Every year, like most people I know, I make some well intentioned resolutions on New Year's eve that I keep or work on for about a month or two but generally with time give up on. Last year on New Year's eve though, I did something different from what I normally did, and it worked out so well for me that I plan on doing it this year too and wanted to invite you to try it too.
What I did was not a superstitious tradition like the kissing at midnight for good luck, which I do honestly participate in, not because I think it'll actually bring me luck but just because I just like kissing my husband. What I did was something a Pastor I was listening to at the time suggested. He had been through the same cycles as most people, excitedly making plans and resolutions to be better, healthier, wealthier, thinner, or whatever other things people usually plan on doing, only to give it up before the year was half way over. He said that he was becoming very discouraged with the whole process and prayed for God to show him a better way, the verse he was brought to is Proverbs 16:3; 'Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.'
The Pastor said it was like a light bulb turned on in his brain and he suddenly knew what he had to do, and if I'm to be honest the words hit me the same way, I knew exactly what he was going to tell us to do and I planned on doing it. What he said to do and what I am inviting you to do is this year is this, instead of just saying "Oh I'm going to lose twenty pounds this year," write down your resolution/goal/plan whatever is or whatever you call it, write it down, pray God's will, help and guidance over it, then put it somewhere where you have to look at it everyday. And every month or every couple of months whichever you remember or can do, take it down read over it, pray over it, and change anything that has already been accomplished or is no longer possible.
I know that seems really simple and like it might not help, but being very truthful, last year is the only year I have ever accomplished any of my resolutions, 3/5 were met by summer and I actually changed my goals at that point to reflect moving forward in the areas I had already completed my goals in. Now, with my second list of 5 goals I have accomplished one maybe two, depending on how much time I get to write in my novel today. Sometimes the simplest things help the most. It doesn't seem like writing a goals list and praying to God for His help and guidance with it would make such a difference, but it has and if you're like me and haven't had much luck keeping yourself on track with resolutions I invite you to try this too, see if it doesn't effect the way this new year goes.
Job 42:2
“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
Psalm 143:10
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!
Proverbs 16:9
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
1 John 5:4
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
Romans 11:36
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom
Lately, I keep coming across verses that say "fear the Lord" in some variation or another. I thought of 'fear' at first, in the sense it's commonly associated with which is being afraid or scared of something. This is often an argument I hear as to why Christianity or Judaism or both depending on who you are talking to, are sometimes said to use fear and manipulation to get members and keep old ones in line. I couldn't make that make sense though with the God I have come to know and read about because in Him I see love, love that draws me in and keeps me doing my best to obey. So I questioned it, I started asking myself, and praying to God to help me understand. Why would He want us to be afraid of Him? Doesn't He keep telling us that He loves us? Why should we be afraid of someone who loves us?
This last question made me think of other people I love, like my spouse, my parents, grandparents and siblings. Then, I realized something else, I fear hurting the people I love. My love for them makes me want to do things that please them and not hurt them, so I keep myself from hurting them by being good to them. Maybe I am looking at this all wrong, and I will be honest, I could be, so please read your Bible and ask God yourself and as always if you have insight please share! But what I was getting at was I have started to feel, that at least part of the time I think that is meant, is that God wants us to love Him so much we fear offending Him, we fear hurting Him.
Now, I have known some who will argue that what is really being said is we should 'fear the wrath of the Lord,' and I can totally see that too, and honestly, having read about His punishments, I do fear them, because His punishments aren't just temporary for this world, God has eternal punishments too. But, going back to thinking of my parents here too, as much as I feared their punishments and that was definitely a big motivator to behave myself, it was their disappointment more than the punishment that I remember most. Their disappointment in me usually kept me from doing something a second time, more so than the spanking, though the physical reminder in combination with the emotional one did help to keep the consequences of my wrong conduct in mind.
His ways are not our ways, I know this and I know as I seek Him more He will continue to teach me more, but at least for now, I have come to understand that 'fearing the Lord' isn't about being terrified of Him. It, in a simple form, is another level of love, you love the Lord and don't want to cause Him pain, so you try not to do things that will hurt Him. And like any other good parent, God has consequences in place that He has warned us about for breaking the rules. I want to close today by asking you if you fear the Lord, do you love Him, are you trying to work in His will for you?
Psalm 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.
Proverbs 15:32
Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.
Ecclesiastes 12:13
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.
1 Peter 2:16-17
Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
This last question made me think of other people I love, like my spouse, my parents, grandparents and siblings. Then, I realized something else, I fear hurting the people I love. My love for them makes me want to do things that please them and not hurt them, so I keep myself from hurting them by being good to them. Maybe I am looking at this all wrong, and I will be honest, I could be, so please read your Bible and ask God yourself and as always if you have insight please share! But what I was getting at was I have started to feel, that at least part of the time I think that is meant, is that God wants us to love Him so much we fear offending Him, we fear hurting Him.
Now, I have known some who will argue that what is really being said is we should 'fear the wrath of the Lord,' and I can totally see that too, and honestly, having read about His punishments, I do fear them, because His punishments aren't just temporary for this world, God has eternal punishments too. But, going back to thinking of my parents here too, as much as I feared their punishments and that was definitely a big motivator to behave myself, it was their disappointment more than the punishment that I remember most. Their disappointment in me usually kept me from doing something a second time, more so than the spanking, though the physical reminder in combination with the emotional one did help to keep the consequences of my wrong conduct in mind.
His ways are not our ways, I know this and I know as I seek Him more He will continue to teach me more, but at least for now, I have come to understand that 'fearing the Lord' isn't about being terrified of Him. It, in a simple form, is another level of love, you love the Lord and don't want to cause Him pain, so you try not to do things that will hurt Him. And like any other good parent, God has consequences in place that He has warned us about for breaking the rules. I want to close today by asking you if you fear the Lord, do you love Him, are you trying to work in His will for you?
Psalm 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.
Proverbs 15:32
Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.
Ecclesiastes 12:13
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.
1 Peter 2:16-17
Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
Monday, December 29, 2014
Never Measure Up
Brokenness, my heart is focused on brokenness this morning. And I am focused on it because I'm not perfect, and I think that's what people have been responding to in my writing. I share with you my struggles as I come to understand God, and learn to humble myself to His Sovereign will. I share the lessons He gives me, and obey when He asks me to reach out specifically on a subject, usually teaching myself something in the process. I try to share a lot about God's redemption and how He can give you strength and answer prayers. I write a lot on, staying in prayer even when it's hard. I write a lot on turning to Jesus and always reading the Bible for yourself and not just taking someone's word that its what the Bible says. But I want to address brokenness today, specifically can you be broken and still serve God?
And the answer has to be yes, because we are all broken in some way, not one of us is walking in perfect righteousness. I'm not saying that it's an excuse to sin, what I'm saying is we can love God with all of our hearts, we can even allow that love to lead us to glorify Him and turn away from sin, but we will still fall, because we are not perfect in our flesh. This is something struggle with though because I feel that I am not good enough to serve God sometimes, I feel sometimes that I so sinned and so flawed I should just stop what I am doing and quit. Sometimes I get focused on looking at myself and the thousand little ways I give into my flesh, the sins I am praying to be delivered of, and still are failing to overcome. I look at that stuff and I hate it, I wonder why it can't be as easy as quitting smoking was for me, why can't I just tell myself I don't need to do it and stop. I hate it, I don't want it in my life, but I continually give into the temptations. This thought pattern leaves me feeling really broken, and condemned.
Lately, I have been feeling like I will never measure up to God's expectations for me, that I will never be holy enough, and that I will never be permitted into heaven because even after accepting Jesus as my savior I still struggle to be free of certain sins. Then yesterday, I watched a Christian film that reminded of something I had forgotten as I had occupied myself with beating myself up instead of looking at what God was asking me to do. Jesus has allowed us grace and mercy in abundance if our hearts are truly His. Jesus knows my heart and that I love Him, and I know He is helping me to overcome these things, something's just take more time, and sometimes God gives us that thorn to stay humble like He did with Paul, and to keep us from exalting our own righteousness instead of God's.
Nothing I wrote here today is an excuse to sin though, none of this an excuse to knowingly, willfully, intentionally sin and just choose to say it's okay because Jesus loves me. Because that's not how it works, grace is not a free pass to sin, you have to give Him your heart to receive grace and if He has your heart sin will hurt you, and you won't want to do it. Mostly my point is this, we are all broken, we all fail, we all stumble and give into temptations, but when we come to the throne seeking mercy with a heart that truly breaks because of the hurt you caused the Father, He is quick to show mercy and forgiveness, no matter how many times you may stumble.
Lamentations 3:22-23
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Joel 2:12-13
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
And the answer has to be yes, because we are all broken in some way, not one of us is walking in perfect righteousness. I'm not saying that it's an excuse to sin, what I'm saying is we can love God with all of our hearts, we can even allow that love to lead us to glorify Him and turn away from sin, but we will still fall, because we are not perfect in our flesh. This is something struggle with though because I feel that I am not good enough to serve God sometimes, I feel sometimes that I so sinned and so flawed I should just stop what I am doing and quit. Sometimes I get focused on looking at myself and the thousand little ways I give into my flesh, the sins I am praying to be delivered of, and still are failing to overcome. I look at that stuff and I hate it, I wonder why it can't be as easy as quitting smoking was for me, why can't I just tell myself I don't need to do it and stop. I hate it, I don't want it in my life, but I continually give into the temptations. This thought pattern leaves me feeling really broken, and condemned.
Lately, I have been feeling like I will never measure up to God's expectations for me, that I will never be holy enough, and that I will never be permitted into heaven because even after accepting Jesus as my savior I still struggle to be free of certain sins. Then yesterday, I watched a Christian film that reminded of something I had forgotten as I had occupied myself with beating myself up instead of looking at what God was asking me to do. Jesus has allowed us grace and mercy in abundance if our hearts are truly His. Jesus knows my heart and that I love Him, and I know He is helping me to overcome these things, something's just take more time, and sometimes God gives us that thorn to stay humble like He did with Paul, and to keep us from exalting our own righteousness instead of God's.
Nothing I wrote here today is an excuse to sin though, none of this an excuse to knowingly, willfully, intentionally sin and just choose to say it's okay because Jesus loves me. Because that's not how it works, grace is not a free pass to sin, you have to give Him your heart to receive grace and if He has your heart sin will hurt you, and you won't want to do it. Mostly my point is this, we are all broken, we all fail, we all stumble and give into temptations, but when we come to the throne seeking mercy with a heart that truly breaks because of the hurt you caused the Father, He is quick to show mercy and forgiveness, no matter how many times you may stumble.
