God is good.
19 Jesus answered. No-one is good- except God alone. Luke 18:19
His will is perfect
2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
God's will is that none would perish but all may have eternal life.
God knows what's best for us and this is why He tells us not to live according to our own sinful nature- it will lead us to death.
For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, Rom 8:13
I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. Rom 7:18
God is Love
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:7-8
So if God is love you can replace His name with the word love in this passage:
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails.1 Cor 13:4-8
If nothing good lives in us, then the good that we do must be from God...because God is good and God is love.
The next thing I'm going to ask God is: If we are all sinful by nature and the good in us is God, then how come there are good/moral people who aren't Christians? What's the point? Anyone have any insight?
Monday, July 14, 2008
Love the Lord your God...
Recently I have been pondering this verse:
30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. Mark 12:30
Since it's the most important thing I am put here on the Earth to do, I thought to myself - I should really know what it means to love God. I've been seeking Him and to know Him and His heart. To walk closely with Him and understand His ways asking Him to guide me. I still wondered what it really means to love God with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Well I read this verse today and it meant so much to me:
3 This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome. 1 John 5:3
AH! There it is! How do I love God? Obey His commands! I already desire to do that! This is such an answer to prayer. And I love how it says "And His commands are not burdensome." The more I walk with Him the less and less they are burdensome and the more and more I take such delight in what He teaches me! They are a delight! God wants us to live in victory and abundance of His joy. He's always looking out for our best interest.
30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. Mark 12:30
Since it's the most important thing I am put here on the Earth to do, I thought to myself - I should really know what it means to love God. I've been seeking Him and to know Him and His heart. To walk closely with Him and understand His ways asking Him to guide me. I still wondered what it really means to love God with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Well I read this verse today and it meant so much to me:
3 This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome. 1 John 5:3
AH! There it is! How do I love God? Obey His commands! I already desire to do that! This is such an answer to prayer. And I love how it says "And His commands are not burdensome." The more I walk with Him the less and less they are burdensome and the more and more I take such delight in what He teaches me! They are a delight! God wants us to live in victory and abundance of His joy. He's always looking out for our best interest.
Sin - Jesus - God
The penalty for sin is death. It's a law. Death basically means life with out God - Hell (hate to bring it up but it's the truth). In other words, because we are sinful creatures we are separated from God because God cannot be around sin - He is the opposite of sin.
2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. Isaiah 59:2
Christ came to save us from death so we may be with God. If you don't believe that Jesus came to die for you or instead of you then you don't get the benefits of eternal life. You have to die because your sin has separated you from God.
God's recently been working on my heart and making me more and more aware of people who don't know Jesus. I would never want anyone to go to Hell. God is showing me that death means eternally separated from God - a place where there is no life, no hope, no God, torment, and fire.
Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6
We have to tell people about Jesus - It's a matter of life and death. I am not sure why there has to be a Hell but I know it is real and I know that souls go there. This is what I hold on to.
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
It's clear that God's will is that none would perish but all may have eternal life.
2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. John 14:2
Jesus is preparing a place for us in Heaven. I'm so thankful that Jesus has saved me.
(Expanding on God's love and goodness in another blog. I can't seem to make these short and to the point!)
2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. Isaiah 59:2
Christ came to save us from death so we may be with God. If you don't believe that Jesus came to die for you or instead of you then you don't get the benefits of eternal life. You have to die because your sin has separated you from God.
God's recently been working on my heart and making me more and more aware of people who don't know Jesus. I would never want anyone to go to Hell. God is showing me that death means eternally separated from God - a place where there is no life, no hope, no God, torment, and fire.
Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6
We have to tell people about Jesus - It's a matter of life and death. I am not sure why there has to be a Hell but I know it is real and I know that souls go there. This is what I hold on to.
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
It's clear that God's will is that none would perish but all may have eternal life.
2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. John 14:2
Jesus is preparing a place for us in Heaven. I'm so thankful that Jesus has saved me.
(Expanding on God's love and goodness in another blog. I can't seem to make these short and to the point!)
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Sharing my Faith
Tonight I did the normal routine of watering my flowers and moving the sprinkler when my neighbor started walking across the street to visit with me. He and his wife moved in about 2 months and I have never gone over to introduce myself (oops). He is 63 and retired from the oil business. With a HUGE wad of tobacco in his mouth we had a long conversation between the spits! He asked me if we had any buyers for our house yet. We proceeded to talk and throughout the conversation I was able to share what God has done in my life. I was excited about my purpose and asked him if he had ever wondered why we were here on earth and how exciting it is to know. I talked briefly about how God has called us to this school and how we are put on earth to glorify God.
He was pointing out the catholic churches and the bad things that they had done I was able to tell him about how much good I see in church but how I can see how looking from the outside in that would look so hypocritical. Those bad things you hear on the news are a very small percentage of people who claim they are Christians and also the truth is we are all sinners and Christians aren't any different from anyone else. He told me his wife was sad she left all of her friends to move here and how they no longer have any friends. I suggested that they find a church because you can find tons of friends there. I warned him to go there with a mindset of being extra merciful and loving instead of with a critical eye because if you look for sin and mistakes you will find them. Also, serving others would help his wife because it actually gives your heart joy and gladness in your heart to know that you have helped someone else. This was all such new information to him! He didn't want to give any of his darn 10% to no rich church that takes advantage of you. I didn't get a chance to say this but I want to suggest to him next time that maybe he should tithe on his own to people who really need it in order to ensure it's getting the most use. He believed in God and he believed me that the Lord has called us to this school and even said, "that's good, that's good, I'm proud of you." But he didn't feel the need to go to church were they can just take advantage of you. I was able to explain that while yes, it isn't about "going to church" that it does please God when we meet together to love one another, share with each other, and strengthen one another in our faith. He agreed with me that it is about your own relationship with God, seeking Him, and not the act of "going to church". There was even more that was shared but these were the main points.
I could tell this man was so controlled by his past and the poor life he lived as a child only reaching an education of the 8th grade which he informed me of at least 6 times and how hard he worked for 29 1/2 years. These were things he was very proud of but also things that made him sad and resentful.
He said he thought I had a good "perspective" on things and he thought I should meet his wife.
I have been praying for courage and boldness to share my faith but when opportunities have arise in the past I haven't seized them and they are gone in an instant. This has encouraged me so much. I am thrilled to the bottom of my toes that God is doing this work in me. On my own strength, I can do nothing. It's Christ in me speaking. The Christ that is in my heart, the Holy Spirit. God gave me such abundance and love for speaking to this man. I am overwhelmed with love and confirmation from God - He has answered my prayers.......again!
