When I come empty, He fills me up.
His Lovingkindness fills my cup.
When I come weak, He makes me strong.
Bestowing His power, through journeys long.
When I come broken and fall on my face,
He lifts me up, abounding in grace.
When I come in sorrow, flowing with tears,
He grants me peace and calms my fears.
When I come rejoicing and kneel at his feet,
At the foot of the cross, I find fellowship sweet.
Amy Rainey
06/04/10
6/4/10
5/23/10
5/11/10
5/5/10
4/28/10
4/26/10
A Vapor That Leaves A Trail
As I looked into a perfectly cloudless sky, I was captured by the deepest, most perfect shade of blue. I tried to decide the hue it should be called....periwinkle, azure, iris, royal...yet it seemed too perfect to be anyone of these. I suddenly noticed two airplanes in the distance, both seemed to be soaring high but one looked much different than the other. One plane seemed to be gently gliding, leaving no streak or mark as it slowly moved across the sky. The other plane quickly drew my attention and left me agasp!! This plane reflected the light of the Sun and it appeared as though it was glimmering. Though it also seemed to be gliding ever so smoothly, it was climbing upward as though it sliced the sky in two! From behind the jet streamed two fluffy streaks that extended to the edge of the horizon. It seemed to hang frozen in mid-air. I watched this plane until it disappeared to... I’m not sure where. As I looked back to find a glimpse of the first plane, I could neither see where it went or where it had been. Looking into the sky, my mind raced in wonder as to what made one plane leave a trail yet the other never left a mark. I am always looking to compare seemingly simple facts to express my life in Christ, therefore, I came up with the following analogy:
The white clouds left behind an airplane is known as “contrails” or “vapor trails”. Exhaust from the aircraft emits moisture that is frozen and creates ice crystals. The aircraft pushes the air out of the way, disturbing the air, causing it to rotate. The length of time the trail remains visible depends on the humidity level, temperature and wind. If our lives are but a “vapor”, what type of trail will I leave? For scripture says:
“you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life?
It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes
away” (James 4:14).
Breath-taking isn’t it?!? So why then would an airplane leave no “vapor trail” at all? The answer is, because it is gliding along at cruising altitudes! When an aircraft is at cruising altitudes (lower in the altitudes where the temperature is higher, between 38-76 degrees), the wingtip vortices decrease and there is no ice crystal formation. How many times do we as Christians, cruise along, just gliding through life, not causing any disturbance to the environment around us? Truth is, when we are just cruising through life, we most often are not leaving any mark at all on the lives around us. But when we are climbing to greater heights, reflecting the Light of the Son, the wake behind us is deep and wide. It lingers as a sign for all that is left behind. Better yet, it points heavenward!! What kind of trail will I leave......will you leave......and to whom will it point?? My desire is that the trail of this vapor will point to Jesus Christ and that it will reflect the Son!!!
I had to add the following points to connect to this analogy:
1) All different types of aircraft and rockets leave “vapor trails” but even geese have been known to leave these same “vapor trails” (though smaller) as they fly over the Canadian Rockies. So whether you are a rocket ship or something on a smaller scale, you can always leave a trail.
2) If the “vapor trail” behind an aircraft does not undulate or dissipate rapidly, you can be sure it is experiencing a smooth ride. Smaller aircraft, often read these “contrails” to let them know which altitudes are choppy and help them decide whether to climb or descend. We sometimes serve as examples to those who are watching the paths we take.
3) Sometimes “vapor trails” make aircraft easily visible for attack. An aircraft that may not be visible on radar can often be seen by the trails it leaves behind. Be ever ready and aware that we are a target for the enemy, especially when our lives are leaving a legacy to the glory of Christ!
So fly high, fly strong, leave a trail, reflect the Son!
Hmmm......I wonder why the flight of birds seem so different....... :)
The white clouds left behind an airplane is known as “contrails” or “vapor trails”. Exhaust from the aircraft emits moisture that is frozen and creates ice crystals. The aircraft pushes the air out of the way, disturbing the air, causing it to rotate. The length of time the trail remains visible depends on the humidity level, temperature and wind. If our lives are but a “vapor”, what type of trail will I leave? For scripture says:
“you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life?
