To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable."
— C.S. Lewis
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
GO.
“Here stands God on the day of creation. He looks at stars and He says “all you stars move yourself to this place and start in this order and move in a circle and move exactly as I tell you, until I give you another word. Planets-pick yourself up and whirl, make this formation at my command, until I give you another word. He looks at mountains and says “be lifted up” and they obey him. He tells valleys “be cast down” and they obey him. He looks at the sea and says “you will come this far”, and the sea obeys. Then, he looks at you and says “come” and you go “no! Does that bother anyone?”
"Well, I was out here on the highway, and I was driving and I had a flat tire and I got out to change the tire, and when I was changing the tire, the lug nut fell off, and I wasn't paying attention that I was on the middle of the highway, I stood up and there was a 30-ton logging truck going 120 miles an hour about ten yards in front of me, and it ran me over and that's why I'm late.
Now, there would only be two...I know no one studies logic anymore, but there would only be two logical conclusions. One, I'm a liar or two, I'm a madman. You would say, "Brother Paul, it's absolutely absurd. It is impossible, Brother Paul, to have an encounter with something as large as a logging truck and not be changed."
And then my question would be to you -- What is larger? A logging truck or God? How is it that so many people today profess to have had an encounter with Jesus Christ, and yet, they are not permanently changed?"
-Paul Washer
"Well, I was out here on the highway, and I was driving and I had a flat tire and I got out to change the tire, and when I was changing the tire, the lug nut fell off, and I wasn't paying attention that I was on the middle of the highway, I stood up and there was a 30-ton logging truck going 120 miles an hour about ten yards in front of me, and it ran me over and that's why I'm late.
Now, there would only be two...I know no one studies logic anymore, but there would only be two logical conclusions. One, I'm a liar or two, I'm a madman. You would say, "Brother Paul, it's absolutely absurd. It is impossible, Brother Paul, to have an encounter with something as large as a logging truck and not be changed."
And then my question would be to you -- What is larger? A logging truck or God? How is it that so many people today profess to have had an encounter with Jesus Christ, and yet, they are not permanently changed?"
-Paul Washer
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Philippines Support! (Forward MEEE!)
What to do with this letter:
1. READ it!
2. Prayerfully consider how the Lord wants you to support me
3. Send this to your address book
4. Pray for the Philippines and the teams bringing the gospel to them!
To a sweet brother, sister, or family in Christ,
I’m sending this letter on behalf of my call to missions. For over two years now, the Lord has laid missions on my heart, but the doors have never been open for me to go- prayer and encouragement was my window to the mission field. But now, He has made a way and opened so many doors for me to be able to “go” this summer! I am in the process of preparing for a five-week trip to the Philippines with the Bob Tebow Evangelistic Association. The Lord definitely picked out this trip and led me to this organization; He has orchestrated all of this perfectly. Regardless of the fact that I will not be going on this trip with friends, family, or even pastors whom I know, God has given me the assurance that this is where He wants me, and that surpasses those comforts.
In case you were wondering what in the world I would be doing for five weeks, here’s what the BTEA as to say about this trip!
“This trip is not a vacation. The long days, bumpy roads, strict schedules, and difficult assignments make this trip a strenuous one. Much physical and emotional sacrifice will be demanded of each team member. You will be called on to work from morning to night, but it will be work of purpose and accomplishment. You will have the opportunity to be part of a team of other young people and adults who will be able to present the good news of the free gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus to Filipinos at schools, film showings, markets, and other various locations. You can expect to be challenged and encouraged by the other members of your team. You will see first hand the power of God through the preaching of the gospel (Romans 1:16). God will not only do a work in the hearts of those you minister to, but He will also do a great work in your heart as well.”
I am sharing this with you, in hopes that you would give me your support for this trip. I would ask that you prayerfully consider committing to support me through prayer, both prior to and during the trip and also consider financially supporting me. God is going to provide the $5,300 I need for this trip, which is June 25-July 31! The body of Christ is an amazing thing and I know I will have so much support for my first mission trip. I want to thank you in advance for reading this and supporting me in whatever way you can. If you could, please send this letter to any brothers or sisters in Christ, or tell my story to anyone who will listen, it would be greatly appreciated!!