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11
He was pointing out the catholic churches and the bad things that they had done I was able to tell him about how much good I see in church but how I can see how looking from the outside in that would look so hypocritical. Those bad things you hear on the news are a very small percentage of people who claim they are Christians and also the truth is we are all sinners and Christians aren't any different from anyone else. He told me his wife was sad she left all of her friends to move here and how they no longer have any friends. I suggested that they find a church because you can find tons of friends there. I warned him to go there with a mindset of being extra merciful and loving instead of with a critical eye because if you look for sin and mistakes you will find them. Also, serving others would help his wife because it actually gives your heart joy and gladness in your heart to know that you have helped someone else. This was all such new information to him! He didn't want to give any of his darn 10% to no rich church that takes advantage of you. I didn't get a chance to say this but I want to suggest to him next time that maybe he should tithe on his own to people who really need it in order to ensure it's getting the most use. He believed in God and he believed me that the Lord has called us to this school and even said, "that's good, that's good, I'm proud of you." But he didn't feel the need to go to church were they can just take advantage of you. I was able to explain that while yes, it isn't about "going to church" that it does please God when we meet together to love one another, share with each other, and strengthen one another in our faith. He agreed with me that it is about your own relationship with God, seeking Him, and not the act of "going to church". There was even more that was shared but these were the main points.
I could tell this man was so controlled by his past and the poor life he lived as a child only reaching an education of the 8th grade which he informed me of at least 6 times and how hard he worked for 29 1/2 years. These were things he was very proud of but also things that made him sad and resentful.
He said he thought I had a good "perspective" on things and he thought I should meet his wife.
I have been praying for courage and boldness to share my faith but when opportunities have arise in the past I haven't seized them and they are gone in an instant. This has encouraged me so much. I am thrilled to the bottom of my toes that God is doing this work in me. On my own strength, I can do nothing. It's Christ in me speaking. The Christ that is in my heart, the Holy Spirit. God gave me such abundance and love for speaking to this man. I am overwhelmed with love and confirmation from God - He has answered my prayers.......again!
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Guard your heart
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Pro 4:23
I read this verse and was unsure of what was it really meant. Guard your heart? I thought we are supposed to love and open ourselves, tear down walls, love our enemies, and bless those who persecute us. So how do we do all of these things and guard our hearts? Our hearts are right out there in the open!
Well, I feel the Lord answered my prayer and revealed to me what He meant. When I say "revealed to me" I usually mean the scriptures came alive to me even though I had read them before - not that the Lord is showing me something that nobody else knows about. He just helps me "get it".
Shortly after pondering this the Lord led me to this verse:
5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:5-7
How do I guard my heart? With the peace of God! How do I get the peace of God? Prayer, petition and thanksgiving! If I am anxious instead of presenting my requests to God I do not have peace and instead I have frustration, bitterness, anxiety, stress, and a worrisome heart. God asks us to guard ourselves against those things. Protect our heart from negative things that keep us from our focus on Him. It goes back to magnifying ("fixing our gaze on"- below) God and not magnifying our problems. Guard our hearts from sin!
Then I went back to the verse again it confirmed what I understood to be true.
23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. 24 Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. 26 Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. 27 Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. Prov. 4:23-27
and another:
A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy, and wrath are like rottenness of the bones Prov. 14:30
He wants us to enjoy abundant life and victory - and the heart is the wellspring of life.
I read this verse and was unsure of what was it really meant. Guard your heart? I thought we are supposed to love and open ourselves, tear down walls, love our enemies, and bless those who persecute us. So how do we do all of these things and guard our hearts? Our hearts are right out there in the open!
Well, I feel the Lord answered my prayer and revealed to me what He meant. When I say "revealed to me" I usually mean the scriptures came alive to me even though I had read them before - not that the Lord is showing me something that nobody else knows about. He just helps me "get it".
Shortly after pondering this the Lord led me to this verse:
5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:5-7
How do I guard my heart? With the peace of God! How do I get the peace of God? Prayer, petition and thanksgiving! If I am anxious instead of presenting my requests to God I do not have peace and instead I have frustration, bitterness, anxiety, stress, and a worrisome heart. God asks us to guard ourselves against those things. Protect our heart from negative things that keep us from our focus on Him. It goes back to magnifying ("fixing our gaze on"- below) God and not magnifying our problems. Guard our hearts from sin!
Then I went back to the verse again it confirmed what I understood to be true.
23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. 24 Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. 26 Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. 27 Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. Prov. 4:23-27
and another:
A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy, and wrath are like rottenness of the bones Prov. 14:30
He wants us to enjoy abundant life and victory - and the heart is the wellspring of life.
The Lord is near.
The Lord is near.
Doesn't that make you want to stop what you are doing?
But do we?
I was reading in Isaiah and after reading several chapters I realized how much the Lord hates to be ignored. Here is one passage out of several:
1 I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, 'Here am I, here am I.'2 All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations- 3 a people who continually provoke me to my very face..." Isaiah 65:1
I thank God that He has so much patience with me and He pours His mercy over me. I would have given up on me a long time ago! But He loves me so much He bought me back with Jesus when my sin separated me from Him.
It also talked a lot about how the Israelites worshiped idols of wood, stone, etc. He consistently made the metaphor that they were his Bride and by doing this it is as if they prostituted themselves over and over every time they worshiped something other than Him. Putting something above our relationship with God is a HUGE offense to Him. If you're brave, I would encourage whoever reads this to read Ezekiel 16. It's a descriptive chapter on how the Israelites were so detestable to the Lord.
God desires a relationship with me and it is my responsibility to be with Him everyday. I can't afford not to and when I do I can tell a big difference in my connection with Him. When I am obedient I feel Him speaking to me and revealing Himself in everything. Let us help one another.
Doesn't that make you want to stop what you are doing?
But do we?
I was reading in Isaiah and after reading several chapters I realized how much the Lord hates to be ignored. Here is one passage out of several:
1 I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, 'Here am I, here am I.'2 All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations- 3 a people who continually provoke me to my very face..." Isaiah 65:1
I thank God that He has so much patience with me and He pours His mercy over me. I would have given up on me a long time ago! But He loves me so much He bought me back with Jesus when my sin separated me from Him.
