Humble and Pray

It may have just hit me. I've heard it before, just never really thought about it much... or simply meditated on the meaning of the phrase. And then I heard it in a movie (Faith Like Potatoes). Humble yourself and pray. Simply put. Not simply done. I've read it over and over again and I have been told by so many people. What does it really mean? What really is prayer and why should we pray? Is it necessary to humble ourselves and what does that look like, humbling myself before God?

Being human, I try to do so much alone. I try to do it all on my own or rely too much on others to do it for me. I can be pretty stubborn and block headed... who knew right? I know that it is difficult for me to admit that I need help. Being human, though, means that I can not do it alone. Life requires faith. Real life requires faith in God to do what I can not do alone... the miracles, faith in the things unseen so that the things seen might be real. It is humbling to realize a need for help. To me, prayer, deep heart felt prayer is humbling because it is a cry for help. It is all over the book of Psalms... cry after cry for help. Prayer is humbling. Not only is it giving thanks for all that was once impossible being made possible by God, it is also acknowledging the fact that I am a weak individual who will always need help. It is a cry of faith to the one who has made all in His image and can do all in his infinite power and wisdom. Humbling is the realization that I can not do it all, but the Almighty, my Heavenly Father can do it all. Humble yourself and pray.

Matthew 5:14-16

How do lights shine? How do they keep shining when all else goes dark? How are they re-lit if at some point they go out? Something, some power is feeding into that light. Something feeds the light so that it shines. It is not easily hidden when placed in a dark place. Usually lights are lit or turned on so that we can see and not only us but others can see as well. We don't usually shut lights off in order to see. If you do, to each their own. BUT, lights... so it is with the Word. We are called to be lights for Christ. We are to be a light for all to see, that they might know God and praise Him. He is our strength, our source of power keeping us from going out. The Word keeps us going, lit to His way. Let light shine. Don't try to hide it. Light for all to see Christ in this dark world.
-----------------
"You are the light of the world -- like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."

~*Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT)*~

Galatians 6:9-10

I must admit a few things. First off, I am writing this halfway through the day (on my lunch break) as opposed to in the morning before I even step foot into work (generally written in my car in the parking lot every morning). Second, I have been kind of an angry person today. Things haven't gone quite right. The work ethic and communication of some people irritates me and it is hard to bite my tongue but I do to at least keep me from yelling at that person. Instead of yelling at them, I complain. It is one of those days when nothing seems to go quite right, trucks are unorganized, another truck shows up unexpectedly, I am exhausted, and the heat is making me sick for the fifth time in two weeks.

And then it happens... just as it usually does. God hits me with Scripture I need to hear. He throws out the words that apply to this day, how I feel, and what I need to hear or, in this case, read. It pops into my head that it is hard not to get angry at God for his usual perfect timing... for words that come as a punch to the gut. And I realize it is God who made me bite my tongue and who kept me from doing more damage than I've already done. It was in response to Him and his love that made me bit my tongue. It was my response/emotions to the fleshly desires and Satan that made me complain and get angry.

Sometimes you can do so well and then lose it all when you lose focus on Christ and become near-sighted, focusing only on yourself. Such is the case with my heart today. I can see it and as I sit here and think about it I can feel that ache in my heart. It is the ache of disobedience to the One I love. "Do good to others..." says my heart. And I pray that can be a motto to live by from now on.
-------------------
"So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone -- especially to those in the family of faith."

~*Galatians 6:9-10 (NLT)*~

Romans 4:20-21

Doubt sucks. It is a killer, a stealer of joy, a buzz kill really. It sucks the life from people. I do not like doubt but yet it is so prominent in my life even if I do not want it to be. Satan usually hits us where it hurts and doubt just happens to be one of the primary weapons in his arsenal against me. I doubt me... I doubt God even though I know he is the Almighty. Satan uses doubt on many people in spiritual warfare. Doubt... it sucks.

So how do we fight doubt? What do we pick up to fight with? Simply put and easier said than done, the answer is Faith in Christ. So simple to say even if it isn't so simple to do. But faith and trust in Christ is the best weapon to pick up. Thanksgiving to God for the victory given to us and glory to Him who has already won the battle. The only one who can defeat that doubt is Christ Jesus our Lord. That is a promise, no doubt about it.
----------------------------------
"Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises."

