Saved... But Your Life Was a Waste...

For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. ~ 1 Corinthians 3:11-15

This is such a challenging verse.

Summary: One day all of the saints will stand before the judgement seat of Christ and be judged according to their deeds. Everything we ever said or did will become manifest on that day, including our motives behind them. Each deed will be tested with fire. Some of them will be burned up (the wood, hay, and straw) while others will endure (gold, silver, and precious stones). On that day we will receive rewards for all those deeds which remained through the fire.

My thoughts: In today's day and age we are told that we just simply have to be saved (allow Christ to build the foundation mentioned in the passage above). However, rarely are we challenged to continue to build upon that foundation. Rarely are we challenged to live a life of true abandon for Jesus.

I like the way Mike Bickle said it in a couple of His sermons:

"If you live what is commonly understood by the western church as a life of dedication, and that is the only thing you do, you will have this spoken over you when you stand before Jesus: 'You are saved, but your life was a waste.'"

I can think of absolutely nothing more heartbreaking that to stand before Jesus knowing that the life He gave me was completely wasted! I long for nothing more than to know that my life was pleasing before Him... to stand before Him and hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

The cry of my heart is that God will judge me and convict me severely now so that I will stand before Him on that day unashamed. I strive not to merely "squeak by", but to daily ask myself, "How far can I go in my abandonment to Christ? What is the very most I can do out of love for Him?"

Who's with me?

Slow in Speech and Tongue

"...Lord, I am not very eloquent, either in the past or since You have spoken to Your servant, but I am slow in speech and tongue." (Exodus 4:10)

I can't tell you how often I have felt the way Moses did in that moment! The Lord has called me to be a teacher, but anyone who knows me in person knows that I am not the most talkative and eloquent speaker in the world. For awhile I wondered why the Lord would make me so weak in the area He said He would use me in. Now I know... :)

He told me that He is not looking for someone of eloquence or of necessarily great talent - He is looking for someone who is willing and obedient. He told me to be obedient and follow Him; to trust Him. Yes, I am weak and on my own can accomplish nothing. However, through Him, I can do anything He calls me to do. If I abide in Him, He will speak through me and it will not be me speaking, it will be Him! His strength is made perfect in my weakness.

If I was strong on my own might, I might not acknowledge the need for His strength and therefore fall to pride and end up accomplishing nothing. Now I realize the blessing in having weaknesses. He is so good!


"Who has made man's mouth? ...I will be your mouth and teach you what you shall speak." ~ Exodus 4:12

The Testify Unashamedly

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." ~Psalm 19:1

How beautiful would it be if every child of the Lord displayed their love for Him the same way as the skies? Just imagine the glorious beauty that would blaze across the earth if even a handful of His sons and daughters testified as unashamedly as the heavens?

For as long as I shall live
I will testify to love
I'll be a witness in the silences
when words are not enough
With every breath I take
I will give thanks to God above
For as long as I shall live
I will testify to love
~Wynnona Judd "Testify to Love"~

A Lesson I Am Learning...

Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the father is not in him. For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-is not of the father but is of the world. ~ 1 John 2:15-16

God has been showing me lately how many things in life can easily distract us from Him. Although those things might not be considered "evil", it is also important to consider whether it brings us closer to God or not. Does it glorify Him? Are we keeping our eyes fixed on the One who truly matters, or are our minds constantly reflecting on the things of this world? The truth is, many of us become so incredibly desensitized by the world that we fail to see the worldly things that consume us from day to day. Trust in God and never be afraid to give up anything for His sake. Remember that whoever trusts in Him will never be put to shame. :)

~Zoe

She's In Love

What a beautiful smile

A radiant girl
Fell in love first time I saw her
She stays on my mind
I’d give anything
To know everything about her

There’s light in her eyes
And I know it’s all for Him
She carries on and on
Like He was her best friend

She’s in love
It’s not hard to see
But I would like to believe it was with me
Someone got a hold of her heart
And He won’t let go
And I know
She’s in love

She looks to the sky
When she talks about Him
She believes He hung the moon
Said He had to go away
She waits for His return
Says He’s coming for her soon

How can this be fair?
This guy can walk on water
Don’t guess I’ve got a prayer
He’s written love letters to reach her

She worships the ground He walks on
She just smiles when she says His name
It’s a match made in heaven
I can’t compete with the King of Kings

~According to John

Isaiah 43:1-2

Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers,

they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

you will not be burned;

the flames will not set you ablaze.

~Isaiah 43:1-2

You Have Captivated My Heart

You have captivated my heart, my sister, my bride;

you have captivated my heart with one glance of your eyes,

with one jewel of your necklace. ~ Song of Solomon 4:9

Isn't it amazing to think that this is how God feels about us? You are His bride and He absolutely adores you and loves you more than you can ever fathom... and He always has! Everytime you worship Him and love Him back imagine how great His delight is! He desires, more than anything else, for you to draw near to Him and give Him all your love.

~Zoe