It also talked a lot about how the Israelites worshiped idols of wood, stone, etc. He consistently made the metaphor that they were his Bride and by doing this it is as if they prostituted themselves over and over every time they worshiped something other than Him. Putting something above our relationship with God is a HUGE offense to Him. If you're brave, I would encourage whoever reads this to read Ezekiel 16. It's a descriptive chapter on how the Israelites were so detestable to the Lord.
God desires a relationship with me and it is my responsibility to be with Him everyday. I can't afford not to and when I do I can tell a big difference in my connection with Him. When I am obedient I feel Him speaking to me and revealing Himself in everything. Let us help one another.
Rejoice
Rejoice!
May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD. Ps 104: 34
So in order for my meditation to be pleasing to God - I first need to meditate on Him and His word! There's an idea!
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:4-7 (also in phil 2: 17-18 and 3:1)
Even when I am spending a lot of time with the Lord I have to ask myself, "am I really rejoicing in the Lord? What does that mean?". So then I looked up the word rejoice.
rejoice -
1. To be glad; take delight
2. to make joyful; gladden: a song to rejoice the heart
I need to meditate more on God's word, dying to myself and living for Him. The scriptures below are what I found to be the attitude I should have.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Jas 1:2-4
It's like an obstacle course - my desire is to not be lacking in anything and that is also God's desire for me.
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, 14 I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus. 15 All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. Phil 3:13-15
We are pressing on toward knowing the Lord better and better. There is also a connection between the word "mature" in both passages.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Gal 6:9
This is such encouragement to me to seek God, to know Him, to be with Him, to pray, and plant the word in my heart. I must overcome the obstacles before me with an attitude of rejoicing and the mindset that I hope to pass the test before me. I must change the way I look at "trials of many kinds" they are mere challenges that refine me into a mature and complete Christian and bring me closer and closer to the Lord. It's like I need to take my self out for a moment and take on a bird's eye view - this world is not my home. Is my minor trial significant when I think of eternal life with Him? so small.
In a nutshell I believe God is showing me to have joyful attitude in everything. I think it's during those times where our stars shine the brightest!
14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe Phil 2:14-15
May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD. Ps 104: 34
So in order for my meditation to be pleasing to God - I first need to meditate on Him and His word! There's an idea!
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:4-7 (also in phil 2: 17-18 and 3:1)
Even when I am spending a lot of time with the Lord I have to ask myself, "am I really rejoicing in the Lord? What does that mean?". So then I looked up the word rejoice.
rejoice -
1. To be glad; take delight
2. to make joyful; gladden: a song to rejoice the heart
I need to meditate more on God's word, dying to myself and living for Him. The scriptures below are what I found to be the attitude I should have.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Jas 1:2-4
It's like an obstacle course - my desire is to not be lacking in anything and that is also God's desire for me.
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, 14 I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus. 15 All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. Phil 3:13-15
We are pressing on toward knowing the Lord better and better. There is also a connection between the word "mature" in both passages.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Gal 6:9
This is such encouragement to me to seek God, to know Him, to be with Him, to pray, and plant the word in my heart. I must overcome the obstacles before me with an attitude of rejoicing and the mindset that I hope to pass the test before me. I must change the way I look at "trials of many kinds" they are mere challenges that refine me into a mature and complete Christian and bring me closer and closer to the Lord. It's like I need to take my self out for a moment and take on a bird's eye view - this world is not my home. Is my minor trial significant when I think of eternal life with Him? so small.
In a nutshell I believe God is showing me to have joyful attitude in everything. I think it's during those times where our stars shine the brightest!
14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe Phil 2:14-15
Friday, June 13, 2008
Too comfortable?...
What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ. Php 3:8
Rubbish... really? That's a strong statement! I want to be there.
I have recently had to ask myself these questions: Am I a friend of the world? Am I too comfortable? Are all of my neighbors too comfortable? Am I acting as if this is my home?
I look around at my neighbors. I came to realize they are doing pretty well! With their nice home, nice lawn and nice cars (also like me). It's like we are the ones supposed to be out helping others but instead we've all nestled quietly in a community together taking care of our own stuff we have acquired. I'm praying that God make me very aware of what is going on around me. That I would would have discernment and I would be able to spot evil creeping in from a mile away - instead of after it's already in! I think He's definitely showing me something here. Not to condemn anyone else or any of my neighbors but that we are not supposed to be like the world. I'm so like the world that I don't think that the non-believers around me can even tell a difference. I realized this when I was working at Newmark, actually, and decided I needed to do something purposeful with my life. Well after 5 months I ran out of savings before I found what that was and had to go back to work. God showed me 6 weeks after working at High Tech that I am supposed to go to this school of worship! And he gave me a job where I can prepare my mind and heart for His ministry! wow!
19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matt 6:19-21
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Co 4:18
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross,... Heb 12:2
half of the world lives on 2 dollars a day - we are filthy filthy filthy rich
Rubbish... really? That's a strong statement! I want to be there.
I have recently had to ask myself these questions: Am I a friend of the world? Am I too comfortable? Are all of my neighbors too comfortable? Am I acting as if this is my home?
I look around at my neighbors. I came to realize they are doing pretty well! With their nice home, nice lawn and nice cars (also like me). It's like we are the ones supposed to be out helping others but instead we've all nestled quietly in a community together taking care of our own stuff we have acquired. I'm praying that God make me very aware of what is going on around me. That I would would have discernment and I would be able to spot evil creeping in from a mile away - instead of after it's already in! I think He's definitely showing me something here. Not to condemn anyone else or any of my neighbors but that we are not supposed to be like the world. I'm so like the world that I don't think that the non-believers around me can even tell a difference. I realized this when I was working at Newmark, actually, and decided I needed to do something purposeful with my life. Well after 5 months I ran out of savings before I found what that was and had to go back to work. God showed me 6 weeks after working at High Tech that I am supposed to go to this school of worship! And he gave me a job where I can prepare my mind and heart for His ministry! wow!
19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matt 6:19-21
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Co 4:18
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross,... Heb 12:2
half of the world lives on 2 dollars a day - we are filthy filthy filthy rich
Let's do something!
I was listening to Francis Chan and he was reading a letter from a 65 year old woman that had read his book "Crazy Love". She was so thankful for the things that she learned and was ready to act. She said she was actually fearful of the retirement phase she was entering that she saw would lead to what she defined as "recliner rot"! ha ha. She said she looked around to everyone she saw her age and they were focused on traveling, well manicured lawns, and some other things I can't remember that were worldly. She was fearful that she would fall into a lifestyle that would keep her from what God has called her to do and miss out on all of the joy that comes from knowing the Lord and being obedient.
