As of late, I have been flat out exhausted. I have not only been so physically, but also mentally. This leads to me usually being worn out spiritually as well. Such a state of being has often caused problems for me, as I am sure it has for others as well. I find that in this state of being or health, if I am not firmly planted in the Word, I become somewhat numb to our Lord's teachings and the promptings of the Holy Spirit. I am aware of how I am living and carrying myself, but I am numb to conviction or how I am living according to the Lord. Have you ever felt that way?
Without the Word, I am just exhausted in every way and that is frustrating....... which keeps the tiring cycle going and wears me down even more. If I am in the Word at that point, it is still hard and I am still tired, but I am aware of teachings and promptings and can be respond to leading. Another thing: I am able to recognize spiritual warfare and I see how my demeanor affects those around me. It then moves from being absolutely frustrated exhausted to a good kind of tired (kind of like how I feel when I just finished a workout... I am satisfied). Good exhaustion means that I am fighting. I am engaged and recognizing the warfare taking place. It means I am battling... sided by side with the Lord, fighting against the lies and numbing power of the Evil one. Christ faced it, fought it, and conquered it. So take heart for He who has won the war is leading us throughout this battle.
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"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin."
~*Hebrews 12:1-4 (NLT)*~
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
1 Corinthians 15:55-58
What do we strive for in a job? For some of us, it is solely to make money. For another it may be achieving success. To others success equals the amount of money we make and how many promotions we achieve. Things that we labor, that we work to acquire, that we "win", those things are a measure or our success. I know how bummed out I get when I work my butt off to achieve something and then receive no recognition for what I have done. I know how disappointed I can be when I work hard for a new position or a promotion and then I am passed over. Satan uses the lie that I'm not good enough, my work was done for nothing. That is the disappointment in material success offered by this world. We rank and give status, measured by our "success" (however you define that), promotion, amount of people we manage, or our salary.
There is hope!!! God offers us something unique only to him: a victory already won. He gives us an imperishable life with him, achieved not by us but by Christ Jesus. God offers us a gift that we do not have to work for or achieve. He gives us the gift of eternity, a gift free to us through the sacrifice of another. We are given a chance/choice to accept this gift and work freely in and with the Lord. We are all on level ground with one another, working side by side. We are given the return for our labor before we labor. We are given a chance to live life with Christ Jesus in Heaven.
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""O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?"
For sin is the sting that results in death, the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."
~*1 Corinthians 15:55-58 (NLT)*~
There is hope!!! God offers us something unique only to him: a victory already won. He gives us an imperishable life with him, achieved not by us but by Christ Jesus. God offers us a gift that we do not have to work for or achieve. He gives us the gift of eternity, a gift free to us through the sacrifice of another. We are given a chance/choice to accept this gift and work freely in and with the Lord. We are all on level ground with one another, working side by side. We are given the return for our labor before we labor. We are given a chance to live life with Christ Jesus in Heaven.
-------------------------------------
""O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?"
For sin is the sting that results in death, the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."
~*1 Corinthians 15:55-58 (NLT)*~
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Romans 12:1-2
A living sacrifice... not conformed to this world. Easier said than done. Easy to hear the truths and words flow from our mouths. How truly difficult is it to walk that talk and live it out? The two go hand in hand: be a living sacrifice by not conforming to the flesh but living for Christ in all that we do. In my recent past, early in my walk with Christ (about three or so years ago) I did not know what that meant. I had heard it said over and over again by those who loved me and loved Jesus more. I am a people pleaser so not "giving in" was difficult. I wanted to belong to the groups around me... unfortunately for me those groups did not involve the "Christian" group. I did not want to be left behind and it is easier to fit in the "other" groups. I did not want to be "that girl" so even though the little voice inside my head said "no don't do it, you know it isn't right", my fleshly desire to fit in consumed me. I was being conformed, not transformed.
It is amazing how God works through surrender. Surrender to God is not giving up... it is giving in to the one who knows best. It is amazing to look back, mostly over the last year and a half and see how God can transform a mind and a heart. It is awesome to see a journey or the heart over the last three years. And God did all of the work. God is the transformer, the one who blesses with grace, wisdom, love, and understanding. All we need is surrender. Complete surrender to the one who knows best. Complete surrender to the one who created all things, the one who wrote the Book of Life. The one who lived to sacrifice his life because of a love for all creation.
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"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice -- the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
~*Romans 12:1-2 (NLT)*~
It is amazing how God works through surrender. Surrender to God is not giving up... it is giving in to the one who knows best. It is amazing to look back, mostly over the last year and a half and see how God can transform a mind and a heart. It is awesome to see a journey or the heart over the last three years. And God did all of the work. God is the transformer, the one who blesses with grace, wisdom, love, and understanding. All we need is surrender. Complete surrender to the one who knows best. Complete surrender to the one who created all things, the one who wrote the Book of Life. The one who lived to sacrifice his life because of a love for all creation.
--------------------------
"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice -- the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
~*Romans 12:1-2 (NLT)*~
Monday, June 27, 2011
1 John 2:15-17
I often question what it is that I want most in this world. I question if what I do with my money is smart, for a good cause, or just because I simply want something. If I go shopping for me, I am one of those people who feel a bit guilty afterwards for spending money on me as opposed to something that seems like a better cause... something that could forward God's Kingdom instead of feeding the cravings of my flesh or lusts of my eyes. Is my heart set on the things that I want or need, my desires or the desires of God for my life? Why do we invest so much, whether it be money, time, or energy, in things that will fade away on judgment day?
I sometimes get caught up in the moment... the moment that says "man, I want that so I'm going to have it one way or another" (surprisingly that has been books lately). My mind justifies it as "God wants me to be happy" or "it is Christian music or book and therefore it is a good thing to spend money on." My time and energy runs along the lines of "I don't have time to fit another thing in my schedule" or "I'm flat out exhausted". (I'm glad those who helped me the past few years never said that... or my mother as she raised 4 boys in addition to her only daughter). I'm not saying that the "little pleasures" in life are a bad thing, but courtesy of "impulsive buying" and those "justifying thoughts" I am a little scared to take a look at my iTunes and Amazon accounts some days. Courtesy of needing the biggest and newest and best and shiniest items, millions of people are in hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of debt. How much of that could have gone to supporting a child who has no hope or any other person supporting them? How much more could have been given to support one of the multiple missionary friends I have?
We all get stuck in that moment when we are just too tired, don't have enough time, or when we sometimes think we need the newest, biggest, and best of something that the world has to offer. We start at that "what harm will one do?" moment... only some of us watch it grow from one to a thousand of something. Where do we spend most of our time and energy and money? Are we investing it in God's Kingdom or our own? Are we chasing those things that will perish or are we running after the eternal gift God has freely given? Where am I investing the "all" of my life? A friend of mine has told me multiple times, "Life on earth is but a vapor. The Kingdom of Heaven lasts forever." Wouldn't it be wise to invest in forever over a vapor?
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"Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only the craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever."
~*1 John 2:15-17 (NLT)*~
I sometimes get caught up in the moment... the moment that says "man, I want that so I'm going to have it one way or another" (surprisingly that has been books lately). My mind justifies it as "God wants me to be happy" or "it is Christian music or book and therefore it is a good thing to spend money on." My time and energy runs along the lines of "I don't have time to fit another thing in my schedule" or "I'm flat out exhausted". (I'm glad those who helped me the past few years never said that... or my mother as she raised 4 boys in addition to her only daughter). I'm not saying that the "little pleasures" in life are a bad thing, but courtesy of "impulsive buying" and those "justifying thoughts" I am a little scared to take a look at my iTunes and Amazon accounts some days. Courtesy of needing the biggest and newest and best and shiniest items, millions of people are in hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of debt. How much of that could have gone to supporting a child who has no hope or any other person supporting them? How much more could have been given to support one of the multiple missionary friends I have?
