I normally don't like these stories, but I liked this one and thought it was post worthy. Enjoy! :)
You always hear the usual stories of pennies on the sidewalk being good luck, gifts from angels, etc. This is the first time I've ever heard this twist on the story. Gives you something to think about ...
Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband's employer's home. My friend, Arlene, was nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than her house. The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so was enjoying herself immensely.
As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband.. He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment.Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts. Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny.He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure. How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?
Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer.. She casually mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value. A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see.. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this? "Look at it," he said. "Read what it says." She read the words: "United States of America ..." He shook his head, "No, not that; read further."
"One cent?"
"No, keep reading."
"In God we Trust?"
"Yes!"
"And ...?"
He explained, "And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him. Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as my response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!"
When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped and picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my mind about things I cannot change. I read the words, "In God We Trust," and had to laugh. Yes, God, I get the message.
It seems that I have been finding an inordinate number of pennies in the last few months, but then, pennies are plentiful! And God is patient ...
Have a lovely, penny-filled day!
Showing posts with label Patience. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Patience. Show all posts
Friday, January 13, 2012
Monday, August 1, 2011
An Inside Out Hero
Haha. Well ... So much for writing more often. Sorry ... Again! I am so far from perfect!! Alright, I think I'm going to hit the highlights of life this summer of 2011. They're not exactly highlights in my life per say, but it's a Jesus highlight. Sometimes the worst times are the best "Jesus" times (if that makes sense).
Inside Out
A lot of you have probably heard the song from the Inside Out (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPrK3FP9Yrs). One time, while I was driving somewhere recently (listening to Christian music) and this line from that song stood out to me: "Your will above all else, my purpose remains. The art of losing myself in bringing You praise." And I guess you could call it an ephiphany, because it just hit me. I understood. Our one purpose in life is to glorify Him, correct? And if God is faithful to the end -- just like He says -- then He will make sure that we glorify Him, even through our faults. All He wants is for us to live and love for Him, through Him! And if we love with Christ's love, that "surpasses knowledge -- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God" (Eph. 3:19). So if God's love surpasses all knowledge, then if we learn to love and live like Jesus, then our lives are automatically wise. As Proverbs 16:9 says, "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps." :) So don't break down or worry about life because we have a King within us (Micah 4:9). If we hope for what we can't see, we just have to wait patiently (Romans 8:25).
Superhero
So I was thinking ... If Christ is our Hero, a Savior to the world, doesn't that make us superhuman to some extent since He lives in us? And if our God is for us, who could ever stop us? He has the power to do abundantly more than we could even imagine (Eph. 3:20). With Him, all things are possible. Speaking of heroes ... One time I heard a story of a girl who flipped 3 1/2 times in her car and walked away perfectly fine. We are just like her. Every single day of our lives, He sustains our every breath. Every day, God gives us another chance. Every day, He forgives You. And every day ............. He SAVES us. We are meant to be here. God hasn't called us home yet -- He hasn't called you home yet. Are you doing what He wants? He is the only thing worth living and dying for!
Oh, and honestly, this isn't even the half of what I've learned this summer! But one thing that stood out to me when I was praying once was, "I'll start doing things for you if you start doing things for Me." It really could not be more clear that I needed to do my part before I asked him all I wanted like a kid on Santa's lap. Obviously, He's done more for me than I could ever ask for. It's about time I start giving back ...