Lamentations 3:22-23
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Joel 2:12-13
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
Hebrews 4:16
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Friday, December 26, 2014
Dealing With Myself
Yesterday holding my younger cousin's eight month old baby son I was jealous. Watching my older cousin's children play and run and laugh had much the same effect. I felt up until then that I had been doing really well lately with being patient and waiting on God to bless us with a baby, and I didn't seem to feel as jealous in general, until yesterday. Surrounded by my family and all of their little ones was hard, especially when it seemed like all the women only had one question to ask me "So when is it your turn?"
I think I could have gotten through the day quite well had no one asked me. If I had been allowed to experience the day without that reminder of where I have long felt my life was lacking. If I had been permitted to be left alone on the subject that I have no control over anyway that would have been great. But instead I was badgered by Aunt's, my female cousin, and cousin's wives'.
I did my best not appear bothered, not to appear jealous or hurt in any way, and maybe that was wrong. Maybe I should start to tell my family how much it hurts that I don't have child, something I have always wanted. Maybe I should explain to them that I am trying to bare things as best I can, and it's hard when I am constantly reminded of it. That I love being around them and the kids but when I keep getting asked when we will start a family like I have some control over it, that it stirs up feelings of hurt, jealousy and sometimes even resentment.
I've realized as I was typing this that not telling the truth, even when I'm not actually lying is just as bad. Keeping back truth because I think I am doing somebody a favor is just as wrong as lying. I have been punishing myself by not speaking up, and allowing my family's excitement over wanting me to have a little one of my own hurt me. I should have said something about it when they first started asking a couple years ago and I could have avoided a lot of the pain. I guess even in this situation honesty is best, God's way is always best.
Proverbs 11:3
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.
Proverbs 16:13
Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right.
Ephesians 4:25
Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
Colossians 3:8-11
But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
I think I could have gotten through the day quite well had no one asked me. If I had been allowed to experience the day without that reminder of where I have long felt my life was lacking. If I had been permitted to be left alone on the subject that I have no control over anyway that would have been great. But instead I was badgered by Aunt's, my female cousin, and cousin's wives'.
I did my best not appear bothered, not to appear jealous or hurt in any way, and maybe that was wrong. Maybe I should start to tell my family how much it hurts that I don't have child, something I have always wanted. Maybe I should explain to them that I am trying to bare things as best I can, and it's hard when I am constantly reminded of it. That I love being around them and the kids but when I keep getting asked when we will start a family like I have some control over it, that it stirs up feelings of hurt, jealousy and sometimes even resentment.
I've realized as I was typing this that not telling the truth, even when I'm not actually lying is just as bad. Keeping back truth because I think I am doing somebody a favor is just as wrong as lying. I have been punishing myself by not speaking up, and allowing my family's excitement over wanting me to have a little one of my own hurt me. I should have said something about it when they first started asking a couple years ago and I could have avoided a lot of the pain. I guess even in this situation honesty is best, God's way is always best.
Proverbs 11:3
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.
Proverbs 16:13
Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right.
Ephesians 4:25
Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
Colossians 3:8-11
But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Every Season, Everything
I keep hearing on the radio and seeing on TV, Facebook, and G+ "Jesus is the reason for the season" "Keep Christ in Christmas" and other such post that are meant to encourage you to look to God at this time of year, but my thoughts are this, what about the other times of the year? Where is the reminder that this is supposed to be all about God then? Where are the "Jesus is the reason for the season" post, commercials, and commentary the rest of the year, because certainly there would be none without God's design in place, He is the reason behind every season.
My point today is we should be looking to Him and remembering Him everyday, not just when it is time to start to pull out Christmas decorations (which Ps, isn't actually Jesus's birthday, Christmas is closer to a pagan holiday). God is to be first in our hearts, that means including Him in every part of our lives, everyday of the year, not just once or twice a year. God does not want to be our second thought, nor does He deserve it. God should be our first thought, and our first love because He is love and first loved us.
I wrote yesterday about being moderate, and I'm sure this urging for Christ to be first and for Him to be involved in all parts of your life seems reminiscent of it, but that's because this message is so important. God MUST be first in your heart, you must surrender yourself to Him and accept Jesus to be saved, cleansed of your iniquity, and made new through Him. Serving God and using the gifts He gave me to touch others has brought more fulfillment than anything else in my life, and He will do the same in yours if you're willing to let go of the world's view of Him, and embrace the man He still is!
Jesus is in every season, and everyday since the beginning of time, we were created by God through Christ and they should be honored and held in a place of respect for it, not looked at like a nice fairy tale that we tell our kids about at Christmas and Easter. This is not how we were told to honor them, God gave us a book that tells us exactly what He expects, and the grace He allows us when we fail and need forgiveness. Every season, everyday, they are His, what can you do today that shows Him you are grateful for it?
Genesis 1:1
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Exodus 20:2-6
John 1:1-5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
My point today is we should be looking to Him and remembering Him everyday, not just when it is time to start to pull out Christmas decorations (which Ps, isn't actually Jesus's birthday, Christmas is closer to a pagan holiday). God is to be first in our hearts, that means including Him in every part of our lives, everyday of the year, not just once or twice a year. God does not want to be our second thought, nor does He deserve it. God should be our first thought, and our first love because He is love and first loved us.
I wrote yesterday about being moderate, and I'm sure this urging for Christ to be first and for Him to be involved in all parts of your life seems reminiscent of it, but that's because this message is so important. God MUST be first in your heart, you must surrender yourself to Him and accept Jesus to be saved, cleansed of your iniquity, and made new through Him. Serving God and using the gifts He gave me to touch others has brought more fulfillment than anything else in my life, and He will do the same in yours if you're willing to let go of the world's view of Him, and embrace the man He still is!
Jesus is in every season, and everyday since the beginning of time, we were created by God through Christ and they should be honored and held in a place of respect for it, not looked at like a nice fairy tale that we tell our kids about at Christmas and Easter. This is not how we were told to honor them, God gave us a book that tells us exactly what He expects, and the grace He allows us when we fail and need forgiveness. Every season, everyday, they are His, what can you do today that shows Him you are grateful for it?
Genesis 1:1
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Exodus 20:2-6
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
“You shall have no other gods before me.
“You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
Matthew 4:10
Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve. John 1:1-5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Monday, December 22, 2014
The Moderate
Recently, I have been called a fanatic by some people, and truly I am glad for this because I used to be lukewarm. I have realized as I have grown in my relationship to God that I would much rather be a zealot than to ever be lukewarm again. I take delight in being called a Jesus Freak, or told that I take this "God stuff" too seriously, because I know God wants us to be zealously in love with Him, He doesn't want to be served by the half-hearted, He wants dedication, He wants all of us or nothing at all.
I know that this is not what everyone wants to hear; I know many people are proud of being moderate in faith, I used to be, and actually I had someone brag to me yesterday about how glad they were to be moderate in faith because it made it easier for them to associate with the world, and to fly under satan's radar, but the truth is if the devil isn't worried about you that's because he already has you. God does not want that for us though, He tells us through James in his letter, that those who are friends of the world are enemies of God (James 4:4); and our Lord Jesus says the same in His own words found in Matthew 6:24 and we see it again in 1 John 2:15 in different words. These passages all make it clear that God does not want us to compromise with the world, He wants us to serve Him completely, holding nothing back.
So, what will happen to the lukewarm? If God tells us its all or nothing but you have given Him half your heart what does He say about that? If giving Him only part of your heart makes you an enemy of God, what does that mean? Revelation 3:15-19 reads this way: "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent." And the consequences of not repenting, of staying moderate or turning away all together from God are the same as described in Revelation 21:8 as well as other places in the Bible, where it says "But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
I wrote this today with a heart filled with love for the those who still need to become zealous and obedient. I wrote this as someone who once took pride in being moderate in faith. Repent my brothers and sisters, zealously seek the Lord! Submit yourself fully unto Him, giving up your will for His, flee from the sins of the world and separate yourself from it in the Lord. Allow Him to guide your ways by taking everything large or small, to Him in prayer.
Deuteronomy 13:4
You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him.
1 Samuel 12:24
Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.
Proverbs 29:1
He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
I know that this is not what everyone wants to hear; I know many people are proud of being moderate in faith, I used to be, and actually I had someone brag to me yesterday about how glad they were to be moderate in faith because it made it easier for them to associate with the world, and to fly under satan's radar, but the truth is if the devil isn't worried about you that's because he already has you. God does not want that for us though, He tells us through James in his letter, that those who are friends of the world are enemies of God (James 4:4); and our Lord Jesus says the same in His own words found in Matthew 6:24 and we see it again in 1 John 2:15 in different words. These passages all make it clear that God does not want us to compromise with the world, He wants us to serve Him completely, holding nothing back.
So, what will happen to the lukewarm? If God tells us its all or nothing but you have given Him half your heart what does He say about that? If giving Him only part of your heart makes you an enemy of God, what does that mean? Revelation 3:15-19 reads this way: "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent." And the consequences of not repenting, of staying moderate or turning away all together from God are the same as described in Revelation 21:8 as well as other places in the Bible, where it says "But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
I wrote this today with a heart filled with love for the those who still need to become zealous and obedient. I wrote this as someone who once took pride in being moderate in faith. Repent my brothers and sisters, zealously seek the Lord! Submit yourself fully unto Him, giving up your will for His, flee from the sins of the world and separate yourself from it in the Lord. Allow Him to guide your ways by taking everything large or small, to Him in prayer.
Deuteronomy 13:4
You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him.
1 Samuel 12:24
Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.
He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
Friday, December 19, 2014
I Know I Can Trust You
It has been one of those weeks where things keep going wrong, one thing after another, frustrating me and making me feel overwhelmed. The situation with my car's engine going bad, finding a new one, repairs, problems getting medication, missing my sister's concert, and then getting called a little while ago that I will be charged another night for the rental car because it wasn't back in time, even though I thought I still had hours before it needed to be returned. I have been getting upset and crying over some of it, but I also have been saying out loud over and over each time something comes up, "Lord, I don't why this is happening right now, but I am trusting you. I know you got this and whatever happens, I know I can trust you."