We all get stuck in that moment when we are just too tired, don't have enough time, or when we sometimes think we need the newest, biggest, and best of something that the world has to offer. We start at that "what harm will one do?" moment... only some of us watch it grow from one to a thousand of something. Where do we spend most of our time and energy and money? Are we investing it in God's Kingdom or our own? Are we chasing those things that will perish or are we running after the eternal gift God has freely given? Where am I investing the "all" of my life? A friend of mine has told me multiple times, "Life on earth is but a vapor. The Kingdom of Heaven lasts forever." Wouldn't it be wise to invest in forever over a vapor?
-------------------------------
"Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only the craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever."
~*1 John 2:15-17 (NLT)*~
Friday, June 24, 2011
Luke 9:23-27
So an honest moment: the passage of Luke 9:23-27 is so packed with awesomeness that I had a difficult time processing it all and writing anything at all. Break it down verse by verse and dig into what Jesus is saying. What is the meaning behind the verses that packs so my truth? Let me tell you what has been going through my head as I read through this passage... digesting verse by verse... letting it all sink in. Questions race through my head on almost all of the verses.
What does it look like to pick up a cross and follow Christ? Everyday? How do I keep from tiring and wearing down? What is the cross I need to pick up? Who is my heart set on saving? Am I set on me all of the time? What would cause me to lose my soul and want the whole world? What would I do with something like that? Am I ashamed of Christ and His love for me? What are some changes in my life that I could make that would make the answers to these positive and "right" in God's eyes?
I have recently taken a few assessments on spiritual gifts and have had others take observation assessments on what they thought my spiritual gifts are. The answers that pop into my head with the questions above are focused on telling people about Christ. How do I do that in my life? I will tell you that evangelism definitely ranked as one of the lowest on my gift list... but God gave me other gifts. God gave me other gifts that show His glory and love for others and for me. He gave me a heart for him. I'm not sure why I'm sharing this other than when we pick up our cross to follow Christ every day, we use the gifts God gave us to show who we are living for and to reach those around us.
I believe that it is not just talking that can reach a person... just saying "okay this is what the Gospels say" is not the way that a Christian can show they know about Jesus (plus we should want to KNOW him, not just know ABOUT him). I think that what we say, how we act, what we wear, and even how we take care of ourselves shows, to an extent, what we think and believe about God. The cross we pick up is the cross labeled Christian... and with it comes a life lived for Christ... a life sold out for Him... a life lived however he wants us to live it whether that be rich or poor, here or there, less or more, how God wants us to live over how we want us to live. Pick up the cross that is labeled for you. Lose your life for Christ and let Him be the one to save you. His strength is infinitely greater than our own.
-----------------------------------
"Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lost it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed? If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels. I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Kingdom of God.""
~*Luke 9:23-27 (NLT)*~
What does it look like to pick up a cross and follow Christ? Everyday? How do I keep from tiring and wearing down? What is the cross I need to pick up? Who is my heart set on saving? Am I set on me all of the time? What would cause me to lose my soul and want the whole world? What would I do with something like that? Am I ashamed of Christ and His love for me? What are some changes in my life that I could make that would make the answers to these positive and "right" in God's eyes?
I have recently taken a few assessments on spiritual gifts and have had others take observation assessments on what they thought my spiritual gifts are. The answers that pop into my head with the questions above are focused on telling people about Christ. How do I do that in my life? I will tell you that evangelism definitely ranked as one of the lowest on my gift list... but God gave me other gifts. God gave me other gifts that show His glory and love for others and for me. He gave me a heart for him. I'm not sure why I'm sharing this other than when we pick up our cross to follow Christ every day, we use the gifts God gave us to show who we are living for and to reach those around us.
I believe that it is not just talking that can reach a person... just saying "okay this is what the Gospels say" is not the way that a Christian can show they know about Jesus (plus we should want to KNOW him, not just know ABOUT him). I think that what we say, how we act, what we wear, and even how we take care of ourselves shows, to an extent, what we think and believe about God. The cross we pick up is the cross labeled Christian... and with it comes a life lived for Christ... a life sold out for Him... a life lived however he wants us to live it whether that be rich or poor, here or there, less or more, how God wants us to live over how we want us to live. Pick up the cross that is labeled for you. Lose your life for Christ and let Him be the one to save you. His strength is infinitely greater than our own.
-----------------------------------
"Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lost it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed? If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels. I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Kingdom of God.""
~*Luke 9:23-27 (NLT)*~
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Matthew 6:33-34
Allow me to share with you one of the first things I read this morning. "If sin rules in me, God's life in me will be killed; if God rules in me, sin in me will be killed." So I ask myself a few questions. What is ruling over me? Am I living like I know I am loved by the King or as if I am trying to impress Him and gain that love? I worry a lot. I do not do it on purpose, but I catch myself worrying. I worry about what others think about me. I worry about what I look like. I worry about the things people say to me... so much so that it definitely affects my attitude, confidence, and life. That is not how it should be.
What is it that I lean on for truth, God or others? Do I seek peace and comfort from the one who truly can give it (God) or from others? The real question: who can provide all things including unconditional love, peace and comfort? The one who is Love, Peace, and Comfort of course!!! Jesus Christ is love. So why worry? If we do not gain anything by worrying and it only takes years off of the life, why do it (Matthew 6:27)? (It truly only adds to life a headache and health issues.) When God is what we run after and His Kingdom and glory is what we seek after, His riches will be shared. God's riches are better than anything else we can obtain in life. It is something we do not deserve, yet has been shared so freely by the one who loves us.
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"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today."
~*Matthew 6:33-34 (NLT)*~
What is it that I lean on for truth, God or others? Do I seek peace and comfort from the one who truly can give it (God) or from others? The real question: who can provide all things including unconditional love, peace and comfort? The one who is Love, Peace, and Comfort of course!!! Jesus Christ is love. So why worry? If we do not gain anything by worrying and it only takes years off of the life, why do it (Matthew 6:27)? (It truly only adds to life a headache and health issues.) When God is what we run after and His Kingdom and glory is what we seek after, His riches will be shared. God's riches are better than anything else we can obtain in life. It is something we do not deserve, yet has been shared so freely by the one who loves us.
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"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today."
~*Matthew 6:33-34 (NLT)*~
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Psalm 119:9-11
Sometimes I underestimate the importance of Scripture... I mean, it happens often to many people who love Jesus, right? How important is the teaching of Christ in the lives of those who love the Almighty One? Allow me to ask yet another question (I'm doing it even if you don't want me to): how do we know how to keep our life and hearts purely focused on hope and love in Christ Jesus? A few things I have read this morning struck something in my heart. God seems to know how to push my buttons and get me thinking and going every morning. He created me after all so of course he knows!! Two things: Do I have an answer as to why I believe in Jesus and how often to I judge people without even thinking about it? Two thoughts addressed by Scripture. Two thoughts that pop into my brain and float around constantly. Well, Scripture has something to say about both... which is a great thing for us!!
