We Are ONE

"He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?" --Micah 6:8

"Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one." --1 Thess. 4:9-12


"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." --2 Peter 3:9

"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall." --2 Peter 1:5-10

Do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with Him and towards others. Work hard, mind your own business, have knowledge, control, steadfastness, godliness, brother affection, and love. He is not slow to fulfill his promises.

This is hard to do, isn't it? Sometimes we like to keep to ourselves and not rely on anyone. However, God designed us to be able to lean on each other in the good and bad times.

In fact, 1 Cor. 12 explains exactly what I've been thinking lately, specifically verses 11-31 which you can read here: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Cor.%2012&version=ESV. Unfortunately, I think the American church is far off from Paul's message; we've lost heart. The heart of church is failing; if it were working, we'd be loving. If we were loving, we'd be aspiring to help each other out more! But I digress ... 1 Cor. 6:7-8 says it better than me: 

"To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded? But you yourselves wrong and defraud—even your own brothers!"

Yet, we don't even seem to care. We just enjoy living lives in our comfortable little bubble called "our life." We hurt each other, take offense, and leave the body or make bad choices. As 1 Cor. 6:15-17 says, 

"Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, 'The two will become one flesh.' But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him."

The real problem lies in ourselves. Individually, we are selfish by nature. If we weren't, we'd be actively serving with the gifts God has given. Who knows the limits of the church except God, if we actually did something?

"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift ...
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." {emphasis added}

In the above verses (Eph. 4:1-7; 11-16), it specifically states we are one. 
Today, we need to start encouraging, building, loving, working, and trying for the church. We do NOT sit back. We step UP to the plate and the challenges God has brought into our lives and come with open hands to be molded into what He needs.

If becoming one with the body starts with us, it means we need to get rid of the bad in us. More living like Jesus, less selfish living like myself. I believe God created each and every one of us uniquely and for a different purpose. However, He wants us to purge ourselves of the bad and then flourish in the good He's graciously given us. However, with all the good in ourselves (which isn't much, might I add), we can only accomplish so much. Thus, the reason for the body of Christ.

In Matthew 11:28, Jesus promises, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

When we are too tired, WE are to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Ephesians says so. When Jesus says "come to me, " He means to go to Him, as well as rely on the body of Christ.

We wonder why so many people leave their faith, yet at the same time, we know exactly why. So today is the day to make a change and make an eternal impact. Find out your strengths and your weaknesses OR just get involved SOMEWHERE in the church, and you'll quickly find you aren't a superhero and will have many weaknesses. However, you will bring a freshness and audacity with whatever strengths you didn't even realize you had. So start on your knees asking Him what He needs from you. Then, get involved somewhere, have a little faith, jump in with a few seconds of courage, and He'll be ready to set you up.

Time to Thrive, Ladies & Gents

So, obviously I'm not writing everyday. I'm just enjoying some self time at Barnes and Noble and realized for the millionth time that life is so precious.

I'm not sure why, but numerous times throughout my day I've been realizing that the smallest things are meant to be enjoyed and cherished so that it may flourish in our lives. I'm only 20, but as each day passes, I'm finding myself realize just how short and wonderful life truly is, and what a gift it is to be alive! Like the lyrics to "Every Good Thing" by The Afters, the chorus says this:

"You're the reason for every good thing, every heartbeat,
Every day we get to breathe.
You're the reason for anything that lasts, every second chance,
Every laugh. Life is so sweet. You're the reason for every good thing, every good thing ...

It's our family, it's our friends, it's the feeling that I get when I see my children smile.
You're the reason for this life, everything we love, it's YOU alive in us.
You're alive in us ...

You are here in every moment!"

