Recently, I decided to take up the I am Second challenge because I can be quite selfish and I don't like it! I don't mean that in a self deprecating way but just as a result of a realisation that ,too often, I think about myself - what I want, desire and lack rather than God's priorities and other people.
The idea is that you watch a video of somebody telling their story everyday and then complete the challenge that accompanies it.
Here's today's video...
http://www.iamsecond.com/challenges/22day/22day4/
What really struck me today was when the girl sharing said 'It is God, all along who is defining me'. I love the fact that it's not my own efforts, faults, achievements or qualities that define me but Jesus. I'm really hoping that, through this challenge, I'm reminded about this more!
'It's your victory. Jesus, you are enough'.
xx
Monday, 27 May 2013
Thursday, 16 May 2013
Seeking.
When I'm in the nursery (where I work!), one of the kids' favourite games is hide and seek. So, they make me count to like 7 (don't ask me why they choose such a random number!) and then I have to follow their muffled giggles in the hope of finding them.
Why am I telling you this? Just because the kids I work with are ridiculously cute?
Nope - because seeking's important.
The more I think about it, I guess that we're all seeking something. Whether it be the right grades, the perfect boyfriend or the latest IPad. Or maybe a massive fortune or everyone's approval. The list could go on.
Matthew 6:33 tells us to 'Seek first His kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be added as well'. I'm loving this verse at the moment. But it's also really challenging me. So often, I find myself seeking after things which, in themselves, aren't wrong but which don't satisfy or fulfil me. That folks, is called idolatry. After all, why would you seek the gifts when you can seek the Giver?
The Westminster Catechism says that 'man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.' I read a book by John Piper (obviously said in an American accent because how else can you say that name?) about this subject a few months ago. It made my brain nearly combust but it was so good! The point is, He is enough. It's not about wanting more of this, that and the other. It's about wanting Him. About wanting to be like Jesus - the Jesus that my friend, who is currently struggling, so beautifully proclaimed as her Saviour. About aligning what we want with what God wants so that His kingdom advances.
When I was reflecting on this verse and how it speaks into my life, I just thought 'Rhi, haven't you grasped this yet?' Then I remembered. It's not about getting to a certain point in our faiths but about journeying with Him and letting Him sanctify you in the process. Ultimately, it's about grace - for ourselves and for each other - something I pray I'll increase in as I focus on pursuing the only One who is worth it.
But in the meantime, can I encourage you to pray this prayer?
'The one thing I ask of You, the thing I seek most is to live in Your house all the days of my life, delighting in Your perfections and meditating in Your temple'. Psalm 27:4.
Love Rhi xx
Picture of the post --:
The perfect revision beveragini! x
Why am I telling you this? Just because the kids I work with are ridiculously cute?
Nope - because seeking's important.
The more I think about it, I guess that we're all seeking something. Whether it be the right grades, the perfect boyfriend or the latest IPad. Or maybe a massive fortune or everyone's approval. The list could go on.
Matthew 6:33 tells us to 'Seek first His kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be added as well'. I'm loving this verse at the moment. But it's also really challenging me. So often, I find myself seeking after things which, in themselves, aren't wrong but which don't satisfy or fulfil me. That folks, is called idolatry. After all, why would you seek the gifts when you can seek the Giver?
The Westminster Catechism says that 'man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.' I read a book by John Piper (obviously said in an American accent because how else can you say that name?) about this subject a few months ago. It made my brain nearly combust but it was so good! The point is, He is enough. It's not about wanting more of this, that and the other. It's about wanting Him. About wanting to be like Jesus - the Jesus that my friend, who is currently struggling, so beautifully proclaimed as her Saviour. About aligning what we want with what God wants so that His kingdom advances.
When I was reflecting on this verse and how it speaks into my life, I just thought 'Rhi, haven't you grasped this yet?' Then I remembered. It's not about getting to a certain point in our faiths but about journeying with Him and letting Him sanctify you in the process. Ultimately, it's about grace - for ourselves and for each other - something I pray I'll increase in as I focus on pursuing the only One who is worth it.