Lord, help me to be a joyful and refreshing person to be around (Romans 15:32). Let me be an Inside Out Superhero as cheesy as that is. As my fellow Jesus follower once said [the bass player of MercyMe], "good writers write about what consumes them." I know I'm not the best writer, but help me to glorify You in all that I do. Your glory goes beyond all fame. The cry of my heart is to bring You praise from the inside out. Lord, my soul cries out, "Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness" (Psalm 115:1). Love You Jesusssss :)
Inside Out
A lot of you have probably heard the song from the Inside Out (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPrK3FP9Yrs). One time, while I was driving somewhere recently (listening to Christian music) and this line from that song stood out to me: "Your will above all else, my purpose remains. The art of losing myself in bringing You praise." And I guess you could call it an ephiphany, because it just hit me. I understood. Our one purpose in life is to glorify Him, correct? And if God is faithful to the end -- just like He says -- then He will make sure that we glorify Him, even through our faults. All He wants is for us to live and love for Him, through Him! And if we love with Christ's love, that "surpasses knowledge -- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God" (Eph. 3:19). So if God's love surpasses all knowledge, then if we learn to love and live like Jesus, then our lives are automatically wise. As Proverbs 16:9 says, "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps." :) So don't break down or worry about life because we have a King within us (Micah 4:9). If we hope for what we can't see, we just have to wait patiently (Romans 8:25).
Superhero
So I was thinking ... If Christ is our Hero, a Savior to the world, doesn't that make us superhuman to some extent since He lives in us? And if our God is for us, who could ever stop us? He has the power to do abundantly more than we could even imagine (Eph. 3:20). With Him, all things are possible. Speaking of heroes ... One time I heard a story of a girl who flipped 3 1/2 times in her car and walked away perfectly fine. We are just like her. Every single day of our lives, He sustains our every breath. Every day, God gives us another chance. Every day, He forgives You. And every day ............. He SAVES us. We are meant to be here. God hasn't called us home yet -- He hasn't called you home yet. Are you doing what He wants? He is the only thing worth living and dying for!
Oh, and honestly, this isn't even the half of what I've learned this summer! But one thing that stood out to me when I was praying once was, "I'll start doing things for you if you start doing things for Me." It really could not be more clear that I needed to do my part before I asked him all I wanted like a kid on Santa's lap. Obviously, He's done more for me than I could ever ask for. It's about time I start giving back ...
Lord, help me to be a joyful and refreshing person to be around (Romans 15:32). Let me be an Inside Out Superhero as cheesy as that is. As my fellow Jesus follower once said [the bass player of MercyMe], "good writers write about what consumes them." I know I'm not the best writer, but help me to glorify You in all that I do. Your glory goes beyond all fame. The cry of my heart is to bring You praise from the inside out. Lord, my soul cries out, "Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness" (Psalm 115:1). Love You Jesusssss :)
Monday, June 6, 2011
He is Greater
Heyyyyy so it's been a while since I've written. Sorry. Again. Haha. I said I was going to write more often because I discovered people actually read this (why didn't you tell me earlier?! ;) so anyway I apologize for not keeping up with this! Anyway, this post is about a God who is greater than everything. Let me repeat that: Greater than EVERYTHING. Have you ever really sat down and let that sink in?
Age
God is greater than your age. Have you ever felt called to do something, but felt as if you were too young to accomplish the task? Well, so have a lot of people in the past, such as Jeremiah. He tells the Lord, "Alas, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, because I am a youth" (Jer. 1:6). How many times have I told Him that and how many times as He responded, "Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ because everywhere I send you, you shall go, and all that I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you” (Jer. 1:7-8). If He calls you to do something, you better do it! And I don't mean on your own time, for only God knows how long our days on earth are anyway. Do what you can while you're here and God will use you to glorify Himself, faults and all. In another instance, maybe it's not your own lack of confidence, but others' lack of confidence for you. 1 Timothy 4:12 says not to let that get to you: "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity" (1 Tim. 4:12). We need to be living, breathing examples of the living, breathing word of God. Make sense? If you are a youth -- or have been a youth -- you'll realize just how difficult it is to be an example of Christ in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. In today's society, you see a lack of all these things. That's why we have to show we are different (in a good way!) in the way we present ourselves (to Christians and non-Christians alike).
Storm
Have you ever told God, "I really don't think I can handle this" or tell Him that He's really given you more than you can handle? Instead of telling God how big your storm is, tell your storm how big God is! He is greater than whatever you're facing currently. Everyone has a storm in their lives. Big and small; minuscule or furious. Today I read Psalm 93:3-5, which for whatever reason made me think it'd be a great basis for a song! Haha. Yeah, I'm cool. Anyway, it says, "The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea. Your testimonies are very sure; holiness adorns Your house, O LORD, forever" (Psalm 93:3-5). God is greater than the noise, the height, and the power of whatever you're facing. If God is for you, what could ever be against you?