It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes
away” (James 4:14).
Breath-taking isn’t it?!? So why then would an airplane leave no “vapor trail” at all? The answer is, because it is gliding along at cruising altitudes! When an aircraft is at cruising altitudes (lower in the altitudes where the temperature is higher, between 38-76 degrees), the wingtip vortices decrease and there is no ice crystal formation. How many times do we as Christians, cruise along, just gliding through life, not causing any disturbance to the environment around us? Truth is, when we are just cruising through life, we most often are not leaving any mark at all on the lives around us. But when we are climbing to greater heights, reflecting the Light of the Son, the wake behind us is deep and wide. It lingers as a sign for all that is left behind. Better yet, it points heavenward!! What kind of trail will I leave......will you leave......and to whom will it point?? My desire is that the trail of this vapor will point to Jesus Christ and that it will reflect the Son!!!
I had to add the following points to connect to this analogy:
1) All different types of aircraft and rockets leave “vapor trails” but even geese have been known to leave these same “vapor trails” (though smaller) as they fly over the Canadian Rockies. So whether you are a rocket ship or something on a smaller scale, you can always leave a trail.
2) If the “vapor trail” behind an aircraft does not undulate or dissipate rapidly, you can be sure it is experiencing a smooth ride. Smaller aircraft, often read these “contrails” to let them know which altitudes are choppy and help them decide whether to climb or descend. We sometimes serve as examples to those who are watching the paths we take.
3) Sometimes “vapor trails” make aircraft easily visible for attack. An aircraft that may not be visible on radar can often be seen by the trails it leaves behind. Be ever ready and aware that we are a target for the enemy, especially when our lives are leaving a legacy to the glory of Christ!
So fly high, fly strong, leave a trail, reflect the Son!
Hmmm......I wonder why the flight of birds seem so different....... :)
4/24/10
4/20/10
4/17/10
From Wonder To Worship
In awe of the veil removed, each sense and emotion draws me heavenward.
To see a star so vivid, it's points stretch long and wide,
I feel myself brought low though my eyes lift high.
To smell wisteria drifting on the gentle breeze of night,
raises my soul as on wings of flight.
To feel the rays of the sun warm on my skin,
kindles a fire of the Spirit within.
To hear the heavenly song from the bird on the bough,
stirs in my heart unknown until now.
He sparked my passion, for my created desire.
To show forth His glory and bring His Fresh Fire.
From what once was plain wonder, Pure Worship transpired.
Amy Rainey
4/17/10
To see a star so vivid, it's points stretch long and wide,
I feel myself brought low though my eyes lift high.
To smell wisteria drifting on the gentle breeze of night,
raises my soul as on wings of flight.
To feel the rays of the sun warm on my skin,
kindles a fire of the Spirit within.
To hear the heavenly song from the bird on the bough,
stirs in my heart unknown until now.
He sparked my passion, for my created desire.
To show forth His glory and bring His Fresh Fire.
From what once was plain wonder, Pure Worship transpired.
Amy Rainey
4/17/10
"Little Miss Flawless" by Me
One afternoon as I drove home feeling so defeated, I was cut off by a little white car that displayed "Little Miss Flawless" in large letters across her back window. I instantly felt it was so appropriate that I should be driving my BIG BLACK SUV. I wondered if someone had plastered "Miss Flawed" across my back glass!! Many times in my walk, I am discouraged by this ever-present awareness of sin in my life. As I prayed to God about this in my quiet time, He allowed me to see it as a new abundant grace! For those that view themselves as flawless or righteous according to their own understanding, are in as much danger of hell fire as the Pharisees were. Jesus described their condition as, "ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!" (Mark 4:12) (Wow! Don't you love to see exclamation points in scripture?!? I take these as moments that Christ is saying, "I want you to hear this loud and clear!") The grace that I have come to know just in being able to see unrighteousness (however, little the world says it may be)in my life is a God-given grace. And then when God takes scripture and "penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Heb. 4:12) I see my sight into spiritual things as evidence of the love of Christ and His Lordship in my life. Even by grace, is my desire to honor, please and glorify God. "Despair turns quickly to victory when a broken heart is laid on the altar before God." (C.S.Lewis) And that is worship!!!