But in the meantime, can I encourage you to pray this prayer?
'The one thing I ask of You, the thing I seek most is to live in Your house all the days of my life, delighting in Your perfections and meditating in Your temple'. Psalm 27:4.
Love Rhi xx
Picture of the post --:
The perfect revision beveragini! x
Saturday, 13 April 2013
I'm not condemned.
So, this last week, I've been at New Word Alive in the north of a beautiful country called Wales! It was my first time at this particular event and I wasn't sure what to expect but I loved it! Quality teaching, great company and inflatables! What is there not to love?! Check it out and access some of the great Bible teaching at http://newwordalive.org/ :)
Anyway, when I woke up this morning (ridiculously early, may I add, for someone who hasn't slept that much in the last week), a Bible verse hit me loud and clear. For those who now think that that sounds super holy, let me assure you that such an event is hardly a regular occurrence! Anyway, the verse was Romans 8:1 which says 'So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus'. One of the things I was taught this week is the need to remind ourselves of Biblical truth. What I love about this verse is that it says 'no condemnation'. So often, I get caught up in what the stuff that I do or don't do in my Christian life. There's nothing wrong with that because we're told to pursue righteousness and David asks God to search his heart and refine him in the Psalms, perhaps an example to us today. But what has made my heart glad this morning is that 'there is NO condemnation'. Whatever you've done, no matter how bad you rate it on an often human created sin scale, if you have accepted Jesus as your Saviour, the price has been paid and you stand forgiven. Incredible.
Ich bin encouraged and I hope that you are too :)
Picture of the post:
SUCU enjoying the inflatable slide!
Shameless book plug of the post...
Last week, I grabbed half an hour and read a book that I've been meaning to read for ever -- 'Will you be my Facebook friend?' by Tim Chester. So insightful on the pros but particularly the cons of social media. £2 ish off Amazon - go go go! :)
Anyway, when I woke up this morning (ridiculously early, may I add, for someone who hasn't slept that much in the last week), a Bible verse hit me loud and clear. For those who now think that that sounds super holy, let me assure you that such an event is hardly a regular occurrence! Anyway, the verse was Romans 8:1 which says 'So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus'. One of the things I was taught this week is the need to remind ourselves of Biblical truth. What I love about this verse is that it says 'no condemnation'. So often, I get caught up in what the stuff that I do or don't do in my Christian life. There's nothing wrong with that because we're told to pursue righteousness and David asks God to search his heart and refine him in the Psalms, perhaps an example to us today. But what has made my heart glad this morning is that 'there is NO condemnation'. Whatever you've done, no matter how bad you rate it on an often human created sin scale, if you have accepted Jesus as your Saviour, the price has been paid and you stand forgiven. Incredible.
Ich bin encouraged and I hope that you are too :)
Picture of the post:
SUCU enjoying the inflatable slide!
Shameless book plug of the post...
Last week, I grabbed half an hour and read a book that I've been meaning to read for ever -- 'Will you be my Facebook friend?' by Tim Chester. So insightful on the pros but particularly the cons of social media. £2 ish off Amazon - go go go! :)
Saturday, 2 March 2013
Misplaced confidence.
This week, I've been really challenged about something. Have you ever had a week where the same thing just keeps coming up again and again and you start to question whether it's a coincidence? It's been a bit like that.
Let me explain.
At church on Sunday, 4 people got baptised. Something I learnt - I LOVE BAPTISMS. I love hearing how God works in people's lives and love watching them declare it publicly - so great! After this happened, there was inevitably a talk which was all about the idea that Jesus' death was pointless if we aren't justified by it.
If you're a bit new to all this God stuff, Christians believe that we, as people, can't do anything ourselves to be right with God since we've all sinned (messed up/done stuff that we know is not good etc.) and because God is just and holy, this separates us from Him. However, because He loves us SO much and desires to know us closely, He sent Jesus to die for us so that we can be restored and can walk in relationship with God. That's the main difference, I guess, between Christianity and other religions which so often demand that their followers conform to a certain set of rules in order to be accepted. Pretty cool huh?
