My name is Anastasia, and I long to bring praise and glory to Jesus Who redeemed my soul. I live in California with my parents and younger siblings. My mission in life is to love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love others wholeheartedly. My hobbies are spending time in God’s Word, listening to and making music for Jesus, God's creation--particularly birdwatching--spending time with family and friends, reading and writing, ministry, and more.
It is not Christmastime, but the astounding concept of IMMANUEL–God incarnate–is a major part of our every day lives as believers. Here are some of the lyrics to one of my favorite songs–“For God Is With Us”–that puts this concept in a beautiful perspective.
“No room for a King/no celebration and no ceremony in that little town/nobody would think/ this is the story of the coming glory….the Body was broken/and it was finished/so let us begin/the celebration and the ceremony…oh, how the world forever changed/for God is with us!”
Stop and ponder this a moment. GOD–the Creator of the universe–the omnipotent, omniscient, almighty God–the only One Who is worthy of all our praise and adoration–the Lord of all things–condescended to earth in human form–for us! GOD, veiled in flesh, came down from His heavenly home to save us! Jesus Christ, the very image of God and God Himself, was born in the lowliest state–for us. ALLELUIA!!!
Oh, friends, let us praise and worship our God! He is the ONLY One worthy of all our adoration! Let Him be Lord in our lives! He is holy–He is awesome–He is full of glory and grace! Let us bow to Him in reverence and praise HIM ALONE today. Alleluia and amen!!!
David is often admired, and rightly so. He was an incredible man of God. When we think about David’s victories, though, we can easily believe that his successes were quickly reached and far outweighed his difficult times. But recently, when I reread David’s story, I was deeply touched by the trials he went through before he became king and how similar his waiting period is to the time of life many of us are going through.
God promised David the kingdom and called him to rule Israel. But when David was hiding in a deep, dark cave with Saul seeking his life, David must have gone through much doubt. The vagabond who held the lowest place in Israel, always on the run, a poor and wanted man who was rejected, betrayed, and had numerous enemies–who would think he could become king? It seemed impossible.
Cave entrance
Perhaps it was easier for David to have faith when he was favored at Saul’s court. But there, in the cave, how and when could God do it? Yet in due time, David’s faith became sight as he was crowned king of Israel, and each and every promise of God proved steadfast.
King David
I hope this verse, written by David himself, will encourage you when you walk through life’s caves.
Psalm 27:13-14
“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord!“
John 11:25-27 (NKJV) Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
Resurrection Sunday has always been special to me. My name, Anastasia Irene, comes from Greek and literally means “Resurrection peace”. The verses that my parents gave me when I was a baby are John 11:25-27.
These gorgeous ice plant flowers, some of my favorites, truly capture the joy of Resurrection Sunday!
I have always cherished the truth that because Jesus arose from the dead, we will be resurrected one day to live eternally with Him. However, this year, He has given me two new perspectives on resurrection.
The first symbol of resurrection is that of a kernel of wheat.
John 12:24
Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.
Kernels of wheat
In John 12:24, Jesus is mainly predicting His death and resurrection, but this passage can also apply to our earthly lives. It speaks of His resurrection power available to us here and now. Each spring, as we plant the seeds into the ground and cover them with dark soil, it feels as though that would be the end. Yet, in His miraculous power, God causes new life to burst forth from that seed, and sprout, and grow into the fullness of its beauty.
Is there anything in your life that feels dead–a dream, a desire, a long-nurtured hope? What if those areas of our lives that we thought were dead are, in some amazing way, only the beginnings and are rooted in the resurrection power? Is God able to take what things we have buried and assumed gone forever and resurrect them in a whole new way? The astounding news is that He IS able, and He DOES and WILL! That which feels like the end in our lives is God’s way of burying a seed deep into our hearts; for one day, the growth from it will astound us!