4/16/10
Next On The List
My Heart's Desire by David Jeremiah
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala
Taking Back The Gospel by Bailey Smith
If there are any books you would like for me to read and review, please post.
Review to follow!!
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala
Taking Back The Gospel by Bailey Smith
If there are any books you would like for me to read and review, please post.
Review to follow!!
3/29/10
I Cry Out
I cry out in a loud voice! At this time I am exasperated….frustrated even at what lies before me, wanting to take in all Christ has to offer. As I sit before His Word, it is as though it is a banquet with every delicacy imaginable, trying to get my fill, in which I can only take in a small portion at a time but long with the desire to consume it all. This Christian life is as looking in the distance to a long stretch of road and only being able to travel short lengths before being stopped by another obstacle that only allows me to take a portion of the journey at a time. To read the words of men of faith, it is as looking at a library of books and only being able to comprehend small nuggets of truth in slow progression but desiring to allow my brain to swell with knowledge.
In confession of my sin, I must realize that God provides me with small morsels of truth that I may digest slowly and leave me hungry for more. This journey is one that I cannot complete in lightning speed but must travel slowly, mastering the obstacles that lay before me and allow the Spirit to grow in me the strength for the miles to come. The books I read will provide me with insight in to wonders for the moment and store others back for treasures that may surface later. I can no more take in the whole of what Christ has for me now than I can peer into the heavens and gaze upon celestial beings, or in looking out across the horizon - see the ends of the earth, or in looking into the depths of the sea - capture in my mind the things that dwell among the deep. So in faith……….. I will take each truth….. each morsel….. each wonder, that works in my progressive sanctification and allow it to mold me, form me and even remove from me to the glory of God. Then one day when I am able to gaze into the heighth of the heavens , to the depths of the sea or to the ends of the earth, then I will be able to look upon God’s work in me and be amazed and glorify the Maker and Creator of all things.
In confession of my sin, I must realize that God provides me with small morsels of truth that I may digest slowly and leave me hungry for more. This journey is one that I cannot complete in lightning speed but must travel slowly, mastering the obstacles that lay before me and allow the Spirit to grow in me the strength for the miles to come. The books I read will provide me with insight in to wonders for the moment and store others back for treasures that may surface later. I can no more take in the whole of what Christ has for me now than I can peer into the heavens and gaze upon celestial beings, or in looking out across the horizon - see the ends of the earth, or in looking into the depths of the sea - capture in my mind the things that dwell among the deep. So in faith……….. I will take each truth….. each morsel….. each wonder, that works in my progressive sanctification and allow it to mold me, form me and even remove from me to the glory of God. Then one day when I am able to gaze into the heighth of the heavens , to the depths of the sea or to the ends of the earth, then I will be able to look upon God’s work in me and be amazed and glorify the Maker and Creator of all things.
3/27/10
3/15/10
His Sheep Follow
Today just before noon, a time when you would least expect death to come for anyone, I was at the bedside of one who took her last breaths. I looked into her sweet peaceful face as she passed from this world into the next. Almost in a trance to imagine what that must be like. I raised my eyes to notice a canvas above her bed that displayed Jesus, the shepherd with his staff, encircled by a flock of sheep. The flock was all around Him, all except one that stood upon a high ledge in which he reached out to touch His face. I have long been captured by sheep and there symbolism related to Christ. I think on Christ's love, concern and protection of His sheep. I am in awe of the sheep's utter dependence on the Shepherd and their drawing to His voice.
