Pleasing Aroma

I'm currently reading through Numbers [STILL! but I'm finally almost through it!] and I'm going to admit that sometimes it's hard to pull things from it. It can be pretty boring at times, but my ultimate goal when reading the Bible, is to read something over and over until I can pull some sort of application from it. [This is why it has taken me so long to get this far in it.] But something super simple in chapters 28 & 29 has caught my attention this week.

God wants His children to be a "pleasing aroma" before Him.

I will explain this.

In Numbers 28, God tells the Israelites about sacrifices and offerings. He mentions six times in this chapter to do these things in order to be a "pleasing aroma" to the Lord. IN chapter 29, this subject is mentioned five times. I mean, if something is mentioned eleven times it must be pretty important, right?

Since Jesus was sacrificed on the cross for our sins, we no longer need to make burnt offerings to the Lord in the temple as our sacrifices to Him. Jesus took our place. Because of this fact alone, we can have a relationship with the Father directly and don't have to go through a priest anymore.

We don't have to prepare a burnt offering every time we sin and take it to the temple with the hopes that we did it perfectly and that the priest will accept it and offer it before God on our behalf.

Jesus paved the way for our relationship with the Father in the sense that now we can speak with Him directly. This is what "prayer" is and essentially what it does. We can now ask God for forgiveness directly because we know that He hears us when we call on Him. [Isaiah 65: 24 ~ “It will also come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.”] This is what we call "repentance" which essentially means - asking for forgiveness with the intention of actively turning away from that sin.

This leads us to what we call the New Covenant. The New Covenant is what comes from Jesus changing it all up after his death on the cross. Since we have all these new privileges through his death, we are no longer under the law of the Old Testament. The New Testament teaches us all about this New Covenant. The more you read the New Testament of the Bible, the more you learn what God calls Christians to do as part of this New Covenant. Instead of sacrificing animals to bring God our offering, we bring Him our offering through our lives and the way we live it.

God tells us all about this in the New Testament.

But the cool thing is that the Old Testament can teach us a lot about this as well.

It's like God set it up before the whole "Jesus" thing before it ever even happened.

AND THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT HE DID.

The Old Testament paves the way for the New Testament. That's why we can definitely learn from these two chapters in Numbers by paying attention to what has been written these eleven times.

We must offer Him a "pleasing aroma" as we live for Him.

The question then is, what does a "pleasing aroma to the Lord" figuratively smell like? What does it look like for us to live this way?

[[I encourage you to comment on this post with your answers as to what your response is to these questions. I'll post a conclusion to this in a few days.]]

Parables from Ephesians 1 ~ Part Three

Do you ever have those days where you just feel kind of down in the dumps? I'm talking about the times where you might have had a good day, had a great time with God that morning, hung out with some great friends, got encouragement at work, but then you get home and you just feel disconnected somewhere and discouraged somehow. I have had my fair share.

It's not always happy or easy to live a Christian life. Having God in your life is an exciting thing, but that doesn't always mean you are going to be cheerful and bubbly. Fortunately, there are many passages of Scripture in the Bible that can be encouraging to us during these weird "I don't know why I'm feeling down" kind-of days. Here is one of them-- Ephesians 1:22 & 23:

"And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all."

These are the last two verses of Ephesians chapter one. Paul writes in lofty language sometimes, but let me explain the brilliance of this message in the words of the New Living Translation:

"God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself."

To summarize these verses in my own words:

God has it all under control. Everything He does is to benefit us, his beloved children. Christ has authority over us and his life was sacrificed for our sake.

This we Christians know, but we really should find encouragement in it. So smile, today is a good day! God is control.. He knows what He is doing.. and He is doing it because He loves you!

Parables from Ephesians 1 ~ Part Two

There is some interesting terminology that Paul uses in Ephesians 1:13:

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.

Paul is saying that when we first hear the gospel and are brought to a point of salvation where we put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, that we are then sealed with the Holy Spirit. And this isn't just something that happens randomly, this is a promise that God fulfills every time someone comes to know Him.

He comes through on His promises.

Awesome, eh!?

Question: what does it mean to be sealed with the Holy Spirit?