Perhaps, He allows some things in our lives to die so that He can raise them up “for the glory of God” (John 11). If Lazarus had not died, Jesus would not have had a chance to display His glorious resurrection power and bring many sheep into His flock. Make a list of areas in your life that feel dead and pray Jesus’ resurrection power over each one.
The second symbol of the resurrection we experience on earth is that of a butterfly.
Painted lady butterfly on a rose
2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” Just as a butterfly is freed from her cocoon, we become a new creation when we put our faith in Jesus! Our sinful inner man dies, and we experience God’s resurrection spiritually, even though our physical bodies still await redemption. Let’s live like we are resurrected by God’s mighty power! Give all your pain to God, and He will resurrect it for His glory! Amen!
One of the lessons God taught me recently is that of “the road”. While on a hike, I was deeply moved by this image. Several things gripped my heart as I compared the road to our journey in life.
The road
“The pathway is mostly rocky, but some stretches are smooth.” In life, the path we walk is certainly full of rocks and bumps. We traverse through numerous difficulties. The earth is marred with sin. However, in God’s great mercy, He shows and will continue to show us His goodness even here in this life. “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13 NKJV
“Beauty surrounds you, if you only look for it.” In every stage of life, hard or blessing-filled, God surrounds us with numerous great gifts of His beauty. When we carefully examine our lives, we will find that every season, no matter how painful, bears marks of His grace and joy. Last year, I made it a practice to intentionally seek out God’s special gifts in each day. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8 NKJV
“Keep your eyes on Me and on the beauty.” Instead of dwelling on our sorrows, we should fix our eyes on Christ and praise the beauty of His character and His creation. Our Lord is so beautiful! “Give to the Lord the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!” 1 Chronicles 16:29 NKJV
“When you are sore and weak, I will carry you.” This point was especially practical for me. While hiking, my legs became quite sore since I had trekked a long, hilly distance. What a comfort to know that when I am weak, God is strong, and He will carry me. “And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” II Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)
“The road is charted and planned out by Me.” God has a perfect plan behind everything in our lives! He knows every twist and turn, every obstacle and scenic spot along the way. He is a trustworthy Guide! “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)
“I will not let you fall.” As believers, we are held in God’s love, and though we may stumble, He will help us get back up. No one can snatch us out of His hand! “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. ” John 10: 27-29 NKJV
“I am with you every step of the way.” It is so comforting to realize and remember that God is walking with us, and He will never, never, never leave us nor forsake us. The road of life may be treacherous, but even when we feel forsaken, exhausted, or lost, we are never alone. Praise the Lord! “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’” Joshua 1:9 NKJV
I pray you will know God’s love deeply, wherever you are on the road of life today.
Last weekend, I was blessed to have some extended quiet time with the Lord. He spoke to me beautifully about the power of quiet reflection. In the upcoming posts, I will be sharing some of the lessons He taught me during this special time spent in His presence.
Blooming dogwood tree
Our lives are so full of busyness and noise. However, if we take time to step back and listen for the Lord’s voice in whatever environment we may find ourselves, we can be blessed and refreshed in a special way. This is a new way for me to encounter God–to experience Him with a quieted mind and heart, no matter how distracting my current surroundings may be. There is a certain power I discovered in this kind of communion with God. When you settle your mind before the Lord right where you are and tune in to His blessed presence, He can truly speak to you in a special way.
Blooming cherry tree
My personal favorite reflective exercise has been Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina is reading of the Word combined with reflection. It provides a great opportunity to draw closer to God as His Word penetrates deep into our hearts and minds. Such reflective time spent with God in nature is particularly refreshing. Our Lord speaks in a profound way when we encounter Him through His creation.
Redwood trees
May you draw closer to the Lord and hear His voice today!
Just one sinful woman–rejected, despised, an outcast. She had been living an adulterous lifestyle and could not escape her past. She was in a habit of coming to the well in the afternoon, preferring the intense heat of the day rather than the whispers and scornful looks she knew she would receive otherwise. Yet one blessed day, she met a Man by the well Who changed her entire world.