Do I have an answer for why I believe? I know why in my heart but putting it into words is rather difficult for me. Believe it or not I have trouble explaining myself at times. Jesus is Hope, Love, and Joy. He showed me hope, love, and joy by living to die for me. He gives me hope, love, and joy... and a choice to follow him. Do you have a reason for why? And judging... ironically I'm writing this as I sit in my car and a gentleman whom I'm not very fond of and who gives me the heebie jeebies, pulls up next to me. I have a difficult time not feeling uneasy and passing judgment. Judgmental words can usually be caught before they are said but thinking is a different story... and a weak spot of mine. I catch myself at times thinking about my thinking and somehow a lie is dug up... a lie that if it isn't voiced then it isn't judging others. The truth is that our minds and our hearts are powerful and judgment is judgment whether it is voiced or not.
An awesome thought from Oswald Chambers I read this morning said, "Yes, all those, as well as other evils, would have been exhibited in me if it were not for the grace of God. Therefore, I have no right to judge... ... We have judged others as sinners -- if God should judge us in the same way, we would be condemned to hell. Yet God judges us on the basis of the miraculous atonement by the Cross of Christ."
Thank God that His word is the direction and command to live by. Plant those promises and words in your heart, water it with God's truth, and let Him grow it my friend. =)
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"How can a young person stay pure?
By obeying your word.
I have tried hard to find you --
don't let me wander from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you."
~*Psalm 119:9-11 (NLT)*~
Do I have an answer for why I believe? I know why in my heart but putting it into words is rather difficult for me. Believe it or not I have trouble explaining myself at times. Jesus is Hope, Love, and Joy. He showed me hope, love, and joy by living to die for me. He gives me hope, love, and joy... and a choice to follow him. Do you have a reason for why? And judging... ironically I'm writing this as I sit in my car and a gentleman whom I'm not very fond of and who gives me the heebie jeebies, pulls up next to me. I have a difficult time not feeling uneasy and passing judgment. Judgmental words can usually be caught before they are said but thinking is a different story... and a weak spot of mine. I catch myself at times thinking about my thinking and somehow a lie is dug up... a lie that if it isn't voiced then it isn't judging others. The truth is that our minds and our hearts are powerful and judgment is judgment whether it is voiced or not.
An awesome thought from Oswald Chambers I read this morning said, "Yes, all those, as well as other evils, would have been exhibited in me if it were not for the grace of God. Therefore, I have no right to judge... ... We have judged others as sinners -- if God should judge us in the same way, we would be condemned to hell. Yet God judges us on the basis of the miraculous atonement by the Cross of Christ."
Thank God that His word is the direction and command to live by. Plant those promises and words in your heart, water it with God's truth, and let Him grow it my friend. =)
----------------------------------------
"How can a young person stay pure?
By obeying your word.
I have tried hard to find you --
don't let me wander from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you."
~*Psalm 119:9-11 (NLT)*~
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Hebrews 2:14-18
What makes temptation so tempting or addictions so addicting? Why is it so easy to give in to what we know is worry or what we know is not God's will for us... and yet struggle to do whatever it is God wants us to do? Could it be the pain and suffering associated with the struggle? Could it be a doubt that God could or would truly help?
I know in the temptations of my past that were easily given into... an addiction gripping you around the throat is what it feels like at times. It was physically painful to not give in... but what added to that pain was the guilt and conviction. I simply doubted God. I doubted that God know exactly how I felt and figured that he did not quite understand the pain it caused me. That provided justification for giving in... that it would cause me pain not to do it. God did not want me to be in pain or unhappy, did he? Please, do not allow Satan to feed you that lie the same way he fed it to me... and I believed it even though I could identify it as a lie.
We are called children of God. Our faith is more precious to God than gold... gold purified through fire... gold refined through heat and made pure through the burning of fire. Such is our faith purified. Our faith is the gold needing to be refined. Trials and temptations can cause the burning pain and heat of the fire. The only way to be refined is to be put through the test and to overcome and persevere... in Christ alone. Believe it or not, he does know the suffering and the pain of temptation. He simply chose not to give in and allow that pain to overcome him. He was God, humbly made man. Christ does understand and has felt the pain. He who understands can alone give us the strength to overcome anything.
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"Because God's children are human beings -- made of flesh and blood -- the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.
We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested."
~*Hebrews 2:14-18 (NLT)*~
I know in the temptations of my past that were easily given into... an addiction gripping you around the throat is what it feels like at times. It was physically painful to not give in... but what added to that pain was the guilt and conviction. I simply doubted God. I doubted that God know exactly how I felt and figured that he did not quite understand the pain it caused me. That provided justification for giving in... that it would cause me pain not to do it. God did not want me to be in pain or unhappy, did he? Please, do not allow Satan to feed you that lie the same way he fed it to me... and I believed it even though I could identify it as a lie.
We are called children of God. Our faith is more precious to God than gold... gold purified through fire... gold refined through heat and made pure through the burning of fire. Such is our faith purified. Our faith is the gold needing to be refined. Trials and temptations can cause the burning pain and heat of the fire. The only way to be refined is to be put through the test and to overcome and persevere... in Christ alone. Believe it or not, he does know the suffering and the pain of temptation. He simply chose not to give in and allow that pain to overcome him. He was God, humbly made man. Christ does understand and has felt the pain. He who understands can alone give us the strength to overcome anything.
----------------------------------
"Because God's children are human beings -- made of flesh and blood -- the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.
We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested."
~*Hebrews 2:14-18 (NLT)*~
Monday, June 20, 2011
Philippians 4:19
What rules my life? What determines who I am and how I act? What do I rely on? Why is it so difficult to get away from strongholds... like worry for instance? Why is it so difficult to be vulnerable to others? Can I not see past pride for help sometimes? Most importantly, where is my faith that my Heavenly Father will provide for me? Provide everything... meet all needs. It is a promise made by the One who never fails. Yet I fail to have that faith sometimes. At times, I feel it... I feel the presence, the comfort, the peace... in the times I trust Him with everything He provides everything I need. Whether it be financially, mentally, physically... whether I'm struggling to keep a budget, struggling with aloneness or singleness, struggling because I have a cranky pancreas... God provides everything. He provides the comfort, the lifting of financial burdens, the "gentle" guiding from another, the comfort to remind me I am not alone, the peace to know that right now it is His time for me and my singleness, and the knowledge of friends who are doctors and dieticians. He provides the kind words I need to hear from His Word and the words of others. He provides the gifts to get me through, the love that never fails, the forgiveness of the cross... things only He can provide... and that's a promise. It is a promise made by the One who never fails. All I need is a little faith in that promise and trust that my Father in Heaven knows my needs. He knows better than me what is best for me. That is a promise.
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"And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."
~*Philippians 4:19 (NLT)*~
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"And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."
~*Philippians 4:19 (NLT)*~
Friday, June 17, 2011
Romans 8:31-39
Who can be against us? What can overtake us with the Almighty on our side? The answer is this simple: Nothing!!! Isn't it such an awesome feeling, knowing that God is the maker and Christ is the conqueror of the world, and they are with us step for step? Yes people can pierce us with words and actions, they can persecute and beat us, they can poke fun, but who is really at a loss in that situation? I can assure you that those losing are not those who are standing with the army of God at their side. Sometimes that is hard to remember, the fact that we will never be defeated if we fight with God and not against Him.
Lately, I have felt defeated. I have been exhausted physically and mentally which usually leads to me being exhausted spiritually... and that makes it hard to keep walking, to keep moving with God every day. My heart is cloudy and I am having a difficult time seeing through the smoke of hurtful words and actions from others, anger and irritation on my part, as well as frustration from me. It is difficult to focus on God. Two words for you: Spiritual Warfare. Satan has clouded my heart and my mind with filthy smoke.