I personally do not believe that anyone intentionally thinks that they want to be self centered all of the time. I learned that when we are too busy to be available to what the Holy Spirit is telling us or too zoned out by tv or what not to take the time to be with God we clutter our minds with our own craziness and by default we end up consumed by ourselves. I think that most people want to be generous and think of others but have gotten so busy they are trying to keep their heads above the water! I know this is true in my own life. We have to ACTIVELY seek it out.
Francis Chan went on to ask the question: "Isn't it boring to be self centered?" We get this or we get that but really, does it matter? I can't even remember what I spent my Christmas money on this year. But wouldn't you remember if you were able to give to someone who really needed it? Doesn't that stay with you? It's an eternal gift.
And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. Matt 19:29
Are my actions showing that I really believe this?
It's scientifically proven that when you give your body actually releases a positive chemical to through your body. I've noticed in my own life that I can tell generous people are happier!
The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. Prov 11:18
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Gal 6:7
Of the World
1/3 is starving, 1/3 is hungry, 1/3 is us - we must do something
I personally do not believe that anyone intentionally thinks that they want to be self centered all of the time. I learned that when we are too busy to be available to what the Holy Spirit is telling us or too zoned out by tv or what not to take the time to be with God we clutter our minds with our own craziness and by default we end up consumed by ourselves. I think that most people want to be generous and think of others but have gotten so busy they are trying to keep their heads above the water! I know this is true in my own life. We have to ACTIVELY seek it out.
Francis Chan went on to ask the question: "Isn't it boring to be self centered?" We get this or we get that but really, does it matter? I can't even remember what I spent my Christmas money on this year. But wouldn't you remember if you were able to give to someone who really needed it? Doesn't that stay with you? It's an eternal gift.
And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. Matt 19:29
Are my actions showing that I really believe this?
It's scientifically proven that when you give your body actually releases a positive chemical to through your body. I've noticed in my own life that I can tell generous people are happier!
The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. Prov 11:18
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Gal 6:7
Of the World
1/3 is starving, 1/3 is hungry, 1/3 is us - we must do something
It's time to Simplify!
Am I missing the point? Have I put myself in the position to only care for myself? God's really been bringing this one home for me. Not in a condemning way, necessarily, but in a convicting way. I'm excited when God shows me something!
I'm beginning to realize that I have so much responsibility of my own that I have not allowed myself enough room to help others. I'm excited about this move because it will help me really evaluate what I am doing with my life and how I want to live my life. God must have known what He was doing when He sent us to this school :).
Right now I do not have the funds to hop up and go on a mission trip(s), I don't have much available income for supporting others to help the needy or to help those I know in need, AND we have acquired this nice house, big yard, and cars that we must maintain in order to take care of the blessings God has given us. I spend so much time working on the house or doing house work and working at my full time job I have just enough time to take care of me and spend time with God. Any opportunity that comes my way I would like to do but since I have acquired so many of my own responsibilities I don't have time to help others! And if I try to do both then I quench the Spirit by not spending time with God.
It's time to simplify!
When we are serving the needy we are serving God. Matt 25:31-46
43,000 orphans are born everyday - It's an emergency.
I'm beginning to realize that I have so much responsibility of my own that I have not allowed myself enough room to help others. I'm excited about this move because it will help me really evaluate what I am doing with my life and how I want to live my life. God must have known what He was doing when He sent us to this school :).
Right now I do not have the funds to hop up and go on a mission trip(s), I don't have much available income for supporting others to help the needy or to help those I know in need, AND we have acquired this nice house, big yard, and cars that we must maintain in order to take care of the blessings God has given us. I spend so much time working on the house or doing house work and working at my full time job I have just enough time to take care of me and spend time with God. Any opportunity that comes my way I would like to do but since I have acquired so many of my own responsibilities I don't have time to help others! And if I try to do both then I quench the Spirit by not spending time with God.
It's time to simplify!
When we are serving the needy we are serving God. Matt 25:31-46
43,000 orphans are born everyday - It's an emergency.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
It's our Anniversary today - 8 years!
Last night I was thanking God for all of the blessings He has given me. I was thinking about my husband and what a wonderful gift he is to me sent from God. I prayed that I would honor God with the way I treat the gifts He has given me.
I was suddenly reminded about a little story.
One of my sister's friends gave her this little gift. My sister was very thankful for how sweet her friend was to take the time to give it to her and she cherished this friend's friendship very much. Well....She really didn't have a specific use for the gift and it ended up as her dog's chew toy. Several months later her friend came to visit and saw the chew toy gift on the floor and it had apparently "been through a lot" - ...whoops. I don't think the friend was very offended but I thought of this story in comparison to the gifts that God gives us.
Jeremy is one of my most treasured gifts that God has given me. How embarrassed would I be if I knew that God was offended by the way I treated this wonderful gift He gave me?! I'm daily working towards being a better wife for him, being more loving, and loving him more because he is my best friend. (Don't let me fool you, I have a long way to go!)
I was encouraged by my friend, to pray that I see my husband through the eyes of Christ or how Christ sees him. She said it has made a HUGE difference in how she sees her hubby.
I cannot allow myself to think negatively about Jeremy or anything else.
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Cor 10:5
I'm beginning to understand that God asks us to think on pure thoughts because ....
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he... Prov. 23:7
I was suddenly reminded about a little story.
One of my sister's friends gave her this little gift. My sister was very thankful for how sweet her friend was to take the time to give it to her and she cherished this friend's friendship very much. Well....She really didn't have a specific use for the gift and it ended up as her dog's chew toy. Several months later her friend came to visit and saw the chew toy gift on the floor and it had apparently "been through a lot" - ...whoops. I don't think the friend was very offended but I thought of this story in comparison to the gifts that God gives us.
Jeremy is one of my most treasured gifts that God has given me. How embarrassed would I be if I knew that God was offended by the way I treated this wonderful gift He gave me?! I'm daily working towards being a better wife for him, being more loving, and loving him more because he is my best friend. (Don't let me fool you, I have a long way to go!)
I was encouraged by my friend, to pray that I see my husband through the eyes of Christ or how Christ sees him. She said it has made a HUGE difference in how she sees her hubby.
I cannot allow myself to think negatively about Jeremy or anything else.
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Cor 10:5
I'm beginning to understand that God asks us to think on pure thoughts because ....
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he... Prov. 23:7
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
How Could I Ask For More....
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. Phil 4:8
This song makes me think about such things :)
Thank you, thank you, thank you God.
