1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Encouragement that needs encouraging:  my workout plan.  1 Corinthians 6:19-20 are going to be my motivation for my health for the next few months and probably many more to follow... a straight reminder that my body is not my own but that it belongs to God.  As somebody has told me, I am only "renting" or "babysitting" this earthly body for God.  When something precious to another is entrusted to me, I generally do my best to take care of it.  In the past that has not necessarily been the case with my body.  It hit home hard after rereading "God bought you with a high price".  I have read these verses many times but never took verses 19 and 20 to heart the way I should have.  Sure I have been working out and eating healthy, but was that truly for God or mostly for me?  So encouragement that needs a little encouraging and motivation at this point:  I am chugging my way through the "Couch to 5K" workout plan.  I can honestly say that I have NEVER been able to run more than a half of a mile.  Part of that was because I was lazy and part was because I have never taken it to heart that my body was not my own and did not treat it as though I was living for Christ.  I have survived week one of the C25K program, but it got difficult here towards the end.  As silly as it may sound, Satan has also been attacking me, telling me that I can't do it... there is no way I will make it through C25K because I have never been able to do it before... why could I do it now?  I know that I can do it IF my focus is on the One it should be... the Creator.  My body is not mine; it is a temple of the Holy Spirit and I have been chosen to take care of it.
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"Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body."


~*1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NLT)*~

Psalm 63

I asked for prayer for God's provision and protection in a specific situation in my life currently (the one mentioned in yesterday's Romans 12:9-12 blog).  I woke up this morning, not sure what Scripture to read.  I read through some devotionals and the Scriptures were great, but none of them stuck to my heart the way I needed them to... the way I needed to hear God's whispering to a weary heart in the early morning.  As I thought and prayed about what to read, Psalm 63 came to mind... and I have to tell you this is one of my favorite passages in all of the Bible!!!  Favorite as in when I returned from Africa and went to buy my new compact Bible, Psalm 62 and 63 had to be laid out in a specific way on the same page... and of course a favorite for other reasons as well, like the peace and comfort I get from it every time I read it.  I have not read through Psalm 63 in quite some time so I was pretty pumped!!!  God knew exactly what my heart needed and as a friend has said multiple times to me recently it is a "God-incidence not a coincidence".  A God-incidence so early in my day... just like that after being awake for only a few short hours, God provided a visible way to ease my tired heart.  What drew me in even more and moved me my heart was the theme for Psalm 63 in my Life Application Bible:  "A desire for God's presence, provision, and protection.  No matter where we are, our desire should be for God because only he satisfies fully."  Just like that.  What I had asked for...  not coincidence... God-incidence and an answer to prayer.
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" ¹ O God, you are my God;
      I earnestly search for you.
   My soul thirsts for you;
      my whole body longs for you
   in this parched and weary land
      where there is no water.
 ² I have seen you in your sanctuary
      and gazed upon your power and glory.
 ³ Your unfailing love is better than life itself;
      how I praise you!
 ⁴ I will praise you as long as I live,
      lifting up my hands to you in prayer.
 ⁵ You satisfy me more than the richest feast.
      I will praise you with songs of joy.
 ⁶ I lie awake thinking of you,
      meditating on you through the night.
 ⁷ Because you are my helper,
      I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.
 ⁸ I cling to you;
      your strong right hand holds me securely.
 ⁹ But those plotting to destroy me will come to ruin.
      They will go down into the depths of the earth.
 ¹⁰ They will die by the sword
      and become the food of jackals.
 ¹¹ But the king will rejoice in God.
      All who trust in him will praise him,
      while liars will be silenced."


~*Psalm 63 (NLT)*~

Romans 12:9-12

There is a situation that I am currently in and have been in for months now.  It is one that requires boundaries, one that can be difficult even with boundaries.  It is a situation in which guarding my heart and focusing on the cross is a must every minute of everyday.  A situation society and secularism really have no problem with but one in the Christian life that Satan uses to attack in any way possible.  The onslaught of attacks have come already... it is how I fend them off and how I deal with it that matters... or the Who that I deal it to.  I am called to love no matter what but my question is this:  How do I continue to love and listen and care while holding true to boundaries?  How am I supposed to keep from having lines crossed when I am called to love but also to "hate what is wrong"?  Keep praying... a phrase that will stick to my heart always and forever.  Keep praying and keep seeking the One who knows the answers to all of the questions that are meandering in the space between my ears.  Only God has the answers... all of them.  Be patient and pray.
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"Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.  Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.  Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.  Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying."