Have you ever been in a fire or have you ever driven through ridiculously thick fog? You probably felt alone, lost, and blinded. I personally cannot stand it. That is what Satan tries to do to our hearts though. It is a weapon Satan uses against us. But even if we can barely make out the outline or shadow of God through the smoke, we can still hear Him. We can still follow the voice of the one who is for us, even if we cannot see him. He will never leave us. Sometimes we must walk blindly towards his voice and trust the one who loves us so much he gave His son for us. With Him, we are safe. With Him, we have already won. If God is for us, then who can stop us?
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"What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one -- for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one -- for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us.
Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? As the Scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep." No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow -- not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below -- indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."
~*Romans 8:31-39 (NLT)*~
Lately, I have felt defeated. I have been exhausted physically and mentally which usually leads to me being exhausted spiritually... and that makes it hard to keep walking, to keep moving with God every day. My heart is cloudy and I am having a difficult time seeing through the smoke of hurtful words and actions from others, anger and irritation on my part, as well as frustration from me. It is difficult to focus on God. Two words for you: Spiritual Warfare. Satan has clouded my heart and my mind with filthy smoke.
Have you ever been in a fire or have you ever driven through ridiculously thick fog? You probably felt alone, lost, and blinded. I personally cannot stand it. That is what Satan tries to do to our hearts though. It is a weapon Satan uses against us. But even if we can barely make out the outline or shadow of God through the smoke, we can still hear Him. We can still follow the voice of the one who is for us, even if we cannot see him. He will never leave us. Sometimes we must walk blindly towards his voice and trust the one who loves us so much he gave His son for us. With Him, we are safe. With Him, we have already won. If God is for us, then who can stop us?
---------------------------------
"What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one -- for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one -- for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us.
Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? As the Scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep." No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow -- not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below -- indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."
~*Romans 8:31-39 (NLT)*~
Thursday, June 16, 2011
1 Peter 5:6-11
Give an inch, take a mile. I have learned the hard way that this is how Satan works. Through experience I have learned that when we give him an inch, he takes more than a mile from us. So often we hear about the "live this way, do that often" but what does spiritual warfare look like? Satan is so real, yet I feel like he is underrated. Hell is underrated. It breaks my heart to hear people say, "All my friends are going to Hell so I might as well go with them!!!" So underrated, yet so real. Satan's attacks come in so many different ways, look like so many different things, and can be a "gradual giving in" or a sudden all out assault.
I have noticed lately that, for me, it seems to be an all out assault as opposed to a give a little, take a little. Satan has hit me with lies of my worth, that I am not good enough, I am alone, I can't manage money, I am overweight, yada, yada, yada. His attacks have also come in the forms of selfishness, jealousy, unkind words, relationships, envy, and anxiety. Anxiety and worry hit most of us and we do not always notice it right away. In a sense, worry can be viewed as a sin. To me it means I am not completely trusting God in some area of my life. I will tell you that a lot of my anxiety is usually due to finances.
Once I trusted God with whatever area is concerning me and by doing as I felt prompted by God to do with my money, my financial situation has improved. I am currently also struggling with health issues (crazy diabetes) and singleness, which are two major areas I have struggled with. But I know that God has my back. I know this, in my head, but now I have to work on believing it and trusting that truth in my heart. It is a constant battle against Satan to keep him from taking more than the miles he has already taken. Some times we cannot even think about giving an inch. The only one who can hold Satan back is God. All we need to do is to trust Him (easier said than done, I know). Draw near to Him and Satan will flee (James 4:7-8). Throw off that blanket of anxiety and cover up in God's love and peace. :)
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"So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.
In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and you will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen."
~*1 Peter 5:6-11 (NLT)*~
I have noticed lately that, for me, it seems to be an all out assault as opposed to a give a little, take a little. Satan has hit me with lies of my worth, that I am not good enough, I am alone, I can't manage money, I am overweight, yada, yada, yada. His attacks have also come in the forms of selfishness, jealousy, unkind words, relationships, envy, and anxiety. Anxiety and worry hit most of us and we do not always notice it right away. In a sense, worry can be viewed as a sin. To me it means I am not completely trusting God in some area of my life. I will tell you that a lot of my anxiety is usually due to finances.
Once I trusted God with whatever area is concerning me and by doing as I felt prompted by God to do with my money, my financial situation has improved. I am currently also struggling with health issues (crazy diabetes) and singleness, which are two major areas I have struggled with. But I know that God has my back. I know this, in my head, but now I have to work on believing it and trusting that truth in my heart. It is a constant battle against Satan to keep him from taking more than the miles he has already taken. Some times we cannot even think about giving an inch. The only one who can hold Satan back is God. All we need to do is to trust Him (easier said than done, I know). Draw near to Him and Satan will flee (James 4:7-8). Throw off that blanket of anxiety and cover up in God's love and peace. :)
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"So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.
In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and you will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen."
~*1 Peter 5:6-11 (NLT)*~
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Isaiah 26
What does it mean to be consumed by something? A few words that pop up in the definition are words like destruction, deplete, destroy, expend, and waste away. I have been consumed by things, good and bad, in my life. I have been mastered and depleted by ungodly habits instead of allowing God to master them in my life. Before I chose to follow Christ, I thought it was okay to "have fun". Before I jumped into Scripture, I was sure that God would forgive me even though I was being ruled by other gods in my life. I simply thought I would receive forgiveness simply because I believed in God... but belief does not always equate to heart felt faith. But even the demons believe... and shudder in terror (James 2:19). They are simply ruled by other god.
Such it is with most all of our lives. Most of us have or are struggling to fight off our demons, addictions, bad habits, bad attitudes, and all of the other gods that consume our lives. I often have to take a step back and check the priorities of my heart. Do I always step back and check myself? No. But should I? Most definitely!!! The question for me to ask myself is "what does the Bible say about this.... (whatever I'm struggling with)?" What is it that has control of my life? Is it the fact that I'm single (a killer struggle right now), appearance (I could lose a few pounds), money, friendships, job, or anything else? I have had a few rough gods to wrestle in my life, but no god is bigger than my God. I hear so many people say that there is no way that they can escape an addiction or the gods that rule their lives. I know one way that we can conquer and overcome. Friends, his name is Jesus (John 16:33).
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"You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!"
~*Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)*~
Such it is with most all of our lives. Most of us have or are struggling to fight off our demons, addictions, bad habits, bad attitudes, and all of the other gods that consume our lives. I often have to take a step back and check the priorities of my heart. Do I always step back and check myself? No. But should I? Most definitely!!! The question for me to ask myself is "what does the Bible say about this.... (whatever I'm struggling with)?" What is it that has control of my life? Is it the fact that I'm single (a killer struggle right now), appearance (I could lose a few pounds), money, friendships, job, or anything else? I have had a few rough gods to wrestle in my life, but no god is bigger than my God. I hear so many people say that there is no way that they can escape an addiction or the gods that rule their lives. I know one way that we can conquer and overcome. Friends, his name is Jesus (John 16:33).
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"You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!"
~*Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)*~
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Numbers 23:19
When somebody makes a promise, my first reaction is usually doubt. I may not show it on the surface but I feel the doubt creep into my heart. I have broken so many promises as well as have had promises broken, big and small, more than can be counted or remembered. It hurts when somebody promises and doesn't follow through. It is tough when somebody does not back up their talk with their actions. I have struggled with the hurt, taking promises personally and shrugging off the reality that we are human and that we fail.... OFTEN. We are NOT perfect. So often, I have applied the imperfect, promise breaking tendencies of people to God. The difference, however, is that I have not taken his promises personally and I have shrugged off the reality that He IS PERFECT and he will NEVER FAIL.