I recently read this article, called, "Thriving In Your Twenties" by a magazine called Darling. Darling is a magazine devoted to edify, inspire, respect yourself and others, and live life fully. It isn't too well known yet and has a lot of character. Anyways, the article can be found here: http://darlingmagazine.org/thriving-in-your-twenties/

I've found in our society, we keep delaying everything. We delay schooling, marriage, jobs ... You name it, and we are found meandering around, directionless, and unfocused. In fact, we're kind of like chickens running around with their heads off, except in slow motion. Basically, chickens are winning. Twenties are such an exciting time. The article goes on to say we need to stop wasting our time. For example, I'm going to burst a major bubble for many of you: There is NO SUCH THING as "the one." Honestly, if there was such a thing, it would be Zack for me because we are two peas and a pod. However, nobody except Jesus is perfect, so how would someone be "perfect" for you? In the garden, the equation isn't 1/2 a person (Adam) + 1/2 a person (Eve) = completion. God's math is 1 person (Adam) + 1 person (Eve) = 1 person. God has His hand over everything and loves being by your side. So basically be the #1 version of yourself and work on being a Godly person and you have the freedom to choose any other Godly guy/gal out there. Twenties are also a lot of HARD work, the article states. You can't except your dream job right away like the tv shows, you have to work your way up there! There are a lot of decisions to be made, but I honestly believe we put it off because we don't want to answer them. Or if we do want those questions answered, we find ourselves unable to find the answer, so we give up. Then we are back to wandering in slow motion like we're stuck in some time continuum without a map ... God did NOT leave us stranded. He gives us a brain and He gives us a map (the Bible). So, why are we so lost?

I read a book recently called, "Just Do Something" by Kevin DeYoung. GREAT read. Not everyone will agree with Kevin, but I found myself nodding yes the entire book. In short, Kevin tells his readers to just DO something with your life! Don't sit around waiting and waiting for a sign to strike you from above. That barely happens in the movies, let's be real! God gives us a brain to be creative and be used in whatever you do. Yes, some people feel led to certain callings and we are called to do hard things. He is also full of grace, mercy, understanding, and knows you better than anyone in the world. Of course He knows your desires, do you think he doesn't know that? He created you ...! In other words, life is SHORT, fleeting, yet full of treasures and adventures. Live in the freedom He has given you by saving you, follow His commands, and lead a Godly life. You can make an impact anywhere, no matter how significant.

Anyways, the time is now for lifting souls. The time is now for letting go ... Let His light and love fill your life. Take a stand, do something, start by putting your hands in Greater Hands. Let heaven's grace set you free, and who knows where life will lead you?

Stop Paralyzing Yourself

Personally, I struggle with finding His direction.

I suddenly pray all the time, pop open the Bible whenever I can, and when I think I've found the answer, my Bible suddenly is less important and my prayer life slowly dwindles.

Sound familiar? You aren't the only one.

I'm guilty of doing this a lot. Maybe this is just me, but I feel like I'm not the only one ... Don't get me wrong, sometimes I'm in His word and soaking it up like a hot day by the poolside. However, more often than not, I find myself with the first scenario. So how do I get out of this cycle?

Well, first things first: Be a real Christian. Not to call myself a fake Christian, but Christians are supposed to live everyday for HIM. Unfortunately, I find myself constantly stressing, focusing on finals next week, making sure I have a plan for my life before it changes within the next 5 minutes, etc. But one thing Christians seem to water down is ...

FAITH. Sure, we read Matthew 17:14-20 and think, "Well why can't I move mountains? That's ridiculous." But the disciples said the same thing! We are supposed to have faith in everything we do. Faith to rid of us of our worries, to move the demons we face daily, to accept He is who He is and will do as He wills!

I love knowing the game plan. So I often hope that I'll just have a revelation and BAM I'll know the plan and I can go on living my life. But faith is required to truly live with Him. A lot of times we complain ... "I don't understand why God can't just write in the sky MAJOR IN THIS and do this and that in your life, and I shall be content with you." First off, Jesus is what makes Him content with us. We have no right to think we're ever going to be in the perfect spot. We always have to squirm or work our way to where He wants us; it's an eternal struggle between who gets the seat: you or God. Second, if he really did reveal to you in a dream, how could you know it was really Him? Thirdly, we paralyze ourselves by not moving and just sitting around waiting for Him to answer. This is a big one ...