~*Romans 4:20-21 (NLT)*~

Hebrews 11:1 & 6

Recently there have been a few situations that have left me with a lot of questions for God and for myself. The main one would be a question of faith and what it is that I put my faith in. So many good conversations have stemmed from the difficult ones... you know, the ones that you never want to have or you do not want to sit and listen to. So what is it that I truly trust in? What do I put my faith in? Then follows the "possibilities" or "options" as to what I could put trust in other than God. Sometimes I wonder, am I trusting in a doctrine, tradition, or book... or is it something bigger and more important? Is it the words that flow from our Savior King, Christ Jesus? These would be some of the questions floating around in my head. So many things were brought up, but I seem to have hardly scratched the surface. Things that once were given very little thought by yours truly have now obtained a new understanding.

So what is it I believe in? The answer: Jesus!! The words of my Savior are the words that soak into my heart... the words that I trust in and want to live for. It is not about "the book" but instead the message it contains: Christ loves me and lived to save me through death from death. He died for me. Christ gave his life in words and followed with action, that I might live and believe in something much bigger than myself... bigger than anything mankind could ever think up. Nothing needs to be changed or added to the words of our Savior. It is not a tradition, a doctrine, or a book. It is the Way, the Truth, and the Life... the only way to God our father (John 14:6). That way is Christ Jesus and the place to begin is the Word. He is the Word, always has been, always will be (John 1:1-5). Nothing can change that.
----------------------------------
"Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see... And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him."

~*Hebrews 11:1 & 6 (NLT)*~

Acts 24:16

So I sometimes wonder if people feel convicted as often as I do if I happen to not tell the truth or in some way deceive somebody. I often wonder if people known as "chronic liars" ever feel a twinge of guilt or if they are completely numb to that type of conviction. I read a devotional this morning that talked about two plants that were the same except one was growing and beautiful but the other plant was dying. They were cared for the same, sat side by side, yet one would not grow. The reason? The growing plant had holes in the bottom of the pot, but the dying one did not. The dying could not drain the excess water from the pot and as a result was not growing.

How do people hide the deception? How do they manage to keep quiet and live a bit of their life in secret? I sometimes catch myself holding every thought in, not talking to others about the convictions I have. What is silly is at times I catch myself thinking I can hide those thoughts, those "secrets" from God, even though it is through his Spirit I am convicted. Silly, right? The thing is, He knows even without us telling Him. It is different hearing something come from my mouth than it is just a thought in my head. God knows our thoughts... and the words before they are on our tongue. So "leak" out that conviction to Him. Let Him take the excess and rid you of it. There is something freeing about putting conviction into words with God, even if He already knows. I just know that there is freedom in God and Him alone!!
----------------------
"Because of this, I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people."

~*Acts 24:16 (NLT)*~

Leviticus 19:11-18

So there are a few great rules in life that I hope I live by. The obvious one would be to love God with my everything. The other is to love others the way I want to be loved, doing only to them what I want done to me. We also call that the Golden Rule. I used to think that the first time that was mentioned in the Bible was in the Gospels. I now realize that I was obviously incorrect, especially since it is in the book of Leviticus very near to the beginning of the Bible. It is a reoccurring statement, request, and command throughout the entire Bible. Over and over again God spoke in the Old Testament about loving others. Jesus echoed those commands in the Gospels. All throughout the New Testament the request of loving was reiterated.

So why do we fail so often to love others? Why do we not always love others more than we love ourselves. Why do we treat some in ways we would never want to be treated? As I sit and read and meditate over this concept, my heart is convicted because I know my own selfishness. I am jabbed by the answer that it is simply because I am looking out for me over everybody else. It definitely cuts down to pride and selfishness. It is a concept to think on and work out. We preach loving others and even that we should love them more than ourselves. So let's do it. Let's love more selflessly and humbly. It is what we have been called to do since the beginning of time!
--------------------------------
"Do not steal. Do not deceive or cheat one another."