The amazing thing is, that trust in God is a game changer. It doesn't always work this way, but this week it has. Every time I pray that short little prayer two things have been happening. First the weight of the burdens is lifted from me as I place everything in His hands and remind myself that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord, this part happens every time and can happen for you too if you let go of the problem to Him while you pray and believe it to be so, that means you stop worrying about it. This second part is the part that doesn't always happen this way, this is the part that keeps shocking me because I am not expecting an immediate response, I am expecting to wait but seeing things happen almost immediately or the same day!
Through the course of the day that the engine went in my car we went from looking at a $4,000 repair, to looking for a new car because they couldn't find another engine. I kept believing that God had a plan for all of it, and I kept saying and praying it too. I did have moments where I would breakdown and get upset again because we didn't know what we were going to do, how we would pay for a new car. But then, I would remind myself of who God is, His promises, and I would dry my eyes and march on doing what I could while waiting on Him. And by the time 8pm rolled around that night, we got a call from my cousin who found us an engine and could get it put in all for a less than half of our first estimate, PRAISE THE LORD!
The Lord provided in away I couldn't have imagined after hearing from the garage earlier that day, they had assured us there were no engines around for our car. And today He has surprised me again. After getting the call from Enterprise that I was being charged an additional day, I was upset. I can't really afford another day, I had to put the car on my credit card as it is, which is something I'm trying not to do. I called my husband and explained to him what happened, and he wasn't very happy either. Then after I hung up the phone I started to cry again, and I prayed that prayer again. As I walked into the bathroom to clean my face off from the tears my phone rang.
It was Enterprise again, this time it was the representative who had helped us the day we rented the car. The lady on the phone explained the policy to me again and how and why I had to pay the extra money, the same as the first person. When I got the chance, I explained to her where my misunderstanding had come from in the first place, we realized that both of us were guilty of not fully listening to what the other had been explaining the day I rented from her. Being that she was the supervisor she decided not to charge me for the additional day anymore because she was partly at fault as well. PRAISE GOD!
There have been many other little blessings too during all of this, like friends and family who want to help, getting the medication worked out, and chance to spend some time with sister to make up for missing the concert. I am blown away and humbled thinking about all of this stuff that happened this week and how merciful and loving God is when you choose to trust Him during the difficult stuff. Everything that has seemed like it wasn't going to work out, has, and I am grateful. I hope today you can choose to give it up to God too, let go of the burden and allow God to work. I'm not promising that anything will happen instantly like it did for me this time, just that God will work it all out and you can find rest in that knowledge.
Psalm 46:1-3
Psalm 62:8
Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Romans 8:28
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
The amazing thing is, that trust in God is a game changer. It doesn't always work this way, but this week it has. Every time I pray that short little prayer two things have been happening. First the weight of the burdens is lifted from me as I place everything in His hands and remind myself that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord, this part happens every time and can happen for you too if you let go of the problem to Him while you pray and believe it to be so, that means you stop worrying about it. This second part is the part that doesn't always happen this way, this is the part that keeps shocking me because I am not expecting an immediate response, I am expecting to wait but seeing things happen almost immediately or the same day!
Through the course of the day that the engine went in my car we went from looking at a $4,000 repair, to looking for a new car because they couldn't find another engine. I kept believing that God had a plan for all of it, and I kept saying and praying it too. I did have moments where I would breakdown and get upset again because we didn't know what we were going to do, how we would pay for a new car. But then, I would remind myself of who God is, His promises, and I would dry my eyes and march on doing what I could while waiting on Him. And by the time 8pm rolled around that night, we got a call from my cousin who found us an engine and could get it put in all for a less than half of our first estimate, PRAISE THE LORD!
The Lord provided in away I couldn't have imagined after hearing from the garage earlier that day, they had assured us there were no engines around for our car. And today He has surprised me again. After getting the call from Enterprise that I was being charged an additional day, I was upset. I can't really afford another day, I had to put the car on my credit card as it is, which is something I'm trying not to do. I called my husband and explained to him what happened, and he wasn't very happy either. Then after I hung up the phone I started to cry again, and I prayed that prayer again. As I walked into the bathroom to clean my face off from the tears my phone rang.
It was Enterprise again, this time it was the representative who had helped us the day we rented the car. The lady on the phone explained the policy to me again and how and why I had to pay the extra money, the same as the first person. When I got the chance, I explained to her where my misunderstanding had come from in the first place, we realized that both of us were guilty of not fully listening to what the other had been explaining the day I rented from her. Being that she was the supervisor she decided not to charge me for the additional day anymore because she was partly at fault as well. PRAISE GOD!
There have been many other little blessings too during all of this, like friends and family who want to help, getting the medication worked out, and chance to spend some time with sister to make up for missing the concert. I am blown away and humbled thinking about all of this stuff that happened this week and how merciful and loving God is when you choose to trust Him during the difficult stuff. Everything that has seemed like it wasn't going to work out, has, and I am grateful. I hope today you can choose to give it up to God too, let go of the burden and allow God to work. I'm not promising that anything will happen instantly like it did for me this time, just that God will work it all out and you can find rest in that knowledge.
Psalm 46:1-3
1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
Psalm 62:8
Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Romans 8:28
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Sidelined at the Moment
Thinking back to my childhood I remember being really frustrated that there was so much I wanted to do, and would eventually be able to do but I wasn't allowed to do yet because I had more growing up to do first. I, like most children, was very excited to be just like mommy and daddy and do all the grown up things they did, even simple things like pouring my own drinks. I knew and understood that I had to have help for a while first, that I needed to learn how to do it and grow bigger and stronger, but I really just wanted to do it all myself and prove that I could do it to my parents. Sometimes, like most kids, I did these things without help anyway, and every once in a while it would work out, but mostly I just made a big mess, got in trouble, and had to clean it up.
Lately, my heart has been feeling the same way in regards to my purpose in God's kingdom. I know that part of what I am supposed to be doing is this, but there is more and I am impatient to get started. I am excited to serve God! But He is telling me to wait, that I must grow and learn more first, there's more He wants to teach me first. I want to be obedient and please my Father, but I also want to show Him I can do it! I realize though, that if He is telling me to wait and learn that is what I should do or I will end up just making a big mess again.
I think it's interesting how much the parent-child relationship mirrors the God-man relationship; and because of the similarities between the two I try, when I can, to apply what I learned in the past about my nature to be more obedient towards God now. Knowing that as a child if I did the things I was told to wait on by myself that it typically ended badly has helped me to wait now. Knowing that doing it on my own before I knew Jesus didn't end so well, is helping me to be obedient now.
I wrote this today because I know that there are other people who are struggling with this too, you are excited, willing, and waiting to get out there and do what you have been called to do, but you're sidelined at the moment, sitting on the bench waiting to really get in the game. I'm not saying that you or I don't serve, or that we shouldn't. We should always, always, always help others when you are able! We should always every day be serving God and others anyway we can. I'm talking about waiting for God's word to do what's next with whatever He has commissioned you to do, your life purpose. If God is having you wait accept that, it's not going to last forever, waiting is only ever for a season. Feel glad that you know your purpose, or at least the direction you should go, and listen carefully, be alert and ready learning all that you can so when He says 'now!' you are prepared.
Psalm 27:13-14
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
Isaiah 1:19
If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land;
Luke 6:46-49
“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”
John 12:26
If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
Lately, my heart has been feeling the same way in regards to my purpose in God's kingdom. I know that part of what I am supposed to be doing is this, but there is more and I am impatient to get started. I am excited to serve God! But He is telling me to wait, that I must grow and learn more first, there's more He wants to teach me first. I want to be obedient and please my Father, but I also want to show Him I can do it! I realize though, that if He is telling me to wait and learn that is what I should do or I will end up just making a big mess again.
I think it's interesting how much the parent-child relationship mirrors the God-man relationship; and because of the similarities between the two I try, when I can, to apply what I learned in the past about my nature to be more obedient towards God now. Knowing that as a child if I did the things I was told to wait on by myself that it typically ended badly has helped me to wait now. Knowing that doing it on my own before I knew Jesus didn't end so well, is helping me to be obedient now.
I wrote this today because I know that there are other people who are struggling with this too, you are excited, willing, and waiting to get out there and do what you have been called to do, but you're sidelined at the moment, sitting on the bench waiting to really get in the game. I'm not saying that you or I don't serve, or that we shouldn't. We should always, always, always help others when you are able! We should always every day be serving God and others anyway we can. I'm talking about waiting for God's word to do what's next with whatever He has commissioned you to do, your life purpose. If God is having you wait accept that, it's not going to last forever, waiting is only ever for a season. Feel glad that you know your purpose, or at least the direction you should go, and listen carefully, be alert and ready learning all that you can so when He says 'now!' you are prepared.
Psalm 27:13-14
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
Isaiah 1:19
If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land;
Luke 6:46-49
“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”
John 12:26
If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
He Worked it Out
Yesterday, I didn't put up any new post, not because of a lack of desire, or that I didn't have anything to write, because honestly I have several post on the back burner that I am working on as the spirit moves me, but because yesterday was a very busy day, with so much that could have gone much worse. I wanted to take this morning and share what happened yesterday to glorify to the Father in heaven for His provisions!
On my way into work yesterday there was a freezing rain coming down, I leave for work pretty early in the morning so it was also very dark as the sun had not even begun to rise yet. I tried to turn on the heater in my car to warm up but it never seemed to get hot, it just kept blowing cool air. Then as I was driving up one of the big hills on the road I take to work I noticed I didn't seem to have any power, my car was struggling to get up the hill. I looked at the dashboard and saw that the gage in my car that says if it's hot or cold was all the way up at hot. I decided I needed to pull over and turned on my flashers. As I tried to cross the lane of on coming traffic to pull in to the parking lot in front of a volunteer fire department the car completely stopped. It wouldn't move and I was stuck in the road, in the pouring rain.
I had no idea what to do next, but I popped the hood of my car and prayed for help because I was clueless. Several cars went around me, but shortly someone pulled over to help. The man didn't bother to give me his name but after waiting for a lull in the traffic he told me what to do and pushed my car safely off the road and into the parking lot. I thanked him several times and tried to give him money he would not take. I thank God for that man!
After he left to go to work himself I called for a tow truck and called my boss to tell him I'd be very late but my husband was on his way, I got the day off paid instead, thank God! Nick and I went with tow truck to our usual mechanic who said that our timing chain had gone and the engine may be bad because of it. He told us that he couldn't do that kind of repair and sent us to someone who could and would be able to tell us for sure if the engine was bad or not. We then towed the car to the other mechanic's shop.