Anyway, this talk and some of the stuff that was said has really stuck in my head the last few days and I've been thinking it through a bit. Also, the daily devotion emails that come to my phone everyday at some ridiculous time in the early hours of the morning (don't ask me why it comes so early!?) have been talking about similar things. Strange right? Or not.
The thing that's been getting me this week though isn't whether I believe that Jesus has justified me and made me right with God (because I definitely do!) but whether this is actually reflected in how I live?
On Wednesday night, at Hungry (our church's student small group), we looked at Philippians 3:1 -11. In that bit of the Bible it says that we shouldn't place our confidence in anything else but Jesus and should consider everything else in our lives as rubbish compared to knowing Him. The word that really fascinated me in all this was the word 'safeguard'. To give this context, in Phillipians, Paul starts this bit my explaining how the idea of prizing nothing but Jesus is actually a safeguard for us. I started to think about that word and realised (as Ruth pointed out) that the only time that I ever use it is when talking about protecting young people and children/CRBs! Maybe then, God knows that when we place our confidence in other stuff that isn't Him, it can harm us, hence why He says this stuff to protect us?
The problem for me though is that I don't always place my confidence in Jesus. You see, I love many things -- Sprinkles ice cream, good music and onesies to name a few -- but one thing I really love is relationships. Nah, I'm not talking mushy smushy rom - com boy girl shizz (though I'm not totally opposed!) but friendships with people in general. I know that sometimes I base my confidence in them - when I percieve them to be going really well, I feel confident. When I don't...well I feel pants. Also, sometimes I beat myself up for not being where I percieve I should be with God or for failing Him.
So now I've convinced you that I'm an over - thinking, over - analysing 20 year old Sociology student, what did I learn from this?!
I learnt that this kind of thinking is religion (Jesus wasn't a massive fan of 'religious' people in the Bible) and arrogantly presumes that we could ever do anything to make ourselves right with God. I learnt that when I put my confidence in stuff that isn't Jesus, life gets a little bit shaky. That's why I'm so glad to be able to say that
'My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness'
and to, once again, learn what it looks like to live like that.
Much love,
Rhi x
Picture of the post...
So, the momentum to take pictures everyday has waned a bit this last month and some of my 'quick, I need to take a picture' snaps have made my life look ever so dull (it's not, I assure you). :P Anyway, here's the cute campus gardens that I finally got to the other day...
Hope that this month is wonderful for you! xx
Let me explain.
At church on Sunday, 4 people got baptised. Something I learnt - I LOVE BAPTISMS. I love hearing how God works in people's lives and love watching them declare it publicly - so great! After this happened, there was inevitably a talk which was all about the idea that Jesus' death was pointless if we aren't justified by it.
If you're a bit new to all this God stuff, Christians believe that we, as people, can't do anything ourselves to be right with God since we've all sinned (messed up/done stuff that we know is not good etc.) and because God is just and holy, this separates us from Him. However, because He loves us SO much and desires to know us closely, He sent Jesus to die for us so that we can be restored and can walk in relationship with God. That's the main difference, I guess, between Christianity and other religions which so often demand that their followers conform to a certain set of rules in order to be accepted. Pretty cool huh?
Anyway, this talk and some of the stuff that was said has really stuck in my head the last few days and I've been thinking it through a bit. Also, the daily devotion emails that come to my phone everyday at some ridiculous time in the early hours of the morning (don't ask me why it comes so early!?) have been talking about similar things. Strange right? Or not.
The thing that's been getting me this week though isn't whether I believe that Jesus has justified me and made me right with God (because I definitely do!) but whether this is actually reflected in how I live?
On Wednesday night, at Hungry (our church's student small group), we looked at Philippians 3:1 -11. In that bit of the Bible it says that we shouldn't place our confidence in anything else but Jesus and should consider everything else in our lives as rubbish compared to knowing Him. The word that really fascinated me in all this was the word 'safeguard'. To give this context, in Phillipians, Paul starts this bit my explaining how the idea of prizing nothing but Jesus is actually a safeguard for us. I started to think about that word and realised (as Ruth pointed out) that the only time that I ever use it is when talking about protecting young people and children/CRBs! Maybe then, God knows that when we place our confidence in other stuff that isn't Him, it can harm us, hence why He says this stuff to protect us?