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27
All the things about this Shepherd-Sheep relationship stir deep emotion in me. Yet all the things I had previously thought about related to life with the Shepherd and how He guided them along the way. But in this moment, my heart was moved to think on death with the Shepherd, and I guess in much the same way how He must also guide them in death. I must believe that as the Shepherd guides us through the valley....leading, guiding and protecting, as well as on the high and rocky places.....leading us to sure footing and rescuing us from pitfalls, that surely as the journey comes to an end that He also leads us home. As the Shepherd leads the Sheep through winter, there comes that time when the journey complete, we are ushered into pastures where we look upon PROVISION in ABUNDANCE, where the snow has melted and life springs forth and overflows. As the lamb closes his eyes to take in the breath of life, basking in the warmth of the Sun.....the Shepherd looks on in purest love.......rejoiced to bring him home! Looking into the face of this sweet lamb, I could see she was finally home.
"Where, O Death is your victory? Where, O Death is your sting?" 1 Corinthians 15:55
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27
All the things about this Shepherd-Sheep relationship stir deep emotion in me. Yet all the things I had previously thought about related to life with the Shepherd and how He guided them along the way. But in this moment, my heart was moved to think on death with the Shepherd, and I guess in much the same way how He must also guide them in death. I must believe that as the Shepherd guides us through the valley....leading, guiding and protecting, as well as on the high and rocky places.....leading us to sure footing and rescuing us from pitfalls, that surely as the journey comes to an end that He also leads us home. As the Shepherd leads the Sheep through winter, there comes that time when the journey complete, we are ushered into pastures where we look upon PROVISION in ABUNDANCE, where the snow has melted and life springs forth and overflows. As the lamb closes his eyes to take in the breath of life, basking in the warmth of the Sun.....the Shepherd looks on in purest love.......rejoiced to bring him home! Looking into the face of this sweet lamb, I could see she was finally home.
"Where, O Death is your victory? Where, O Death is your sting?" 1 Corinthians 15:55
3/14/10
Truth That Takes Your Breath Away
Does Truth take your breath away? It does me.
After so much exposure to adulterated truth.....The influx of information distorted by incomplete knowledge, crippled understanding and injured emotions, enters the mind as light through a prism, refracted at different speeds and different angles, turning a single stream into something quite different than when it began.
For an unveiled mind to be subjected to the purest form of Truth, likens to dry hard ground that devours every drop of rain as it falls upon it. On hearing, it conforms....transforms.... the heart, the mind, the will; I find myself suspended and breathless. It enters not as a chaotic jumble of confusion but flows in as a rushing swell that clears the cluttered debris from whirlwinds past.
The Truth brings life and develops a hunger and a thirst for more.
The entirety of your Word is truth, and every one of your righteous judgements endures forever. Psalms 119:160
After so much exposure to adulterated truth.....The influx of information distorted by incomplete knowledge, crippled understanding and injured emotions, enters the mind as light through a prism, refracted at different speeds and different angles, turning a single stream into something quite different than when it began.
For an unveiled mind to be subjected to the purest form of Truth, likens to dry hard ground that devours every drop of rain as it falls upon it. On hearing, it conforms....transforms.... the heart, the mind, the will; I find myself suspended and breathless. It enters not as a chaotic jumble of confusion but flows in as a rushing swell that clears the cluttered debris from whirlwinds past.
The Truth brings life and develops a hunger and a thirst for more.
The entirety of your Word is truth, and every one of your righteous judgements endures forever. Psalms 119:160
The Body = The Church = Unity Reference Philippians 2:1-4
What is the Purpose of the Body of Believers
1. The body carries out action to glorify God.
2. We are called to unity.
3. We should “esteem” others and “look to the interests of others”.
Take the following action and interpret it in relation to the church and it’s ministry:
“Raising Hands In Praise”
Though it seems, the hand receives the credit for the action, it does not lessen the action of the arm…. the elbow……..shoulder……….. etc……etc. Never the less, the action is performed and God receives the glory.
For the hand to be raised, the following must occur:
1. The arm must lift up the hand (therefore lifting the hand higher and
the arm becoming lower)
2. The elbow must place itself in the correct posture to lift the hand
to the correct position
3. The shoulder must rotate so the arm might become upright.
4. Not even to mention all the other parts of the body
(feet, legs, torso, back, etc.)which themselves must be positioned
in a manner to so that the hand might be raised high
in the air.