DON'T PARALYZE YOURSELF! Seriously, don't do it. You're not sure what God's will is? Have you been reading the scripture regularly and praying? Good, that's a great start. Now get off your lazy butt! As Proverbs 6:9 says, "How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep?"

Now you need to make sure it's not immoral. This requires being in His word so you're continually cleansing your mind of your own thoughts. There is no special technique to approaching this.

For example, if there are tons of dots all over a blank page, we usually attempt to go for one little dot out of the many because we believe God wants us there. However, if we look to Adam and Eve, they did WHATEVER they wanted, so long as they didn't eat from the ONE tree God commanded them not to eat from. Essentially, we have it backwards ... So don't be afraid to make decisions, because that is lacking trust in God. We need to be with Him so often that He truly is your best friend. Your best friend can finish your sentences or read your thoughts before you even voice them. This is the sort of relationship we need with God. We have to be so in tune with Him that we become like Him. Obviously we need to accept advice and consider it, as well as work out the plan. We just have to be ready for a change. In the Bible, nobody prays, gets a revelation, then acts upon it. Instead, they are living within God's commands, making plans, carrying them out and THEN God changes the plan. Don't worry, He has it under control!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6). Proverbs, chapters 16 and 21 is also super applicable ... Just don't forget to test that it's His way, not yours or anyone/anything else (1 John 4)!

Also, don't worry, I'm totally the preacher talking to herself right now. I'm very guilty of always trying to plan my life until I'm 80 years old. Yeah, that's gonna work ... But seriously it will because I've told myself enough that it fits perfectly ;)

Anyways ... Stepping off the pedestal now ... I'm just a college kid trying to figure life out. No amount of education can prepare me for that. However, it's really nice to know you're not alone. Other kids have the same problems and God has it under control ... I just have to remember that.

Hopefully this brought greater understanding to you like it did me when I was first told this. :)

Unanswered prayer: God has something good or better in store.

Read this post today and really liked it: http://livingbyfaithblog.com/2012/07/30/what-about-unanswered-prayer/ That is my post for the day! I found it quite appropriate because I have hit some road blocks and re-directions in my life recently with college ... Decisions, decisions; they are the worst 90% of my life! Haha. Anyways, I like this post because there are always 3 voices: God's, yours, or the devil's. God's voice isn't the easiest to hear, and sometimes -- if He so chooses -- He doesn't say anything. I know that if I'm following His commands that He is happy with me, but shouldn't I do something that pleases Him? Life is so confusing sometimes. Anyways, READ it (you won't regret it!) and I hope you have a wonderful rest of the day!

Also, should I start blogging daily? I'm trying to decide if I should or not. We'll see.

P.S. Nothing related to Jesus, but (1) I talked with cows today and (2) the last Office episode EVER is airing tonight. The end of the Office era is here ... I'm in denial :(

Okay I'm done. Live long and prosper ;)

God is Jealous and Ready to Dim the Lights -- FOR YOU

Hey loves,

It's me. I know, I'm alive still I just don't take the time to write as much as I should! Okay, blogging business: Today I heard a lot of suffering from friends and my friends' friends ... Then there was me complaining about classes. Oh, which, FOR THE RECORD is something I'm blessed with and take for granted and complain about way, way too often. The suffering that others are experiencing, such as this girl who found out she has cancer and her response is that "Cancer Doesn't Scare God" (that is faith for you!). You can read her blog here: http://kaylanicole42.blogspot.com/2013/04/cancer-doesnt-scare-god.html?showComment=1367298721501#c3588273405938604299