The standards of the imperfection of man I have applied to God and have taken God's characteristics of perfection and applied them to man. This is SO wrong and messed up, I know. Funny how that works. This is how so many of our minds work: since I have been let down and hurt by man, surely God will do the same. Thing is, God is not man (which is AWESOME)!! God is almighty and perfect, he will not wrong us, cause us to sin, and will not let us down. God will not make a promise that he will not keep. All promises made by God will be kept by him and all that is said by God will be acted upon by him. This I have faith in. It is a wonderful feeling to know that there is one that will never fail. When God makes a promise, God keeps a promise. It is written all over the Bible.
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"God is not a man, so he does not lie.
He is not human, so he does not change his mind.
Has he ever spoken and failed to act?
Has he ever promised and not carried it through?"
~*Numbers 23:19 (NLT)*~
The standards of the imperfection of man I have applied to God and have taken God's characteristics of perfection and applied them to man. This is SO wrong and messed up, I know. Funny how that works. This is how so many of our minds work: since I have been let down and hurt by man, surely God will do the same. Thing is, God is not man (which is AWESOME)!! God is almighty and perfect, he will not wrong us, cause us to sin, and will not let us down. God will not make a promise that he will not keep. All promises made by God will be kept by him and all that is said by God will be acted upon by him. This I have faith in. It is a wonderful feeling to know that there is one that will never fail. When God makes a promise, God keeps a promise. It is written all over the Bible.
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"God is not a man, so he does not lie.
He is not human, so he does not change his mind.
Has he ever spoken and failed to act?
Has he ever promised and not carried it through?"
~*Numbers 23:19 (NLT)*~
Monday, June 13, 2011
Lamentations 3:22-25
So, I must admit this: getting ready to write this morning, I found my heart not in it at all. This weekend found me struggling. This weekend found me struggling with where I am at in life. It found me struggling with myself as I sat alone in my apartment as doubts and lies floated through my mind. I was alone... and that consumed me. The weekend found me struggling with exhaustion from trying to fight Satan's attack alone, no reliance on anybody. I struggled as I read through my previous posts, knowing the truths spoken and what I should do but struggled to do it. I was struggling with turning to God to meet my needs. My pride blinded me. My self-centeredness blanketed my eyes and my heart.
I went to bed this way and yet God blessed me with rest and I slept surprisingly well. And then this morning happened. Every devotional, email, and Bible verse spoke directly to my heart reminding me I belonged to God, I am not alone, and I mean something to somebody. They all calmed me and reminded me that I am loved by God. I am his princess. He never leaves me and lavishes me with new gifts every morning, I just have to make the choice to take the blinders off. I have to make the choice to see His goodness and all of the gifts. I have to make the choice... to choose God and not be consumed by me, lies, flesh, and doubts. So I see... I am a daughter of the King. I am not alone. I am guarded by his truth and blanketed in his protection and love.
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"The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.
Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.
I say to myself, "The Lord is my inheritance;
therefore, I will hope in him!
The Lord is good to those who depend on him,
to those who search for him."
~*Lamentations 3:22-25 (NLT)*~
I went to bed this way and yet God blessed me with rest and I slept surprisingly well. And then this morning happened. Every devotional, email, and Bible verse spoke directly to my heart reminding me I belonged to God, I am not alone, and I mean something to somebody. They all calmed me and reminded me that I am loved by God. I am his princess. He never leaves me and lavishes me with new gifts every morning, I just have to make the choice to take the blinders off. I have to make the choice to see His goodness and all of the gifts. I have to make the choice... to choose God and not be consumed by me, lies, flesh, and doubts. So I see... I am a daughter of the King. I am not alone. I am guarded by his truth and blanketed in his protection and love.
-----------------------------------
"The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.
Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.
I say to myself, "The Lord is my inheritance;
therefore, I will hope in him!
The Lord is good to those who depend on him,
to those who search for him."
~*Lamentations 3:22-25 (NLT)*~
Friday, June 10, 2011
Philippians 4:10-13
I have wondered what it would be like to be content in all circumstances, all the time, regardless of the outcome of a situation. How did Paul manage that? I find it rather incredible that he was that awesome!!! I am an honest person so here is some truth for ya: I constantly struggle with contentment whether it is my finances, weight, or relationship status. Those are definitely the three things I struggle with the most. I know God is with me in it all, but I still struggle.
My contentment could be a roller coaster ride because one day everything is hunky dory and as high as ever and I am doing back flips, completely content in life. The next day my head is spinning, making me feel a bit sick, and threatening to run me into the ground only to straighten up a few feet above. So why the changes, highs, lows, flips, and twists? This is the conclusion I have come to and I think that it is probably fairly accurate: the high points are the days when my life is filled with God and he is the focus and center of my heart. Unfortunately, in order to make my life, the roller-coaster, interesting I throw in some twists and low points with jealousy and a self-centered heart.
I find it difficult to be content with all that I have... some because so much serves as a distraction for my heart, pulling it away from God. A few years ago, before I went to Africa, I remember having a conversation with a friend about the people who lived there. I was blessed to experience their happiness and joy first hand. I saw the children who appear in National Geographic and on AIDS Awareness posters. I lived with them. I saw people who, compared to us, have very little and are suffering from what we consider poverty. The thing that caught my attention was how they lived with a smile on their face, living in community with others, one relying on another. I had often wondered why and how they could look at us and smile. I wondered how they could see us looking at them and not be angry that we could not do more or jealous because we live in luxury compared to them. Do they have a secret?
It showed me something: even though they were poor in the flesh, they were happy for what they did have. There usually are not iPods, iPads, iPhones, any phones, internet, HD TV, movie theaters, and sports entertainment to enjoy the way we do here in the rich world. There are simply, from my perspective, fewer distractions. But maybe they are just content. Content in their lives with what we consider a little. And here I sit, a carpeted home, bedroom to myself, a bigger apartment than house in Africa, warm running water instead of a bucket bath, typing freely on my blog (although my internet is acting up and being quite annoying at the moment), with a pretty much brand new TV in our living room.
And yet, here I sit, discontent with my discontentment and the only way to look is up to heaven to ask for forgiveness in my selfishness. And Paul was awesome and content because of Christ. Christ is the way to contentment. Full out, whole-heartedly running after contentment is to look to Christ and give thanks for the life that he gave for me to live the way that I do.
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"..... for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."
~*Philippians 4:11-13 (NLT)*~
My contentment could be a roller coaster ride because one day everything is hunky dory and as high as ever and I am doing back flips, completely content in life. The next day my head is spinning, making me feel a bit sick, and threatening to run me into the ground only to straighten up a few feet above. So why the changes, highs, lows, flips, and twists? This is the conclusion I have come to and I think that it is probably fairly accurate: the high points are the days when my life is filled with God and he is the focus and center of my heart. Unfortunately, in order to make my life, the roller-coaster, interesting I throw in some twists and low points with jealousy and a self-centered heart.
I find it difficult to be content with all that I have... some because so much serves as a distraction for my heart, pulling it away from God. A few years ago, before I went to Africa, I remember having a conversation with a friend about the people who lived there. I was blessed to experience their happiness and joy first hand. I saw the children who appear in National Geographic and on AIDS Awareness posters. I lived with them. I saw people who, compared to us, have very little and are suffering from what we consider poverty. The thing that caught my attention was how they lived with a smile on their face, living in community with others, one relying on another. I had often wondered why and how they could look at us and smile. I wondered how they could see us looking at them and not be angry that we could not do more or jealous because we live in luxury compared to them. Do they have a secret?