Answer: it means that the Holy Spirit holds everything together about our lives.

Above is a picture of a sealed envelope. Nowadays we don't see envelopes sealed like this very often, instead we lick the adhesive and seal them like so. This, however, is a wax seal, and was used to secure the envelope. Most often you may see stickers or labels serving this purpose as well.

When Paul speaks of a believer being sealed with the Holy Spirit, this is the picture that comes to my mind.

The definition of a seal [not the animal] is:

1) anything that tightly or completely closes or secures a thing, as closures or fastenings for doors and railroad cars, adhesive stamps and tapes used to secure the flap of an envelope, etc.

2)ownership and security, together with destination

So we can only assume that the Holy Spirit secures us, and that when one comes a believer, the Holy Spirit has now taken ownership of them.

God holds everything about our lives together and He does that through fulfilling His promise to us of receiving the Holy Spirit.

YAY Holy Spirit! :]

Florida [Part Three]

Please make sure you are reading these "Florida" entries in order. They have been written according to a series of events.

Part Three [4.1.10]

2 days ago we stopped at a fire station for lunch & worship in the middle of our 2nd 45 mile biking day. For me, I think this was one of the best days so far. All week I've just been realizing how weak I am. Seriously, I think I am the weakest link here when it comes to biking! I even had some weak days mentally. I was drained in almost every way. But what has constantly kept me going was seeing all these kids, even with their pain, screaming for ME personally. They've been cheering me on & encouraging me because they can see that I've been struggling.

A group of us girls at the fire station for lunch..

& John, the head Navigators guy

[the Nav's plan the trip for us every year]

Worship at the fire station today was SO great. One of the songs we sang was "Your Grace is Enough" & during the song I had a God moment.

In the 2nd verse of the song it says "You use the weak to lead the strong." That line just spoke to me because I was obviously the weakest when it comes to biking. I realized that that I taught a lot of people about humility and encouragement through those weak times. And as far as leading them goes, well I at least led my team to a point in which they bonded together and helped me, both mentally & physically.

A picture of my team mid-biking

As for now, I've been enjoying God's creation. Even yesterday I awoke to a beautiful singing mockingbird. I knew it was a mockingbird because it sang in many tongues. It was as if it was worshipping the Lord in every language.

And as I listened, I wanted to be like that mockingbird.

I want to worship God, not only in everything I do, but in many ways, many languages, and among many cultures.

I know that mockingbird was praising Him.

The view from my bike as we started off in the morning

What a beautiful sunrise!

Last night we watched the sunset on the beach by the lake here at Disney. We had worship & then watched a light show that Disney puts on after dark. A fireworks display entertained us afterwards. All I could see while we worshipped there by the water was God's glory. I kept singing the lyrics to the song "Everything" by Lifehouse:

How can I stand here with You & not be moved by You? Would You tell me how can it be any better than this?"

These words were the prayers of my heart! It was so evident to me that God's presence was everywhere. It is these kinds of moments that I want to remember.. these kinds of moments that I want to take with me always & share with everyone across the world.

How can it be any better than this?

Florida [Part Two]

Do not read this entry until you have read Part One.

Part Two [3/29/10]

Yesterday I struggled a lot biking. I hate to say this but I've realized that I am a complainer when things are hard! I've also realized that I let a lot of stuff go to my head & I believed a lot of the lies that Satan was putting in it yesterday. I can't believe that I gave Satan victory over me in those many moments that I wanted to give up. I was in tears at one point during the day. It is almost as if I forgot part of the reason why I am here. There are more reasons that I'm figuring out as the days go on as to why I am here as well.

One of the bike paths

Today as I finished the 30 mile trek [much shorter than yesterday's 45 mile ride!] my knee was killing me so it held me back as far as my speed. The Lord protected me today from Satan's schemes and lies being implanted into my head, at least!

I feel refreshed and encouraged just to be with these students & know how much they respect me & love me already. They really have [some of them] become like my family. I am realizing my love for these kids so much right now. Some of these girls my heart aches for. I want so bad to see their lives change & to be there for them in so many ways, but I know in a lot of ways only God can really be that for them. I've realized the importance of growing up & being a role model for these girls.