Yourself
I think I'm doing this for myself more than anyone else. I take the blame easily -- maybe too easily? -- and sometimes I take it harder than I should. I just have to realize that He is GREATER. In Genesis 1:6, God says He made the "greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night." Have you ever thought about how God is the greater light of us and we are the lesser light? No matter how bad we are, God shines brighter than us or our problems.
God, thank you for being greater than my own heart and knowing everything (1 John 3:20). Help me to become more like you and gain the abundance of peace you have for me, which lasts until the moon is no more (Psalm 72:7). You have done sooo much for me. "I sing with joy because of what you have done" and let it be so for the rest of my life, even if I'm not as consistent as I should be in thanking You (Psalm 92:4). Let me "become complete" with You (2 Cor. 13:11). Much love to you Padre <3 I'm working on it ...
Age
God is greater than your age. Have you ever felt called to do something, but felt as if you were too young to accomplish the task? Well, so have a lot of people in the past, such as Jeremiah. He tells the Lord, "Alas, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, because I am a youth" (Jer. 1:6). How many times have I told Him that and how many times as He responded, "Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ because everywhere I send you, you shall go, and all that I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you” (Jer. 1:7-8). If He calls you to do something, you better do it! And I don't mean on your own time, for only God knows how long our days on earth are anyway. Do what you can while you're here and God will use you to glorify Himself, faults and all. In another instance, maybe it's not your own lack of confidence, but others' lack of confidence for you. 1 Timothy 4:12 says not to let that get to you: "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity" (1 Tim. 4:12). We need to be living, breathing examples of the living, breathing word of God. Make sense? If you are a youth -- or have been a youth -- you'll realize just how difficult it is to be an example of Christ in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. In today's society, you see a lack of all these things. That's why we have to show we are different (in a good way!) in the way we present ourselves (to Christians and non-Christians alike).
Storm
Have you ever told God, "I really don't think I can handle this" or tell Him that He's really given you more than you can handle? Instead of telling God how big your storm is, tell your storm how big God is! He is greater than whatever you're facing currently. Everyone has a storm in their lives. Big and small; minuscule or furious. Today I read Psalm 93:3-5, which for whatever reason made me think it'd be a great basis for a song! Haha. Yeah, I'm cool. Anyway, it says, "The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea. Your testimonies are very sure; holiness adorns Your house, O LORD, forever" (Psalm 93:3-5). God is greater than the noise, the height, and the power of whatever you're facing. If God is for you, what could ever be against you?
Yourself
I think I'm doing this for myself more than anyone else. I take the blame easily -- maybe too easily? -- and sometimes I take it harder than I should. I just have to realize that He is GREATER. In Genesis 1:6, God says He made the "greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night." Have you ever thought about how God is the greater light of us and we are the lesser light? No matter how bad we are, God shines brighter than us or our problems.
God, thank you for being greater than my own heart and knowing everything (1 John 3:20). Help me to become more like you and gain the abundance of peace you have for me, which lasts until the moon is no more (Psalm 72:7). You have done sooo much for me. "I sing with joy because of what you have done" and let it be so for the rest of my life, even if I'm not as consistent as I should be in thanking You (Psalm 92:4). Let me "become complete" with You (2 Cor. 13:11). Much love to you Padre <3 I'm working on it ...
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Stop Worrying; Start Waiting
Ugh ... if you know me at all, you know I absolutely HATE waiting!!!!! Most of time time I can be patient, other times I'm terrible it. I've been praying for patience, and trust me, He's given me way too much practice at it lately. Christ has been showing me -- slowly but surely -- how to wait righteously.