You might be asking “Wow, if you look at it, the hand appears to be doing very little ACTION, so why does it get the credit?” Please note the following points:
1. The ministry/action was for the hand to do.
2. Any lack of support from the other members of the body would
prevent the hand from doing it’s job appropriately.
3. Is the credit to the hand, or the glory of God, the
desired outcome of the action?
(Hint: This should be registering in your mind as an “Ah” moment right now.)
4. In a HEALTHY BODY, does any part rebel against
the other or are their actions in unity/harmony with the other?
If you are thinking how someone else could benefit from this, instead of seeing yourself in it, then you have missed it's intended purpose.
1. The body carries out action to glorify God.
2. We are called to unity.
3. We should “esteem” others and “look to the interests of others”.
Take the following action and interpret it in relation to the church and it’s ministry:
“Raising Hands In Praise”
Though it seems, the hand receives the credit for the action, it does not lessen the action of the arm…. the elbow……..shoulder……….. etc……etc. Never the less, the action is performed and God receives the glory.
For the hand to be raised, the following must occur:
1. The arm must lift up the hand (therefore lifting the hand higher and
the arm becoming lower)
2. The elbow must place itself in the correct posture to lift the hand
to the correct position
3. The shoulder must rotate so the arm might become upright.
4. Not even to mention all the other parts of the body
(feet, legs, torso, back, etc.)which themselves must be positioned
in a manner to so that the hand might be raised high
in the air.
You might be asking “Wow, if you look at it, the hand appears to be doing very little ACTION, so why does it get the credit?” Please note the following points:
1. The ministry/action was for the hand to do.
2. Any lack of support from the other members of the body would
prevent the hand from doing it’s job appropriately.
3. Is the credit to the hand, or the glory of God, the
desired outcome of the action?
(Hint: This should be registering in your mind as an “Ah” moment right now.)
4. In a HEALTHY BODY, does any part rebel against
the other or are their actions in unity/harmony with the other?
If you are thinking how someone else could benefit from this, instead of seeing yourself in it, then you have missed it's intended purpose.
3/13/10
Transforming Love
In those moments when it seems you are in total exhale of emotion before God, when by grace He chooses to impart sight into areas once hidden, it is there that transformation is at work.
As I paused on this faith journey, God showed be where I came from so that He could show me where I was going. The overwhelming realization that as I looked back, it was no longer drenched in shame but for once burst with a sense of freedom. An abundant sense of thankfulness for all that He had done to get me to this place. To finally have eyes to see my Redeemer had been with me every moment to bring me this far, to look onward "wholly unafraid of anything that I may see in myself in the light" He provides. The miracle of, feeling security in my Restorer, floods my soul...my spirit! For I know by grace, nothing has thrown me off the path of His plan for me! A plan that He created before the beginning of time. How amazing that He chose to make a way for me! Oh, God be my strength in weakness. Take all that satan meant for evil and make it into something good. Make me smaller, so that you may be bigger. Empower me to follow even when the cross requires that I surrender those things I hold precious.
As I paused on this faith journey, God showed be where I came from so that He could show me where I was going. The overwhelming realization that as I looked back, it was no longer drenched in shame but for once burst with a sense of freedom. An abundant sense of thankfulness for all that He had done to get me to this place. To finally have eyes to see my Redeemer had been with me every moment to bring me this far, to look onward "wholly unafraid of anything that I may see in myself in the light" He provides. The miracle of, feeling security in my Restorer, floods my soul...my spirit! For I know by grace, nothing has thrown me off the path of His plan for me! A plan that He created before the beginning of time. How amazing that He chose to make a way for me! Oh, God be my strength in weakness. Take all that satan meant for evil and make it into something good. Make me smaller, so that you may be bigger. Empower me to follow even when the cross requires that I surrender those things I hold precious.