It showed me something: even though they were poor in the flesh, they were happy for what they did have. There usually are not iPods, iPads, iPhones, any phones, internet, HD TV, movie theaters, and sports entertainment to enjoy the way we do here in the rich world. There are simply, from my perspective, fewer distractions. But maybe they are just content. Content in their lives with what we consider a little. And here I sit, a carpeted home, bedroom to myself, a bigger apartment than house in Africa, warm running water instead of a bucket bath, typing freely on my blog (although my internet is acting up and being quite annoying at the moment), with a pretty much brand new TV in our living room.
And yet, here I sit, discontent with my discontentment and the only way to look is up to heaven to ask for forgiveness in my selfishness. And Paul was awesome and content because of Christ. Christ is the way to contentment. Full out, whole-heartedly running after contentment is to look to Christ and give thanks for the life that he gave for me to live the way that I do.
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"..... for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."
~*Philippians 4:11-13 (NLT)*~
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Isaiah 41:10
How is it that sometimes we seem to forget that God is with us in every situation regardless of the circumstances? Why do we try to rely on our own strength and only turn to God once we are completely exhausted and depleted all other "resources" other than God? (I don't mean that God is a resource... but you get the idea). I ask myself these questions quite often, usually after I have failed to take God's hand and rely on his strength. I catch myself wondering why sometimes I do not fully trust God or rely on him in the easy and the difficult. Part of this is a maturing/growing process, part of it pride, but a lot of it is the fear of the unknown. I am sure a lot of people would agree that fear can rule a lot of situations in life. Truth is, when we do not rely on the Almighty it makes a situation more difficult and we are worse off.
Facing pride is a topic for another day. I have it obviously, but there is more fear at this point in my life than pride. Fear of losing somebody or something happening to a loved one especially my nephew. The fear of failing, being alone, damaging relationships, spiders, hospitals, doctors, needles, life, adventure, tight spaces, making somebody mad, flying, financial issues, sickness, and for sure the unknown. The thing is God is present in all of it. He is already there. The unknown is really only unknown to us. However, the unknown is known by the Omniscient. He is already present in what we call the unknown so I guess it is, therefore, not completely unknown. Whatever he gives us is to grow us, not to hurt us, and he will never leave us. So take his hand and walk with him. When you can't walk the path anymore, allow him to pick you up and carry you.
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"Don't be afraid, for I am with you.
Don't be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."
~*Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)*~
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Footprints in the Sand
Mary Stevenson (1936)
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one set of footprints.
This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord, "You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there have only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?"
The Lord replied, "The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you."
Facing pride is a topic for another day. I have it obviously, but there is more fear at this point in my life than pride. Fear of losing somebody or something happening to a loved one especially my nephew. The fear of failing, being alone, damaging relationships, spiders, hospitals, doctors, needles, life, adventure, tight spaces, making somebody mad, flying, financial issues, sickness, and for sure the unknown. The thing is God is present in all of it. He is already there. The unknown is really only unknown to us. However, the unknown is known by the Omniscient. He is already present in what we call the unknown so I guess it is, therefore, not completely unknown. Whatever he gives us is to grow us, not to hurt us, and he will never leave us. So take his hand and walk with him. When you can't walk the path anymore, allow him to pick you up and carry you.
-------------------------------------------
"Don't be afraid, for I am with you.
Don't be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."
~*Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)*~
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Footprints in the Sand
Mary Stevenson (1936)
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one set of footprints.
This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord, "You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there have only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?"
The Lord replied, "The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you."
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
1 Corinthians 2:10-16
Do you ever feel like you are misunderstood? I feel like, more often than not, I am misunderstood by those around me. I try to explain myself and sometimes it just makes matters worse. At other times, those who seem to be misunderstanding are worse off or just no better off by my explanation... granted this could be because of my inability to explain myself at times. A lot of times, those who misunderstand are close to me but do not quite grasp the importance of Scripture or do not understand what it means to live a life centered on Christ. There may not be an understanding of relationship versus religion. Why is that?
There is support in my life in what I do and how I live from those around me but no true understanding in what God has called me to do or in the God-led actions in my life. I had questions answered by Paul's letter to the church in Corinth. Do they have the Spirit of God? Or is it just the spirit of this world that drives them? Paul states that the Holy Spirit is the only one to know the thoughts of God. He is the one prompting us to do what seems absolutely bonkers to "outsiders". I will admit it gets frustrating when I cannot make somebody understand me spiritually. But I realize that it is not my place. We cannot always explain through words but character and action may help explain better. The only one who can give true understanding is the Spirit of God within.
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"But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets. No one can know a person's thoughts except that person's own spirit, and no one can know God's thoughts except God's own Spirit. And we have received God's Spirit (not the world's spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.
When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit's words to explain spiritual truths. But people who aren't spiritual can't receive these truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can't understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. For,
"Who can know the Lord's thoughts?
Who knows enough to teach him?"
But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ."
~*1 Corinthians 2:10-16 (NLT)*~
There is support in my life in what I do and how I live from those around me but no true understanding in what God has called me to do or in the God-led actions in my life. I had questions answered by Paul's letter to the church in Corinth. Do they have the Spirit of God? Or is it just the spirit of this world that drives them? Paul states that the Holy Spirit is the only one to know the thoughts of God. He is the one prompting us to do what seems absolutely bonkers to "outsiders". I will admit it gets frustrating when I cannot make somebody understand me spiritually. But I realize that it is not my place. We cannot always explain through words but character and action may help explain better. The only one who can give true understanding is the Spirit of God within.
---------------------------
"But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets. No one can know a person's thoughts except that person's own spirit, and no one can know God's thoughts except God's own Spirit. And we have received God's Spirit (not the world's spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.
When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit's words to explain spiritual truths. But people who aren't spiritual can't receive these truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can't understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. For,
"Who can know the Lord's thoughts?
Who knows enough to teach him?"
But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ."
~*1 Corinthians 2:10-16 (NLT)*~
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
1 Corinthians 3:10-17
So I've continued to wrestle out decisions and indecision, knowing what God says and wants of me and what I choose to do instead. When I choose to say I believe in God and the Bible but then choose to act otherwise, how does that affect those around me? What is the idea or view they are getting about Christianity? What kind of foundation are we laying for non-Christians when we fail to live out what we claim to believe in?
A few thoughts floating through my head are that we give off an inaccurate, incorrect definition of what being a Christian really means and what it stands for. Some may get the idea that God is a wish granting genie instead of the God he truly is. Why obey one teaching in the Bible (like reading it) if we blatantly disobey in other areas (like drunkenness)? It may come off as making God who we want God to be instead of becoming the person God wants us to be. We are attempting to put him in a box in our life instead of putting our life in the God box. In a sense it would seem as if we were leading some astray... not even laying a firm foundation or laying one that will crumble easily.
While we ourselves believe in Christ and may have accepted the gift of salvation from our Heavenly Father, those watching us closely may not understand that because of how we live our lives, what we do, how we act, and what we say. A lot of people claim to be Christian but you may not necessarily be able to tell... there are times I am sure somebody has questioned my actions or words. To go back to what I wrote yesterday, would it not be better, not just for us, but for those around us if we simply went with God in all our decisions instead of what we want? Regardless of how difficult the decision to choose against what we want may be, God has never led us astray and the authority of the Holy Spirit in our lives is the correct way to go. It leads me to wonder what kind of foundation I am laying. Will that foundation withstand flame, fire, and storm?
---------------------------
"Because of God's grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have -- Jesus Christ.
Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials -- gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person's work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.
Don't you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple."