First, know that everything is in His timing. For, as Isaiah 60:22 says, "
Second, know that waiting means something different to God. To us, waiting is when we're ready for things to happen. For God, waiting is when He's ready for things to happen. As Psalm 27:14 says, "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" He says "wait for the Lord" TWICE so people like you and me will actually get the message ;)
Third, waiting righteously means being content with Him. When we're impatient, like I am all the time, then we're demanding like a little kid without candy on Halloween for our treats. But honestly, doesn't God know when we have too many treats? Doesn't He know the best time to give us chocolate? He will comfort and love us; we are not forsaken or desolate, but His delight (Isaiah 62:4). He doesn't want us to gratify our desires (Romans 13:14). Instead, He wants us to put off the darkness of the old self and put on the armor of light: Jesus (Romans 13:12).
I guess what I'm trying to say can be summed up in one verse in chapter 12 of Romans, which says, "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be consistent in prayer" (vs. 12). At least God's blessed with me friends who tell me to quit worrying, because I always need a reminder. I guess I'll conclude with a favorite verse of mine ... "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34). Love Him! He's truly the best. He can take what He wants from me; it means nothing now. He can take everything from me; it means nothing now!
First, know that everything is in His timing. For, as Isaiah 60:22 says, "
Second, know that waiting means something different to God. To us, waiting is when we're ready for things to happen. For God, waiting is when He's ready for things to happen. As Psalm 27:14 says, "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" He says "wait for the Lord" TWICE so people like you and me will actually get the message ;)
Third, waiting righteously means being content with Him. When we're impatient, like I am all the time, then we're demanding like a little kid without candy on Halloween for our treats. But honestly, doesn't God know when we have too many treats? Doesn't He know the best time to give us chocolate? He will comfort and love us; we are not forsaken or desolate, but His delight (Isaiah 62:4). He doesn't want us to gratify our desires (Romans 13:14). Instead, He wants us to put off the darkness of the old self and put on the armor of light: Jesus (Romans 13:12).
I guess what I'm trying to say can be summed up in one verse in chapter 12 of Romans, which says, "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be consistent in prayer" (vs. 12). At least God's blessed with me friends who tell me to quit worrying, because I always need a reminder. I guess I'll conclude with a favorite verse of mine ... "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34). Love Him! He's truly the best. He can take what He wants from me; it means nothing now. He can take everything from me; it means nothing now!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Valentine's Day Musings
Well, it's here. The day you've either been dreading or practically peeing your pants about. For some it's Valentine's day; for others it's Single Awareness Day. I found myself singing songs by Mayer like, "Perfectly Lonely," thrown in with some of James Morrison songs [hey, don't judge my music tastes lest you be judged ;) lol]. But I know it's wrong for me to complain or mope today because there is really no reason for me to do so. With that said, I don't find it easy to be thankful and content this Feb. 14th, though I should. So how am I still so happy on a holiday most people loathe? By not focusing on Cupid, the naked baby with arrows that has magical powers. Like really? Today is a celebration of love. No, not the silly, fluffy stuff -- but something much, much greater. A love literally to die for.
Are you hungry or satisfied?
In Hebrews 13:5, we should be content with this simple fact: God will never leave or forsake you. Wow. Think about that for a second. The One who created us will never disappoint. He will never abandon or quit on us, because that's the kind of guy He is. Do you know of ANY other love like that? I doubt it. If you do, I am positive you will be left hungry for more love or even a different love. Ask yourself: Am I truly complacent? God wants us to fill ourselves with Him! :) What is His love like? His love is better than life (Psalm 63:3)? His compassion, grace, mercy, and love never cease (Psalm 145:8). In fact, His mercies are new every single morning (Lamentations 3:21-24). His anger is slow; His love abounds (Psalm 103:8). Nothing can seperate Christ's love for us (Romans 8:37-39). God is love (1 John 4:16). And guess what? He never, ever fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). Can you even comprehend all this? His love reaches to the heavens; His faithfulness to the skies (Psalm 36:5; 57:10; 108:4). Wow ... Crazy. Lovely. Insane. Wonderful. Love so amazing ... Jesus even calls us friends (John 15:14-15). Honestly, He should hate our very being for the sins we've committed. But that is false. Instead, He loves us so much that God sent His only son, Jesus, to save us from eternal damnation (John 3:16). He laid down His life for us, which is the greatest love that exists (John 15:13). If we love Him, His joy will find and fill us. If His joy fills us, then we're joyful (John 15:10-11). His joy fills us; His right hands presents pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11). God gives us the strength to carry on by dwelling in our hearts, rooting and grounding us in love, giving us a glimpse into His love, making us full with Jesus (Ephesians 3:16-19). We are never hungry with Him.