Jesus and the Samaritan woman
I wrote this poem based on the story of the Samaritan woman in John 4.
Water of Life
“A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, ‘Give Me a drink.”’
What can you mean, Sir? How can this be?
That You, a Jew, would speak to me?
Besides, I’m a sinner, and utterly despised.
You must not have heard the rumors from spies.
That’s why I’m here in the heat of the day,
From the gossip of women to get away.
Why would You ask me for a drink?
Tell me, I pray, what do you think?
Those of Your race hate those of mine;
It’s been this way for a very long time.
They even this country will pass around;
Their hatred forbids them to step foot on this ground.
So what do you need of me? Why do You ask?
Shall I for You lower my flask?
Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”
You have nothing to draw with, and this well is deep.
How can I the benefits reap?
Where do you get this living water?
Are You greater than Jacob our father?
How can water be filled with life,
In this world full of conflict and strife?
Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.”The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.”Jesus said to her, “You have well said, ‘I have no husband,’ for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.”
How can You know of my terrible past?
You ought to be a prophet, at least.
You see through my veil with penetrating eye;
Into my past You see by-and-by.
Now, You know that I’m full of sin,
So where should I go to offer restitution?
You Jews say Jerusalem,
But Samaritans say Mount Gerazim.
Where do I go to be forgiven?
Where will the sacrifice cleanse me deep within?
I’m guilty-You know it-
And shameful to show it.
And so confused about where to go-
Tell me, please, so I know.
Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father.You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
I know that the Messiah will come,
To silence our fears and unite everyone.
He will answer our questions so well,
And to Him, every tongue praise will tell.
The Scriptures have promised- I know they have said-
That He is coming to quiet our dread.
.Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”
I’m full of questions, I’m filled with doubt,
Faith as a mountain I am without.
However, I have it as a mustard seed;
This, my Master, I beg you to heed.
You all my questions answer did not,
Yet content You made me with my lot.
I still don’t know all I wish I did,
Yet my sin before me You have hid.
Still many answers I do not know,
But I trust Your name; to You I will go.
You don’t explain why past had to happen,
Yet You simply say to trust.
The things You keep secret You’ve hid for a reason;
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” –2 Corinthians 5:7
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. ” –2 Corinthians 4:16-18
This life is not all there is! If we lived by what is seen, that would be extremely depressing and utterly hopeless. The things that truly matter are those which are unseen: Jesus, faith, love, joy, trust…We, as believers, have a higher calling!
Many of my family members and friends have been amazing examples of living by faith, not sight. My mom and dad always exhibit deep faith and confidence in the unseen, even in the midst of fiery trials. A dear friend made a bold proclamation of faith during a trying time that deeply impacted me.
A great visual imagery of the concept of faith is driving on a foggy day. The visibility is low; those in the vehicle can only see a little bit at a time. The passengers must trust their driver to navigate them when they can’t make out what’s ahead. All of a sudden, the fog lifts, and everything is clear in the bright sunlight. I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 13:12 in the Message translation: “We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing Him distinctly just as He knows us!”
Thick fog on the drive to churchBright sunlight peering through the branches
We are not lost, even when our world is misty and clouded in fog. Our Driver knows where He is going, so we can confidently walk by faith in the unseen.
Recently, a dear friend sent me a booklet called “Praising” by Watchman Nee, a famous Chinese Christian. Its message has given me new inspiration and a fresh perspective on praising Jesus. In this booklet, Watchman Nee talks about how essential praise is to our Christian walk. Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the booklet:
“Praise is the highest work carried out by God’s children.” (page 1)
“We should sing praises to our God.” (page 2)
“The nature of praise is an offering, a sacrifice…praise comes from pain and suffering.” (page 3)
“Prayer is a warfare, but praise is a victory.” (page 8)
“We need to learn to overcome Satan by our praise. We overcome Satan not only by prayer but also by praise.” (page 15)
Watchman Nee asserts many times that praise lifts us above our situation and drives the devil away. He also says that the most essential times for praise are the seasons of deepest darkness.