At this point we were both very frustrated, the car situation seemed like it was another financial blow that felt like it was about set us back to the start again or put us further in debt. I put up a prayer request at that point asking others to pray and explaining the situation and I started speaking faith over the situation. I started to praise God for what had gone right and kept reminding myself that the Lord works all things for the good of those who love Him. Then my husband and I started focusing on what we could do right now to improve the car situation. We rented a car for the rest of this week so I can get to and from work and then we started to decide and look into our vehicle options, trusting that God would somehow work it all out for us in accordance with His will.
We soon after received bad news, the engine was bad, it would be over $4000 to fix it, if they could even find an engine because we have a Suzuki and it is getting hard to find parts for it. A little bit later they called back and said they had no luck finding an engine. We accepted at that point we would have to get a newer car, like it or not. We had just decided to take out a loan for a new car when my cousin, who works for a auto salvage company called. He said that they had just picked up a car that was the same make and model as ours, and the engine was good! He said they could hold the engine for us, and my cousin even offered to put it in for us this weekend for much less! We thank God for the way things went, for providing when it seemed like it wasn't going to happen. We are in awe of how God provides!
I shared this today to give praise to God and tell of His works, but also for those struggling. If you are struggling, hang in there, ask others to pray with you or for you, pray for guidance and give praise to God regardless of what the circumstances look like, trust that God has you, and know in your heart that He will work it all out for your good, if you love Him.
Psalm 150:1-6
Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
Mark 10:27
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”
John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
1 Peter 1:6-7
In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed
On my way into work yesterday there was a freezing rain coming down, I leave for work pretty early in the morning so it was also very dark as the sun had not even begun to rise yet. I tried to turn on the heater in my car to warm up but it never seemed to get hot, it just kept blowing cool air. Then as I was driving up one of the big hills on the road I take to work I noticed I didn't seem to have any power, my car was struggling to get up the hill. I looked at the dashboard and saw that the gage in my car that says if it's hot or cold was all the way up at hot. I decided I needed to pull over and turned on my flashers. As I tried to cross the lane of on coming traffic to pull in to the parking lot in front of a volunteer fire department the car completely stopped. It wouldn't move and I was stuck in the road, in the pouring rain.
I had no idea what to do next, but I popped the hood of my car and prayed for help because I was clueless. Several cars went around me, but shortly someone pulled over to help. The man didn't bother to give me his name but after waiting for a lull in the traffic he told me what to do and pushed my car safely off the road and into the parking lot. I thanked him several times and tried to give him money he would not take. I thank God for that man!
After he left to go to work himself I called for a tow truck and called my boss to tell him I'd be very late but my husband was on his way, I got the day off paid instead, thank God! Nick and I went with tow truck to our usual mechanic who said that our timing chain had gone and the engine may be bad because of it. He told us that he couldn't do that kind of repair and sent us to someone who could and would be able to tell us for sure if the engine was bad or not. We then towed the car to the other mechanic's shop.
At this point we were both very frustrated, the car situation seemed like it was another financial blow that felt like it was about set us back to the start again or put us further in debt. I put up a prayer request at that point asking others to pray and explaining the situation and I started speaking faith over the situation. I started to praise God for what had gone right and kept reminding myself that the Lord works all things for the good of those who love Him. Then my husband and I started focusing on what we could do right now to improve the car situation. We rented a car for the rest of this week so I can get to and from work and then we started to decide and look into our vehicle options, trusting that God would somehow work it all out for us in accordance with His will.
We soon after received bad news, the engine was bad, it would be over $4000 to fix it, if they could even find an engine because we have a Suzuki and it is getting hard to find parts for it. A little bit later they called back and said they had no luck finding an engine. We accepted at that point we would have to get a newer car, like it or not. We had just decided to take out a loan for a new car when my cousin, who works for a auto salvage company called. He said that they had just picked up a car that was the same make and model as ours, and the engine was good! He said they could hold the engine for us, and my cousin even offered to put it in for us this weekend for much less! We thank God for the way things went, for providing when it seemed like it wasn't going to happen. We are in awe of how God provides!
I shared this today to give praise to God and tell of His works, but also for those struggling. If you are struggling, hang in there, ask others to pray with you or for you, pray for guidance and give praise to God regardless of what the circumstances look like, trust that God has you, and know in your heart that He will work it all out for your good, if you love Him.
Psalm 150:1-6
Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
Mark 10:27
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”
John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
1 Peter 1:6-7
In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed
Friday, December 12, 2014
Only When Needed
It totally sucks when someone you love only calls when they need something. I really feel used, and even disrespected sometimes by that, and it got me to think, is this how God feels when we only pray if we are in need? Is this hurt what He feels when we talk to Him only when we want something? Does Jesus get upset about being treated this way? Does God even feel?
I know as a Bible believer we were created in His image (Genesis 1:27); and I know that God has emotions because many verses acknowledge that including one of the shortest verses in the Bible, where it simply says "Jesus wept." (John 11:35) which obviously shows that He was saddened by the death of His friend, or if you prefer one where He wasn't in the form of man how about Genesis 6:6 where it talks about how the Lord was grieved by the evil in the hearts of man.
So now we have answered with certainty that God feels, and we can assume being made in His image that the things that hurt us, hurt Him also, that would make sense as to why we all tend to experience similar emotional reactions to certain situations, we are feeling how He feels or would feel. I believe this is why we all generally feel happy when we are praised and hurt when we are rejected by people we care about.
Focusing on the thought of those who reject you and only have time for you when they are in need or want something from you, I have to ask you to think for a minute. Would you allow yourself to be treated that way forever or would you at some point say enough is enough and give up trying to have or expect a genuine relationship with them? I think most of us would stop expecting a relationship, and some of us would stop trying all together, some may even lash out in hurt and anger. And this coincides with what the Bible says about how God will respond to those who treat Him thusly, and I will add a few verses at the bottom to show this. But for now I want to end by saying, we still have time at the moment to change, to be considerate and obedient to God, we still have time to give Him the respect a loving Father deserves, but we won't for long. Time on earth will end and not even the scientists dispute that. So while we still have a chance to make things right with God I urge you to do so.
2 Kings 17:7-20
John 12:47-49
47 “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. 49 For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken.
I know as a Bible believer we were created in His image (Genesis 1:27); and I know that God has emotions because many verses acknowledge that including one of the shortest verses in the Bible, where it simply says "Jesus wept." (John 11:35) which obviously shows that He was saddened by the death of His friend, or if you prefer one where He wasn't in the form of man how about Genesis 6:6 where it talks about how the Lord was grieved by the evil in the hearts of man.
So now we have answered with certainty that God feels, and we can assume being made in His image that the things that hurt us, hurt Him also, that would make sense as to why we all tend to experience similar emotional reactions to certain situations, we are feeling how He feels or would feel. I believe this is why we all generally feel happy when we are praised and hurt when we are rejected by people we care about.
Focusing on the thought of those who reject you and only have time for you when they are in need or want something from you, I have to ask you to think for a minute. Would you allow yourself to be treated that way forever or would you at some point say enough is enough and give up trying to have or expect a genuine relationship with them? I think most of us would stop expecting a relationship, and some of us would stop trying all together, some may even lash out in hurt and anger. And this coincides with what the Bible says about how God will respond to those who treat Him thusly, and I will add a few verses at the bottom to show this. But for now I want to end by saying, we still have time at the moment to change, to be considerate and obedient to God, we still have time to give Him the respect a loving Father deserves, but we won't for long. Time on earth will end and not even the scientists dispute that. So while we still have a chance to make things right with God I urge you to do so.
2 Kings 17:7-20
7 All this took place because the Israelites had sinned against the Lord their God, who had brought them up out of Egypt from under the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They worshiped other gods 8 and followed the practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before them, as well as the practices that the kings of Israel had introduced. 9 The Israelites secretly did things against the Lord their God that were not right. From watchtower to fortified city they built themselves high places in all their towns. 10 They set up sacred stones and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every spreading tree. 11 At every high place they burned incense, as the nations whom the Lord had driven out before them had done. They did wicked things that aroused the Lord’s anger. 12 They worshiped idols, though the Lord had said, “You shall not do this.” 13 The Lord warned Israel and Judah through all his prophets and seers: “Turn from your evil ways. Observe my commands and decrees, in accordance with the entire Law that I commanded your ancestors to obey and that I delivered to you through my servants the prophets.”
14 But they would not listen and were as stiff-necked as their ancestors, who did not trust in the Lord their God. 15 They rejected his decrees and the covenant he had made with their ancestors and the statutes he had warned them to keep. They followed worthless idols and themselves became worthless. They imitated the nations around them although the Lord had ordered them, “Do not do as they do.”
16 They forsook all the commands of the Lord their God and made for themselves two idols cast in the shape of calves, and an Asherah pole. They bowed down to all the starry hosts, and they worshiped Baal. 17 They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire. They practiced divination and sought omens and sold themselves to do evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger.
18 So the Lord was very angry with Israel and removed them from his presence. Only the tribe of Judah was left, 19 and even Judah did not keep the commands of the Lord their God. They followed the practices Israel had introduced. 20 Therefore the Lord rejected all the people of Israel; he afflicted them and gave them into the hands of plunderers, until he thrust them from his presence.
2 Chronicles 24:20
Then the Spirit of God came on Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, “This is what God says: ‘Why do you disobey the Lord’s commands? You will not prosper. Because you have forsaken the Lord, he has forsaken you.’ ”
Hosea 4:6
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
John 12:47-49
47 “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. 49 For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Two Parts; One Book
I don't know how many of you have ever read the Old Testament but I encourage you to do so, it will give you a more complete picture of the character of God, as well as allow you to see how God does keep His promises and brings everything to completion. Reading the Old Testament confirms the New and builds more confidence and trust in God because you know Him better.
I honestly can't say why I wrote that, I just did and now that I have and I read it, I won't erase it because it is important. It's not what I sat down intending to write but it is a topic I feel should be addressed. The Bible should be read in its entirety to gain a better understanding of God's character and how Jesus fulfilled prophecy. By reading both the Old and New Testaments you better equip yourself to understand the times we are living in and how it has been repeated on an ever worsening scale, since the beginning of time. You get a more clear picture of how the church began, and what God intended for it to look like, and you get a clear picture of God's perfect justice.