This song makes me think about such things :)
Thank you, thank you, thank you God.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Let my words be few...
Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Prov. 4:24
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. Peter 4:11
James Ch. 3 Taming the Tongue
Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. Jas 3,6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. Jas 3,8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. Jas 3,9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.
The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. Prov. 15:4
My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long. Ps. 35:28
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. Prov. 10:19
Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. Ec. 5:2
Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 2 Tim 2:16
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Eph. 4:29
The next time I second guess saying something out loud when I probably shouldn't I should stop myself and not risk sinning because then it takes me farther away from God and walking in the spirit. It's not worth the risk! I think it's a hypersensitivity I must develop to spotting evil when it comes creeping in. Especially in this world - shouldn't we be radically different? Fearing the Lord. I should praise Him instead. Not only keeping myself from sinning but also filling my mind and actions with what is good (true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy - Phil 4:8). :)
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. Peter 4:11
James Ch. 3 Taming the Tongue
Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. Jas 3,6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. Jas 3,8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. Jas 3,9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.
The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. Prov. 15:4
My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long. Ps. 35:28
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. Prov. 10:19
Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. Ec. 5:2
Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 2 Tim 2:16
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Eph. 4:29
The next time I second guess saying something out loud when I probably shouldn't I should stop myself and not risk sinning because then it takes me farther away from God and walking in the spirit. It's not worth the risk! I think it's a hypersensitivity I must develop to spotting evil when it comes creeping in. Especially in this world - shouldn't we be radically different? Fearing the Lord. I should praise Him instead. Not only keeping myself from sinning but also filling my mind and actions with what is good (true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy - Phil 4:8). :)
Monday, June 2, 2008
Deep Thoughts
I am working on a new series of shorter blogs! I'm excited! So hopefully the blogs will be more consistent. But to start it off I thought I would keep it short.
Last night I was thinking ...... I think God is right- handed.
The LORD's right hand is lifted high; the LORD's right hand has done mighty things! Psalm 118:16
My right hand spread out the heavens Isaiah 48:13
'The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.' Matt 22:44
I mean it's pretty obvious.....
ha :)
Last night I was thinking ...... I think God is right- handed.
The LORD's right hand is lifted high; the LORD's right hand has done mighty things! Psalm 118:16
My right hand spread out the heavens Isaiah 48:13
'The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.' Matt 22:44
I mean it's pretty obvious.....
ha :)
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Seeking Him
I started a blog and then suddenly realized that I was learning a lot of things that I didn't necessarily want to share! Nothing personal of course! so I decided to not worry about posting anything. Well I realized today that I have several things the Lord is showing me so it's time to share again. I'm so thankful to have something to share about!
Seek Him first
He is molding me, He is refining me.
I had a week or so where I had my first lull in my new found relationship with God. I was doing the same things as before and I didn't know why I was not receiving as much revelation from Him. I asked the Lord for a scripture to read when I was not thinking about this. He gave me Psalm 119. I read the chapter and God revealed to me that I needed to seek Him more. Psalm 119 is a whole chapter of just praising God, and loving God, and yearning for more. I realized that I had done that in the beginning and He overflowed onto me so much that I could not keep up. I began seeking Him earnestly in my prayers and I began seeing God in my life and seeing God reveal things to me. What a powerful lesson He showed me!
Mt 6,33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
My agenda
I felt like the Lord told me to seek to do His will first (not my own agenda) and that I need to be available for change and if I do I will be blessed. Well I have an excel spreadsheet (it's long) of all of the things I have to do to get the house "market ready". The Realtor is coming to look at the house on Sunday among several other things that have to be done this weekend! My sister called me today (Thursday) and said "I think I'm coming to see you!" I was THRILLED because she is one of my favorite people in the whole world! But at the same time I was sad because it would put me behind schedule. Then I remembered what God told me a couple of days ago and I was comforted and knew that everything would work out just fine - What am I thinking! Who cares about my schedule! My SISTER'S COMING!
He is comforting me with His word
This house stuff has made our schedules quite hectic. God comforted me and encouraged me by giving me a scripture. 1 Peter ch 5.
Summery of what I gathered from it: Cast all your cares, Be self controlled and alert, Resist the devil standing firm in faith. I felt like He was telling me that He wants my full attention during this busy time. I'm trying to understand better what it means to draw my strength from Him. After my time with Him I certainly felt better and as if He was right there with me, helping me. Thank you God.
Think on what is pure Do not expose yourself to evil
God is teaching me so much about my thoughts and what I am thinking about. When something doesn't go my way or the way that I think it should go, I need to humble myself and praise His name. I need a lot more practice with this but I know my God is good and He knows better than I do. He is also STRONGLY showing me to keep myself from evil. He has showed me 1 Cor. Ch 5 twice and it's about evil, specifically in the body of believers and how a little yeast can affect the whole batch. -to stay pure.
The importance of words
I was listening to Andrew Womack over the internet for several weeks now on the subject of healing. I am still learning but one of the things Andrew said is how importance your words are. Drawing from this scripture:
Proverbs 21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
He said picture every word that you say being a seed and it's either a seed of death or a seed of life. It really made me think about what I say and if I am bringing life or death with my words. Andrew was saying that how can your words bring healing to someone if you say things you don't mean all of the time or that you don't believe all of the time.
THEN! That night the Lord gave me this specifically this verse:
1 Peter 3:11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?
The whole chapter is on taming the tongue!
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.
I was blown away. I love it when God shows me things. It's not in a condemning way it's in a loving/refining way. He wants me to have abundance and great joy in Him and this is one way to help me get there.
6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.
ATTITUDE!
"It's hard to be powerful and pitiful at the same time" - Joyce Meyer. Well she was speaking right to me when she said this. Attitude is so important. God gave us the ability to have compassion on someone else and a Godly pity for their suffering. I learned that God intended pity to be given to others not ourselves. Self pity is thinking only of ourselves and not others and by doing it we only make ourselves even more miserable. I struggle with this most when I am tired. I am not as strong against fighting it. What have I got to feel sorry for my self for. I'm the most blessed person I know! Humbling myself and allowing God to handle my situation is much less stressful and I'm also being obedient - what a concept! I've learned that I am being prideful when I worry because I am acting as if there is something I can do to fix my problems. It really doesn't work so well!
Still working on and asking the Lord about: Entering the rest of God, Finding my strength and asking for strength from God, balance in the busy!
Seek Him first
He is molding me, He is refining me.
