February 2017 – The Beacon

‘i am not alone’ [kari jobe]

‘In the midst of deep sorrow, I see Your light is breaking through.
The dark of night will not overtake me:
I am pressing into You.
Lord, You fight my every battle, and I will not fear.

I am not alone.
I am not alone.
You will go before me;
You will never leave me.’

This song is essentially just reiterating over and over that we are not alone–that God is ALWAYS with us. I find this very reassuring. So many times through our lives, it is so very easy to feel like we are all alone. We think that no one else understands exactly what we’re going through. But I just want you to know and be assured that God does. He is right by your side always. I think that He appreciates when we willingly include Him in our lives and thoughts, but we don’t even have to do this simply because He knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows exactly what we’re going through. And we really need to keep in mind that we aren’t alone.

When I’m up late at night, overwhelmed with homework and studying and many other thoughts, it can be crippling. But I always try and take a moment to just pray. He knows where we’re at. He knows what we’re going through. And He hates to see His dear children suffer. The Bible tells us that He is made stronger in our weakness–He desires to help us through every step of our lives. So, don’t forget that. Look to Him. Turn your troubles over to Him. He wants to lighten your load.

As a college student, I KNOW that it can all be overwhelming. Not just school, but work, our plans for the future, break-ups, changing/ending friendships, family struggles, lack of money, the list goes ON. We all know that. So when you are overcome with never-ending thoughts and worries, turn them over to God. Look and you’ll see His Light peeking through the darkness. You are NOT alone. He goes before us, and He knows what’s coming and exactly how to help us.

Look to Him.

thanks for reading!

-erinn victoria

[exodus 31:3, 6b]

”…and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills…Also, I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you.”
[Exodus 31:3, 6b]

For some context, God is talking to Moses here. The last couple chapters have been God giving Moses TONS of specific instructions about sacraments to build, and plenty of other instructions, as well. And in this passage, He tells Moses that there are already people He set aside to accomplish these tasks/build all that He instructed them to build. I think this is such a great passage for multiple reasons.

First, this passage shows that God gives each and every one of us specific gifts. They may seem like odd, disjointed, non-Kingdom related gifts, but He has a reason for giving you those gifts. He says, in verses 4 and 5, that He gave these men the specific skills so they could ‘make artistic designs…to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.’ These gifts/abilities all had purposes in God’s Kingdom. But you can only imagine that maybe some of the guys with those gifts were kind of confused by their talents earlier in life. This is why I think it’s important to utilize the talents God has given us. He’s given them to us for a reason and we should not take that lightly or ignore them. He wants to use those gifts to further His Kingdom.

This is definitely an area where I struggle. I struggle with knowing what exactly I’m talented in. [This is not me fishing for compliments, by the way.] I think I’m decent at several things, but to this day, there still isn’t one specific thing that I feel CALLED TO DO. And that’s a really difficult thing to feel when all we hear about is the ‘gifts’ that God has given us and how we need to use them. So, I know that sounds hypocritical when you pair it with what I said in the previous paragraph. But, all that being said, if you DO have a passion, run towards it. Point the glory back to Him because He wants to use it for something, but definitely pursue it. And if you don’t feel a particular calling? Trust that He will reveal it to you in due time. In the mean time, keep trying to live for Him and do what you feel you’re good at–but, also step out of your comfort zone every once in awhile.

WOW. That was a lot of rambling I did not expect to do.

ANYWAY. The other reason I really loved this passage is that it shows us that God has really got it all planned out. He won’t ask too much of you. He will prepare you for what’s down the road. I’m certain that hearing all of the detailed, specific instructions that God was giving him, Moses felt quite overwhelmed. I would–I did just reading it! But then, it seems that God gives him reassurance, and immediately lets him know that He already has men who can perform each one of those tedious, particular tasks. All that being said, TRUST HIM. He will prepare you for what’s down the road. But that’s also why it’s important to not look too far down that road. That will just overwhelm you, like Moses could have been if he started thinking about the logistics of it all. So, take it one day at a time, trusting that God has a plan, and He’s got perfect timing.

thanks for reading!