Not only that, but I have known a lot in my own life that are suffering. Life is tough and life is rough. A lot of times we are told, "Just think, people out there have it way worse than you!" which is more than likely to be true. But even then, what if you really did have the worst life on earth with everything evil thrown at you? What then? Job from the Bible simply trusted in Him. I think in America we get so caught up in the mundane things that we let life fly past us before we even have a chance to blink. Today, I told myself I would enjoy every moment and make the most of every opportunity. I failed. Haha. I guess I shouldn't laugh because it's not really that funny. I let stupid classes at Las Positas get in the way of a good day! Life is what you let Christ make it! We like to think of ourselves as first. We are number one. We are so high and mighty and have every right to be entitled to everything (cozy home, wealth, laughter, health, friends, etc. you name it) but this is exactly when the "reality check" should go off in your head. Everyone feels they are worthy and deserve "it" -- whatever it may be -- just because they worked hard, prayed hard, lived hard. That's HUMAN. But that isn't realistic, is it? Just because you did all the dishes doesn't mean you get a big thank you and chocolates and a standing ovation, does it? When life is going all wrong, we can't snap our fingers and make it perfect, can we? Oh, that's right, because we aren't GOD. Yeah, our mistake ... We are not number one. We are not high and mighty. We don't deserve it. You think jealousy is a bad trait? Well, Christ has every right to be jealous because He yearns for us to give up our identity and find it in Him. Stop whining and being jealous about something that's not even yours! God deserves all the glory yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

The reality is that struggles make us tougher and His love make us stronger. Let that light shine, ladies and gentlemen. This show isn't for you. Your life isn't for you; it's for God. Life has always been about Him. Let's get over ourselves and our problems that seem so terrible. If God brought you to it, He will bring you through it. By "through it," I'm not even saying you will like the answer. In fact, you could quite possibly hate it. One day, though, we will see His glory and all of it will fade away. The unpaid bills, the oil that needs to be changed in your car, the Starbucks drink that was messed up, being late for work, finding out terrible news ... LEAVE IT at the CROSS. Do it. I dare you to actually leave it behind and give it up to Him. Stop worrying and start thanking.

Anyways, just some thoughts. Sometimes, God dims the light in our lives to make Himself brighter. Not because He needs to, but because we have our sunglasses on all the time that prevent us from seeing the big picture. New post is coming soon hopefully, I have been wanting to write about it lately. Let me know your thoughts and thanks for reading. See ya next time (except not really ;)

His Letter of Recommendation

"You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts" (2 Cor. 3:2-3). 

He wants YOU to be His letter of recommendation!

Typically, when turning in a college application or a job application, they prefer -- or in many cases, require -- a letter of recommendation. As 2 Cor. 3:2-3 says, you and I are continually writing something. Is it something God would want? Would someone look at your letter of recommendation and scoff at it? "Seriously? This girl can't even spell 'totally' but instead has to say 'totes'. Honestly, the word 'totally' is completely unnecessary altogether; it is so unprofessional." If you want a GOOD letter of recommendation, you put in the time and effort to make a good letter; that's just to make your letter acceptable. If you want a GREAT letter, you have to give your time and effort daily. Put yourself aside, leaving all your hate and selfish ambitions aside and say, "Lord, I want YOU to live through me."

When you think about God wanting YOU and ME to be His letter of recommendation, it's a little crazy. The God of the universe who created the stars and the universe wants ME to write a letter of recommendation for HIM?! Yeah, right. I can "totes" do that and not make a complete fool out of both of us ... I think it's just the coolest thing that He wants us to recommend Him to others. Of course I want to recommend Him ... Or do I? If I think He's worth it, I will recommend Him to everyone! However, I don't, and I can't say I even have a legit excuse in the slightest for that except laziness, lack of passion, or "too busy." I can't believe I can actually use those as excuses. I must look so smite-able to God. Haha.

Anyways ............. The reason I bring this up is because of V-day. I have a post in the past about it. Yes, I have a (wonderful) boyfriend now, but I honestly believe it's because I waited and it was worth it! While it's awesome having a significant other, it doesn't mean the world is ending because you don't have someone to smooch on the day filled with flowers and chocolates and sappiness (oh my!). ;) Make your life be one full of love and a letter of recommendation WORTH reading and super exciting!