What do you hope for?
It's easy to place hope in a lot of things, especially relationships in today's society. It's probably possible that you've given up on hope altogether. But don't. The one thing that never lets you down is Jesus, no matter how times we've let Him down. Why should we place our faith in Him? Let's look at what Romans 5:1-5 says: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." Alright, so you've answered those two boldfaced, underlined questions ... now what?
What's our job?
Simple: Imitate God and walk in love (Ephesians 5:1-2). Okay ... it's simple to phrase, difficult to tackle. God perfects His love in us (1 John 4:12), and as Christians, we shouldn't be hiding that light (Luke 11:33). Basically, every day should be Valentine's for Christians because we have a God who loves us unconditionally, all the time. We want it to be "evident to all" by being on guard, standing firm in the faith, being courageous, being strong, and doing "everything in love" (Philippians 4:5; 1 Corinthians 16:14). But one thing above all I think is a wonderful reminder ..............
Waiting
Trust me, I hate waiting with a passion. And, yes, sometimes, I hate waiting for some guy to walk into my life too (yes, if you haven't realized this yet, I'm a huge loser and I'm okay with that haha). But I don't hate waiting most of the time. Why? Because I want God to be the author of my love story. In Song of Solomon 2:7, we're warned, "Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." Are you pressuring a relationship too far? Is it the right time? Does God approve?
Valentine's day is about love. For me, it's not about some bf/gf. It's about God's love, and sharing it with others. Today, I visited my grandma who is in the hospital. No, it's not easy, but oh how I love her! Valentine's day means loving on others and appreciating others. Did you know this day actually honors martyrs for Christ? That's love. I'm not saying we need to die to prove our love -- unless that's your call or something, but most likely not -- but to die to ourselves. I just mean we have to show His love, like loving not just your friends, family, and bf/gf, but your enemies too! That sort of love is lacking in the hurting world today. The world needs to see REAL love and TRUE love. Not the buttered up, fake love. So don't be like me, where I started the day off with complaints and sappy songs. Nobody likes those people! Let's rejoice in His love like every day is Valentine's day :) If you're having trouble with this, listen to Phil Wickham. He does a fabulous job of portraying His love for us with melody and lyrics :) And, of course, read the ultimate love letter: His word [http://beccawoll.blogspot.com/search/label/Letters%20from%20God]. May His love and peace be with you today.
Are you hungry or satisfied?
In Hebrews 13:5, we should be content with this simple fact: God will never leave or forsake you. Wow. Think about that for a second. The One who created us will never disappoint. He will never abandon or quit on us, because that's the kind of guy He is. Do you know of ANY other love like that? I doubt it. If you do, I am positive you will be left hungry for more love or even a different love. Ask yourself: Am I truly complacent? God wants us to fill ourselves with Him! :) What is His love like? His love is better than life (Psalm 63:3)? His compassion, grace, mercy, and love never cease (Psalm 145:8). In fact, His mercies are new every single morning (Lamentations 3:21-24). His anger is slow; His love abounds (Psalm 103:8). Nothing can seperate Christ's love for us (Romans 8:37-39). God is love (1 John 4:16). And guess what? He never, ever fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). Can you even comprehend all this? His love reaches to the heavens; His faithfulness to the skies (Psalm 36:5; 57:10; 108:4). Wow ... Crazy. Lovely. Insane. Wonderful. Love so amazing ... Jesus even calls us friends (John 15:14-15). Honestly, He should hate our very being for the sins we've committed. But that is false. Instead, He loves us so much that God sent His only son, Jesus, to save us from eternal damnation (John 3:16). He laid down His life for us, which is the greatest love that exists (John 15:13). If we love Him, His joy will find and fill us. If His joy fills us, then we're joyful (John 15:10-11). His joy fills us; His right hands presents pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11). God gives us the strength to carry on by dwelling in our hearts, rooting and grounding us in love, giving us a glimpse into His love, making us full with Jesus (Ephesians 3:16-19). We are never hungry with Him.