I know some churches today that teach only from the New Testament and I have heard a pastor defend this by saying the New Testament abolishes the Old, that because of Jesus the Old Testament is unnecessary and it was more important to teach the mercy of the New Testament than the judgment of the Old. That through Christ's death and resurrection the laws were abolished and heaven made open to all. I have also heard pastors talk about the 'God of the Old Testament' and the 'God of the New Testament' like He was two different entities, but that's not what His book says.
What these people don't realize is that by leaving out the Old Testament they are robbing themselves and others of a foundation. They are robbing themselves and others of understanding. The two parts of the Bible are not contrary to each other, there is not an Old Testament God and a New Testament God, there is only ONE unchanging God. To deny His justice, judgment, or vengeance on those who reject Him is to deny Him, when you do this you are creating and worshipping your own idea of God rather than the God of the Bible.
The Old Testament is necessary to form a foundation for the New, the Old Testament sets up the New. If you read the Old Testament you learn about the prophecies, the prophets, and great leaders that Jehovah raised up to serve Him. You start to understand that many things God had the leaders and prophets do where only precursors to the coming of Christ. You learn to recognize more clearly the ways in which God works because you are coming to know Him in fullness. And as for the those who think that the Old Testament doesn't matter because Christ abolished the law, I direct you to Matthew 5:17-20 where Jesus says 17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven."
2 Peter 3:1-7
I honestly can't say why I wrote that, I just did and now that I have and I read it, I won't erase it because it is important. It's not what I sat down intending to write but it is a topic I feel should be addressed. The Bible should be read in its entirety to gain a better understanding of God's character and how Jesus fulfilled prophecy. By reading both the Old and New Testaments you better equip yourself to understand the times we are living in and how it has been repeated on an ever worsening scale, since the beginning of time. You get a more clear picture of how the church began, and what God intended for it to look like, and you get a clear picture of God's perfect justice.
I know some churches today that teach only from the New Testament and I have heard a pastor defend this by saying the New Testament abolishes the Old, that because of Jesus the Old Testament is unnecessary and it was more important to teach the mercy of the New Testament than the judgment of the Old. That through Christ's death and resurrection the laws were abolished and heaven made open to all. I have also heard pastors talk about the 'God of the Old Testament' and the 'God of the New Testament' like He was two different entities, but that's not what His book says.
What these people don't realize is that by leaving out the Old Testament they are robbing themselves and others of a foundation. They are robbing themselves and others of understanding. The two parts of the Bible are not contrary to each other, there is not an Old Testament God and a New Testament God, there is only ONE unchanging God. To deny His justice, judgment, or vengeance on those who reject Him is to deny Him, when you do this you are creating and worshipping your own idea of God rather than the God of the Bible.
The Old Testament is necessary to form a foundation for the New, the Old Testament sets up the New. If you read the Old Testament you learn about the prophecies, the prophets, and great leaders that Jehovah raised up to serve Him. You start to understand that many things God had the leaders and prophets do where only precursors to the coming of Christ. You learn to recognize more clearly the ways in which God works because you are coming to know Him in fullness. And as for the those who think that the Old Testament doesn't matter because Christ abolished the law, I direct you to Matthew 5:17-20 where Jesus says 17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven."
2 Peter 3:1-7
1 Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. 2 I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.
3 Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Growing Pains
This morning for some reason I started to think about how growing up that whenever my brother or I had a growth spurt it was often accompanied by growing pains. This thought led me to think about how in life situations this was true too, the process of maturing and growing into an adult usually came from experiencing frustration, pain or disappointment. And I have realized that it is a necessary thing for my spiritual growth as well, I am realizing that from the pain we learn and grow and often it is in this process that the fruits of the spirit become manifested into our character.
I can't say this is something that just hit me, I believe God has been showing this to me for a while and I have even been expressing it in post like the one I did recently 'Grateful for the Lesson' or the one that followed 'Grateful for my Pain', I didn't realize it then but what I was grateful for was the change in my character. I have come to the realization recently that bad things happen not necessarily because we are being punished, but sometimes because God sees that we have done well in one aspect and is now growing and teaching us so we can do more.
I can say as someone who used to be a pre-school teacher I myself have done that to children in my class before, if I saw that one child was doing well in a certain area I would push them to the next developmental goal in that area. Often that meant for a period of time they would struggle as they tried to grasp this new concept, this typically caused them frustration because just like adults, they hated struggling. But after I helped them and with time and practice they would overcome the struggle and have a new skill (or fruit if we compare it to the spiritual sense) to show for it as well as the feeling of gratification for overcoming their obstacle.
I see, and now finally understand that this is the process the Bible talks about with verses like Romans 5:3-4; Hebrews 12:6-11; James 1:2-4; and 1 Peter 5:10 among others. They knew that suffering, frustration, and pain were only for a season and when that season ended it would bring them closer to God by purging them of their sinful flesh nature and instead producing fruits of the spirit, if they continually sought His guidance through it. I wanted to stress to you that they had to continually seek Him during the season of growth to produce fruit because it can't be done without God. Likewise, when I was teaching I could not set a piece of paper and pencil in front of a pre-school child and tell them to write their name without first helping and teaching them to do this, they had to seek out or take the offered help in order to progress.
I don't know if this made sense to anyone else, maybe it's just me. Regardless, I pray we have growing pains, and I pray that we seek God during them so that we may have the good fruits, the fruits of the spirit manifested in our lives. I pray that during our storms we lean on Jesus and listen to His words learning to follow Him in obedience, and that we continually seek to honor and glorify Him. Amen.
Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
Philippians 1:6
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
I can't say this is something that just hit me, I believe God has been showing this to me for a while and I have even been expressing it in post like the one I did recently 'Grateful for the Lesson' or the one that followed 'Grateful for my Pain', I didn't realize it then but what I was grateful for was the change in my character. I have come to the realization recently that bad things happen not necessarily because we are being punished, but sometimes because God sees that we have done well in one aspect and is now growing and teaching us so we can do more.
I can say as someone who used to be a pre-school teacher I myself have done that to children in my class before, if I saw that one child was doing well in a certain area I would push them to the next developmental goal in that area. Often that meant for a period of time they would struggle as they tried to grasp this new concept, this typically caused them frustration because just like adults, they hated struggling. But after I helped them and with time and practice they would overcome the struggle and have a new skill (or fruit if we compare it to the spiritual sense) to show for it as well as the feeling of gratification for overcoming their obstacle.
I see, and now finally understand that this is the process the Bible talks about with verses like Romans 5:3-4; Hebrews 12:6-11; James 1:2-4; and 1 Peter 5:10 among others. They knew that suffering, frustration, and pain were only for a season and when that season ended it would bring them closer to God by purging them of their sinful flesh nature and instead producing fruits of the spirit, if they continually sought His guidance through it. I wanted to stress to you that they had to continually seek Him during the season of growth to produce fruit because it can't be done without God. Likewise, when I was teaching I could not set a piece of paper and pencil in front of a pre-school child and tell them to write their name without first helping and teaching them to do this, they had to seek out or take the offered help in order to progress.
I don't know if this made sense to anyone else, maybe it's just me. Regardless, I pray we have growing pains, and I pray that we seek God during them so that we may have the good fruits, the fruits of the spirit manifested in our lives. I pray that during our storms we lean on Jesus and listen to His words learning to follow Him in obedience, and that we continually seek to honor and glorify Him. Amen.
Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
Philippians 1:6
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Open and Direct Rebellion
I have never questioned the existence of God, but there were many years where I lived in direct and intentional disobedience to Him. I had watched helplessly for a year as a girl I had grown up with wasted away and died from a vicious form of childhood cancer, this particular form of cancer had had only 5 survivors and all were boys. I was told repeatedly when I asked why God would allow this to happen that it was His will and I just had to accept it, this did not sit well. At thirteen I became very angry at God because of this, I wanted to hurt Him because He had hurt me by making my friend suffer and die, by taking away my parent's good health and forcing me into a position of responsibility, for taking so much of my family all around the same time, and causing my grandfather to have another stroke, for all this pain and more I wanted to punish God.
I no longer believed in the loving God that I had spent hours talking to as a child, I saw Him now as cruel and uncaring, and I didn't want a relationship with Him anymore. I rejected Him, and His salvation and started blindly wandering around trying to find my own way. I started to mess around with witchcraft, I drank a lot, took pills, smoked cigarettes, swore like a sailor, and was so cold to people that I earned the name 'ice queen' from a group of friends. I did all of it with every intent in my heart to hurt God, and I know I succeed because I know now it hurts Him when we break His laws.
No matter what I did to hurt Him though, God stayed with me. God waited patiently for me to come back to Him, to recognize that He did love me and had been there to comfort me had I only turned to Him. But I didn't see it or maybe I just didn't want to believe it then, I wasn't ready. I was growing everyday more depressed and angry as I grew away from Him and I couldn't understand why He wouldn't let me die when I wanted too, I couldn't understand why He stopped it, but had taken my friend when she wanted to live. I couldn't comprehend that it all had purpose, all I saw was my pain and I blamed God.
Why I am talking about all of this? What point am I getting at? If you have been feeling unworthy, like your past is so bad that God can never forgive you I want you to know He can and He will if you're ready to change. If God can forgive my open and direct rebellion He can forgive your sin too, He wants to forgive us, John 3:16 says 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.' Jesus opened the door to your forgiveness and is waiting on you to enter it, don't worry whether you're good enough, He will make you good. Don't be afraid or ashamed because He will cleanse you of who you are and change your heart when it is offered completely and who you were will be forgotten, (1 John 1:9).
Psalm 111:9
He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name!
Isaiah 44:21-22
Remember these things, O Jacob, and Israel, for you are my servant; I formed you; you are my servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by me. I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you.
Luke 13-1-5
1 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”
John 11:25-26
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
I no longer believed in the loving God that I had spent hours talking to as a child, I saw Him now as cruel and uncaring, and I didn't want a relationship with Him anymore. I rejected Him, and His salvation and started blindly wandering around trying to find my own way. I started to mess around with witchcraft, I drank a lot, took pills, smoked cigarettes, swore like a sailor, and was so cold to people that I earned the name 'ice queen' from a group of friends. I did all of it with every intent in my heart to hurt God, and I know I succeed because I know now it hurts Him when we break His laws.
No matter what I did to hurt Him though, God stayed with me. God waited patiently for me to come back to Him, to recognize that He did love me and had been there to comfort me had I only turned to Him. But I didn't see it or maybe I just didn't want to believe it then, I wasn't ready. I was growing everyday more depressed and angry as I grew away from Him and I couldn't understand why He wouldn't let me die when I wanted too, I couldn't understand why He stopped it, but had taken my friend when she wanted to live. I couldn't comprehend that it all had purpose, all I saw was my pain and I blamed God.