~*Leviticus 19:11-18 (NLT)*~

1 Peter 2:11-12

How much do our actions and lifestyles say about us? Do they give a resounding "Amen" saying that there is One more important than self? It is becoming more and more apparent and understood by my heart that actions really do speak louder than words and that that is not just some old saying thrown around for the fun of it to get us to behave. People will question why I act the way I do. It is a door being blown open for the glory of God. A few short years ago, there was no need to question my actions. You would not have noticed anything different about my life from the world surrounding me. I definitely fit into the "flesh" perfectly and my actions were proof. They did not speak God's truth to anybody around me. I could talk it up as though I followed the Way, but I proceeded to NOT walk it out. In my opinion, words alone do not do justice to the greatness of the Lord. Actions do speak louder than words. After all, if you talk the talk you better back it up and walk the walk. Just walk hand in hand with Christ.
--------------------
"Dear friend, I warn you as "temporary residents and foreigners" to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world."

~*1 Peter 2:11-12 (NLT)*~

Ephesians 5

It has become quite apparent to me over the past couple of years that the only way out of anything related to impurity or addiction is through Christ Jesus. Being thankful for what I have, what has been given to me by God, that is what draws me closer to Him and away from the old filth. It is difficult to understand from the world's point of view. Society has strayed so far form the foundations laid down for us in the Bible. We have tried to build our own foundation apart from God by allowing filth to creep in and take over, finding excuses and justification for that would should be seen and considered as filth, dark, and improper. We have strayed and yet God is still standing with his arms wide open, waiting for us to run back to his embrace.

From experience, my own strength is not strong enough to overcome darkness. But strength in Christ can overcome and break us free of strongholds. He has already overcome and conquered the world. He already has victory over darkness. Let that victory shine light into the darkness of life. Everything becomes visible in the light. It is easier to see in the light that which we have been fighting in the dark. There is added strength and confidence in Christ our light. Give thanks for that light already shining. Grow closer to Him who has overcome and let that light shine a little brighter!
------------------------
"Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God's people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes -- these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

Don't be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. Don't participate in the things these people do. For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of the light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true."

~*Ephesians 5:1-9 (NLT)*~

Philippians 2:1-4

Humility is such a strong word, but one that is difficult to grab hold of and run with. American ideals run more toward taking care of one and only before all else. Unfortunately, that number one is my self and nobody else. Revenge or getting back at somebody is something that we often times seek instead of humbly backing away and allowing God to work out His will. We cannot work it out for Him. One of the most challenging books I have ever read was the book "Humility: True Greatness" by C.J. MaHaney. I remember it being challenging because it relates how our lives SHOULD look according to the Bible with how the life of Jesus was. It speaks of true greatness in a way that society tends to NOT speak of greatness.

I find it difficult to keep going some days like some of the ones I have experienced recently. Everybody is cranky and heat drunk. Most are simply just hot and exhausted and nit picky. And I just keep my mouth shut? Understand how difficult that is for somebody who really enjoys talking. And yet once again, God hits me with the same truth over and over again in various ways within a few hours. If somebody slaps one cheek, turn the other to them. As I sit and think about true humility and what that looks like, it goes against a very large portion of what we are told and how we were raised. If a definition of humility is needed, simply look at the life of Christ (which can be found all over the New Testament and in this passage (Philippians chapter two) verses five through eleven). Look at God in the form of man, looking to the interests and well-being of us sinners. And yet he counted us more important and the Perfect humbled himself for us. That is true greatness.
---------------------
"Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too."

~*Philippians 2:1-4 (NLT)*~

1 John 3:16-18

If I could not speak, would people understand that I love Jesus? They way that I act and treat people, is it enough for them to know that I love and serve our Heavenly Father? I catch myself talking so often, but do I back it up with action? Do I walk the walk to back up the talk?

Let me ask something else: How do we know Jesus loved us? Not only did he speak love in his truth and teachings but he acted on that talk. Everything he said about love and action was walked out by our Savior. He made his love truth by laying down his life for all of creation.

In the same way, our actions should simply back up that which we believe. For Christians, I can only pray that those truths are the truths of the Bible. (In order to know what truths are spoken in the Bible, it does help to read it.) So not just in our words are we to glorify God and love others but we are called to do the same in all that we do. After all, actions often speak louder than words.
-------------------------------
"We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion -- how can God's love be in that person? Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show truth by our actions."