~*Romans 12:9-12 (NLT)*~

More Like a Miracle

Recently a phrase has stuck close to me.  It is made up of words that have brought me hope, peace, and a comfort only God can give... words that have stuck close to my heart and show unconditional, eternal love from God.  The phrase is "more like a miracle."  It is a beautiful phrase to begin with.  When you add in the fact that it is a phrase your doctor has said directly to you to describe a health condition you have dealt with, those words become more than beautiful; those words are a blessing, comfort, hope, picture of undeserving love... a love that is so unconditional and irrational that it can only come from God and God alone.

Merriam-Webster defines miracle as:
     1.  An extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs.
     2.  An extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment.

Divine Intervention?  What I got from the definition of these two words put together is it in relating to or proceeding directly from God interfering with the outcome or course of this specific condition in my life.  And I ask God why.  That silly question of "why me?" lingers in my mind.  Something I will never know and need not know even if I ponder the question.  I am blessed to hear "more like a miracle" and "I am glad it happened to you".  I know God will use it in my life for His glory.  He already has.  Miracles do happen.  Miracles will happen.  We have no control over where, when, and who... but God does.

I lay here and reflect on all of the miracles around me... life, knowledge, health, how my body works, Christ, and salvation... and another something that tugged on my heart recently:  "Pray for a miracle".  As I sat with my Life Group teary eyed while a member talked about their mother's serious health issue that has arisen recently, the prayer request was "pray for a miracle".  It was hard, and is still, for me to swallow and at times to take a breath when I think about it.  I tear up thinking about it and my heart cries for this family.  It is in these times that the question of "why me?" becomes almost hurtful to my heart and Satan uses it to make me feel guilty as I watch a sister and friend struggle with the reality that has just pummeled this family.

But God reminds me and comforts me, telling me over and over again that it is all in His plan and even though we may not see it in the difficult and bleak situations and circumstances, He will use it.  He is God and my mind slowly and hesitantly realizes that any good that comes from a seemly "bad situation" is a miracle.  Miracles do happen.  So friends, please pray for the mother of my friend.  Pray for the hearts of the family to find comfort, that they would recognize God is calling to them with open arms.  Please, pray for a miracle.
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"So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you!  Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised."

~*Hebrews 10:35-36 (NLT)*~

Matthew 11:28-30

I struggle the most when I am exhausted... to exhausted to want to do life with anybody, even Christ.  Weary, worn out, life gets tiring.  But instead of not doing life with Christ, it is times such as this that I NEED to choose Him.  I need to lean hard into Christ.  It is in times like this that Satan can easily "devour" me and trap me.  It is when I am too tired that I need to lean into his strength, finding rest.  It can be frustrating to feel like rest will never come.  It can be slightly irritating to never have a down moment.  The weight and pressure seems to build and build and looks like it will collapse on top of me.  Rest will come.  Jesus offers me that rest.  That promise comes to my heart... I am reminded of it in my weary soul.  There is rest in Christ Jesus alone that can not be found in others or in the things of this world.  Only in Christ Jesus is perfect rest found.  He has overcome all and carried a weight to the cross we will never understand.  He is PERFECTLY capable of taking my "needs" and weight and turning it into rest and peace.  And the cool part is that He WANTS to take those worries, thoughts, needs, and troubles.  Only in Christ can rest be found.
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"Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”"

~*Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)*~

Proverbs 9:10-12

How do you respond to criticism?  I used to not be able to stand it at all.  I always had a quick remark or comeback to what somebody said and I was especially quick to point the finger of blame towards somebody else over myself.  Who really, honestly, likes to shoulder blame?  Think about it.  Over time, especially the past few years, needless to say I have learned to listen.  (Believe it or not I do more than just hear now... I LISTEN!!!)  I now consider that maybe the ideas or thoughts of another may be better than my own.  This has started, mostly as a reflection of a relationship with Christ and it can be found more and more there.  Learning to listen is difficult.  It is difficult to give up what you swear is correct and actually listen to another, taking their thoughts into consideration.  Christ's ways are ways that need to be considered, not just every now and then, but every second of every day.  When something that is said is conviction, do I shoulder the blame and seek Christ in the situation or do I shrug it off and move on without another thought?
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"Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom.
      Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.
 Wisdom will multiply your days
      and add years to your life.
 If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit.
      If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer."