Why I am talking about all of this? What point am I getting at? If you have been feeling unworthy, like your past is so bad that God can never forgive you I want you to know He can and He will if you're ready to change. If God can forgive my open and direct rebellion He can forgive your sin too, He wants to forgive us, John 3:16 says 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.' Jesus opened the door to your forgiveness and is waiting on you to enter it, don't worry whether you're good enough, He will make you good. Don't be afraid or ashamed because He will cleanse you of who you are and change your heart when it is offered completely and who you were will be forgotten, (1 John 1:9).
Psalm 111:9
He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name!
Isaiah 44:21-22
Remember these things, O Jacob, and Israel, for you are my servant; I formed you; you are my servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by me. I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you.
Luke 13-1-5
1 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”
John 11:25-26
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Monday, December 8, 2014
He's Got Things Planned
After hoping, waiting, and praying I didn't have things turn out the way I wanted yet, but I made a promise to God to praise Him anyway. I understand that it must not yet be time for that, and I should trust the situation to Him knowing and accepting that He knows best. It's so hard to do that some times though, especially when the very selfish and childlike part of myself wants to have a fit and throw a pity party for myself.
One part of my brain wants to be angry and question God, part of me like I said wants to feel bad about not getting my way. But more so than anything I hear what I prayed to the Father about this situation, "Father if it be not your will for this to happen right now than provide for me the comfort I will need, and the strength of character to accept your will." These other parts of myself are there, those sad and selfish feeling are definitely trying to assert themselves, but each time I start to go that way my own words come back to me and I let the emotions pass without indulging in them.
It may not seem like it to some, but I feel that God has answered my prayer. And right now I want to say thank you, because obviously He's got things planned for me. I want to give Him glory because His plans are better than mine. I am taking my disappointment over not getting what I wanted and instead I'm choosing to thank God that He answered my prayer and has provided me with comfort and strength of character. I am choosing to see this as lesson for myself that I can make the right choice in the face of disappointment and as an opportunity to encourage others. God's ways are not our ways; no, they are so much better, and they are right, and righteous. Praise Him always because He is worthy!
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
Isaiah 55:8-9
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
1 John 2:16-17
For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
One part of my brain wants to be angry and question God, part of me like I said wants to feel bad about not getting my way. But more so than anything I hear what I prayed to the Father about this situation, "Father if it be not your will for this to happen right now than provide for me the comfort I will need, and the strength of character to accept your will." These other parts of myself are there, those sad and selfish feeling are definitely trying to assert themselves, but each time I start to go that way my own words come back to me and I let the emotions pass without indulging in them.
It may not seem like it to some, but I feel that God has answered my prayer. And right now I want to say thank you, because obviously He's got things planned for me. I want to give Him glory because His plans are better than mine. I am taking my disappointment over not getting what I wanted and instead I'm choosing to thank God that He answered my prayer and has provided me with comfort and strength of character. I am choosing to see this as lesson for myself that I can make the right choice in the face of disappointment and as an opportunity to encourage others. God's ways are not our ways; no, they are so much better, and they are right, and righteous. Praise Him always because He is worthy!
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
Isaiah 55:8-9
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
1 John 2:16-17
For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Friday, December 5, 2014
Who do you Serve?
When I was first saved and started going to church I was a very active member in the church I belonged to at that time, I volunteered for just about everything I could possibly fit into my busy schedule. But as busy as I was with church business, college, and work I made time for my friends as well because I believed that was important. The problem was, that my friends were not necessarily good for me. We partied quite a bit having weekly poker games, with lots of booze, despite the fact that we were all underage. I justified this behavior to myself by saying that my entire life couldn't be about God and work, I needed time to blow off steam, and have some fun too. I thought I was serving God at that time, and I thought He was okay with my lifestyle because I did lots of works at the church, so my drinking and partying was okay because my works canceled that out. I was so wrong in every way.
I was not serving or pleasing God at that time, I was serving myself and pleasing myself. There is no way to serve God part time, it is all or nothing. In reality I was a total hypocrite at that point and time, I was a liar deceived by my own heart and chasing after the things of the flesh, clinging to a belief that if I did enough good works in His name that I would be forgiven of my transgressions. But that is not what the Bible says, that is not how God told us it works. In Ephesians 2:8-10, we read this: For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Nothing I did in service of that church ever brought me closer to God, nothing I did by my own hands could bring Him glory or praise because I was not serving God. I said my faith was in Jesus, and that I loved Him, but truthfully I was in love with my 'idea' of Jesus, and I served only my flesh appeasing and easing my conscience with myself that I wasn't a bad person because I volunteered at the church. This deception I lived in left me with a very shallow understanding of scripture because I was not seeking the Lord, I was seeking my wants. I wanted to look good at church, and I wanted to party, and I wanted to go to Heaven, so I justified my actions so I could believe it was all okay.
Then the Holy Spirit woke me up and convicted me for my actions. I suddenly saw myself for what I was and I was deeply grieved in my heart over the pain I had caused my Father. I was given a way out of that group of people, and I obeyed when He told me to not look back, I pressed forward without any friends, except the man God used to separate me from them.
So, now I ask you to look in your heart and truly ask yourself; who do you serve? Is your life all God or all about you? Is it all about glorifying God, or your own pleasures? Is it about what you can do for others, or what you can get out of them? Are you chasing after money, or trusting the Lord's provision? Are you seeking God's advice, or man's? Where does your faith really lie, in the God of the Bible or in the god of your heart?
1 Samuel 12:24
Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
1 Peter 4:10-11
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
I was not serving or pleasing God at that time, I was serving myself and pleasing myself. There is no way to serve God part time, it is all or nothing. In reality I was a total hypocrite at that point and time, I was a liar deceived by my own heart and chasing after the things of the flesh, clinging to a belief that if I did enough good works in His name that I would be forgiven of my transgressions. But that is not what the Bible says, that is not how God told us it works. In Ephesians 2:8-10, we read this: For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Nothing I did in service of that church ever brought me closer to God, nothing I did by my own hands could bring Him glory or praise because I was not serving God. I said my faith was in Jesus, and that I loved Him, but truthfully I was in love with my 'idea' of Jesus, and I served only my flesh appeasing and easing my conscience with myself that I wasn't a bad person because I volunteered at the church. This deception I lived in left me with a very shallow understanding of scripture because I was not seeking the Lord, I was seeking my wants. I wanted to look good at church, and I wanted to party, and I wanted to go to Heaven, so I justified my actions so I could believe it was all okay.
Then the Holy Spirit woke me up and convicted me for my actions. I suddenly saw myself for what I was and I was deeply grieved in my heart over the pain I had caused my Father. I was given a way out of that group of people, and I obeyed when He told me to not look back, I pressed forward without any friends, except the man God used to separate me from them.
So, now I ask you to look in your heart and truly ask yourself; who do you serve? Is your life all God or all about you? Is it all about glorifying God, or your own pleasures? Is it about what you can do for others, or what you can get out of them? Are you chasing after money, or trusting the Lord's provision? Are you seeking God's advice, or man's? Where does your faith really lie, in the God of the Bible or in the god of your heart?
1 Samuel 12:24
Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
1 Peter 4:10-11
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Turn Away my Eyes
This morning someone sent me an e-card for that was meant for Christmas, it was one of the joke cards and they thought I'd find it funny, but it wasn't the kind of joke I do find funny. In fact it upset me. The words on card said something about Santa's retiring and his son Nick Jr. would be taking over, if it had had a picture of a cartoon, a child, or an elf something like that I would have laughed, because it's a joke and I would have thought it was harmless. But this particular card had the image of a half naked man on it posed in what was supposed to be a 'sexy' or 'enticing' position, I immediately responded to this message asking the person not to send me such things anymore because I find it repulsive.
I know that to some the word 'repulsive' may seem strong for such a card and you might be wondering if it was because the naked man was unfit, but honestly that's not the case, the man was very muscular and many women probably find him very attractive. My strong word was more about the actual purpose of the card and how God feels about such things. These cards are supposed to be funny yes, but they also stir up lustful thoughts in the minds of those looking at it, and lust as you know is a sin. I realize that there are people who can look at those cards without feeling lust, but it is a partial purpose to those images and that's what is so disgusting to me.
I know many who see no harm in looking at such images, but in Matthew 5:28 we are told how God feels about looking at people in a lustful manner where it reads “But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” To God there is no difference between looking at someone and thinking lustful thoughts and actually doing them. This is why I find cards or images, or movies that are created to stir lust in others so sickening, whether they realize or not they are having a hand in causing others to stumble and sin.
Maybe I'm taking this too far, but I don't think so, I understand what God said in Matthew 5:28, I know from experience why David said in Psalm 101:3 'I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.' Images are powerful, that's why if you watch murder shows every night before bed you start to get frightened, the images stir emotional responses, so to avoid stirring emotions that can cause you to stumble you have to 'set no wicked thing' before your eyes. Is a half naked man really wicked, no, but the emotions it can stir are, and to avoid succumbing to sin it's best to avoid such images. I am sure many will or do disagree with me, and that's fine, honestly it makes no difference to me, because I know in my heart that it pleases my Father that I avoid such things. My soul intent in writing this post today was simply to draw your attention to the fact that what you put into your mind, what images you take in, has consequences and we need to stop and think before blindly following the path of temptation into sin.
Psalm 119:37
Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity, And revive me in Your ways.
Proverbs 4:25-26
1 Peter 1:13-16
13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
I know that to some the word 'repulsive' may seem strong for such a card and you might be wondering if it was because the naked man was unfit, but honestly that's not the case, the man was very muscular and many women probably find him very attractive. My strong word was more about the actual purpose of the card and how God feels about such things. These cards are supposed to be funny yes, but they also stir up lustful thoughts in the minds of those looking at it, and lust as you know is a sin. I realize that there are people who can look at those cards without feeling lust, but it is a partial purpose to those images and that's what is so disgusting to me.
I know many who see no harm in looking at such images, but in Matthew 5:28 we are told how God feels about looking at people in a lustful manner where it reads “But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” To God there is no difference between looking at someone and thinking lustful thoughts and actually doing them. This is why I find cards or images, or movies that are created to stir lust in others so sickening, whether they realize or not they are having a hand in causing others to stumble and sin.