~*1 John 3:16-18 (NLT)*~

John 13:34-35

Love. What a strong four-letter word. It is a word with a lot of meaning. How sad it is that the meaning has become so distorted in this life. How sad it is that love has taken on a form that is not truly love. It used to be a very common word thrown around in my vocabulary without much thought or feeling. I do not know that I had an accurate definition of this word, nor a knowledge of the strength of love. I did not have an accurate picture of the True Love. I know the love of amazing parents as well as family and friends. I did not understand True Love or who that Truth was.

Christ is True Love. When Jesus talks of loving one another, there is no need to question what that looks like. He answers the questions before they are asked with a simple remark. "As I have loved you, so must you love one another." Those present had yet to see and know the full extent of True Love. We now know. What does True Love look like? Just look to the cross. It is the most beautiful picture of True Love.

--------------------------------------------

"So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."

~*John 13:34-35 (NLT)*~

Matthew 28:16-20

Do you ever doubt that what you are doing is really what God wants you to be doing? Whether that be a temporary activity like a summer camp or short-term mission trip, or something a little more long term like a relationship or maybe even your job. I will be honest, being where I am right now is often doubted. It is not necessarily being in Manhattan that I doubt because God has continuously ministered to me while I have been here and He continues to do so. It is what I am doing with my life while I am here that I constantly question. I enjoy the people I am around every day but not necessarily my job or my "spare-time". The question marks and doubts generally pop up there. I read the passage we know as the "Great Commission" and see that there were doubters even as Jesus stood in their midst. What all did they doubt? We are left to wonder. But Jesus gives them a command, a reassurance in whatever it was... whether they are doubting Jesus and his authority or their place in His commission. At times I classify myself as one of those doubters.

I read this passage and think about Africa, this amazing place God has used as a blanket for my heart. I wonder if I will ever return to this awesome continent and the inhabitants of this land so far away. I read this passage and see the word "go" and think that means I would be leaving what I am doing. BUT, what if it means to stay? What if that go is directed toward the here and now, my job, or my passions here? I see "all nations" and remember there are lost ALL around me. ALL encompasses EVERY, not just a nation far from my own. Patience... patience is whispered into my soul. Patience to wait for a time when go means to go and not to stay. I then realize God does have a purpose for me here and now does fit into his perfect plan even if here is not necessarily where I want to be. Patience then takes control as go means here... and I pray that someday go will mean there once again.
---------------------------------------
"Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him -- but some of them doubted! Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.""

~*Matthew 28:16-20 (NLT)*~

Acts 1:6-8

So, I used to be somewhat "spontaneous" in my schedule... spontaneous as in flexible, not really exciting spontaneous like skydiving at the flip of a coin spontaneous. But as I have grown and now have somewhat of an "adult-person-schedule" I am less and less willing to be flexible or spontaneous. I do choose to do things like go to Africa and get baptized... you know, those things that the only explanation for is the fact that I love Jesus and so I do it. This is the same reason for not something.

I like to plan ahead a little bit. Do I have a five year plan? Nope... I don't plan THAT far ahead, partly because I just don't want to, but mostly because there is a good chance that my plans will change courtesy of the One I live my life for. Would I love to be back in Africa sometime in the next five years? Yes definitely and I pray that it happens. Will I plan on it happening? No, but not because I doubt it, more so because if God wants me there then I will be there. This also pertains to other wants like being in a relationship, being married, or doing something else that I really would absolutely want and love to do. But I will not go "forcing" the issue or chasing after these things. Instead, I will run after God. Instead of wanting what the world or the flesh wants which is generally more of a want than a need, I will want what God wants for me. His plan is the best after all. God is a better planner than I am and I will take His perfect lifetime plan for me over an imperfect five year plan any day!!!
--------------------------
"So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, "Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?" He replied, "The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere -- in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.""