For financial support, which will be tax deductible,
write your check to the BTEA (with my name on the memo line) and use the addressed envelope enclosed.
OR:
My name is on their website and you can donate online here: http://www.btea.org/shorttermsupport.asp
Also, you can find me on facebook to stay up to date with trip information or go to btea.org to see everything the Bob Tebow Evangelistic Association is doing!
I thank you in advance for your prayers and your financial support. May God bless you richly!
His therefore Yours,
Sasha Arms
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
1. READ it!
2. Prayerfully consider how the Lord wants you to support me
3. Send this to your address book
4. Pray for the Philippines and the teams bringing the gospel to them!
To a sweet brother, sister, or family in Christ,
I’m sending this letter on behalf of my call to missions. For over two years now, the Lord has laid missions on my heart, but the doors have never been open for me to go- prayer and encouragement was my window to the mission field. But now, He has made a way and opened so many doors for me to be able to “go” this summer! I am in the process of preparing for a five-week trip to the Philippines with the Bob Tebow Evangelistic Association. The Lord definitely picked out this trip and led me to this organization; He has orchestrated all of this perfectly. Regardless of the fact that I will not be going on this trip with friends, family, or even pastors whom I know, God has given me the assurance that this is where He wants me, and that surpasses those comforts.
In case you were wondering what in the world I would be doing for five weeks, here’s what the BTEA as to say about this trip!
“This trip is not a vacation. The long days, bumpy roads, strict schedules, and difficult assignments make this trip a strenuous one. Much physical and emotional sacrifice will be demanded of each team member. You will be called on to work from morning to night, but it will be work of purpose and accomplishment. You will have the opportunity to be part of a team of other young people and adults who will be able to present the good news of the free gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus to Filipinos at schools, film showings, markets, and other various locations. You can expect to be challenged and encouraged by the other members of your team. You will see first hand the power of God through the preaching of the gospel (Romans 1:16). God will not only do a work in the hearts of those you minister to, but He will also do a great work in your heart as well.”
I am sharing this with you, in hopes that you would give me your support for this trip. I would ask that you prayerfully consider committing to support me through prayer, both prior to and during the trip and also consider financially supporting me. God is going to provide the $5,300 I need for this trip, which is June 25-July 31! The body of Christ is an amazing thing and I know I will have so much support for my first mission trip. I want to thank you in advance for reading this and supporting me in whatever way you can. If you could, please send this letter to any brothers or sisters in Christ, or tell my story to anyone who will listen, it would be greatly appreciated!!
For financial support, which will be tax deductible,
write your check to the BTEA (with my name on the memo line) and use the addressed envelope enclosed.
OR:
My name is on their website and you can donate online here: http://www.btea.org/shorttermsupport.asp
Also, you can find me on facebook to stay up to date with trip information or go to btea.org to see everything the Bob Tebow Evangelistic Association is doing!
I thank you in advance for your prayers and your financial support. May God bless you richly!
