set your mind on the things of God

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. [Proverbs 14:12 & 16:25]

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. [Ephesians 5:15-17]

God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." [1Corinthians 1:28-31]

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. [Proverbs 19:21]

Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? [1Corinthians 1:20]

Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. [1Corinthians 2:6-8]

And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. [Romans 1:28]

For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. [Philippians 3:18-19]

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. [Romans 8:5-8]

these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. [1Corinthians 2:10-12]

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. [Romans 12:2]

Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their craftiness," and again, "The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile." So let no one boast in men. [1Corinthians 3:18-21]

Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD. They say continually to those who despise the word of the LORD, 'It shall be well with you'; and to everyone who stubbornly follows his own heart, they say, 'No disaster shall come upon you.'" [Jeremiah 23:16-17]

Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. [Ephesians 4:17-18]

This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. [James 3:15]

But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man." [Matthew 16:23]

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. [1Peter 5:8]

I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. [Ephesians 1:16-21]

Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. [Colossians 1:28]

that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. [Colossians 2:2-4]

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. [Colossians 3:1-3]

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance. [1Peter 1:13-14]

Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered. [Proverbs 28:26]

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. [Proverbs 3:5-8]

It begins now.

I want to know Jesus more than I do now. I need a plan and accountability for this to happen because on my own I am lazy and weak. My natural desires are flawed and lead to death. Things are going to happen. I am tired of being a woman who does not live what she knows and learns. I want to apply the truths that I know. I want to actually repent, turning from what I know is wicked and evil. There is a plan for all of this to happen and it begins now not at the new year. Amen.

Adoption.

Adoption. I have been thinking a lot about adoption. Not because I am considering it, but because my God says that he has adopted me. I am now his child and his Spirit dwells within me. At community group someone was talking about their friend adopting four children. Four children, at the same time, all under the age of three. All I could think was, "oh my gosh, how much did that cost?". Sometimes I wonder why adoption is so expensive when there are thousands of kids in need. It is expensive so that not just anyone can adopt a child. There is protection in the expense. This got me thinking about my adoption and how it wasn't just a choice God made but it came with a huge price. My adoption was not cheap. It was so expensive that God was the only one qualified to pay the fee. I have been bought into a new family at an astronomical price that no one but my Father was eligible to pay. Amen.

woman of the Lord

I haven't written in seven months. It is no longer February and my life has changed significantly since the last time I was here. To be quite honest, this post is daunting to me. There is too much to say, too much to explain, too much to wrap my mind around and vomit out into words. Things have changed. Let's leave it at that for now.
What I want to talk about is an idea that has been swirling around my head for the past few weeks. What does it mean to be a women of the Lord? What does it mean to be someone who is seriously committed to pursuing all that God is for me in Jesus? To believe that the kingdom is at hand and salvation is soon? To be loved, valued, and comforted by the God who has saved me? To be dependent on the one who created, who created this restless seeking heart? What does this look like?
I want these things because I have seen the alternative and know that it doesn't satisfy, but more importantly I want these things because I have gotten glimpses of who God is and I want more.
Being married has forced me to see a lot of sin that dwells deeply in my heart and fists. It has shown me where I fail to believe that God is real and sufficient. Seeing these pitfalls has opened my eyes, but at the same time, trying to fix the sinful places in our relationship has made me very narrow minded. I have become obsessed with the issues and am no longer seeking to be a woman of holiness. It has recently occurred to me that the woman that I am around my husband is the same woman who interacts with unbelievers. The woman who desires to pray and disciple younger women is the same woman who struggles to love her husband and submit under his authority. Maybe this doesn't make sense, but I am learning that I don"t get to segment my life. I am a woman who is relentlessly pursuing my God and sanctification, or I am not.

this is where I am.

On Sunday night a good friend and I got into my car and drove. We drove all the way through the night. When the sun came up we were in Maryland and we were exhausted. It was the scariest drive of my life. I was driving up and down mountains on narrow two lane roads. Snow covered the ground as the road curved to the right and then sharply back to the left. I don't remember the last time I was so aware of my life. I knew that at any moment my tires could hit an icy patch in the road and the Santa Fe, that has been so faithful for the past five years, could spin in any direction it desired. I would find myself without control and defenseless to the steep cliff on my left. I was terrified, but there was no way to turn around. There was no alternative route. There was no better option. The road in front of me was the only way and all I could do was pray for the sun to come up. All I could do was pray that another deer didn't run out in front of me. Pray that a car did not come barreling into my lane.
This was the beginning of my week. A road trip that was spurred on by my desire to get away from the life I am currently living. My roommate keeps telling me I am running from my problems. I think I just needed a second to breathe. A second to not think and just go. A second to feel like school and the expectations placed on me don't matter. I am thankful that a friend who loves my soul accompanied me.
A stumbling block has been set before me. I am tempted by the world. I am praying that I would see these things and people as enemies to my life and joy and not as a worthy option. I feel confused. I am praying that this is accomplishing your glory in me. Either way, this is where I am. Overwhelmed by the weight of school. Wanting to love people with more than myself but not knowing how. Fighting to not indulge myself recklessly into the world for the sake of a "cool friendship". Longing for spring break. This is where I am.

he is jealous for me.

[i've tried to start this post in six different ways. nothing was sufficient.]

The Lord is good and He loves me so dearly. Of this, I am confident tonight. He is jealous for me.

coffee will be better in heaven.

I have an addiction to coffee.
Not just a dependency on the caffeine, but I really love coffee. I love coffee in the morning, afternoon, and in the evening. I like it black. The darker the better. I like Starbucks, not simply because of their catchy corporation and ability to monopolize the market for a $4 latte, I love Starbucks because, to me, it's the boldest coffee tastes. I like when it's bitter. A lot of my friends who would call themselves "coffee experts" hate Starbucks because they burn their beans when they roast them, regardless, I like it.
[This is where Jody would warn me of the dangers of being addicted to Starbucks coffee. She would tell me the stats on how it has three times as much caffeine as a normal cup. To this...I have no response.]
I often think of the Lord during my morning cup. I love coffee, but even the boldest cup doesn't seem like enough. Something in me desires coffee to be more, to be deeper, to be richer. I don't think this is simply because Starbucks burns their beans. I think this is because we were created for something bigger, something with more glory. I love that coffee reminds me of this. I love that I am able to taste that there is something more. I don't know for sure but I think coffee will be better in heaven.