God is Love

God is more than love; He is our judge, creator, father, etc. His being is rooted in love and forgiveness and sovereignty in carrying that out to its fullest extent. Just read the book of 1 John for more on this, especially chapter 4! In fact, you should just do it now. :)

With this in mind, clearly, He has our best interest at heart. So to say "woe is me" is truly an insult to Him. Besides, why should one feel lonely with God by them? I would challenge you to really examine your relationship with Christ. If you feel lonely, even the best man in the world won't help you fill the "God void." So fill that spot in your heart with the love only God can give and the rest will follow. By that, I mean life goes on. Life is not all flowers and happiness and love and unicorns and the perfect guy/gal. "The rest will follow" = life goes on and it gets much easier to suck it up once you put your heart in the right place. I don't mean to get all preachy -- except, I do -- and I'm talking from experience. So as Nike says, "JUST DO IT."

Fellows & Girlies: Enough with this low self consciousness!
"This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God" (1 Cor. 4:1-5).

Too many people -- girls and guys! -- don't have the confidence they should have. If you have Jesus, confidence should just exude. Not the cocky type of confidence, but the quiet, peaceful, triumphant in Christ type of confidence. So many men have issues when they get older from not being able to express themselves because society teaches them to bottle their emotion up (I'm learning this in sociology class -- yay Las Po edumacation!). Girls, on the other hand, think they are too "ugly" to date and that's why they don't have a date. I attribute these issues to not fully allowing Christ to love through them, but too often Christian girls/guys have these issues as well. The 1 Cor. passage just above this clearly says to let God be the judge -- not other people or even yourself! God brings to light the things now hidden in darkness, such as the future. Our job is to simply be regarded as servants of Christ by, surprisingly, being servants of Christ (shocking, I know). I am NOT discounting that it is wrong to feel self conscious, embarrassed, or secretive to maintain your dignity. Keep your integrity (for Christ's sake -- He did die for you after all). But YOUR dignity? No, get rid of yourself! Who cares if you show emotion, don't have a model body, aren't Arnold Schwarzenegger, etc. Use what you have and don't have for His glory!

For example, I'm 19, almost 20 in March. I didn't have my first "real" boyfriend until I was 18. Call me crazy, but I know I've been blessed because of it. I'm very thankful to have waited. I also avoided a whole lot of heartbreak due to teenage hormones and society's pressure to have a lover. Jesus was, is, and always will be my first and foremost lover. When your significant other's first love is Jesus as well, it really is more God glorifying. You'll both know when the time is right because it'll be in His timing.

You've Got the Powerrrrrrrr!

"For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power" (1 Cor. 4:20). If you believe in  Christ and that He died on a cross for you and rose again, well, you're in luck; you've got the power -- so use it! God will never give you more than you and Him can't take on together. In fact, the phrase "God will never give you more than you can take" often gets thrown around. Usually we apply this in response to troubles and trials in life. However, in light of Valentine's day, I think it allows us to realize He never gives us more than we can take beneficially either. For example, if it makes me too prideful to have a boyfriend and a great family and a roof over my head and a bed and an education (and so on), then why would He ever choose to give me more than I can take? He doesn't want me to become too independent of Him, even if He chooses to give (or not give) such amount of blessings. He will never give us more than we can handle!

In essence, Valentine's day serves as a great reminder to love on others like Christ. (After all, to quote Les Mis, "to love another person is to see the face of God." Yes, I like that movie.) Not only that, but keeping in mind to let God be our confidence and power. We would literally astound ourselves if we just listened to Him and gave even a sliver of our selfish selves to Him. So, single or not, our purpose in life doesn't change. Keep the faith and let the author of love write His love letter to you for all to see and spread that love! Don't be selfish; He wants the world to know His passionate, eternal love. "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart ..." I don't have a love like that. Today, I went to a movie with a friend I said I'd see previously with a different friend. I am painfully human. Life comes down to giving your all to Him in complete surrender. He can do more than we possibly imagine. Being sad about single life is silly; there's so much you can only do while you're single so take advantage of that time. You'll only have it for so long. 

Just my two cents (but it feels more like my 99 cents lol). I talk too much! See my previous v-day post here: http://beccawoll.blogspot.com/2011/02/valentines-day-musings.html [Valentine's Day Musings]
An oldie but a goodie. Not that I'm biased or anything. :p