His therefore Yours,
Sasha Arms
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Because He is the great I AM;
I am the salt of the earth. (Matthews 5:13)
I am the light of the world. (Matthews 5:14)
I am a child of God. (John 1:12)
I am part of the true vine, a channel (branch) of Christ's life. (John 15:15)
I am Christ's friend. (John 15:15)
I am chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His fruit. (John 15:16)
I am a joint-heir with Christ, sharing His inheritance with Him. (Romans 8:14-15)
I am a temple of God. His Spirit dwells in me. (1 Corinthians 3:16)
I am joined to the Lord and am one spirit with Him. (1 Corinthians 6:17)
I am a member (part) of Christ's body. (1 Corinthians 12:27)
I am a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
I am reconciled to God and am a minister of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:18,19)
I am a saint. (Ephesians 1:1)
I am blessed with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places. (Ephesians 1:3)
I am the light of the world. (Matthews 5:14)
I am a child of God. (John 1:12)
I am part of the true vine, a channel (branch) of Christ's life. (John 15:15)
I am Christ's friend. (John 15:15)
I am chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His fruit. (John 15:16)
I am a joint-heir with Christ, sharing His inheritance with Him. (Romans 8:14-15)
I am a temple of God. His Spirit dwells in me. (1 Corinthians 3:16)
I am joined to the Lord and am one spirit with Him. (1 Corinthians 6:17)
I am a member (part) of Christ's body. (1 Corinthians 12:27)
I am a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
I am reconciled to God and am a minister of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:18,19)
I am a saint. (Ephesians 1:1)
I am blessed with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places. (Ephesians 1:3)
Monday, March 14, 2011
Pessimism is okay, halfway is not.
My heart is so, so heavy as I think about what to write. I have never ever been in the shoes I'm in now. But I know it's where I want to be and plan to be-more importantly where I am CALLED, so I better get used to these soles. The call to missions is a simple thing. As believers in Christ, we are all called in some way whether it's serving homeless downtown or serving children in Africa. We're all called. Plain and simple. This is where my heart begins to get heavy.
Have I placed too much emphasis on these peoples who have not yet heard the name Jesus and forgotten my calling to my own family and friends? And who am I, small little me, to even be considered to be the carrier of this amazing news to such beautiful people? Am I selfish for thinking I'm not good enough and letting this guilt get in the way? Is this the devil worrying me sick or am I just being human?
Romans 10:15
How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!"
Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"
Right now I feel like I have really ugly feet. And I KNOW that is such a selfish and bitter thing to say. He specifically chose to work on my heart for this trip, for these people. I want that newlywed happiness and excitement about this calling and I'm letting the devil, as my high school Bible fellowship would say- "eat my stinkin lunch". This is the first of many spiritual-happiness-sucking moments I am going to have until I am on board that plane to the Philippines. Then, it's a whole new playing field of struggles. But right now, I need two things. Prayer and encouragement. I also need more confidence, patience, trust...but I'll focus on the big picture.
I am not going to carry the Gospel to the Filipinos alone, and I can't get there alone either.
If you know me at all, you know I absolute cringe at the idea of being needy and dependent. But this has nothing to do with Sasha..and I seriously need a lot right now. I know The Lord will provide the right people to support me every step of the way, but right now I feel weak- transparent and weak. With this being my first mission trip, I feel so vulnerable and I don't really know how to explain the why or how behind it. I'm very scared like I stated before, of living up to these expectations I have created for myself, expectations that only exist in my perfectionist mind. God doesn't hold these expectations for me or anyone else and I have got to learn to let them go. But I need reminders.
Reminders like this one have helped me get past the slump I was in this past week. The body of Christ is the most beautiful thing!
"We were born into this battle Sasha when we became "Born again" believers. We wake up to this battle everyday. The more of a threat you are to the enemy of God the more you will experience the devil's heat and God's Glory in your life. Allow God to equip you for battle....and always know that the Victory is HIS!"
If anything, take away encouragement from my struggles..kind of crazy, but be encouraged and know that God is orchestrating this slump, just like He is orchestrating the joy and excitement I will experience in 3 months welcoming Filipino's to the Kingdom of God. But also keep me in your prayers, as well as the entire team for the Philippines, as we all try to avoid succumbing to the devil's taunting once and for all as we prepare our heart's for life's greatest call.
Have I placed too much emphasis on these peoples who have not yet heard the name Jesus and forgotten my calling to my own family and friends? And who am I, small little me, to even be considered to be the carrier of this amazing news to such beautiful people? Am I selfish for thinking I'm not good enough and letting this guilt get in the way? Is this the devil worrying me sick or am I just being human?
Romans 10:15
How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!"
Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"
Right now I feel like I have really ugly feet. And I KNOW that is such a selfish and bitter thing to say. He specifically chose to work on my heart for this trip, for these people. I want that newlywed happiness and excitement about this calling and I'm letting the devil, as my high school Bible fellowship would say- "eat my stinkin lunch". This is the first of many spiritual-happiness-sucking moments I am going to have until I am on board that plane to the Philippines. Then, it's a whole new playing field of struggles. But right now, I need two things. Prayer and encouragement. I also need more confidence, patience, trust...but I'll focus on the big picture.
I am not going to carry the Gospel to the Filipinos alone, and I can't get there alone either.
If you know me at all, you know I absolute cringe at the idea of being needy and dependent. But this has nothing to do with Sasha..and I seriously need a lot right now. I know The Lord will provide the right people to support me every step of the way, but right now I feel weak- transparent and weak. With this being my first mission trip, I feel so vulnerable and I don't really know how to explain the why or how behind it. I'm very scared like I stated before, of living up to these expectations I have created for myself, expectations that only exist in my perfectionist mind. God doesn't hold these expectations for me or anyone else and I have got to learn to let them go. But I need reminders.
Reminders like this one have helped me get past the slump I was in this past week. The body of Christ is the most beautiful thing!
"We were born into this battle Sasha when we became "Born again" believers. We wake up to this battle everyday. The more of a threat you are to the enemy of God the more you will experience the devil's heat and God's Glory in your life. Allow God to equip you for battle....and always know that the Victory is HIS!"
If anything, take away encouragement from my struggles..kind of crazy, but be encouraged and know that God is orchestrating this slump, just like He is orchestrating the joy and excitement I will experience in 3 months welcoming Filipino's to the Kingdom of God. But also keep me in your prayers, as well as the entire team for the Philippines, as we all try to avoid succumbing to the devil's taunting once and for all as we prepare our heart's for life's greatest call.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Prodigal
I’ve tasted Your glory and I left it there.
Your poured out Your Spirit and I didn’t care.
Still you loved me
I’ve lived for myself with nobody to blame.
I took what You gave me and squandered Your grace.
Still You loved me.
Nothing compares to what You’ve done for me
Nothing compares to what You’ve done for me.
I could live for the broken and share in their pain.
I could die like a martyr or live like a saint just to love You.
I could sing like the angels and gather Your praise:
Be blessed beyond measure and give it away just to love You.
Still nothing compares to what You’ve done for me.
Nothing compares to what You’ve done for me.
My heart has been broken; I’ve laid out my shame.
Because of Your mercy,
All I can say is I love You.
So I’ll tell of Your story
I’ll carry Your name
I’ll live for Your glory Lord,
I’ll share in Your pain just to love You.
Nothing compares to what You’ve done for me.
Nothing compares to what You’ve done for me.
Nothing compares to what You’ve done for me.
Nothing can separate us
Nothing can separate us
Not death or life
Or depth or height
Or unseen power
Now or ever!
Your poured out Your Spirit and I didn’t care.
Still you loved me
I’ve lived for myself with nobody to blame.
I took what You gave me and squandered Your grace.
Still You loved me.
Nothing compares to what You’ve done for me
Nothing compares to what You’ve done for me.
I could live for the broken and share in their pain.
I could die like a martyr or live like a saint just to love You.
I could sing like the angels and gather Your praise:
Be blessed beyond measure and give it away just to love You.
Still nothing compares to what You’ve done for me.
Nothing compares to what You’ve done for me.
My heart has been broken; I’ve laid out my shame.
Because of Your mercy,
All I can say is I love You.
So I’ll tell of Your story
I’ll carry Your name
I’ll live for Your glory Lord,
I’ll share in Your pain just to love You.
Nothing compares to what You’ve done for me.
Nothing compares to what You’ve done for me.
Nothing compares to what You’ve done for me.
Nothing can separate us
Nothing can separate us
Not death or life
Or depth or height
Or unseen power
Now or ever!
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