The problem for me though is that I don't always place my confidence in Jesus. You see, I love many things -- Sprinkles ice cream, good music and onesies to name a few -- but one thing I really love is relationships. Nah, I'm not talking mushy smushy rom - com boy girl shizz (though I'm not totally opposed!) but friendships with people in general. I know that sometimes I base my confidence in them - when I percieve them to be going really well, I feel confident. When I don't...well I feel pants. Also, sometimes I beat myself up for not being where I percieve I should be with God or for failing Him.
So now I've convinced you that I'm an over - thinking, over - analysing 20 year old Sociology student, what did I learn from this?!
I learnt that this kind of thinking is religion (Jesus wasn't a massive fan of 'religious' people in the Bible) and arrogantly presumes that we could ever do anything to make ourselves right with God. I learnt that when I put my confidence in stuff that isn't Jesus, life gets a little bit shaky. That's why I'm so glad to be able to say that
'My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness'
and to, once again, learn what it looks like to live like that.
Much love,
Rhi x
Picture of the post...
So, the momentum to take pictures everyday has waned a bit this last month and some of my 'quick, I need to take a picture' snaps have made my life look ever so dull (it's not, I assure you). :P Anyway, here's the cute campus gardens that I finally got to the other day...
Hope that this month is wonderful for you! xx
Sunday, 10 February 2013
What a story.
One of the many highlights of my birthday this year was seeing The Mark Drama performed at uni. What basically happened was that the Gospel of Mark was retold through improvised drama over 90 minutes. The cast had us sit in a circle whilst they acted around us, complete with many laughs and jokes as they showed the lives and behaviour of disciples called to follow the man who claimed to be God. The performance itself was so exciting but also incredibly moving and I would totally recommend it to anyone!
But it was more than just a great piece of drama.
I went into the performance thinking that I knew what to expect. My Bible knowledge is far from perfect but I felt like I'd recognise most of the key parts of Jesus' story. And, fair play, I did. However, I loved the bits that made me think and there were a couple of 'Eureka' moments where I suddenly understood something I'd read in a new way. When it got to the portrayal of Jesus' death, the whole room watched in silence as the story unfolded. During parts of it, I wanted to yell 'Stop' and some of it was pretty uncomfortable. It struck me that I was reacting in such a way to a narrative that I know so well. If I've learnt anything this week, it's been a reminder that this story that we call the Gospel never gets old - it's always wonderful, it always challenges and it always speaks. If you've never heard this story, then I reckon you should - go see the Mark Drama in March or pick up the Bible and give it a chance - what have you got to lose?
In other news, Sprinkles ice cream parlour is amazing, especially when you go with great friends!...
Hope that your February is going fabulously,
Love Rhi xx
But it was more than just a great piece of drama.
I went into the performance thinking that I knew what to expect. My Bible knowledge is far from perfect but I felt like I'd recognise most of the key parts of Jesus' story. And, fair play, I did. However, I loved the bits that made me think and there were a couple of 'Eureka' moments where I suddenly understood something I'd read in a new way. When it got to the portrayal of Jesus' death, the whole room watched in silence as the story unfolded. During parts of it, I wanted to yell 'Stop' and some of it was pretty uncomfortable. It struck me that I was reacting in such a way to a narrative that I know so well. If I've learnt anything this week, it's been a reminder that this story that we call the Gospel never gets old - it's always wonderful, it always challenges and it always speaks. If you've never heard this story, then I reckon you should - go see the Mark Drama in March or pick up the Bible and give it a chance - what have you got to lose?
In other news, Sprinkles ice cream parlour is amazing, especially when you go with great friends!...
Hope that your February is going fabulously,
Love Rhi xx
Wednesday, 16 January 2013
Reading that book called the Bible.