~*Acts 1:6-8 (NLT)*~

2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Growing up, I remember doing things like color by number, playing the game of memory (which I seem to still do sometimes at work), making art with a light bright, and doing dot to dot drawings. I was always so proud when my project, my masterpiece was complete. So it is now, when I connect the dots of what God wants me to do and how I respond to what He asks of me. It amazes me when He uses two different passages and devotionals to speak to my heart about one particular thought, consideration, prompting... or worry.

The Spirit amazes me when prompting me to do something. Even though I can be hesitant to respond and sometimes even doubt whether it is God or if Satan is playing tricks on me with my mind, when I sit and think and pray about it, the Spirit usually discerns the situation for me and the conclusion seems to always end up following the prompting from God. The thing with worry in my life: Satan creeps into my life, my prayer time, my time alone with God, my decisions, my thoughts and actions... he creeps in through worry. He uses continued doubt and uncertainty which leads me to sometimes hesitate long enough to miss a given opportunity from God.

In the world of giving, that hesitation could lead to a missed opportunity to bless another in need. The worry and prolonged hesitation could be the difference between somebody fulfilling a missionary calling sooner rather than later, if even at all. (I am throwing out scenarios...). Giving is plain difficult for most people. In my life money has sometimes been an issue. It has been a controller. Money and not having "enough" of it, whatever enough means, has led to worry and worry gives Satan a hold over a heart. If that happens, I usually end up face down with a handful of tears. That is when God steps in. He steps in in more ways than are countable, reminding me and blessing me with His promises. He promises to supply and take care... all what HE knows we need, even if it is not exactly what we WANT. He promises to never let go. What, then, can I do? Simply respond.
---------------------------------------------
"Remember this -- a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully." And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others."

~*2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NLT)*~

Proverbs 3:1-12

So I admit it, usually when I turn and read Proverbs 3, my mind for some reason focuses on verses five and six only. Until this morning, I had never really read it verse by verse, thinking on each before I moved to the next. Each verse is packed with so much of their own, yet all have a similar underlying message. That message: trust in God above all else. He will take care and lead us where he wants us to go. In EVERYTHING trust him.

Every devotional this morning seemed to hold this message. Everything I read, once again, pointed me to letting go and letting God. So often we try to understand. We try to understand why God put us in one mold when we wanted to be in another. He made us into a cup when we wanted to be a bowl. But he did it because he knows what is best. He alone knows what mold fits us best. It is by faith we trust him in this, choosing His way over ours. That's why it is called faith, trusting in what is unseen.
---------------------------------
"My child, never forget the things I have taught you.
Store my commands in your heart.
If you do this, you will live many years,
and your life will be satisfying.
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
Then you will find favor with both God and people,
and you will earn a good reputation.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.

Don't be impressed with your own wisdom.
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Then you will have healing for your body
and strength for your bones.

Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the best part of everything you produce.
Then he will fill your barns with grain
and your vats will overflow with good wine.

My child, don't reject the Lord's discipline,
and don't be upset when he corrects you.
For the Lord corrects those he loves,
just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights."

~*Proverbs 3:1-12 (NLT)*~

2 Corinthians 4:1-6

Last night was a fun evening. Fourth of July, a celebration of our continued freedom. We sit and watch as fireworks light up the night sky. Why don't we shoot off these huge displays during the day? Why shoot them off in the dark of night? Because in the dark their light and splendor and beauty are on display... showing as a light in the darkness.

Just is the splendor and beauty of the Gospel, the Good News of Christ. It is a light in the darkness, truth in the midst of chaos. In the light, it is simply a light... maybe it makes the place a bit brighter but it is still a light among lights. In the dark, however, it is a beacon of hope, a guide for the lost. In the "good times" it is easy to shine and show the glory of god. In the "dark times" our lights grow dim and the only way to brighten is by being plugged into the Eternal Life Source and Light. When we shine his light in the darkness, we not only glorify Him, but light up a path for others to see Him. Allow God to light up your life, that others may see and walk in the same light.
---------------------------------
"Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, we never give up. We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don't try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this.

If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don't understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

You see, we don't go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let there be light in the darkness," has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ."