~*Proverbs 9:10-12 (NLT)*~

Ephesians 4:29-32

So I have a confession to make:  I have a sick heart.  Many of us do actually.  But here recently I have noticed I have suffered from a bad attitude and most of the time symptoms of bitterness and anger are clearly present.  As you may have noticed, I have not written in a while.  This is one of the side affects of my sick heart... one I have failed to pay attention to and chose to ignore at other times.  Now, obviously nobody is perfect (even if I joke about it from time to time I am not perfect), but I could be doing a much better job at choosing my words, my self control, at capturing thoughts, and being obedient to Christ.

I have not necessarily even tried to get rid of the harsh or critical words that fill my mouth at times.  Sometimes the little voice inside my head (which I believe to be the Holy Spirit) tells me to keep my mouth shut and focus on the cross.  Sometimes I listen.  Other times my pride blinds me and I ignore the command given by the voice.  Pray with me... for me.  Please pray for the words that come out of our mouths and for the attitudes that reflect on the outside.  A couple of key verses I love are the following:

"Above all else, guard your heart,
   for everything you do flows from it."
~*Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)*~

"Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be."
~*Matthew 6:21 (NLT)*~

The two mean a lot to me.  When my heart is focused on me and how angry I am, that is when it gets sick... and sicker and sicker with every thought focused on me alone and not above.  When my heart tells me that what I have is never enough... really "enough is never enough", it stresses out and does not trust God to provide and my heart gets sick.  When my heart focus is on Christ, however, it is whole, healed, and healthy.  Please pray for my heart focus and attitude towards all of my life, that I would seek out my true Healer and Provider.
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"Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
 
And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.  Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."

~*Ephesians 4:29-32 (NLT)*~

John 8:31-32

"Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.  And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”"

~*John 8:31-32 (NLT)*~
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"You will never be good enough."  So often Satan has fed me this line and I have believed it.  So many people believe it even though it is not true.  This is where Satan usually starts the lies in my mind:  Not Good Enough.  It could be the story of my life if I chose it to be.  But that statement is so untrue.  Truth not perception... something I have been working on the past two years with a mentor.  God-talk, not self-talk.  So this morning, a devotional struck my heart.  It met me where I needed to be met.  I wanted to share it with you.  The author of the devotional used John 10:10 to start (a great verse that I would recommend taking a look at).  However, I chose John 8:31-32 because of the comfort it has given to my broken heart so often.  Jesus is the truth, and only He can set me free.  So here are the points from my reading that I wanted to highlight.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!!!

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My thoughts: I want to give up.

God's Word: Be committed.

"You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.'  But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne.  And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King.  Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black.  Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one."

Matthew 5:33-37

My thoughts: I'll feel lost.

God's Word: He watches my paths and establishes my ways.

"For the Lord sees clearly what a man does,
      examining every path he takes."

Proverbs 5:21

"Mark out a straight path for your feet;
      stay on the safe path."

Proverbs 4:26

My thoughts: No one loves me.

God's Word: He loves me more than life.

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."

John 3:16

My thoughts: I'm ugly.

God's Word: I'm wonderfully made.

"Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
      Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it."

Psalm 139:14

My thoughts: I'm all alone and no one understands me.

God's Word: He will never leave me. He has plans for my life.

"So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.""

Jeremiah 29:11

My thoughts: I'm just not good enough.

God's Word: I was created in His image.

"Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.”"