I had a week or so where I had my first lull in my new found relationship with God. I was doing the same things as before and I didn't know why I was not receiving as much revelation from Him. I asked the Lord for a scripture to read when I was not thinking about this. He gave me Psalm 119. I read the chapter and God revealed to me that I needed to seek Him more. Psalm 119 is a whole chapter of just praising God, and loving God, and yearning for more. I realized that I had done that in the beginning and He overflowed onto me so much that I could not keep up. I began seeking Him earnestly in my prayers and I began seeing God in my life and seeing God reveal things to me. What a powerful lesson He showed me!
Mt 6,33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
My agenda
I felt like the Lord told me to seek to do His will first (not my own agenda) and that I need to be available for change and if I do I will be blessed. Well I have an excel spreadsheet (it's long) of all of the things I have to do to get the house "market ready". The Realtor is coming to look at the house on Sunday among several other things that have to be done this weekend! My sister called me today (Thursday) and said "I think I'm coming to see you!" I was THRILLED because she is one of my favorite people in the whole world! But at the same time I was sad because it would put me behind schedule. Then I remembered what God told me a couple of days ago and I was comforted and knew that everything would work out just fine - What am I thinking! Who cares about my schedule! My SISTER'S COMING!
He is comforting me with His word
This house stuff has made our schedules quite hectic. God comforted me and encouraged me by giving me a scripture. 1 Peter ch 5.
Summery of what I gathered from it: Cast all your cares, Be self controlled and alert, Resist the devil standing firm in faith. I felt like He was telling me that He wants my full attention during this busy time. I'm trying to understand better what it means to draw my strength from Him. After my time with Him I certainly felt better and as if He was right there with me, helping me. Thank you God.
Think on what is pure Do not expose yourself to evil
God is teaching me so much about my thoughts and what I am thinking about. When something doesn't go my way or the way that I think it should go, I need to humble myself and praise His name. I need a lot more practice with this but I know my God is good and He knows better than I do. He is also STRONGLY showing me to keep myself from evil. He has showed me 1 Cor. Ch 5 twice and it's about evil, specifically in the body of believers and how a little yeast can affect the whole batch. -to stay pure.
The importance of words
I was listening to Andrew Womack over the internet for several weeks now on the subject of healing. I am still learning but one of the things Andrew said is how importance your words are. Drawing from this scripture:
Proverbs 21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
He said picture every word that you say being a seed and it's either a seed of death or a seed of life. It really made me think about what I say and if I am bringing life or death with my words. Andrew was saying that how can your words bring healing to someone if you say things you don't mean all of the time or that you don't believe all of the time.
THEN! That night the Lord gave me this specifically this verse:
1 Peter 3:11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?
The whole chapter is on taming the tongue!
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.
I was blown away. I love it when God shows me things. It's not in a condemning way it's in a loving/refining way. He wants me to have abundance and great joy in Him and this is one way to help me get there.
6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.
ATTITUDE!
"It's hard to be powerful and pitiful at the same time" - Joyce Meyer. Well she was speaking right to me when she said this. Attitude is so important. God gave us the ability to have compassion on someone else and a Godly pity for their suffering. I learned that God intended pity to be given to others not ourselves. Self pity is thinking only of ourselves and not others and by doing it we only make ourselves even more miserable. I struggle with this most when I am tired. I am not as strong against fighting it. What have I got to feel sorry for my self for. I'm the most blessed person I know! Humbling myself and allowing God to handle my situation is much less stressful and I'm also being obedient - what a concept! I've learned that I am being prideful when I worry because I am acting as if there is something I can do to fix my problems. It really doesn't work so well!
Still working on and asking the Lord about: Entering the rest of God, Finding my strength and asking for strength from God, balance in the busy!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
God's working on me :)
People Hide from God
Gen Ch 3.
I was listening to Randy's sermon on Easter Sunday. I love to hear him preach, he spoke the truth on Sunday and I believe so many of our guests were blessed by it, as was I. At one point he mentioned how sometimes people avoid God. I had never recognized that that is what they are doing and/or that is what I sometimes do. Later that night, I felt led to Gen. ch 3. I read where Eve and then Adam both ate the forbidden fruit by the persuasion of Satan the serpent. God showed me that Adam and Eve hid from the Lord when they realized what they had done. This made me more aware of people who aren't Christians and who shut the door at any sign of spiritual talk. This has encouraged me to reach out more. And when I am avoiding God to run to Him - I have found the abundance and joy in knowing the Lord.
Isn't that cool that God showed me that?
God Knows Better Than We Do
God knew what was best for Adam and Eve. It says:
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom,
Both Adam and Eve logically reasoned that it must be good for them even though God told them it was not. They wanted to know good and evil and be like God. They were very wrong. I think He is telling me that He has much better ideas for me and what I should do than I do and that I must trust him. I can't let reason get in the way of what God calls me to do.
Pr 3,5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding
Don't Worry about it!
...so then I just worry about it! That's not trusting or faith hmm...
I wonder how God feels when I worry about things. When has He not taken care of me. He says do not worry about what you will eat, drink, or wear. He feeds the birds of the air and clothes the flowers of the field - how much more will be provide for me?
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matt. 6:33
I think so many times I forget how very small my mind is and how very big God's is. I think I miss out on a lot of what God is telling me or trying to get me to do because I reason my way out of it or I worry about it. This is a toughy, because I worry about the smallest things. I was just talking to my sister about something very small and she gently in a round about sort of way suggested that God probably doesn't want me to worry about it. I was annoyed with myself that it even crept in there. I am really concentrating on my behavior and my natural tendencies. I read last night:
11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.
Think before you speak.. GEEZE!
I slipped when I began to worry about this small thing when I was speaking just to speak. God asks us to be mindful when we speak. I was speaking before I thought. The funny thing is I have been so careful about the thoughts that come into my head but when I was talking I hadn't thought about it first! Then God revealed to me this verse that He showed me last night. Isn't that cool?
Gen Ch 3.
I was listening to Randy's sermon on Easter Sunday. I love to hear him preach, he spoke the truth on Sunday and I believe so many of our guests were blessed by it, as was I. At one point he mentioned how sometimes people avoid God. I had never recognized that that is what they are doing and/or that is what I sometimes do. Later that night, I felt led to Gen. ch 3. I read where Eve and then Adam both ate the forbidden fruit by the persuasion of Satan the serpent. God showed me that Adam and Eve hid from the Lord when they realized what they had done. This made me more aware of people who aren't Christians and who shut the door at any sign of spiritual talk. This has encouraged me to reach out more. And when I am avoiding God to run to Him - I have found the abundance and joy in knowing the Lord.