I am starting to really focus on getting into the lives of these girls. I want to be more than just a friend-- I want to be a mentor. I want to be a better leader. I want God to continue to teach me & keep me humble while He gains my confidence in Him as well.

Hayley, Amy, & I during a break

I really enjoyed worship tonight. For the first time in a good while I felt free again. I want to feel that all the time. It's totally the presence of the Lord all around me that makes me feel this way.

I've had so many mini-victories today with God, that I've realized that they are what keeps me going.

The love of my life.. hahaha

I've decided that I'm going to keep going until I reach the finish line. I'm going to waiver in speed at times, but I'm going to get there eventually. Some with my ministry-- of course I'll have hard days, but God is with me in my ministry. I know that with His help I will get there someday. He is my all in all & more than enough for me.. & I want to live like it!

I want to understand when & where I am needed, & in what capacity. I want to trust Him to lead me in every & any direction. I want to learn to better discern His voice over Satan's lies. I want to become more dependent on Christ in my life as well.

I pray that the Lord shows me the balance between living for His glory & living for others. I choose Him!

My bike team during a snack break :]

Florida [Part One]

So as most of you are wondering, I obviously haven't been blogging for over a week now. What I have been doing, however, is journaling while I was in Florida on a week-long bike trip with the youth at my job. I had a great time, and every couple days I spent some time writing about it so that I could update you.

First of all, a little about the trip: every 2 years Reston Bible Church's youth ministries goes on a Bike trip to Florida. This is not a mission trip, however the students are encouraged to bring their friends. During the week we stay on several camp grounds in tents, as well as have devotion time and small group time. This gives the students an opportunity to minister to their friends, and gives their friends a chance to hear about Jesus. This week we biked over 155 miles in 5 days, starting at Jacksonville and going into Disney World on the last biking day.

Part One [3.27.10]

Yesterday morning I left for the bike trip with RBC. I was really nervous up until a few days before departure. I was actually pretty excited a few days ago. Now that I'm here, I've biked 15 miles, built a tent, eaten GROSS canned chili, & guess what? I've made it this far! I've survived!

I'm in a tent right now with some awesome girls: BreAnna, Erinn, Ashlyn, Amy, & Hayley. Erinn & Hayley are friends of 2 of the girls.

Me & Ashlyn ~ my bus buddy!

I was just thinking tonight how much courage I have. Sometimes I just have these moments where I realize how "on my own" I have been since I've moved to Reston. I literally knew nothing about the area before I moved & knew no one who lived here. How do I do it? [A question that I ask myself often!]

Answer: GOD.

He really has taken over my life. He really does make life what it is. He really is encouraging me and filling me daily. If HE wasn't in my life I don't think I would be this strong. I don't think I would have moved somewhere new & started over as a stranger.

I can't believe how much I've grown over the years. He is amazing. I pray that He continues to be the Center & Ruler of my life. I love stepping out in faith for Him :]

A view of the Florida beach!

Dreamer

I have a lot of dreams. For some reason lately I have really been searching my heart for these things that I hope to accomplish in my lifetime. There are some things that I've been discovering about myself that I really had no clue I had such a passion for. I've decided to list them out so that I can always look back to them as a reminder. And so that you, as my readers and friends, can hold me accountable for accomplishing these things that really make my heart beat faster.

1) Someday I hope to run a 5k. And then keep running them, like it is a hobby. Well, I'd love to turn running into a hobby.

2) I want to learn how to ride a horse. I mean, really ride a horse. Bring the horse to a gallop and everything. I've always thought they were beautiful creatures but it's time to make that a hobby too.

3) I'd also like to join an adult swim league sometime soon. I miss swimming- I really enjoy doing it, and especially enjoy training for competitions.

4) Sooner even, I hope to enroll in guitar lessons. I keep realizing how much I really need to learn about the instrument and playing it. I love to sing, and think I'm pretty darn good at it, but I'd love to have the resource of playing the guitar to better my musicianship skills and be able to lead worship more efficiently.

I'll add more as they come to me. But right now it seems as if I need to commit to working out more routinely. All the goals I seem to be listing involve being physically fit in some sense at least. You'll have to hold me to it!