~*1 Corinthians 3:10-17 (NLT)*~
A few thoughts floating through my head are that we give off an inaccurate, incorrect definition of what being a Christian really means and what it stands for. Some may get the idea that God is a wish granting genie instead of the God he truly is. Why obey one teaching in the Bible (like reading it) if we blatantly disobey in other areas (like drunkenness)? It may come off as making God who we want God to be instead of becoming the person God wants us to be. We are attempting to put him in a box in our life instead of putting our life in the God box. In a sense it would seem as if we were leading some astray... not even laying a firm foundation or laying one that will crumble easily.
While we ourselves believe in Christ and may have accepted the gift of salvation from our Heavenly Father, those watching us closely may not understand that because of how we live our lives, what we do, how we act, and what we say. A lot of people claim to be Christian but you may not necessarily be able to tell... there are times I am sure somebody has questioned my actions or words. To go back to what I wrote yesterday, would it not be better, not just for us, but for those around us if we simply went with God in all our decisions instead of what we want? Regardless of how difficult the decision to choose against what we want may be, God has never led us astray and the authority of the Holy Spirit in our lives is the correct way to go. It leads me to wonder what kind of foundation I am laying. Will that foundation withstand flame, fire, and storm?
---------------------------
"Because of God's grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have -- Jesus Christ.
Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials -- gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person's work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.
Don't you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple."
~*1 Corinthians 3:10-17 (NLT)*~
Monday, June 6, 2011
John 5:24-29
Isn't the assurance of something such an amazing comfort? In a world where very little can be guaranteed, Jesus gives us the assurance of eternal life through faith in him. But I wonder, do we sometimes attempt to take advantage of that? This last week has been an interesting one. Every message and devotional has seemed to lean towards knowing God's will and yet choosing to do otherwise. What does that mean to us when we know what God wants for us and yet we deliberately choose against it? Can we take advantage of God's grace? Is that even possible?
I catch myself at times doing or saying things that I know probably do not line up much with God's will. Often I complain instead of give thanks. I catch myself in gossip every now and then even though I do not like gossip and I know God does not enjoy it either. I realize these are only small things but I have been witness to other instances in the lives of those around me. What is it that makes us do what our flesh wants even though it is not what God wants? Do we think that our actions will somehow go unnoticed perhaps?
I used to think that WWJD was somewhat quite cheesy (and to be honest, Jesus would probably never be in a situation in which he'd have to ask "what would I do?"... just sayin). But really, when it comes to a decision, what to say, what to do, what to choose, wouldn't it be wise to ask what the Bible says in regards to the situation or action that is about to take place? And if there is something said against what you WANT to choose, wouldn't it be wise to choose AGAINST what you WANT and go with what Scripture says to do? Most of the time, at least speaking from experience, the Bible will have some sort of guidance or counsel in regards to a choice we are making. Why risk not following what you say you believe in? Wouldn't it be safer to go with God even if it may the more difficult or painful choice? Think about it... God's counsel is right there. What counsel is greater than His?
-------------------------------
"I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.
And I assure you that the time is coming, indeed it's here now, when the dead will hear my voice -- the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen will live. The Father has life in himself, and he has granted that same life-giving power to his Son. And he has given him authority to judge everyone because he is the Son of Man. Don't be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God's Son, and they will rise again. Those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to experience judgment."
~*John 5:24-29 (NLT)*~
I catch myself at times doing or saying things that I know probably do not line up much with God's will. Often I complain instead of give thanks. I catch myself in gossip every now and then even though I do not like gossip and I know God does not enjoy it either. I realize these are only small things but I have been witness to other instances in the lives of those around me. What is it that makes us do what our flesh wants even though it is not what God wants? Do we think that our actions will somehow go unnoticed perhaps?
I used to think that WWJD was somewhat quite cheesy (and to be honest, Jesus would probably never be in a situation in which he'd have to ask "what would I do?"... just sayin). But really, when it comes to a decision, what to say, what to do, what to choose, wouldn't it be wise to ask what the Bible says in regards to the situation or action that is about to take place? And if there is something said against what you WANT to choose, wouldn't it be wise to choose AGAINST what you WANT and go with what Scripture says to do? Most of the time, at least speaking from experience, the Bible will have some sort of guidance or counsel in regards to a choice we are making. Why risk not following what you say you believe in? Wouldn't it be safer to go with God even if it may the more difficult or painful choice? Think about it... God's counsel is right there. What counsel is greater than His?
-------------------------------
"I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.
And I assure you that the time is coming, indeed it's here now, when the dead will hear my voice -- the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen will live. The Father has life in himself, and he has granted that same life-giving power to his Son. And he has given him authority to judge everyone because he is the Son of Man. Don't be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God's Son, and they will rise again. Those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to experience judgment."
~*John 5:24-29 (NLT)*~
Friday, June 3, 2011
1 John 5:13-21
"That you may know..." Most of us search for knowledge of some kind. All of us KNOW something, even though we do not always act like it. What about eternal life? Where do we find the assurance of eternal life? Where is that "so that you may know"? I have mentioned this many times before in previous writings but sometimes I fall into a works-based mentality when it comes to God. There is not assurance in anything we can do. I have previously been exposed to religion in which getting to heaven consists of "being a good person" and working your way there. You often hear people say "Well hopefully if I am a good enough person... do right... I do good... if I give... then hopefully I might be in heaven some day."
Fortunately, it is not up to our good works and personality to get us to heaven. Do they matter? Yes. Is that where our eternal life is found? Nope. It is not by works alone and it is not by works first that God has assured us of a life with him. It is by our faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is faith in God's grace and love that has saved us. Faith does not flow from good works. Rather, good works flow from faith. God changing our hearts to love him more and more will bring the works. The works will not be the cause of our change, rather works will be because of our change. It is not an outside-in process but a change from the inside-out.
There is plenty of good that can be done in a world ruled by sin. There are a lot of prayers to be said for a world under the thumb of the Prince of Darkness. But to those of us who believe in Christ as our Savior King and who are allowing God to work in our hearts and change us from the inside out, we have assurance and protection in God. God sent his son so that we may know :)
----------------------------------
"I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.
If you see a Christian brother or sister sinning in a way that does not lead to death, you should pray, and God will give that person life. But there is a sin that leads to death, and I am not saying you should pray for those who commit it. All wicked actions are sin, but not every sin leads to death.
We know that God's children do not make a practice of sinning, for God's Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them. We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one.
And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life.
Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts."
~*1 John 5:13-21 (NLT)*~
Fortunately, it is not up to our good works and personality to get us to heaven. Do they matter? Yes. Is that where our eternal life is found? Nope. It is not by works alone and it is not by works first that God has assured us of a life with him. It is by our faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is faith in God's grace and love that has saved us. Faith does not flow from good works. Rather, good works flow from faith. God changing our hearts to love him more and more will bring the works. The works will not be the cause of our change, rather works will be because of our change. It is not an outside-in process but a change from the inside-out.
There is plenty of good that can be done in a world ruled by sin. There are a lot of prayers to be said for a world under the thumb of the Prince of Darkness. But to those of us who believe in Christ as our Savior King and who are allowing God to work in our hearts and change us from the inside out, we have assurance and protection in God. God sent his son so that we may know :)
----------------------------------
"I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.
If you see a Christian brother or sister sinning in a way that does not lead to death, you should pray, and God will give that person life. But there is a sin that leads to death, and I am not saying you should pray for those who commit it. All wicked actions are sin, but not every sin leads to death.
We know that God's children do not make a practice of sinning, for God's Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them. We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one.
And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life.
Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts."