At the beginning of this year, I tentatively told myself that I'd blog more frequently then got bogged down with revision and forgot all about it! Yes, I'm still revising but I've decided (in a bid to get away from all things sociological for a bit!) to write 2013's first post :)
Recently, I've been having reading some of David Platt's stuff on Bible reading which is well worth a look if you get the chance! One of the best quotes that he said (in my opinion) was that 'What you read in the Bible can never mean now what it never meant then'. Now this may just be me...but I realised that, so often, when I go to the Bible, I start from a place which basically says 'What does this mean for me and what am I going to do as a result?'. I'm not saying that this isn't great because obviously you're not supposed to just read the Bible and then get back to your life without letting it impact you. But what he said challenged me. What he was getting at was that the Bible was never primarily written just for us - it was written for generations of God's people and that we so often misinterpret and misunderstand Scripture because we don't recognise that fact. It all goes back to that word again - context! As I said, I've been giving this some head space recently...here's the link to Platt if you want it ---> http://www.radical.net/media/schurch/series_list/?id=53
In other news, as Facebook may have already hinted at, I'm involved in Text a Toastie on campus which is just such a great way to begin conversations about faith/God/zombie apocalypses/whatever else anyone wants to ask about (and I'm not just saying that because food is involved!). I love it - it challenges me to think about questions that I don't always consider and has naturally expanded my cooking repertoire :P Proud to say that no horsemeat is used in the making of our toasties!
Also, I'm doing Project 365 this year (taking a picture every day) so thought I'd do a photo of the post. Just before I left for uni, I finally caught up with the first Lord of the Rings (after much disbelief from certain people that I'd never seen it!) and naturally this needed photographic evidence!
Much love!
Rhi x
Recently, I've been having reading some of David Platt's stuff on Bible reading which is well worth a look if you get the chance! One of the best quotes that he said (in my opinion) was that 'What you read in the Bible can never mean now what it never meant then'. Now this may just be me...but I realised that, so often, when I go to the Bible, I start from a place which basically says 'What does this mean for me and what am I going to do as a result?'. I'm not saying that this isn't great because obviously you're not supposed to just read the Bible and then get back to your life without letting it impact you. But what he said challenged me. What he was getting at was that the Bible was never primarily written just for us - it was written for generations of God's people and that we so often misinterpret and misunderstand Scripture because we don't recognise that fact. It all goes back to that word again - context! As I said, I've been giving this some head space recently...here's the link to Platt if you want it ---> http://www.radical.net/media/schurch/series_list/?id=53
In other news, as Facebook may have already hinted at, I'm involved in Text a Toastie on campus which is just such a great way to begin conversations about faith/God/zombie apocalypses/whatever else anyone wants to ask about (and I'm not just saying that because food is involved!). I love it - it challenges me to think about questions that I don't always consider and has naturally expanded my cooking repertoire :P Proud to say that no horsemeat is used in the making of our toasties!
Also, I'm doing Project 365 this year (taking a picture every day) so thought I'd do a photo of the post. Just before I left for uni, I finally caught up with the first Lord of the Rings (after much disbelief from certain people that I'd never seen it!) and naturally this needed photographic evidence!
Much love!
Rhi x
Wednesday, 21 November 2012
Praising my Jehovah Jireh.
Recently, at a CU meeting that I went to, someone said that 'one of the really important things about our struggles is our choice to point to the glory of God through them'. It is for that reason that I'm writing this. To be honest, I've never really been a fan of admitting that I'm struggling (not really sure that anyone is a fan of this!) and, for such a long time, I've had an 'I'm fine' mentality. I find it really hard to admit when things aren't going well and the whole openness thing in general (probz a pride thing!) but I really feel that God has been challenging this in me over the last few months. So here goes...
When I got to uni, I LOVED it! I mean, me and partying to cheesy pop in Europe's worst night club (sooooo good!) go together like Ant and Dec, right?! Seriously though, I loved Freshers and the great times we had as well as getting to know the awesome people who occupy the ground floor of Monte Block C (aka halls!). A few weeks later though, it wasn't so great! I was feeling really homesick and had started to wake up feeling pointlessly anxious. I understood neither of these things - firstly, I've lived away from home before and whilst I can worry like the best of them if I let myself, I didn't get the whole anxiousness thing! Also, I started to doubt if I even liked my course and whether or not I should spend 3 years studying it. Times were not too amazing! If you were someone that I spoke to, cried over or confided in - thank you so much!! I am SO grateful for you.