Maybe I'm taking this too far, but I don't think so, I understand what God said in Matthew 5:28, I know from experience why David said in Psalm 101:3 'I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.' Images are powerful, that's why if you watch murder shows every night before bed you start to get frightened, the images stir emotional responses, so to avoid stirring emotions that can cause you to stumble you have to 'set no wicked thing' before your eyes. Is a half naked man really wicked, no, but the emotions it can stir are, and to avoid succumbing to sin it's best to avoid such images. I am sure many will or do disagree with me, and that's fine, honestly it makes no difference to me, because I know in my heart that it pleases my Father that I avoid such things. My soul intent in writing this post today was simply to draw your attention to the fact that what you put into your mind, what images you take in, has consequences and we need to stop and think before blindly following the path of temptation into sin.
Psalm 119:37
Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity, And revive me in Your ways.
Proverbs 4:25-26
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead;
fix your gaze directly before you.
26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet
and be steadfast in all your ways.
Ecclesiastes 6:9
What the eyes see is better than what the soul desires. This too is futility and a striving after wind.
1 Peter 1:13-16
13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Facing Myself
Facing myself and who I was becoming was probably one of the hardest things that I ever did in my early twenties, but when I did that and allowed myself to really examine my choices and where they were leading me I saw for the first time how much I really needed a Savior. It broke my heart to see how far I had fallen and to know that my impressionable baby sister was looking up to me, every time I heard her say 'I want to be like you sissy' my heart sank lower because I did not want her to be that person I so despised, I didn't want her to be me, and to make my bad choices. I wanted her to be a better person, a happier person than I was and I knew if I wanted that for her I had to change who I was because she was watching me, I knew I needed Jesus to help me change.
I made some serious changes in my life after all of that and I started to work hard at becoming a woman I would be honored to have my sister look up to, I started to seek God again at this point because I knew I couldn't change without Him. The first couple of years after all of this I was still pretty lukewarm to be honest, I prayed most days, went to church regularly, and occasionally read my Bible, but I didn't really make Jesus a big part of my life, faith was more of a moral compass for me than a real relationship. At this time my relationship with God was pretty much that I prayed when I needed something and that was about it. Then a storm of tragic and difficult circumstances blew through my world and suddenly I realized I needed more than just going through the motions to keep from falling back into the pit.
I started to pray that I would be closer to Him and that I would know Him personally and feel His presence daily, I knew I wouldn't be able to get through everything without Him, I knew I couldn't go back to the person I was and hated and I knew I couldn't stay on course without Him. What I didn't realize was that to get closer to God and build the kind of relationship I was seeking is that I would have to again face the girl I had been and confess the darkness that was in my heart, the thing I had hiding. I would have to hold out all the pain and all secrets to Him and let Him have them all. I had to break down my defenses and become completely vulnerable and broken before my God, completely exposed to Him.
The amazing thing was, once I came to Him offering everything and holding nothing back I was completely overcome with His presence. Suddenly, I felt peace, comfort, strength, joy and forgiveness all at once. I felt reassured and certain that God was with me, that He would see me through, and build me into the person I needed to be for His purpose. What I have learned from this experience, and what I hope you take away from this is that if you truly want a relationship with God, if you really want to know Jesus, if you really want to feel His presence in fullness, you must be honest with God and yourself. Not because God doesn't already know what's in your heart, but because He is waiting for you to give it to Him in humbleness. He wants you to come to Him offering everything you have and allowing Him to cleanse you of all your impurities.
2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Isaiah 66:2
All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.
Luke 18:9-14
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
I made some serious changes in my life after all of that and I started to work hard at becoming a woman I would be honored to have my sister look up to, I started to seek God again at this point because I knew I couldn't change without Him. The first couple of years after all of this I was still pretty lukewarm to be honest, I prayed most days, went to church regularly, and occasionally read my Bible, but I didn't really make Jesus a big part of my life, faith was more of a moral compass for me than a real relationship. At this time my relationship with God was pretty much that I prayed when I needed something and that was about it. Then a storm of tragic and difficult circumstances blew through my world and suddenly I realized I needed more than just going through the motions to keep from falling back into the pit.
I started to pray that I would be closer to Him and that I would know Him personally and feel His presence daily, I knew I wouldn't be able to get through everything without Him, I knew I couldn't go back to the person I was and hated and I knew I couldn't stay on course without Him. What I didn't realize was that to get closer to God and build the kind of relationship I was seeking is that I would have to again face the girl I had been and confess the darkness that was in my heart, the thing I had hiding. I would have to hold out all the pain and all secrets to Him and let Him have them all. I had to break down my defenses and become completely vulnerable and broken before my God, completely exposed to Him.
The amazing thing was, once I came to Him offering everything and holding nothing back I was completely overcome with His presence. Suddenly, I felt peace, comfort, strength, joy and forgiveness all at once. I felt reassured and certain that God was with me, that He would see me through, and build me into the person I needed to be for His purpose. What I have learned from this experience, and what I hope you take away from this is that if you truly want a relationship with God, if you really want to know Jesus, if you really want to feel His presence in fullness, you must be honest with God and yourself. Not because God doesn't already know what's in your heart, but because He is waiting for you to give it to Him in humbleness. He wants you to come to Him offering everything you have and allowing Him to cleanse you of all your impurities.
2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Isaiah 66:2
All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.
Luke 18:9-14
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Share Your Story
Have you ever experienced something so amazing you knew it must be God? Or has God really turned around your life, made you into someone new? If you're a follower of Jesus Christ I know that you answered yes to one or both of those questions. And now I have another, have you told anyone about it? Have you shared that experience with other people?
Something I have come to realize in my walk with Jesus is that the blessings we receive from the Lord are meant to be shared, we are supposed to go tell people what God has done. God wants us to share our testimonies to glorify Him and bring Him praise, but also by sharing our story with others we can bring hope, encouragement, and plant seeds in the heart of those who do not yet know the Lord. A perfect example of this is found in John 4 after a conversation Jesus has with a Samaritan woman at the well of Jacob, where verses 39-41 read, 'Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers.' This is the power in your testimony, your words can lead others to come to the Messiah.
Sharing your testimony is important to God, He wants you to tell others about Him, so much so that in Mark 5 we see that after Jesus cast out a demon from a man, who once released from its hold, begged Jesus to go with him, Jesus replies to that man with this in verse 19 'Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” ' And this is not the only place where people are instructed to give testimony of the works of the Lord, throughout the Bible you can find verses about that, like Psalm 107:1-2 which reads, 'Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble' If you are the redeemed of the Lord, you need to be saying so!
Bless someone by what you have been blessed with, give freely what has freely been given to you, tell them about the goodness of your Lord! You don't know and may never see the fruits of sharing your testimony, but God does and He has a purpose for it.
1 Chronicles 16:23-26
Psalm 71:15-18
1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
Something I have come to realize in my walk with Jesus is that the blessings we receive from the Lord are meant to be shared, we are supposed to go tell people what God has done. God wants us to share our testimonies to glorify Him and bring Him praise, but also by sharing our story with others we can bring hope, encouragement, and plant seeds in the heart of those who do not yet know the Lord. A perfect example of this is found in John 4 after a conversation Jesus has with a Samaritan woman at the well of Jacob, where verses 39-41 read, 'Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers.' This is the power in your testimony, your words can lead others to come to the Messiah.
Sharing your testimony is important to God, He wants you to tell others about Him, so much so that in Mark 5 we see that after Jesus cast out a demon from a man, who once released from its hold, begged Jesus to go with him, Jesus replies to that man with this in verse 19 'Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” ' And this is not the only place where people are instructed to give testimony of the works of the Lord, throughout the Bible you can find verses about that, like Psalm 107:1-2 which reads, 'Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble' If you are the redeemed of the Lord, you need to be saying so!
Bless someone by what you have been blessed with, give freely what has freely been given to you, tell them about the goodness of your Lord! You don't know and may never see the fruits of sharing your testimony, but God does and He has a purpose for it.
1 Chronicles 16:23-26
23 Sing to the Lord, all the earth;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
24 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
25 For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
26 For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
Psalm 71:15-18
15 My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds,
of your saving acts all day long—
though I know not how to relate them all.
16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord;
I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.
17 Since my youth, God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
18 Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your mighty acts to all who are to come.
Matthew 10:32
So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
Monday, December 1, 2014
Credit Where Credit is Due
I have this sign that sits on a shelf in my kitchen, that reads 'Today is a gift from God, what you do with it is your gift to Him' just about every time I read that sign I ask myself, 'what have you done for God today? Did you praise Him, or give Him the glory, or did you talk to anyone about Him?' Each day that we are alive is a gift, and proof positive that we have purpose, but it's ultimately our choice what we do with it. If you are follower of Jesus Christ you should be deciding everyday to glorify the Father, everyday returning to Him the gift of your life with your obedience to Him. The bible says to do our work as if for the Father and not earthly masters (Colossians 3:23) and that is really what I am getting at here, that everything we do should be for Him, and glorify Him.
I've been feeling like I should write about this for a while now, but I haven't known just what to say until today. What I want to say is it is important that we never lose sight of the fact that anything we are capable of doing or any area that we are gifted in is a gift from God, the glory and the talent are not truly ours. God formed us in our mother's womb (Jeremiah 1:5), He knew what he planned for us and what gifts or talents, and experiences we would need to become the person He meant for us to be.
If my response to a comment you made on the blog post has ever seemed a little awkward it is because I am always surprised, and honestly a little unsure of how to respond. When people tell me they appreciate the post I wrote, or that they related, or it touched their hearts I am always humbled, but I'm also unsure of how I should respond. I have never been good with compliments to begin with, but this is even more difficult for me to respond to because I feel that the credit for my post really belongs to God. His word, and the experiences He has provided me with are usually my inspiration and sometimes the words I write are His and I am just responding to what He is laying on my heart. Either way, I feel like I'm not really the one responsible for touching anyone with what I have written, He is.
Because God is our Creator, and the Creator of everything, He is worthy of our praise in all things big or small. Because He is God, He is deserving of the glory. Because He is just, God deserves our obedience. Because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross we are now able to be righteous and holy in God's eyes so that we can spend eternity with Him, for this alone we should get down on our knees everyday in humble praise because He loves us! Today I will be thinking about how I can give Him the credit more, and turn away praise of myself, I hope you will think about it too.