What do you hope for?
It's easy to place hope in a lot of things, especially relationships in today's society. It's probably possible that you've given up on hope altogether. But don't. The one thing that never lets you down is Jesus, no matter how times we've let Him down. Why should we place our faith in Him? Let's look at what Romans 5:1-5 says: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." Alright, so you've answered those two boldfaced, underlined questions ... now what?
What's our job?
Simple: Imitate God and walk in love (Ephesians 5:1-2). Okay ... it's simple to phrase, difficult to tackle. God perfects His love in us (1 John 4:12), and as Christians, we shouldn't be hiding that light (Luke 11:33). Basically, every day should be Valentine's for Christians because we have a God who loves us unconditionally, all the time. We want it to be "evident to all" by being on guard, standing firm in the faith, being courageous, being strong, and doing "everything in love" (Philippians 4:5; 1 Corinthians 16:14). But one thing above all I think is a wonderful reminder ..............
Waiting
Trust me, I hate waiting with a passion. And, yes, sometimes, I hate waiting for some guy to walk into my life too (yes, if you haven't realized this yet, I'm a huge loser and I'm okay with that haha). But I don't hate waiting most of the time. Why? Because I want God to be the author of my love story. In Song of Solomon 2:7, we're warned, "Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." Are you pressuring a relationship too far? Is it the right time? Does God approve?
Valentine's day is about love. For me, it's not about some bf/gf. It's about God's love, and sharing it with others. Today, I visited my grandma who is in the hospital. No, it's not easy, but oh how I love her! Valentine's day means loving on others and appreciating others. Did you know this day actually honors martyrs for Christ? That's love. I'm not saying we need to die to prove our love -- unless that's your call or something, but most likely not -- but to die to ourselves. I just mean we have to show His love, like loving not just your friends, family, and bf/gf, but your enemies too! That sort of love is lacking in the hurting world today. The world needs to see REAL love and TRUE love. Not the buttered up, fake love. So don't be like me, where I started the day off with complaints and sappy songs. Nobody likes those people! Let's rejoice in His love like every day is Valentine's day :) If you're having trouble with this, listen to Phil Wickham. He does a fabulous job of portraying His love for us with melody and lyrics :) And, of course, read the ultimate love letter: His word [http://beccawoll.blogspot.com/search/label/Letters%20from%20God]. May His love and peace be with you today.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Perseverance and Enemies
Here is something I wrote (and posted on Facebook) June 11th, 2010. Sorry I haven't written the past two days -- life has just been busy! But as I sat, in the safety of my house on this lazy (!) Saturday morning, eating my cinnamon roll and egg, along with a cup of coffee in hand, I realized something: One man died so that millions could live. Christ died for my soul, and MILLIONS of others because we are His friend. Jesus tells us so, in John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." No love is greater than Christ's, who died for us. Who are we that He would be mindful of us? It is a privilege to be remembered -- the best we can do, is to remember Him and His law: to love. For with God's love, I can enter His house; "in reverance I bow down toward your holy temple" (Psalm 5:7). With that said, you can read what I wrote last summer below:
Perseverance and enemies are closely linked.
At first, I was like "wowwww those two go together?!" but when I thought about it, it's really just common knowledge. When our enemies test us and push us to our limits, we have to persevere through what they put us through, right?
To be honest, I'm not really a person with too many of what you might call "enemies" but I've learned a lot about perseverance.