-erinn victoria

‘tremble’ [mosaic msc]

‘Jesus, Jesus, You make the darkness tremble.
Jesus, Jesus.
Your name is a Light that the shadows can’t deny.
Your name cannot be overcome.’

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk4tQX4FiYY[/youtube]

When searching for a new worship song–one to quote or for whatever–I tend to just shuffle a worship playlist and see what starts playing. (Actually, I hit shuffle a certain number of times, because I’m weird and kinda OCD, but anyway…) So, this was the song that started playing tonight…when I realized I needed to write a blog post. heh. However, I am so happy that it did. And I tend to allow this way of finding songs to be a way for God to bring me a new lesson–and it rarely ever fails.

If you haven’t heard this song before, I encourage you to listen to the video above, because it is POWERFUL. I chose this set of lyrics because how INCREDIBLE is that first phrase? He makes the darkness tremble. You know, that thing we’re terrified of when we’re little? (And even still from time to time now when you’re all alone in a dark house, or after watching a frightening flick–admit it.) He makes it TREMBLE. He gives darkness reason to fear–causes it to shake involuntarily with anxiety. We take song lyrics (and, similarly, Psalms) for granted, just accepting the pretty picture they paint and leaving it be–but I challenge you to really delve into these words. ‘Cause they’re pretty incredible.

His name is ALL powerful. The shadows cannot even deny the Light of His name. If just HIS NAME is so powerful that it causes all of these things and cannot be overcome, what does that say about the person behind that name?! It speaks volumes. Normally, when you hear someone’s name, it causes you to think of them, think of their qualities, character, etc. but I think, rarely does it cause you to have a visceral reaction. There are numerous songs reflecting on the power of His name, and that’s amazing to me.

The LORD’s name has POWER. I urge you–don’t misuse that power. As Exodus 20:7 says: ”You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His name.” Just whispering His name can bring Him to your mind and to your side. If you find yourself lonely and scared and can’t seem to focus yourself on Him–just utter His name, and it will take you right back. Fear can be instilled in people simply at the mention of His name. The song mentions storms stopping and the waves becoming still at His name. I don’t know anyone else’s name with that kind of power. I pray that His name would give you peace, and that it would cause your enemies’ to tremble because they’ll know that the LORD is at your side. Know that He is all powerful and wants to bring you peace–allow Him and His incredible name to do that for you!

thank you all for reading,

erinn victoria.

[chance the rapper–grammy awards]

‘Glory be to God. I claim this victory in the name of the Lord.’

‘I want to thank God for everything He’s accomplished for me, everything that He’s went through with me.’

These words were spoken by Chance the Rapper at this Sunday’s Grammy Awards, as he accepted multiple awards. Chance identifies as a Christian, and this is made clear by his many public performances (awards shows, late night shows [like Jimmy Fallon], etc.). I cannot say for sure that he is–it’s not necessarily my place to know that–that’s not what I’m talking about here. But I do think that it is awesome that he publicly proclaims the name of the Lord, and practically turns his public performances into worship sessions.

The reason I really wanted to bring this particular event to mind is simply because of what Chance said in his acceptance speech. It is such an incredible gift that God blesses us with talents. BUT we should use these talents to bring Him glory. And we should point all of our victories and blessings back to Him. When we accomplish anything, point all eyes back to Him–not to yourself.

‘We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.’ [Romans 12:6]

‘Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.’ [1 Peter 4: 10]

These verses state that we all are given gifts/talents–it’s a fact. It may take some of us longer than others to figure out what those gifts are and how to use them, but when we do, we need to use them to serve God and others.

Chance the Rapper infuses Christian beliefs and thoughts into songs like ‘How Great’ (which includes lyrics from Chris Tomlin’s ‘How Great is Our God’), ‘Blessings’, and ‘All We Got’. His songs may not all reflect Christian values, but the fact that a few of them do is quite great, and I truly hope that his future mixtapes and songs reflect his beliefs even more. Someone with so much influence (being in the spotlight and winning awards) could really be a light to his listeners. I hope and pray that he keeps pointing all the glory back to God.

thanks for reading,

erinn victoria

p.s. I know this seems like it’s quite different than other posts, but I think it’s important to stay relevant and see His presence in our society today.