Anyway...today. About a month after all of this kicked off, I am in such a different place. Sure, I don't always love my degree and yeah, sometimes I do really miss home and Cardiff! However, I have a new sense of peace about life in general and the Lord has surrounded me with a great group of Christian friends (we just put down a deposit for a house together for next year - wooo!). What's more, I've learnt so much about dependency on Him. I work in a nursery and am kinda exposed by a need for dependency - so often, I walk into a room where there are a bunch of screaming kids who realise that their parents are no longer around and are crying out for a cuddle and some reassurance! Over the last few weeks, I've had to really live in His strength and trust in His promises because, really, I just haven't been able to do it on my own. But there's no better place to be, right? He's brought me to a place where I pray more and spend more time with Him and none of this would have happened if I was still on a Fresher's high (not literally, just to clarify!). Above all, it's not really about my struggles or weaknesses but His faithfulness, His peace and His unfailing love. And for that, I'm praising my Jehovah Jireh.
Some verses that have really struck me recently are from Jeremiah - just thought I'd share!
Jeremiah 29: 7:
'Work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you.... Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.'
In other news, like I said, I work at a nursery. There are way too many cute stories but one little guy routinely follows me around with arms outstretched saying 'cuddles'... so lush :) Also, I'm SO excited to go home this weekend to celebrate 18 years of the existence of Bex!! Nearly as excited as I am for S Club 2(?!)'s upcoming club night in Southampton!! Childhood about to be relived!! :P
Anyway, thanks for reading - sooooooo grateful for you :)
Rhi xx
When I got to uni, I LOVED it! I mean, me and partying to cheesy pop in Europe's worst night club (sooooo good!) go together like Ant and Dec, right?! Seriously though, I loved Freshers and the great times we had as well as getting to know the awesome people who occupy the ground floor of Monte Block C (aka halls!). A few weeks later though, it wasn't so great! I was feeling really homesick and had started to wake up feeling pointlessly anxious. I understood neither of these things - firstly, I've lived away from home before and whilst I can worry like the best of them if I let myself, I didn't get the whole anxiousness thing! Also, I started to doubt if I even liked my course and whether or not I should spend 3 years studying it. Times were not too amazing! If you were someone that I spoke to, cried over or confided in - thank you so much!! I am SO grateful for you.
Anyway...today. About a month after all of this kicked off, I am in such a different place. Sure, I don't always love my degree and yeah, sometimes I do really miss home and Cardiff! However, I have a new sense of peace about life in general and the Lord has surrounded me with a great group of Christian friends (we just put down a deposit for a house together for next year - wooo!). What's more, I've learnt so much about dependency on Him. I work in a nursery and am kinda exposed by a need for dependency - so often, I walk into a room where there are a bunch of screaming kids who realise that their parents are no longer around and are crying out for a cuddle and some reassurance! Over the last few weeks, I've had to really live in His strength and trust in His promises because, really, I just haven't been able to do it on my own. But there's no better place to be, right? He's brought me to a place where I pray more and spend more time with Him and none of this would have happened if I was still on a Fresher's high (not literally, just to clarify!). Above all, it's not really about my struggles or weaknesses but His faithfulness, His peace and His unfailing love. And for that, I'm praising my Jehovah Jireh.
Some verses that have really struck me recently are from Jeremiah - just thought I'd share!
Jeremiah 29: 7:
'Work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you.... Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.'
In other news, like I said, I work at a nursery. There are way too many cute stories but one little guy routinely follows me around with arms outstretched saying 'cuddles'... so lush :) Also, I'm SO excited to go home this weekend to celebrate 18 years of the existence of Bex!! Nearly as excited as I am for S Club 2(?!)'s upcoming club night in Southampton!! Childhood about to be relived!! :P
Anyway, thanks for reading - sooooooo grateful for you :)
Rhi xx
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