3/10/10
Building Up of The Church
In the book "Does Grace Grow Best In Winter", it states, "Our suffering aids the maturity of the whole body of believers". This sheds a much different light on our struggles in this life. Do we love the church enough to suffer in a way to "work maturity in the whole church"? I pray that in my suffering, that I would magnify Christ in such a way that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope not only in me through the Holy Spirit but also in the rest of the body. "This is to say, God ordains, by the Spirit and by faith, for our suffering to bring about in the church the purposes of Christian affliction. These purposes are: Christ in us, the hope of glory, and every one of us being made mature in Jesus Christ". If I fail to magnify Christ in my suffering, I not only fail Christ, but I fail the entire body. Lord, may I walk in a way that is pleasing in your sight.
3/9/10
Brokenness
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once wrote, "into each life a little rain must fall". For this "sweet and beautiful soul" knew great sucess, but became much more aquainted with brokenness. After the death of his second wife, the verse that once rang melodious within him ceased. Longfellow retreated to isolation and suffered from constant pain and loss of sight. Sorrowfully this soul never peered to see that "Behind the clouds the sun is shining", for he could not "- Be still sad heart and cease repining;". Oh, that he could have known that brokenness is only intended to bring wholeness. What verse would he have expressed had he preached to his soul as the psalmist did (Ps. 42)?
3/8/10
Grace That Is Amazing
I am continuously amazed by Grace. For years I have regurgitated the words to Amazing Grace in slow methodic rhythm, never pondering the words or their meaning until recently. But with my now regenerate heart, I am able to sing those words with such overwhelming emotion. For it was grace that made my eyes see, that taught my heart to fear, that relieved my fears, that brought me this far, that found me, that saved me and that one day will take me home!! I have seen Grace as living and active in my life and in the lives all around me. I have never been so aware of it's presence and never been so amazed by it's working in, and through, and around me! Grace is a gift from God! Grace.....well, it's just......Amazing!!
3/6/10
A Lesson In Humility
As I bathe this blog in prayer, I focused on a sermon on Humility (http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByDate/2009/4183_Greatness_Humility_Servanthood/ - thanks Bro. Jon Rushing).
I have not made this blog open for other followers in the faith and do not plan to do so until I feel that God has prepared my heart to be in line with His on this project.
My prayer for this blog would be:
1) that I would use it to serve others
2) that I would give God all the credit and all the glory
3) that I would acknowledge all that I do as a gift of God
4) that I would see that God governs the beating of my heart
5) that I would always affirm my total dependence on God through my weakness
6) that I may only boast in Jesus Christ and that I may make the gospel
the roots of all I say and do.
I pray that I never take for granted the greatness of this journey I am on. It is only by grace that I have been called, and only by grace that I am able to follow. Lord, may my once blind eyes fully see your glory. Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from your law. (Psalms 119:18)
I have not made this blog open for other followers in the faith and do not plan to do so until I feel that God has prepared my heart to be in line with His on this project.
My prayer for this blog would be:
1) that I would use it to serve others
2) that I would give God all the credit and all the glory
3) that I would acknowledge all that I do as a gift of God
4) that I would see that God governs the beating of my heart
5) that I would always affirm my total dependence on God through my weakness
6) that I may only boast in Jesus Christ and that I may make the gospel
the roots of all I say and do.
I pray that I never take for granted the greatness of this journey I am on. It is only by grace that I have been called, and only by grace that I am able to follow. Lord, may my once blind eyes fully see your glory. Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from your law. (Psalms 119:18)
3/5/10
A New Beginning
Welcome to my new blog site! This experience will be as new and surprising for the one reading it, as the one writing it. In starting this blog, I do not claim to be an expert or highly learned in any area. But what I do hope to provide is a candid and honest view of the things I see and experience in my Christian walk. I will share my view on books read, puzzling questions that arise as I am studying and growing in the Word, struggles and conflicts that plague us all, amateur writing and poetry, scriptures passages, quotes, etc. etc. etc. I hope as I walk this path by faith and strength of the Spirit, that my life will only bring glory to Our Lord Jesus Christ who makes each moment possible. May my purpose be The Gospel and nothing less. Therefore, with difficulty, trials, confusion and pain when I am tossed Head Over Heels In The Faith, may I arise with my feet on the Rock of My Salvation. I love you all my friends!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)