to "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10) and when I am still in His presence, He touches my heart and brings healing.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I think we can often forget about this attribute of God when we're going through trial. We get into a mindset that the Lord is an angry God who delights in punishing us and bringing us pain, when this is completely untrue! He is always waiting for us to turn back and give Him our hearts so He can pour out His goodness and set us free! He is faithful in our trail and He is faithful in our joy. He will never stop being faithful and He will never stop being abundantly good to His people; it's just who He is! What a refreshing thought!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I'll leave you with a couple of verses that have been stirring my heart in regards to the goodness and faithfulness of God.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"If we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown Himself." 2 Timothy 2:13</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. For you O Lord have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears and my feet from stumbling." Psalm 116:7&8</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Be blessed!</span></div>lauren joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04091022472600112161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452883779508591829.post-11955109922526572232010-05-27T04:41:00.000-07:002010-05-27T05:11:45.111-07:00The Best Rule of Holy Life<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">About a month ago I was given a book by a friend, called </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Practice of the Presence of God</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. The book is a short, easy-read about a man who lived a few hundred years ago called Brother Lawrence. He was a monk who lived in the 17th century, he worked in the kitchen for most of his life and when he was getting on in years he fixed sandals.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Brother Lawrence, I believe, caught on to one of the most central, important and life-changing themes offered by faith in God.. continual pleasure, satisfaction and delight in the person of Jesus. His simple revelation that all was loss apart from knowing Jesus and the benefits and delight that could be experienced by the human soul, through a continual conversation with God. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God.. Let us do it from a principle of love, and because God would have us"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">His understanding of God and how God would have His people live is refreshing and challenging. We are beings created to experience our creator, to constantly be in the presence of God, and in the business of life, He often is the first thing to be pushed aside. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A continual conversation with God takes discipline at first, because especially in our day and age it's out of our ordinary lifestyle. But what if we resolve to make the time, to invite God into all spheres of our lives whether we be at work, school, home or elsewhere. How much more could God use us in our everyday settings if we were constantly aware and responsive to His presence? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I encourage you to read this book. It'll only take you a few hours but getting that kind of truth into your mind and heart is key to receiving from God on a daily basis, being constantly in His presence and becoming a burning and shining lamp to the people around us-awesome!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><i>"This King, full of mercy and goodness.. embraces me with love, makes me eat at His table, serves me with His own hands.. He converses and delights Himself with me incessantly in a thousand and a thousand ways, and treats me in all respects as His favorite. It is thus I consider myself from time to time, in His holy presence."</i> -Brother Lawrence</div>lauren joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04091022472600112161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452883779508591829.post-59248782971808117822010-05-26T14:12:00.000-07:002010-05-27T02:15:41.885-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hi. I thought it might be time for a new blog. One that's actually about the things on my heart.. namely; Jesus. And the word, and what I've been learning and what then Lord is doing in me throughout my days and months. Kapeesh? Cool.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So here's a formal introduction..</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I'm Lauren, I live in the beautiful city of Tauranga in the beautiful country of New Zealand, right at the ends of the earth. We have a population of about 16 million.. sheep. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And 4 million people. How very tragic. Not really, this place is good. And God is eagerly waiting to pour out His spirit and bring revival to our land. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I left school at the end of 2009 to begin a year fully given over to what the Lord wanted for me. To walk guided by His spirit and learn to trust in His plans. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Psalm 119:109 "Though I constantly take my life in my own hands.." is my testimony, for real. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So starting in February of this year I began the 8th "AWAKEN" internship with the </span><a href="http://www.thop.co.nz/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tauranga House of Prayer</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.. believing that I would encounter God and figure out my calling.. I did encounter God.. and it ruined my life. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In a good way, of course. But I still don't know my calling.. ha.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Now I work full time as a Barista in a cafe located in a garden center in a hardware store called Mitre 10 Mega. It's actually really, really good. God is always there, hanging out with me, setting up conversations with people who need His love.. Plus I just really enjoy making coffee. One of my favourite quotes ever is from Stephen Christian in his book T</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">he Orphaned Anythings; </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"The day starts with coffee, ends with coffee, revolves around coffee, no joke... with coffee, I drink about as much as I sell. Here's one for you, one for me.. etc"</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So that's kinda me.. well that's kinda where I'm at. I like coffee and I like Jesus. And often i feel inspired to write about the latter. So this is where i'll do that.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Haere-Ra!</span></div></div>lauren joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04091022472600112161noreply@blogger.com1