Sunrise on the Texas Gulf coast
A friend once said, “When it is hardest to pray, pray the hardest!” That is a wonderful statement, and I would create a similar one: “When it is hardest to praise, sing the loudest!”
Bridge in Kentucky
Watchman Nee is a wonderful example of praising in all circumstances. He was incarcerated for his faith in 1952 and went to be with the Lord after 20 years of imprisonment. How precious are the lessons from a man who experienced such trials!
Let us also be living witnesses to the power of praise! Whenever we go through various difficulties and are prone to fall into depression, we should turn on our praise, and it will drive our gloom away.
Let us all praise the Lord and lift His name on high more and more!
2 Chronicles 20:20-22
So they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.” And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: “Praise the Lord,For His mercy endures forever.” Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated.
Eric Metaxas, a wonderful Christian author, wrote an amazing book called 7 Women and the Secret of Their Greatness. In the introduction, Metaxas gives a refreshing and thought-provoking message about femininity and its contrast to masculinity. He says, “The stories of these great women show us that men and women are not interchangeable. There are things men can and should do that women cannot, and there are things that women can and should do that men cannot…Men and women were deliberately designed to be different. Indeed we are specifically created as complements to each other, as different halves of a whole, and that whole reflects the glory of God.”
I believe this view is Biblical and refreshing in today’s culture where men and women are pressured to compete with each other. Both genders are distinctly different and each is wonderful in the way God made it. Although women are, in general, more vulnerable and are commanded by God to submit to men, they are by no means inferior to men. We can see in Scripture how Jesus, living in a society in which women had little value, highly respected them. He was born of a woman, ministered to by women, performed His first miracle at the request of a woman, and first directly proclaimed His Messiahship to a woman. Numerous other women also hold important roles in the gospels. All recorded accounts of Jesus’ raising the dead directly involved women. They were among the few who remained at the foot of the cross, and the first to see the resurrected Lord.
Forgiven by Greg Olsen
Whether you are a man or a woman, let us all attempt to serve God in the role in which He has placed us today.
I close with one of my favorite verses about womanhood:
1 Peter 3:3-5a
Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves.
Recently, I have been meditating on Jesus’ words from the Lord’s prayer: “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as is in heaven.” There is a powerful song called “Kingdom Come” by Rebecca St. James and for KING & COUNTRY that sheds a whole new light on this sentence.
I always thought that asking for God’s kingdom to come was, basically, asking for Christ’s return. And while that is definitely part of it, there is so much more. I did some research on the term “kingdom of God” in the NT, and here is what I found:
-Matthew 6:33-We are to seek it first.
-Mark 1:14-The gospel is called “the gospel of the kingdom of God”.
-Mark 1:15-John the Baptist proclaimed it was at hand.
-Mark 10:14-Jesus said it is made up of childlike faith.
-Luke 9:60-We are to preach it.
-Luke 17:21-It is within us.
-Acts 14:22-We can only enter it through many tribulations.
-Romans 14:17-It is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
-1 Corinthians 4:20-It is not in word, but in power.
The kingdom of God is not yet physically established on this earth. However, it does exist in our hearts as believers. Within us, it is like a tower of righteousness, power, peace, joy, and faith that God had built. And while we pray for Christ’s return, when we will dwell in God’s literal kingdom on earth, let us also pray for His kingdom to come, even now, first and foremost in our hearts, so that we may further it and share it with others.
Every time we grow in Christ, His kingdom expands within us. And every time another heart accepts Christ as Lord of his or her life, His kingdom furthers, on earth just as it is in heaven. Let us pray first that God would expand His kingdom more and more in our hearts and lives, and then that He would use us to further His kingdom in others.