~*2 Corinthians 4:1-6 (NLT)*~

Thank You Troops

So I really do not have much to say that would be profound on this day that we celebrate the independence of our country. I did, however, attempt to find Bible verses on Freedom and being free. I succeeded, obviously, because we are free in Christ. But, as I read, I could not help but think of the men and women who serve our country and the sacrifices they make that we may continue to live freely in America. Now, this may be a bold comparison, and I am not saying they are Jesus Christ, but just think about their service to our country. What sacrifice do these men and women make? What sacrifice did Christ make for us? (the reasons for sacrifice are obviously different). Please keep in mind that these are just thoughts and I am simply recognizing the service done for our country. While Christ died for all mankind to know The Father and be free in the Truth. These men and women do sacrifice for us to live physical freedom here in the U.S. of A.

Christ Jesus was God in the form of man. He humbled himself to come to earth, to live and die that we might live. Jesus came to be a ransom for all, that we may know the love of the Father in Heaven through the sacrifice of His Son. Christ came so that we can be free... free to live in the love and eternity of our Heavenly Father. He died on a the cross to free us from death, decay, and the ways of the flesh. Whether we live in and out that freedom is our choice, but it is there. That freedom is a gift of God that we do not necessarily have to work for; we are given freedom through belief and doing life daily with Christ. We are free because of the sacrifice of the life of Christ. True freedom comes through Christ and Christ alone. Christ died for us to share freedom in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Now, I would like to thank the men and women of this country. To our troops, we live in freedom in our every day life because of the sacrifice made by those fighting for our country. There is a sacrifice to fight, a sacrifice of a life with family, of time spent doing something here in freedom... and unfortunately a sacrifice of life. Thank you to all of the men and women of our military for the sacrifice you make daily that we may live in the freedom of this country. Thank you.
-------------------------------------------
"For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
~*1 Corinthians 3:17 (NLT)*~

"Sin is no longer your master... Instead you live under the freedom of God's grace."
~*Romans 6:14 (NLT)*~

"...the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay."
~*Romans 8:21

"But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God's promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ."
~*Galatians 3:22 (NLT)*~

"God sent him to buy freedom for us... so that he could adopt us as his very own children."
~*Galatians 4:5 (NLT)*~

"So Christ has truly set us free."
~*Galatians 5:1 (NLT)*~

"He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins."
~*Ephesians 1:7 (NLT)*~

"He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time."
~*1 Timothy 2:6 (NLT)*~

"And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free."
~*John 8:32 (NLT)*~

Mark 10:43-45

Who are you? Really, who do you think you are? Who do others say you are? Jesus created a new definition for greatness: be great by serving. So many people in power or of great influence think they are great because they are being served or rule over others and tend to exercise there authority a bit much at times. Our pride gets the best of us at times and we think we are great because we have an enormous amount of facebook friends. At times, most of us can be this way. We naturally have a mentality that we deserve something. The world sometimes seems to define greatness by the amount of money you make, how many people are "following" you, or by status in society... or in some cases who and how many people serve you.

This is not how Jesus tells us to be, nor is it the example he left of living life for our Heavenly Father. This in not how the most influential and greatest being in history acted or carried himself. Jesus was great, not because he had followers or because he had power (although he is almighty and infinite). He was great because he was humble. He served. People followed Christ because he humbled himself to a servant, not using status or suffering from a power trip of being "king". He gave them the choice, the opportunity to follow. Such it is in this life. We should not have the expectations of being served but we should serve others. There is a great testimony to Christ in serving others. I have experienced it first hand... how people loved and cared for me and served me because they loved Jesus... that is a true testament to his glory. The King of Kings came to serve, not to be served.

So I ask again, who are you? Who do you think you are? Who do others see you as?
-------------------------------
"But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave to everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many."

~*Mark 10:43-45 (NLT)*~

Simple Thanks

Thank you for a rested body. I pray for peace of mind.
Thank you for a heart that beats. From it may love and kindness shine.

I thank you for the friends I have. I pray for continued fellowship from thee.
Thank you for holding me accountable. Open my heart to see.

You are a wonderful God. I pray that you would be the focus of my heart, mind, body, and soul.

I know Satan will attack me, but you are my strong tower, my fortress and refuge. Come minister to me.

~Sharina Marie