Isn't that cool that God showed me that?
God Knows Better Than We Do
God knew what was best for Adam and Eve. It says:
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom,
Both Adam and Eve logically reasoned that it must be good for them even though God told them it was not. They wanted to know good and evil and be like God. They were very wrong. I think He is telling me that He has much better ideas for me and what I should do than I do and that I must trust him. I can't let reason get in the way of what God calls me to do.
Pr 3,5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding
Don't Worry about it!
...so then I just worry about it! That's not trusting or faith hmm...
I wonder how God feels when I worry about things. When has He not taken care of me. He says do not worry about what you will eat, drink, or wear. He feeds the birds of the air and clothes the flowers of the field - how much more will be provide for me?
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matt. 6:33
I think so many times I forget how very small my mind is and how very big God's is. I think I miss out on a lot of what God is telling me or trying to get me to do because I reason my way out of it or I worry about it. This is a toughy, because I worry about the smallest things. I was just talking to my sister about something very small and she gently in a round about sort of way suggested that God probably doesn't want me to worry about it. I was annoyed with myself that it even crept in there. I am really concentrating on my behavior and my natural tendencies. I read last night:
11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.
Think before you speak.. GEEZE!
I slipped when I began to worry about this small thing when I was speaking just to speak. God asks us to be mindful when we speak. I was speaking before I thought. The funny thing is I have been so careful about the thoughts that come into my head but when I was talking I hadn't thought about it first! Then God revealed to me this verse that He showed me last night. Isn't that cool?
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Jesus paid it all
Wow, God is showing me so much.
I felt like God was telling me that He wanted me to focus on Jesus this Friday (yesterday - Good Friday) and really focus on what Jesus did for me on the cross. So that is what I did. All day I spent reading about Jesus, looking up verses about Jesus, and praying about Jesus.
*REWIND*
A couple of weeks ago I felt like God was revealed to me that I was not focusing on Jesus enough. I prayed to God and I was listening to the Holy Spirit but I wasn't being mindful of Christ. God showed me that He is my true source of salvation. Then I felt like He asked me to say Jesus' Name 1000 times. Yes, in case your wondering, it took a long time! But I think He wanted me to get more comfortable saying His name. He wanted to equip me better. Then I felt like He wanted me to confess my sins.
*
By His wounds we are healed.
God is showing me His heart so much lately. He loves me so much. I am still marveling about the last blog I wrote and how He showed me He loves me. I was talking to my sister and realized a more tangible analogy. It's sort of like when Jeremy tell me he loves me. I'm like "oh Honey that's sweet, love you to" the end. OR - He DOES something for me to SHOW me he loves me. It means so much to me that he would do that and I know by what he did that he must love me A LOT! (my husband is amazing by the way). It's like God revealed to me all the ways in which He cares for me, reaches out to me, blesses me, and speaks to me BECAUSE he loves me so much. Well guess what - He also sent His son to die for me. I was reading the passage below and had to dissect it in order to understand what was really being said. It's MEATY!
Peace and Joy 1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! 10 For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
First, He's saying that God wanted us when we were His enemies. Because God is the true source of Justification and Righteousness we were separated from Him by our sins. He loved us so much He sent His one and only Son to die for us. It's one thing to die for a righteous man but sinful men who deserve death? The punishment for sin is death so something had to be sacrificed in order to be reconciled with God. Christ died for all so that we may be reconciled. I see this as if I owed someone a million -billion dollars and there is no way I could ever pay it back. Jesus came and was like "I got it" but at the ultimate price. I was thinking about this and God revealed to me that Christ did not only just die for me - Like someone who saved you from being run over by a car but then they died trying to save you. He died so I wouldn't have to die and no longer fear death because I will have eternal life in heaven - He died so that we may live forever.
Now we are perfect and blame less in the eyes of the Lord. He removes our sins as far as the east is from the west and He remembers them no more - still trying to figure that one out!
How much more will we be saved from God's wrath if we are perfect and blameless before Him? NOT ONLY THAT, THEN He sent His Holy Spirit to us as a gift! We now have freedom in Christ - basically a life made clean where we are no longer bound by our sins or by the punishment we deserve and no longer fear death. Then He blesses me with all of the things I wrote about in my last post. ON TOP OF THAT we get ETERNAL LIFE in heaven! What?? Why did He do that? Wow He must really love me. No wonder He wanted me to remember what Jesus did for me.
God has shown me that He deeply desires communion with me. That He treasures my heart and I am precious and perfect in His eyes. Jesus paid it all.
I have so much more - but God is teaching me to be focused in my thoughts when I share. So much more good stuff to come. I guess I never really went so deep as to understand Jesus this much. I knocked in my prayers and the Lord answered me.
I felt like God was telling me that He wanted me to focus on Jesus this Friday (yesterday - Good Friday) and really focus on what Jesus did for me on the cross. So that is what I did. All day I spent reading about Jesus, looking up verses about Jesus, and praying about Jesus.
*REWIND*
A couple of weeks ago I felt like God was revealed to me that I was not focusing on Jesus enough. I prayed to God and I was listening to the Holy Spirit but I wasn't being mindful of Christ. God showed me that He is my true source of salvation. Then I felt like He asked me to say Jesus' Name 1000 times. Yes, in case your wondering, it took a long time! But I think He wanted me to get more comfortable saying His name. He wanted to equip me better. Then I felt like He wanted me to confess my sins.
*
By His wounds we are healed.
God is showing me His heart so much lately. He loves me so much. I am still marveling about the last blog I wrote and how He showed me He loves me. I was talking to my sister and realized a more tangible analogy. It's sort of like when Jeremy tell me he loves me. I'm like "oh Honey that's sweet, love you to" the end. OR - He DOES something for me to SHOW me he loves me. It means so much to me that he would do that and I know by what he did that he must love me A LOT! (my husband is amazing by the way). It's like God revealed to me all the ways in which He cares for me, reaches out to me, blesses me, and speaks to me BECAUSE he loves me so much. Well guess what - He also sent His son to die for me. I was reading the passage below and had to dissect it in order to understand what was really being said. It's MEATY!
