Friday, December 31, 2010

2012

So, I guess you can say that I am a movie person. Ever since my parents purchased Direct TV my television has only been on HBO and Starz Networks. But I LOVE it when movies teach us lessons (especially stuff pertaining to the Bible). Today, I was watching the movie 2012, and while I really didn't like the movie, there was a scene (just like Narnia in my last post) that jumped out at me.

In the movie, the plates on the earth are shifting and a lucky few are able to survive. In the mountains of China, a wise man and a young man are sitting together drinking tea (I think it was tea?). The young boy is complaining to the older man that there is no way they can get out of this and how he wishes he had the wisdom to get through it. The old man then stands up and starts pouring the cup with the tea. The cup is soon full and the tea is running off. The young boy looks at the older man and tells him "Stop, the cup is full". The man replies, "It is full. You too are full, of speculations and opinions... In order to obtain wisdom, you must first empty your cup."

Wow! How often to we ask God for wisdom in certain situations but fail to empty our cup... fail to clear our minds of our own opinions and what we think is best? I know that I don't always empty out my cup. No wonder we end up making wrong decisions when we hold onto our speculations. God can't give us wisdom when we don't want to give up what is "wise" in our own minds.

Proverbs helps us further understand obtaining wisdom from God and a few verses that stood out to me (and go right along with emptying our cup are:

"My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion" Proverbs 3: 21

"The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding."
Proverbs 4: 7

Each year that passes, it is said that we get wiser. But if we aren't following the word of God, how can we obtain wisdom? We can't! This new year, 2011, I plan on seeking wisdom from God. I plan on strengthening my relationship with Him and truly seeking His plan in everything I do. Pray for me as I do so.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Narnia

Tonight I went and saw the third Narnia movie... and I must say it was amazing. There is one scene in particular that just jumped out at me, and I honestly believe it was God trying to speak to me. In the scene, all of the people from Narnia were going to get the 7th sword from the most horrific location that they had ever visited. The location was made up of every fear within each of the "Narnians". Everyone was scared and tried to find a reason to turn back and not fight against the evil place. But one of the passengers on the boat they were traveling on (a young child in fact) turned to them and said the most clever thing. I can't remember the exact words but they said "Think about what we came here to do. Think about Asland".

If you have ever seen the other movies or have read the books, you will know that C.S. Lewis uses the lion to clearly represent Jesus (in the first movie he gives his life away and arises 3 days later... that obvious!). With that in mind, think about the statement that the child made. The child realized the thing that most Christians today don't want to think about. The Christian walk is NOT something that is going to be easy. The devil is here to scare us, here to reveal our biggest fears, and he tries his best to use everything against us so we will turn away from God. AND, alot of times he is SUCCESSFUL. But, when we "think about what we came here to do" and "think about Jesus", how could the devil ever succeed. Exactly, he can't and he won't.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Favorite Song.....

Okay... so you know how you hear a song on the radio, absolutely love it, then 3 months later you can't stand the sound of it? Well, that's usually how it works with me. After about a month of listening to my "favorite song", it turns into one of my least favorites. Don't really know why, but its true.

Well, for Christmas I was given a Needtobreathe CD by one of my best friends (who knows that Needtobreathe is my absolute favorite band! thanks again for the CD!) and I began listening to it (of course). I knew a few of the songs on the CD but the song that truely stood out to me was/is my favorite song in the world, Something Beautiful. Since it's release on the radio (in like June), I have not stopped listening to the song. After listening to my CD and belting out the song at the top of my lungs (true story), I sat back and thought about why I still loved the song. Something was different. Why was I so in love with it STILL? So, I got out the lyrics sheet from the front of the CD case and, even though I knew the words to the song, I just looked over the words and truely pondered the meaning. Just looking at the words made me want to sit down and spend time with my Savior, worshipping Him for His awesomeness. Man, the lyrics to the song are so powerful and truely reflect a burning desire for a relationship with Christ. I don't know if you have ever heard the song. If not, please youtube it. But I want to just write down the Chorus, for you (and me) to reflect on.


Hey now, this is my desire
Consume me like a fire
'Cause I just want
Something beautiful to touch me
I know that I'm in reach
I am down on my knees
And waiting for
Something beautiful

Tuesday, December 28, 2010