Genesis 1:26

James 1:2-4

So it is not exactly "survival of the fittest" but endurance and perseverance is for sure a test of faith and requires patience... which adds more to the testing of faith.  It can only be perfected in Christ.  Perfect is not something that can be achieved by man alone just like miracles cannot happen without God's power.  Most of us have seen a fair share of troubles and trials.  How did you push through?  James says WHEN troubles come, not if or maybe.  Be prepared.  Christ prepares.  What is the foundation of life that you are standing on?  With Christ as a platform, all is secure.  Stand on firm and stable ground, not sinking sand.  When trials come, lean into Christ.  Be prepared.  Allow Him to be the strength and endurance that gets you through.  He is perfection.  He is complete.
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"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."

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

Philippians 4:4-5

Ten years ago yesterday was a tragic day for our nation.  It changed every life in America.  It changed perspective and how we view others, especially those of a different nationality.  We changed the way we looked at different cultures and the lives around us.  It was a time that "rejoicing" may have been difficult or nearly impossible for many.

So often it is difficult to find the good in what seems bad on the outside.  It often depends on one's perspective though.  Almost three years ago I found out I was diabetic.  I was not very joyful two years ago when I started using insulin.  I was also not nearly as mature in life nor my walk with God and I did not have a very good perspective.  I was a pessimist and focused on the bad and difficult instead of the good and the benefits.  The way I see it now (even before the miracle move from four shots to one shot a day), diabetes probably saved me in a twisted sort of way.  I'm thinking saved me health wise by losing weight because I had to over gaining weight because I was lazy and never worked out.  Had I not been diagnosed diabetic I honestly do not think I would eat as healthy as I do, weigh what I do, work out as much as I do... or have the ever growing and alive faith in Christ that I do.

Some days may be rough... I have had a few of those lately.  To some their lives may look rough around the edges... mine included.  But I love my life and I do not think I would love it as much if I did not face trials that God places in front of me.  No trial, no triumph maybe?  God has blessed me with a life to live with purpose and people to live that life with and I love it!!!  I can not tell you how much I LOVE my life right now and the amazing spiritual family He has placed me in!!!!  My family away from my family :)  A coworker of mine recently told me something that has stuck with me.  I was having some shoulder/neck issues last week and he just thought I was having an all around bad day.  His statement?  "Just remember somebody somewhere else in the world is having a worse day than you."  I did not necessarily take kindly to that comment at the time but it is so true!!!  (Thanks Jake!!!)  It all depends on perspective.  I am blessed!  Find the good in all and rejoice!!!
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"Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!  Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon."

~*Philippians 4:4-5 (NLT)*~

Job 1:21

"Why is it that bad things happen to good people?"  It is a thought spoken quite often.  I don't have an answer... nobody is an expert.  God is.  In the battle of Good vs Evil, God has already won.  Evil still exists.  Satan still prowls the earth looking for an easy target, spying weak prey.  Evil exists because right vs wrong is the choice left to mankind to make.  It is not a forced decision from our Heavenly Father, thus our freedom of choice exists.  But God is not the evil one, nor does he cause evil.  He does allow it... why?  Only He knows.

The story of Job is one in which I know background but not the full story.  I have not read the full book of Job.  I know God allows Satan to test Job, knowing He will not turn away from the Heavenly Father.  It is a book my heart is now determined to read through completely and will set out to do so.  I can not even imagine being like Job.  God's power in the life of Job is so AWESOME!!!

In a recent conversation, the thought of God allowing an entire family (except the mother) to suffer from the same disease is almost unbelievable.  A test of faith?  Maybe.  Only God truly knows why and I am content with that.  I do not need to know why.  I know that my heart needs to be focused on my one true love, Christ Jesus and that my life will be taken with care.  A quote that caught my eye just this morning read something along these lines:  "The greater the struggle, the more glorious the triumph."  In a life with Christ, His great struggle/battle/death and resurrection has created our victory.
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"I came naked from my mother’s womb,
      and I will be naked when I leave.
   The Lord gave me what I had,
      and the Lord has taken it away.
   Praise the name of the Lord!”

~*Job 1:21 (NLT)*~

Matthew 19:29-30

I have faced rejection in my life over and over again.  It may not have been rejection because I chose to follow Christ or because I was baptized outside of a specific religion, but I know the sting of rejection.  Rejection for being different... a loner of sorts... not fitting in to the "social norms" or what others saw as "cool".  I was rejected.  It will happen.