~*1 John 5:13-21 (NLT)*~
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Revelation 3:15-21
What does it mean to be lukewarm? Jesus defines lukewarm as neither hot nor cold... simply put. Unfortunately it is not that simple to live out. What does "lukewarm" look like in our Christian lives? A few months ago, I read the book "The Christian Atheist" by Craig Groeschel, the pastor of Lifechurch. The title is not a misprint. You talk about convicting truth and a long definition of "lukewarm". I remember several years ago sitting in the back of my Stats class at KSU with a friend. We sat in the back... and did not really pay attention all the time. He started giggling to himself (he the Christian, me not so much). He proceeded to show me Revelation 3:15-16. At that time, I thought that was a bit harsh for Jesus to say. He would spit me out of his mouth? How gross is that? I thought Jesus loved everybody so why would he say something like that?
As I have grown and matured in my faith, however, I see how important hot and cold are. I see how Jesus is justified (obviously) and how living a lukewarm life would be kind of like living a double life. To me it looks like putting God in a box in your life as opposed to putting your life in a box belonging to God. We are safe in God's box. It looks like sitting on a fence, straddling it, a foot on each side because I am unable to make a decide between flesh and Christ. It is understanding that Jesus does not want part of us, half of us, only one leg of us. He wants ALL of us... all of us on his side of the fence. It would almost seem to me to be lukewarm than it would be to be hot or cold. A double life? I lived it. Did I really know who I was? Can you discern who you really truly are living a double life?
I now see Jesus. Through the Scripture, we see the requests and examples of how to live. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we begin to understand how to live a Biblical life and begin to do it. Conviction may be more present than before but the line (choice) between hot and cold seemed to be more evident to me. Choices that should be made are more obvious. Scripture takes on a new meaning, becomes more "clear", and is no longer necessarily a rule-book for how to live life right. It is not a rule-book because rules are enforced and Jesus does not force us to obey. It is an invitation into love and an example of how to live it out. Do you have a friend who just knocks and enters without you saying yes or no? Does Jesus force his way into our lives? Jesus knocks... and then he waits. Patiently he waits for us to hear him calling, hear his knock, and invite him into our lives. He waits for us to warm up and come to the door. Do you have a friend or family member who hugs you as soon as they enter your house? Jesus is waiting at the door, arms wide open, inviting us into his warm, loving embrace as soon as we open our hearts to him.
---------------------------------
"I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! You say, 'I am rich. I have everything I want. I don't need a thing!' And you don't realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me -- gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.
Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne."
~*Revelation 3:15-21 (NLT)*~
As I have grown and matured in my faith, however, I see how important hot and cold are. I see how Jesus is justified (obviously) and how living a lukewarm life would be kind of like living a double life. To me it looks like putting God in a box in your life as opposed to putting your life in a box belonging to God. We are safe in God's box. It looks like sitting on a fence, straddling it, a foot on each side because I am unable to make a decide between flesh and Christ. It is understanding that Jesus does not want part of us, half of us, only one leg of us. He wants ALL of us... all of us on his side of the fence. It would almost seem to me to be lukewarm than it would be to be hot or cold. A double life? I lived it. Did I really know who I was? Can you discern who you really truly are living a double life?
I now see Jesus. Through the Scripture, we see the requests and examples of how to live. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we begin to understand how to live a Biblical life and begin to do it. Conviction may be more present than before but the line (choice) between hot and cold seemed to be more evident to me. Choices that should be made are more obvious. Scripture takes on a new meaning, becomes more "clear", and is no longer necessarily a rule-book for how to live life right. It is not a rule-book because rules are enforced and Jesus does not force us to obey. It is an invitation into love and an example of how to live it out. Do you have a friend who just knocks and enters without you saying yes or no? Does Jesus force his way into our lives? Jesus knocks... and then he waits. Patiently he waits for us to hear him calling, hear his knock, and invite him into our lives. He waits for us to warm up and come to the door. Do you have a friend or family member who hugs you as soon as they enter your house? Jesus is waiting at the door, arms wide open, inviting us into his warm, loving embrace as soon as we open our hearts to him.
---------------------------------
"I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! You say, 'I am rich. I have everything I want. I don't need a thing!' And you don't realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me -- gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.
Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne."
~*Revelation 3:15-21 (NLT)*~
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
John 1:10-14
So this may seem a bit silly, but lately I have had somewhat of a revelation... a bit of an epiphany of sorts. You see, I used to view the Bible in a way that a lot of people view it. I used to think of the Bible as more of a "rule book" filled with guidelines of how to be a good person... what you should do and what will send you to hell if you do partake. I viewed it as a "this is how you do it... work your way to heaven" book. I have never really thought of it as a story of time or a biography of God. This thought only recently popped into my head. Today was the first time that I have reflected on it.
I remember having this conversation a few years ago with a friend. I was struggling mightily with my life at the time. She was in restricted country, I was on my couch, comfy in Manhattan, beating myself up because I did not know how to "live life the right way". I did not know how to follow the rules of the Bible. I was living trying to work my way and do right to be closer to God. I read, not to understand in my heart but to go through the motions. We sat and talked about how difficult it is to explain what the Bible really is about. It was not a book of rules. The conversation was difficult because of her location at the time. If it was not a book of rules, then what was it? If it was not just guidelines, then what good was it? At that time, I had no relationship with Christ, but called myself a believer.
I now realize what she could not put into words via instant messaging from the other side of the world. I now understand the difference of my thinking then and my knowing now. The rules based approach is more about me and how to live working my way to God. While the scriptures do apply to my life, it is not about me. It is all about God and how much he loves me (or us... I am just going through the way I process). It is the story of a Son who came to us out of the Father's love. It is a book about love. It is all about Jesus. While there may be a small underlying theme of "me", it is all about Jesus. We read and we learn about God's love and see how we are gifted to bask in the glory of it. Because of Jesus' death and resurrection and believing in his name as the gateway to God, we live in his love. We examine Jesus' life for his Father. We evaluate and learn to live how God truly wants us to live. He reveals life through his book. He reveals his love through the incredible romance novel he has already written. He reveals his truth and love through the story of the Bible.
---------------------------------------
"He came into the very world he created, but the world didn't recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn -- not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.
So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father's one and only Son."
~*John 1:10-14 (NLT)*~
I remember having this conversation a few years ago with a friend. I was struggling mightily with my life at the time. She was in restricted country, I was on my couch, comfy in Manhattan, beating myself up because I did not know how to "live life the right way". I did not know how to follow the rules of the Bible. I was living trying to work my way and do right to be closer to God. I read, not to understand in my heart but to go through the motions. We sat and talked about how difficult it is to explain what the Bible really is about. It was not a book of rules. The conversation was difficult because of her location at the time. If it was not a book of rules, then what was it? If it was not just guidelines, then what good was it? At that time, I had no relationship with Christ, but called myself a believer.
I now realize what she could not put into words via instant messaging from the other side of the world. I now understand the difference of my thinking then and my knowing now. The rules based approach is more about me and how to live working my way to God. While the scriptures do apply to my life, it is not about me. It is all about God and how much he loves me (or us... I am just going through the way I process). It is the story of a Son who came to us out of the Father's love. It is a book about love. It is all about Jesus. While there may be a small underlying theme of "me", it is all about Jesus. We read and we learn about God's love and see how we are gifted to bask in the glory of it. Because of Jesus' death and resurrection and believing in his name as the gateway to God, we live in his love. We examine Jesus' life for his Father. We evaluate and learn to live how God truly wants us to live. He reveals life through his book. He reveals his love through the incredible romance novel he has already written. He reveals his truth and love through the story of the Bible.
---------------------------------------
"He came into the very world he created, but the world didn't recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn -- not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.
So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father's one and only Son."
~*John 1:10-14 (NLT)*~
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