Anyways, I had my little epiphamy on June 4th, 2010 about this ... at least I think that was the date ........ but whatever, it doesn't matter :P here are my thoughts from that evening:
I looked at some verses and I believe You want us always to treat our enemies with kindness and respect, no matter how much we may dislike them.
In Galatians 6:7, it says that "whatever one sows, that will he also reap." Thus, your enemies are sowing or creating in themselves what you despise in them. While it's easy to get frustrated, God calls us not to "grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap ... let us do good to everyone" (Galatians 6:9-10). In other words, if we treat others well, then we should "always [be] abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain" (1 Cor. 15:58).
Another piece of advice we can take comes from the book of Philippians. Paul says that we must forget what lies behind and strain forward for what lies ahead because Jesus is our goal. If we just fight the good fight, finish the face and keep up the faith, then surely no enemy can stand in the way (2 Tim. 4-7).
The first thing we can do regarding an "enemy" is to not regard him as an enemy. Instead, we should "warn him as our brother" (2 Thess. 3:13). Second, we should try to help stir our enemy to love and good works. How? As Hebrew 10:25 says, by "not neglecting to meet together ... but encouraging one another." Lastly (and thirdly), don't get tired!!!! Persevere. For you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. So keep in mind these three goals as you face trials, bumps, and enemies in the road of life:
1) They're not my enemy! (Tell yourself that until you say it in your SLEEP.)
2) Make an effort. (Attempt to reconcile things with someone -- no matter what the circumstance or who the person is. Don't run away from the problem -- meet it head on.)
3) Don't get weary. (Remember, true friends are good for those times :) :) :)
Hope this helped you like this helped me =)
At first, I was like "wowwww those two go together?!" but when I thought about it, it's really just common knowledge. When our enemies test us and push us to our limits, we have to persevere through what they put us through, right?
To be honest, I'm not really a person with too many of what you might call "enemies" but I've learned a lot about perseverance.
Anyways, I had my little epiphamy on June 4th, 2010 about this ... at least I think that was the date ........ but whatever, it doesn't matter :P here are my thoughts from that evening:
I looked at some verses and I believe You want us always to treat our enemies with kindness and respect, no matter how much we may dislike them.
In Galatians 6:7, it says that "whatever one sows, that will he also reap." Thus, your enemies are sowing or creating in themselves what you despise in them. While it's easy to get frustrated, God calls us not to "grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap ... let us do good to everyone" (Galatians 6:9-10). In other words, if we treat others well, then we should "always [be] abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain" (1 Cor. 15:58).
Another piece of advice we can take comes from the book of Philippians. Paul says that we must forget what lies behind and strain forward for what lies ahead because Jesus is our goal. If we just fight the good fight, finish the face and keep up the faith, then surely no enemy can stand in the way (2 Tim. 4-7).
The first thing we can do regarding an "enemy" is to not regard him as an enemy. Instead, we should "warn him as our brother" (2 Thess. 3:13). Second, we should try to help stir our enemy to love and good works. How? As Hebrew 10:25 says, by "not neglecting to meet together ... but encouraging one another." Lastly (and thirdly), don't get tired!!!! Persevere. For you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. So keep in mind these three goals as you face trials, bumps, and enemies in the road of life:
1) They're not my enemy! (Tell yourself that until you say it in your SLEEP.)
2) Make an effort. (Attempt to reconcile things with someone -- no matter what the circumstance or who the person is. Don't run away from the problem -- meet it head on.)
3) Don't get weary. (Remember, true friends are good for those times :) :) :)
Hope this helped you like this helped me =)
----------------------------------------
Truth. I wrote that last summer, and it still stands. God is truth. God is love. God is my best friend. He's the best at everything: The most loving, the most faithful, the most lovely, the most pure, the most powerful, the most .... everything good and perfect. So when I come across enemies, I pray that He gives me the love He has for us; the patience to let Him deal with His child like He has patience with me. In other words, my job is to love. His job is to judge. God, Your "love is better than life," may I love like You in everything to bring You glory (Psalm 63:3). For Your love reaches to the heavens and your faithfulness reaches to the skies! [Psalm 57:10] Now that's a caring God.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
What Path are You on?