In my walk with Christ, along the way, there will always be obstacles and rejection is one of them.  I may love dearly those who are rejecting me (an example could be a missionary who has little communication with family because they do not agree with the style of living and/or beliefs), but Christ must be my number one love.  He is my Lover, Husband, Provider, sitting on the throne of my heart.  I have gained so many wonderful friends, mentors, brothers, and sisters... a spiritual family.  Leaving a life lived without Christ may have been difficult but life would be much more difficult if lived without Christ.
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"And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life.  But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then."

~*Matthew 19:29-30 (NLT)*~

Matthew 10:37-39

"It is kind of sad to think that if I follow the path that I think God has for me, my future nieces and nephews may not know me..." was a friend's comment.  My reply:  "It breaks my heart to think that maybe I won't get to watch my nephew grow up... same with future nephews or nieces.  But it breaks my heart more to not do what it is that God may be calling me to do..."  This all in a recent conversation.

Months ago Matthew 10:37-39 hit me hard as I sat in my room.  It caused me to sit back and check who was on the throne of my heart.  It made me stop and think.  With teary eyes it was difficult to think and realize that maybe it was not always God who was ruling my life.  My love for not only my family but for others around me often took the throne.  But I also realized at that time that this is not what God wants from me.  He wants my everything.  It is a crazy thought but a joyful feeling to know that I want what He wants for me.  He must be my everything in everything.
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"If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine.  If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine.  If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it."

~*Matthew 10:37-39 (NLT)*~

Ephesians 6:13-17

It is a wonderful feeling to know that I belong to the Protector of the universe.  He is watching over my life.  In the fight against Satan, God not only protects me but offers me the armor to protect my body.  The armor is from Him and all pieces of that armor are from the Word and are talked about throughout all of Scripture.  It can be found in the teachings of Jesus.  The battle may be an unseen one but God offers tangible protection for all parts of the body.

The belt of truth, body armor of God's righteousness, the shoes of peace from the Good News that prepares us, the shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit -- Scripture.  All areas of the body covered... except the back.  The reason?  I have heard it explained that God has my back.  He has blessed me with a spiritual family to help guard my back.  Protection for the BODY as a whole, all through the work of God.
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"Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.  Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.  Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness.  For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.  In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

~*Ephesians 6:13-17 (NLT)*~

2 Corinthians 12:9

I work well by myself as well as with others.  Most of the time I would like for things to be done my way.  I have relied on myself for strength and have been burnt out.  I have relied on others to strengthen me and have been let down.  When I rely on Christ's power, however, I am never let down and I do not burn out.  When I rely on the one who knows all, anything is possible.  His grace is enough... nothing more, nothing less... His grace is what I need.  He knows better than I know what I need.  He made the complex organism called the human body.  Better than anybody, He knows how all things work together.  He knows my own strength (or weakness) and what happens when I lean on others or myself over choosing Him.  What I depend on is my choice.  My choice is the One who knows all.
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"Each time he said, "My grace is all you need.  My power works best in weakness."  So I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me."

~*2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)*~

John 15:11-13

The love and joy that only God can give are two beautiful things.  They are what many long to have, love and joy, but often do not know where to turn or they turn to something that cannot completely fulfill.  Temporary fulfillment is not Christ.  He is COMPLETE and PERFECT fulfillment.  His love is never ending, his joy overflowing, and he wants us to share in both!!  He calls us friends, open to sharing his life, love, and everything with anybody who will accept it.

Recently I have not been a very joyful person.  I have failed at being intentional in life though.  I have used excuses to justify not being intentional.  Somebody hurt my feelings, blamed me for something, I was too tired, or I have a lot on my mind.  I have tried to justify not loving and my joylessness.  Then I took a look around me and began to think of all of the blessings I have.  Not only did Christ die for me, He calls me to share in that love and joy.
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"I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy.  Yes, your joy will overflow!  This is my commandment:  Love each other in the same way I have loved you.  There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends."

~*John 15:11-13 (NLT)*~