the God of Abraham

when i read the bible, and i'm sure i am not alone in this, i tend to flip open to whatever sounds good in the new testament. some friends and i have been been going through the book of Romans and this week we landed in Romans 4. this chapter talks about Abraham and his faithfulness. i took a quick peek back at a few passages in Genesis (Gen. 12:4-9; 13:1-18; 15:6-18; 17:1-10, 23) to really see how Abraham put his faith to work.

how refreshing (and intense!) is the old testament! when you think about it, Abraham didn't have any Bible to base his faith off of nor did he get to experience or learn about Jesus! we have all this plus commentaries, podcasts, blogs, inspirational books/speakers, etc. he had the voice of the LORD.. i'm fighting saying the words "and thats it" because i don't like the way that sounds, but what else do i say? he had the voice of the LORD...and thats it. 

so often i find myself wondering stupidly why God doesn't move in crazy ways like He used to. but after really meditating on these scriptures, i began to realize that God doesn't change. the God Abraham so faithfully worshiped and obeyed is the very one i worship and seek to obey. this gave a whole new meaning to the phrase "its not you, its me". this passage combined with the book Forgotten God by Francis Chan has really challenged me to want to live my life differently. i live so comfortably here in my own little bubble but God calls us to more than that. He calls us to listen and move when he asks us to. if God told me to just get up and go, leaving all my family and friends behind, i'm sure i would have a little "no...that can't really be God" or "uhh are you sure...?" this questioning and ignoring His calls to me are exactly why i don't always see His amazing work in my life. Francis Chan says something in his book like God loves showing up when people desperately need Him because only then can no one else take away His glory. we need to be seeking the Spirit to the point where if He didn't pull through, everything would fall apart. after all, isn't that what Abraham did?

"Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham's faith, God counted him as righteous." -Romans 4:20-22 NLT

blessings,

stephanie

spring cleaning

it's finally spring! i've recently decided i really like the spring. i love the new leaves on the trees, flowers i haven't seen in months and fresh air. unfortunately, we still have yet to see these things here in rainy portland. i went on a hike (the first one of the spring!) yesterday at Tryon Creek State Park and got to enjoy the nature God has greatly blessed us with in the NW (although we did run into a film crew on a trail filming the pilot for NBC's new show 'Grimm'.. not so natural).


the newness of spring is just so refreshing to me.


this year, along with my house, this spring i thought my life could really use a little spring cleaning. so far, it seems God has given this spring a theme for me: faithfulness. going through last fall/winter jobless gave me a lot of time to think about my life and where i am going. before that time i had been involved in young life, working full-time, school, life, etc. and all the sudden not having those things to keep me busy forced me to take a step back. god sure knows what he is doing! it was time for me to sit back and listen and trust that God has a plan for me and is calling me to much bigger things.


so i though i would start a blog to take you (if in fact, anyone takes the time to read) along for the ride! unsure really what to write about i took this little idea from another blog a beautiful journey. just some things about me and where i'm at right now :)


outside my window..
a beautiful moon
"O Lord I am like the moon
Without the Sun
I hang in darkness too
So be the light
The light that shines through
Reflect off me
The love that comes from You"
To Burn In You by Telecast


i am thinking..
blogging is a lot harder than it sounds...


i am thankful for..
a loving Savior and a wonderful family


i am learning..
to be faithful and patient


i am hearing..
Ashes and Flames by John Mark McMillan


i am reading..
the Word, Forgotten God by Francis Chan, Walking the Bible by Bruce Feiler
i recently vowed to watch less tv and read more (i love it!)


one of my favorite things..
listening to the amazing things God is doing in others' lives.


may God bless you with His "spring cleaning"-happy spring!