‘called me higher’ [all sons & daughters]

‘And I could be safe–
I could be safe here in Your arms and never leave home,
never let these walls down.
But You have called me higher.
You have called me deeper.
And I’ll go where You will lead me Lord…
I will be Yours for all my life,
so let Your mercy light the path before me.’

[If you haven’t listened to this song, I highly recommend it. If you haven’t listened to any of All Sons & Daughters, I recommend that even more. Their songs just hit me in a new way all the time.]

This song is pretty relevant to me at this exact moment. I was trying to come up with songs for leading the high school students in worship this Sunday, and this was the first song that popped into my head. However, I still needed to find out what the theme was [from the youth pastor]. She later informed me that it was about following God and trusting where He leads. Now, if that’s not a God-thing, I don’t know what is. I love moments like this where I can just feel His hand in my life. I always struggle with ‘hearing His voice’, or knowing what that sounds like. But, I do think I’m slowly but surely finding out what it looks like for me. And I definitely think the nudges that I feel towards certain songs from time to time are Him.

Okay, now onto the actual song. It’s all talking about how we could just sit still, just hang out in His presence, and grow comfortable with the life we’re leading. BUT we are called to much more than that. And this song is making that commitment. I struggle with this on the daily. I LOVE to be comfortable. Ask anyone that knows me–sweatpants on as soon as I get home, I’m the biggest homebody, etc. I also like to become comfortable in my lifestyle and not push myself much further than my comfort zones.

I share this song with you because it’s okay to struggle. It’s okay to be scared to go forward and leave your safety nets. It’s a scary thing to go out there ‘on your own’. However, it’s important to know that you’re NOT ‘on your own’. The lyrics above mention staying safe in His arms, never leaving home, never letting your walls down. While it’s important to get out there and let your walls down, know that you aren’t leaving the safety of His arms. One of the most comforting things I pray all the time is that I would just feel His arms around me–especially when I’m scared or upset or lonely or sad or anything really.

He’s leading you higher and deeper and He’s calling you to follow. Don’t pretend you can’t hear Him. I’m gonna push myself to listen to His call and to go wherever He would lead me. As the song states: His mercy will light the path before you. You’re not going in blind. You’re not going in alone. You have the Creator of the universe (who is also the Creator of YOU) going in by your side.

with love,

erinn victoria.

[proverbs 6:23]

‘For sound advice is a beacon,
good teaching is a light,

moral discipline is a life path.’
[Proverbs 6:23]

I figured this would be a good way to start a blog titled ‘The Beacon’, that I should probably explain the title. When searching for a title for this blog, I came across a couple of good options, and thankfully I have some wonderful friends that helped me narrow it down to this particular one. I am quite pleased with this title now though. I truly hope to make this blog sound advice for anyone reading. Advice not from me–but from God. I hope that He will use me to speak to you. I’ve never been the type to desire to do a blog, but I know so many blogs out there are just incredible and inspiring and they are beacons to me.

I’m really hoping to be that beacon of sound advice to anyone who decides to read this. I want to model my life after this verse. However, I know that truly the sound advice, good teaching, and moral disciplines all come from Him. I’ve been doing my Bible readings lately (attempting to read through the Bible in a year), and the teachings in them have really been a light to me. I’m receiving true, hard advice for everyday living. In a book written thousands of years ago. That’s incredible though, right? It blows my mind. And the last part of that verse…’moral discipline’. That may sound like such a boring concept to some people, but it is something that completely guides the way I live each and every day. He gives us lessons and disciplines that encourage us to walk with Him and help us to grow closer to those around us. People are always wanting a guidebook for life, right? Well, this is it. Pick it up. Read something. He’ll speak to you. I guarantee it.

Thanks for hanging out with me for a bit, guys. Sorry this is rough. Still trying to figure out what I want to say (and how I want to say it), and kind of just trying to let Him speak through me. Hopefully it will only get better; thanks for giving me a chance.

with love,

erinn victoria