What path are you on? The right or the wrong path? I ask myself these questions a lot -- maybe even too often, because sometimes I don't always feel like I have an answer. Sometimes He answers them when He feels like, which is fine, but sometimes frustrating. Again, just shows how impatient I am :/ haha. Today, my "message" -- actually, His message -- is simple, short, and to the point. In Galatians 5:16-24, Paul describes what walking in the Spirit means. Basically, how to follow Him, and not anything else.
"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But f you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."
Everyone, including myself, are guilty of what pleases us. My "deeds of the flesh" aren't pretty, and I'm not proud of them either. But then you have "the fruit of the Spirit" which includes everything I strive to have. So, what path are you on? The path of your desires or the One who can set you free of them? We're called to freedom -- not as an opportunity for ourselves -- but that we may serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13).
P.S. Jesus answered a prayer today. Although, not in the way I expected! But He's good, all the time :)
"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But f you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."
Everyone, including myself, are guilty of what pleases us. My "deeds of the flesh" aren't pretty, and I'm not proud of them either. But then you have "the fruit of the Spirit" which includes everything I strive to have. So, what path are you on? The path of your desires or the One who can set you free of them? We're called to freedom -- not as an opportunity for ourselves -- but that we may serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13).
P.S. Jesus answered a prayer today. Although, not in the way I expected! But He's good, all the time :)
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Patience and Endurance
I hate waiting. I just dislike it on all levels. In other words, I'm really impatient. Don't get me wrong, I can be patient; but for some things, I'm definitely not patient. Today, I was complaining to Him how I hate waiting, but I really want to try and have the best attitude while I wait. Then I read Isaiah 49:8, which says, "In an acceptable time I have heard You, And in the day of salvation I have helped You."
Who am I to say I want an answer in my time? "I am not skilled to understand what God has willed; what God has planned; I only know at His right hand stands One who is my Savior." (Wise words from Aaron Shust :)
He knows better than I could ever know when to answer my questions and requests (even if that's in heaven). Now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation to hear me (2 Corinthians 6:2). The question is: When will He answer? And what can I do in the meantime as I wait for His answer?
Trust Jesus in a pitch dark room as He holds my hand, guiding me. All I can do is follow Him, by obeying his commands: "We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless night, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything." 2 Cor.6:3-10
I pray that I nobody finds fault in Christ by seeing me, so that I may experience "having nothing, yet possessing everything" in my darkest hour. Even though I haven't -- and won't -- sufficiently be able to obey Him all the time, every time, I do know that what I care for most, I'll do the most for. For example, what would I walk 500 miles for? [Yeah, this part I stole from church today ;)] I would walk 500 miles for Jesus. I'm pretty sure of that too. I just pray that I can say that in the most difficult times of my life too.
Who am I to say I want an answer in my time? "I am not skilled to understand what God has willed; what God has planned; I only know at His right hand stands One who is my Savior." (Wise words from Aaron Shust :)
He knows better than I could ever know when to answer my questions and requests (even if that's in heaven). Now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation to hear me (2 Corinthians 6:2). The question is: When will He answer? And what can I do in the meantime as I wait for His answer?
Trust Jesus in a pitch dark room as He holds my hand, guiding me. All I can do is follow Him, by obeying his commands: "We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless night, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything." 2 Cor.6:3-10
I pray that I nobody finds fault in Christ by seeing me, so that I may experience "having nothing, yet possessing everything" in my darkest hour. Even though I haven't -- and won't -- sufficiently be able to obey Him all the time, every time, I do know that what I care for most, I'll do the most for. For example, what would I walk 500 miles for? [Yeah, this part I stole from church today ;)] I would walk 500 miles for Jesus. I'm pretty sure of that too. I just pray that I can say that in the most difficult times of my life too.
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