Peace and Joy 1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! 10 For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
First, He's saying that God wanted us when we were His enemies. Because God is the true source of Justification and Righteousness we were separated from Him by our sins. He loved us so much He sent His one and only Son to die for us. It's one thing to die for a righteous man but sinful men who deserve death? The punishment for sin is death so something had to be sacrificed in order to be reconciled with God. Christ died for all so that we may be reconciled. I see this as if I owed someone a million -billion dollars and there is no way I could ever pay it back. Jesus came and was like "I got it" but at the ultimate price. I was thinking about this and God revealed to me that Christ did not only just die for me - Like someone who saved you from being run over by a car but then they died trying to save you. He died so I wouldn't have to die and no longer fear death because I will have eternal life in heaven - He died so that we may live forever.
Now we are perfect and blame less in the eyes of the Lord. He removes our sins as far as the east is from the west and He remembers them no more - still trying to figure that one out!
Psalm 103:11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
Heb 10:16 I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds. 17 Then he adds:Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.
How much more will we be saved from God's wrath if we are perfect and blameless before Him? NOT ONLY THAT, THEN He sent His Holy Spirit to us as a gift! We now have freedom in Christ - basically a life made clean where we are no longer bound by our sins or by the punishment we deserve and no longer fear death. Then He blesses me with all of the things I wrote about in my last post. ON TOP OF THAT we get ETERNAL LIFE in heaven! What?? Why did He do that? Wow He must really love me. No wonder He wanted me to remember what Jesus did for me.
God has shown me that He deeply desires communion with me. That He treasures my heart and I am precious and perfect in His eyes. Jesus paid it all.
I have so much more - but God is teaching me to be focused in my thoughts when I share. So much more good stuff to come. I guess I never really went so deep as to understand Jesus this much. I knocked in my prayers and the Lord answered me.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
I have to start somewhere...
Last night I was praying and reading (not because I have to but because I deeply desire to) and I heard the verse "Be still and know that I am God" I have heard that several times in my silent prayers, listening to God in my prayer closet. This time I decided to actually do it! I just sat there and thought about God. I began thinking about the greatness of God and how big He is and how big the universe is that He made -
1) Then He told me that "My fullness lives in you" wow.
2) Then He showed me all of the ways He reaches out me to speak to me and makes effort to teach me - (He speaks to me, He reveals things through His word, He reaches me through my friend Dee, Kristina, and my husband, etc.
3)Then He showed me how He "puts me" with all of my blessings. He puts me with my close friends, He puts me with my husband, He puts me with my close twin sister, He puts me with my church, He sat me right down in my chair at work at my amazing job (where I can seek Him privately at work with out feeling guilty!) He put me in my home, He even showed me how it gave Him such joy to give me a little canine friend named Molly. It gives Him great joy to bless me and care for me. He adores me. It's one thing to hear other people tell me God loves me but when God tells me it means SO MUCH MORE!
4) He told me "I bought you back with Jesus" Now there's something I can't wrap my brain around! Thank you God! I asked Him to help me understand Jesus better and be closer to Him. He keeps telling me to focus on Jesus. You got it!
5) He showed me that the Holy Spirit in my heart was His gift to me. THE BEST GIFT EVER! THANK YOU! He said "You know Me" (because of the Holy Spirit)
6) He showed me He is with me when I am hurting.
THEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I asked Him what I should read in His word. I heard "Psalm 23"
Now I knew that when I flipped to that passage that I would know the scripture because Psalm 23 sounded familiar to me but I did not know exactly which passage it was. I SHOULD know but the good thing is, it's all the more a surprise when I go to read it I guess!
Psalm 23
1 A psalm of David.
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
ARE YOU SERIOUS??! WOW!
He told me that no matter what I am going through He is always there guiding, protecting, and blessing me. "You are my beloved"
That's exactly what He told me in my prayers and listening! (above)
God guides us like a shepherd leads sheep. The shepherd knows what's best for the sheep. God asks things of us because He cares for us and loves us not to make us miserable or a slave to what is good. When we follow all of His ways is when we find our greatest joy and abundant life in Him! He came to save us not condemn us.
He also comforted me in another way. I have this fear (which He has already comforted me on before) that I'm going to loose my special closeness with Him. "...surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life". He is always in me, all I have to do is be with Him.
I have so much overflowing but I will stop here. There's no way I could say all of the things I want to say and all of the things God has put in me. I have never felt this way and I am so thankful for this Holy Spirit in my heart.
1) Then He told me that "My fullness lives in you" wow.
2) Then He showed me all of the ways He reaches out me to speak to me and makes effort to teach me - (He speaks to me, He reveals things through His word, He reaches me through my friend Dee, Kristina, and my husband, etc.
3)Then He showed me how He "puts me" with all of my blessings. He puts me with my close friends, He puts me with my husband, He puts me with my close twin sister, He puts me with my church, He sat me right down in my chair at work at my amazing job (where I can seek Him privately at work with out feeling guilty!) He put me in my home, He even showed me how it gave Him such joy to give me a little canine friend named Molly. It gives Him great joy to bless me and care for me. He adores me. It's one thing to hear other people tell me God loves me but when God tells me it means SO MUCH MORE!
4) He told me "I bought you back with Jesus" Now there's something I can't wrap my brain around! Thank you God! I asked Him to help me understand Jesus better and be closer to Him. He keeps telling me to focus on Jesus. You got it!
5) He showed me that the Holy Spirit in my heart was His gift to me. THE BEST GIFT EVER! THANK YOU! He said "You know Me" (because of the Holy Spirit)
6) He showed me He is with me when I am hurting.
THEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I asked Him what I should read in His word. I heard "Psalm 23"
Now I knew that when I flipped to that passage that I would know the scripture because Psalm 23 sounded familiar to me but I did not know exactly which passage it was. I SHOULD know but the good thing is, it's all the more a surprise when I go to read it I guess!
Psalm 23
1 A psalm of David.
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
ARE YOU SERIOUS??! WOW!
He told me that no matter what I am going through He is always there guiding, protecting, and blessing me. "You are my beloved"
That's exactly what He told me in my prayers and listening! (above)
God guides us like a shepherd leads sheep. The shepherd knows what's best for the sheep. God asks things of us because He cares for us and loves us not to make us miserable or a slave to what is good. When we follow all of His ways is when we find our greatest joy and abundant life in Him! He came to save us not condemn us.
He also comforted me in another way. I have this fear (which He has already comforted me on before) that I'm going to loose my special closeness with Him. "...surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life". He is always in me, all I have to do is be with Him.
I have so much overflowing but I will stop here. There's no way I could say all of the things I want to say and all of the things God has put in me. I have never felt this way and I am so thankful for this Holy Spirit in my heart.
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