Luke 14:11
For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
1 Peter 5:5-6
Colossians 3:17
17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
I've been feeling like I should write about this for a while now, but I haven't known just what to say until today. What I want to say is it is important that we never lose sight of the fact that anything we are capable of doing or any area that we are gifted in is a gift from God, the glory and the talent are not truly ours. God formed us in our mother's womb (Jeremiah 1:5), He knew what he planned for us and what gifts or talents, and experiences we would need to become the person He meant for us to be.
If my response to a comment you made on the blog post has ever seemed a little awkward it is because I am always surprised, and honestly a little unsure of how to respond. When people tell me they appreciate the post I wrote, or that they related, or it touched their hearts I am always humbled, but I'm also unsure of how I should respond. I have never been good with compliments to begin with, but this is even more difficult for me to respond to because I feel that the credit for my post really belongs to God. His word, and the experiences He has provided me with are usually my inspiration and sometimes the words I write are His and I am just responding to what He is laying on my heart. Either way, I feel like I'm not really the one responsible for touching anyone with what I have written, He is.
Because God is our Creator, and the Creator of everything, He is worthy of our praise in all things big or small. Because He is God, He is deserving of the glory. Because He is just, God deserves our obedience. Because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross we are now able to be righteous and holy in God's eyes so that we can spend eternity with Him, for this alone we should get down on our knees everyday in humble praise because He loves us! Today I will be thinking about how I can give Him the credit more, and turn away praise of myself, I hope you will think about it too.
Luke 14:11
For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
1 Peter 5:5-6
5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time
Colossians 3:17
17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Real Love Is
I read a post this morning and re-shared it, the nine words on it were so true and touched my heart so deep that I very nearly cried as I read them. It read 'God gives me the love that the world cannot,' as someone who has lived their whole life feeling rejected by their peers and worlds away from the rest of their family I know those words, I could have written them. I never felt secure in love before God's love covered me and I began to finally understand real love. Before that I had doubts and fears and walls to protect myself in all my relationships, including my parents and husband. My experiences and disappointments taught me that nothing and no one was to be trusted and I had to protect myself, protect my heart.
This is a really hard thing for me to admit, but it's true. I doubted and questioned every relationship in my life and because of that I was kept from fully experiencing just how wonderful love could really be. But after I started an intimate, time consuming, thought consuming, heart consuming relationship with Jesus this changed. In the last 2 1/2 years and especially this past year as I worked on this blog and God used it to teach me about Him, and my own shortcomings, I have learned a lot about what love really is, and what it takes to experience love to it's fullest.
I learned first that I had these same walls in my relationship with God, and God broke me down until I accepted that it was all or none. He brought me to a point where I finally confessed everything and begged to be free from it for good. When I was finally fully vulnerable and open to Him I was filled up with a peace and a security that I never known before. I finally felt safe and loved so deeply that I knew nothing could ever shake it, and I knew in that moment that I could never live without it in my life again. I realized suddenly that there truly was no life outside of God, and pleasing Him was much more important than pleasing man. Man had rejected me, man had made me feel worthless and afraid to trust anyone even myself, but God's love covered all of that.
I have learned that real love is honest, and vulnerable, it is giving and forgiving, and has nothing to do with fairness. Real love is jealously protected and more interested in the other's happiness than your own. Real love is sacrifice, just as Jesus self-lessly sacrificed for us. To love there must be vulnerability, there must be trust and honesty, there must be forgiveness without expectations of fairness, and you must be humble, pride has no place in love and will bring only tension and distance. God has taught me all of this, some of it many times over until I understood. God gives me the love that the world cannot, because there is no love outside of God, because God is love, you must know God to understand the fullness of love, otherwise what we experience is only a shadow of what could be.
Psalm 62:8
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah
Jeremiah 31:3
The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
1 John 4:8
Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
1 John 4:16
So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
1 John 4:19
We love because he first loved us.
This is a really hard thing for me to admit, but it's true. I doubted and questioned every relationship in my life and because of that I was kept from fully experiencing just how wonderful love could really be. But after I started an intimate, time consuming, thought consuming, heart consuming relationship with Jesus this changed. In the last 2 1/2 years and especially this past year as I worked on this blog and God used it to teach me about Him, and my own shortcomings, I have learned a lot about what love really is, and what it takes to experience love to it's fullest.
I learned first that I had these same walls in my relationship with God, and God broke me down until I accepted that it was all or none. He brought me to a point where I finally confessed everything and begged to be free from it for good. When I was finally fully vulnerable and open to Him I was filled up with a peace and a security that I never known before. I finally felt safe and loved so deeply that I knew nothing could ever shake it, and I knew in that moment that I could never live without it in my life again. I realized suddenly that there truly was no life outside of God, and pleasing Him was much more important than pleasing man. Man had rejected me, man had made me feel worthless and afraid to trust anyone even myself, but God's love covered all of that.
I have learned that real love is honest, and vulnerable, it is giving and forgiving, and has nothing to do with fairness. Real love is jealously protected and more interested in the other's happiness than your own. Real love is sacrifice, just as Jesus self-lessly sacrificed for us. To love there must be vulnerability, there must be trust and honesty, there must be forgiveness without expectations of fairness, and you must be humble, pride has no place in love and will bring only tension and distance. God has taught me all of this, some of it many times over until I understood. God gives me the love that the world cannot, because there is no love outside of God, because God is love, you must know God to understand the fullness of love, otherwise what we experience is only a shadow of what could be.
Psalm 62:8
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah
Jeremiah 31:3
The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
1 John 4:8
Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
1 John 4:16
So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
1 John 4:19
We love because he first loved us.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Comfort and Refuge
When I'm searching for comfort because my heart is aching or the world has just been too much for me I often find myself reading Psalms. I can always find something that David, Solomon or the other Psalmist wrote so long ago that speaks to what I am experiencing or how I am feeling at that time. One Psalm that I woke up thinking about today was Psalm 61; it's only 8 verses long but it's verses 1-5 that were playing in my head this morning. It describes someone going through a seemingly terrible time and begging to be safe in the presence of the Lord.
While I am thankfully not going through anything major right now, I can relate to how David felt, I have often been down on my knees in times of struggle begging God to feel His presence, to let me know that He was close by holding me through the storm. I love David's words in this Psalm, I love that he refers to God as his refuge and strong tower. And I really love that David doesn't ask to be removed from the struggle, just for the comfort of the Lord.
Some people have this misconception that nothing bad will happen to good Christians, that their life is easy because they are blessed, or that if they become a Christian all of their problems will suddenly stop. But nothing could be farther from the truth. Being a Christian doesn't make life easier, in fact Jesus warns us that we will be hated, and persecuted for following him. Nowhere in the Bible does it say abiding in God's will, will make life easy and trouble free. But what we do have as Christians is the opportunity to do what David did, we have the opportunity to go before the Father and ask for His comfort and protection. That doesn't mean the struggle will end, because God often allows us to struggle and be frustrated so that we can mature in our spirit, but it means we have hope and peace in our hearts during struggles because we know and believe that God uses everything for the good of those who love Him.
Psalm 61:1-5
While I am thankfully not going through anything major right now, I can relate to how David felt, I have often been down on my knees in times of struggle begging God to feel His presence, to let me know that He was close by holding me through the storm. I love David's words in this Psalm, I love that he refers to God as his refuge and strong tower. And I really love that David doesn't ask to be removed from the struggle, just for the comfort of the Lord.
Some people have this misconception that nothing bad will happen to good Christians, that their life is easy because they are blessed, or that if they become a Christian all of their problems will suddenly stop. But nothing could be farther from the truth. Being a Christian doesn't make life easier, in fact Jesus warns us that we will be hated, and persecuted for following him. Nowhere in the Bible does it say abiding in God's will, will make life easy and trouble free. But what we do have as Christians is the opportunity to do what David did, we have the opportunity to go before the Father and ask for His comfort and protection. That doesn't mean the struggle will end, because God often allows us to struggle and be frustrated so that we can mature in our spirit, but it means we have hope and peace in our hearts during struggles because we know and believe that God uses everything for the good of those who love Him.
Psalm 61:1-5
1Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
2From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.
4I long to dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
5For you, God, have heard my vows;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
Romans 8:28
Monday, November 24, 2014
Invitation to Gratitude
This week here in the States it is Thanksgiving, and for me it also marks one year that I have been writing on this blog and started pursuing my dream of being a published writer. I have been really blessed this past year, not only because my blog has done better than I expected, but because my relationship with the Lord has grown so much.
I have seen my character grow and change this past year as I made pursuing God and sharing what I am learning with others a priority in my life. I have seen how you can intend for something to go a certain way but if placed in the hands of God it can become something different, something better and unexpected! I have learned to endure storms by seeking shelter in the presence of the Father, I have learned the power of the name of Jesus in times of fear and I have learned to praise Him in my pain and heartache. I have much to be grateful for this year at Thanksgiving, and everyday.
I want to invite you to be grateful too, I want to invite you to turn to the Father today with a heart that is truly seeking Him and see what He can change in you in a year. Make a commitment to spend time with Him everyday and see where He moves you! If you are willing to surrender in obedience to the Almighty I can promise you that you will not be disappointed, you will be up lifted! God never fails to provide for those who seek Him, God never fails at all.
I ask you today to look into your heart, spend some time in quiet solitude thinking of all that you to be grateful for, and all that you overcome, this was all done by God's grace. Give thanks to the Father in heaven, seek Him diligently, and recognize that He loves you.
Psalm 100:1-5
A Psalm for giving thanks.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
1 Chronicles 29:12-14
Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.
I have seen my character grow and change this past year as I made pursuing God and sharing what I am learning with others a priority in my life. I have seen how you can intend for something to go a certain way but if placed in the hands of God it can become something different, something better and unexpected! I have learned to endure storms by seeking shelter in the presence of the Father, I have learned the power of the name of Jesus in times of fear and I have learned to praise Him in my pain and heartache. I have much to be grateful for this year at Thanksgiving, and everyday.
I want to invite you to be grateful too, I want to invite you to turn to the Father today with a heart that is truly seeking Him and see what He can change in you in a year. Make a commitment to spend time with Him everyday and see where He moves you! If you are willing to surrender in obedience to the Almighty I can promise you that you will not be disappointed, you will be up lifted! God never fails to provide for those who seek Him, God never fails at all.
I ask you today to look into your heart, spend some time in quiet solitude thinking of all that you to be grateful for, and all that you overcome, this was all done by God's grace. Give thanks to the Father in heaven, seek Him diligently, and recognize that He loves you.
Psalm 100:1-5
A Psalm for giving thanks.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
1 Chronicles 29:12-14
Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.
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