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Monday, September 10, 2012

Be Still

I was honored and very humbled to be asked to review the short film, Be Still, by Lisa Chan- the first in the devotional film series called True Beauty. Lisa's husband Francis Chan, is a best-selling author of Crazy Love, Forgotten God, and host of the BASIC series. They are a couple hungry for the Lord and seeking His glory in their marriage, in parenthood, and in their individual walks. 
   
The film was right on point for me in this season of my life. Lisa opens with asking if we have been still lately? Hushed, subdued, soft, and free from disturbance. Many women would say "yes I have been still. Still while sitting in front of the TV after a crazy day at work" or "still while catching up on my favorite gossip websites." The stillness Lisa is talking about is being still before God. Coming into His presence and listening to Him. To most, it seems impossible and unattainable. I feel like as I get older, my life gets busier. Good busy because being busy means I have a job, social life, etc. But sometimes I stretch myself too thin. I am constantly overwhelmed by housework, laundry, trying to decorate our new house, coming up with new recipes for dinner parties, traveling for work, taking pictures for my blog. And sometimes God does not fit into that equation. And I can physically and emotionally feel that strain because I am not with Him. What's crazy is that Lisa talks about women who are so caught up in church on Sundays, bible studies, worship, and volunteering that they too are lacking that alone time with God. Just the two of you.   

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The story in Luke 10:38 is discussed in the film and how the two sisters Mary and Martha chose to do different things when in Jesus' presence. Mary was at the feet of God and Martha was rushing around like a mad woman trying to prepare for His coming. Jesus says, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things...Mary has chosen what is best for her and will not be taken away". Martha chose worldly things and Mary chose Jesus.   

The beautiful (and comforting) thing is that we have access to the same Jesus every single day. I love that song by Jesus Culture, "You stay the same through the ages, Your love never changes". I remind myself that the Lord is the same from Genesis to Revelations and today and tomorrow. We are the ones that need to make that effort. It is impossible to truly know God without being still. Sitting at his feet, spending time in prayer. He will reveal Himself to you, His true character and love for you. With Christ, we can overcome our fears and our sin and we can find rest.   

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Lisa gave encouragement on not letting the distractions of the passing world get to you. Not to let Satan have victory over you. And reassuring that knowing God is our highest calling in life.  

This film has helped me reevaluate the time I spent still with the Lord. Last night, I read my daily scripture (Jon and I are currently reading the bible with a guide) and spent time in 1 Samuel. When I finished the assigned chapters, I could have easily jumped right on my to do list...vacuum, water plants, bake cookies...but instead, I was still with the Lord. I went into our dining room and let the evening sun shine through the shades. I sat in silence and reflected on the stories of temptation in 1 Samuel. I felt myself taking long, deep breaths and surrendering my body and mind to God. I ask for your prayers that I can make this sacred and special time with the Lord a priority in my life. And I pray that you too, can be still and know that our God is with you.     
"Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10    

17 comments:

Jessica said...

Thanks for the giveaway. Yes I spend time with the Lord. Actually just finished my quiet time before hopping online which is different from the past because I usually read my devotion as I am checking my facebook. I have the Jesus calling application on my itouch so I don't usually stop what I am doing to read it. But today I felt the Lord really saying he wanted me to take some time to just be. So a grabbed my bible and my devotional and spent some amazing time with the Lord. I haven't done that in a LONG time and it felt SO good. I hope you have a blessed day :)

Christa @themeandminebook said...

Wow.
Your post was right on time in my life today.
Today I decided to start this week and day off right.
I spent time with Jesus first thing.
I also had a Starbucks Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa. But I digress...
But during my time with Him, as I was tempted to rush through a couple verses and hurry away, He said, "Be Still."
So I did.
And He answered some of the questions I hadn't even asked, but had been on my heart.
He is good.
Thank you for sharing.

Amanda said...

As I watched this video a few days ago, my eyes almost instantly filled with tears as the storylines related so closely to my life and struggles at the moment... and as I've had a lot of time over the weekend to myself, I chose to sit in silence and read more of my "grace for the moment", and actually be still and pray on those words. It was an incredible experience. Thank you for sharing, regardless I think I might buy the DVD if available out there. xo love you friend.

Anonymous said...

I spend quiet time with the Lord every now and then, but it's definitely an area I need to improve on. Thanks for the giveaway.

Calderman said...

I really need to spend some quiet time with the Lord everyday. I generally just pray on my way into work every morning. I find myself getting distracted in the car and have to try and refocus. I know that God wants us to spend quiet time with him every day, but it gets difficult with every day "stuff".

Lauren D. said...

This looks like an awesome giveaway! I have had a relaxing summer and have really prioritized spending time with the Lord through a scripture reading plan and prayer journaling, and it's been awesome. I am entering a busy season now and am worried that I'll stop making time for it. This devotional film seems like it would be an awesome way to keep on track!

Michelle (michabella) said...

Oh my goodness. Our church service Sunday was about making time for what's important. It really weighed on my heart...I haven't given my time to Him. I would LOVE this devotional set!

Heidi Ann said...

I really need to work on the spending still time with the Father. I always feel like I let other things in my way.

Erin James said...

How amazing, girl! :) I adore Francis Chan's sermons and book. This sounds amazing!

themosbysinchina said...

Hey Ruthie! Thank you for this post. I had not even heard of this series! I love Francis Chan and what his family is about, so I know I will love this, too. I recently found out I have an anxiety disorder. I am convinced this is from years of running, and running without just being STILL before God. Soaking in Him. Breathing Him in. Letting Him be in control. I always "spend time" with Him each day, by journaling or praying and reading, but I can so easily forget to REST in Him. To be filled up by Him. To let Him sustain me and be my daily bread. You know??? I am trying to figure out what that looks like, because I am desperate for rest in the midst of all this anxiety. Thank you for posting sister and reminding me to Be Still.

Megan said...

this is a great giveaway! this is something that i struggle with, especially with Adam so busy in school and taking care of crazy Elijah boy. this is a great lesson to learn!

Janie Fox said...

Thank you for this post Miss Ruthie. You have grown up to be such a beautiful Christian woman ...wise beyond your years. Thank you for reminding all of us to be still and listen to God.

Anonymous said...

This devotional sounds awesome! I have read her husband's book, Crazy Love and really enjoyed that.

I definitely am not making the time to really be still with God. This post has encouraged me to try and do that more often. Thank you!

Unknown said...

This is a great giveaway! I know I am not still enough. I don't take enough time to just be still and listen to God.

Adrienne said...

I so needed to read this. Watching the news tonight and seeing all of the horrors going on in our world right now I was hit with how overwhelming everything can be at times. In the past few days I've been feeling the pressure to do everything (work, cooking, exercise, keeping up with friends, family, hobbies) and just feeling like it's never enough. Somehow I think if I could learn to be still and listen to God more often, I'd be able to deal with all of the pressures better.....

Teressa Mackey said...

Oh my goodness! This is news to me. I LOVE Fransis Chan's books, theology and spirit! I got to see him speak this January. I can only imagine how amazing his wife's material is.
Lately, I have been struggling to sit and be still with the Lord. Just moved to a new house, have a new baby, and trying to see what is next. I'm excited for this great reminder to sit and be still with him tonight while everyone is sleeping :)
Check out my NEW blog newbornmama.blogspot.com

halze said...

I hope I am learning to weave that quiet time and essentially turn my thoughts to him throughout my day, in every moment... It's something I think that marks the mature believer, and I want to see that in my own life. But absolutely it's a struggle to rise above the noise and busyness of our lives, and be still. Thanks for the reminder :)

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