Ahhhhhhh where to start?! I've been learning a lot lately. The more you know, the more ignorant you begin to feel. Sorry for not writing since forever! :/ I have a lot to talk about, so I'm just going to jump in. I have much to write about, I just can't give my 20 page thoughts into one post! Nobody has that time!! Haha.
Well, first off, I saw Gungor in concert March 11th in Rocklin. THEY WERE AWESOME!!!!!! (Not to make you jealous or anything ........... Hahahaha.) Anyway, so Gungor had a speaker talk between their songs, and three things stood out to me.
1) Scars. The fact that Jesus let Himself be scarred to take away ours. Wow, have you ever thought of that?
2) Body. Michael Gungor actually said this part. He was saying how we, as the church, are the body and Christ is the head. We are the bride, He is the groom. So often, we ask, "Where are you, God?" when in reality, we should be asking, "Where are WE?"
3) Reality. This last one I want to spend a little more time on. The woman who gave about 5 minutes worth of encouraging word said that we often think of ourselves as what's real. Whereas God is some ghostly, far off, distant "thing" that somehow works in our lives. But she made us take a new perspective. What if God was reality? What if we are what's distant and ghostly? (Hence Gungor's "Ghosts Upon the Earth" album title.) This concept made me think ... Dictionary.com defines reality a few ways, one including, "something that exists independently of all other things and from which all other things derive." If you believe in God, isn't He the one thing that stands? Isn't He what's lasting? Isn't He what's consistent and never changes? Think Inception. What's real lasts. What isn't real constantly changes. God is EVERlasting.
For King and Country has a song called "Busted Heart." I remember how the lyrics, "desperate for grace" stood out to me once. I thought, "Yes, we're all desperate for grace." Sometimes, when you hear something so often, you sort of become immune to it. Often, we become too content where we are and forget we are in need of grace. But for whatever reason, it really stood out to me: We're ALL desperate for grace. Why do we forget that? Not only that, but we never stop being desperate for grace! Eph. 4:26 calls us to "be angry." Not for the sake of being angry, but that we'd be passionate about what God is passionate for. I need Christ to rescue me from drowning in contentedness and set me on fire so I'd burn and be moved!
We break God's heart all the time. We push Him away. We chase after other things. We get tired of trying with God. We give up. We get lazy. We get too busy to even call on Him for a short bit. Even when we aren't busy, we go sit on a couch and watch TV instead of even letting God hear about our day. Think about the most awful significant other you could ever have: THAT'S YOU. That's me. That's every single person to walk this planet -- except Jesus. We cheat on God ALL the time, yet He CHOOSES us; loves us; pursues us.
You know, I want to stop feeling immune to the things that matter. I want to be a better me for Christ. Break my heart until it moves my hands and feet. I want to be Your hands and feet; I can't do that unless I'm attached to You! I want to think like Christ did while suffering for me and stop living for my selfish passions and start living for God's will (1 Peter 4:1-2). Let me delight in You and let me receive Your desires (Psalm 37:4). Encourage and strengthen me to renounce my worldly passions and show perfect courtesy to everyone, all the time, whether they see or not (Titus 2:11, 3:2-3)! Teach me to hate hating and love loving.
"Broke Your heart a thousand times, but You've never left my side. You have always been here for me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K44DPMA5HnY).
Showing posts with label Thankful. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thankful. Show all posts
Monday, March 19, 2012
Friday, January 6, 2012
A Forever Friend
Well ... I'm back? Haha. Sorry for dropping off the face of the blogging world for a while. I've been busy, but more so lazy when it comes to blogging. So I'm sorry for those who have wondered what happened to me and my life and my blogging and my rhinoceros which I do not own. Anyways, here's a story that I hope causes you to think twice about your life and how you're living it.
Imagine you have a train coming towards you. Normally, that's no big deal, right? Right. Trains come rushing toward you at high speeds all the time. The catch is, you're tied up in ropes on the train track so there's nothing you can do about it. As the train lights shine blindingly into your eyes, it's as if they see right through you and all you've done, and flashes of your life pass you by like an old movie film. In moments, you'll be dead, but you feel like time has suddenly stopped so you can watch your life. Suddenly, the most awful things you've ever said that you'd purposely blocked from your memory come swarming back to haunt you. The happiest moments that you never thought you could relive again seem almost reachable. But your wrong trumps the good, and all the hurtful words, ignorant actions, and evil thoughts stab you with a pain that makes you wish you'd literally been stabbed instead. You wish you'd been more thankful, giving, gracious, loving ... So you squeeze your eyes as tight as you can hoping everything will just go away. And then, you hear the train blare it's horn, and boom. Death was quicker than you thought. Only, nothing feels like it's changed. In fact, the impossible happened: You were saved. A man risks his life and swoops you up out of nowhere. The train zooms by and you can feel the blast of air coming beside the train. You barely made it. You're afraid to open your eyes. Was this real? The fear grips you that you might be in heaven -- or worse, hell -- but you hope it's heaven. Then you hear a deep, reassuring voice, "Are you alright?" and you'd never heard words sweeter than honey come from someone's mouth. In your shock and gratefulness and fear, you mumble words that you don't even understand yourself. So he squeezes your hand lightly, scoops your hurting body up, and carries you to the nearest hospital to fix you up. All the while, holding you tight, never letting go, never slipping, never stumbling, despite the pouring down rain. And then, as you recover, you always have a new, fresh bed of flowers by your bed by this mysterious, life changing and life saving man.
Sounds lovely, doesn't it? The women scream "Ahh, my hero," and the men groan wondering why they paid $10 for a movie like every other chick flick. The women have unrealistic expectations and the guy has to meet these impossible expectations. Nobody wins. But you know what? He exists. Jesus is His name and people call him Emmanuel. He's the one guy who walked this planet who DID do exactly what everyone wants: A Savior. If someone saved our life, like in the story above, you could never thank him enough. You'd do anything you could to help him out to return the greatest favor of saving your life. Well, if Jesus is that guy, why don't we give him credit where it's due? Or better yet, how can we go a single day without recognizing, "Wow, I'm alive because of Christ." How do we go a week without remembering He saved my life! And your life. He does this heroic act by saving our lives again and again by dying on the cross for us. And ever sin is like a nail pierced to His heart. Troops die for us everyday, and we give them our reverence. Shouldn't we do the same for Christ? We persecute Jesus in our actions, our words, and even our very thoughts every hour because we're sinners. Yet, He never leaves. He is a forever, faithful friend.
Find Him more important than the things you find important. And most importantly, how can we just stand and watch loved ones get hit by a train? Food for thought ... (I'm guilty of it too.)
Imagine you have a train coming towards you. Normally, that's no big deal, right? Right. Trains come rushing toward you at high speeds all the time. The catch is, you're tied up in ropes on the train track so there's nothing you can do about it. As the train lights shine blindingly into your eyes, it's as if they see right through you and all you've done, and flashes of your life pass you by like an old movie film. In moments, you'll be dead, but you feel like time has suddenly stopped so you can watch your life. Suddenly, the most awful things you've ever said that you'd purposely blocked from your memory come swarming back to haunt you. The happiest moments that you never thought you could relive again seem almost reachable. But your wrong trumps the good, and all the hurtful words, ignorant actions, and evil thoughts stab you with a pain that makes you wish you'd literally been stabbed instead. You wish you'd been more thankful, giving, gracious, loving ... So you squeeze your eyes as tight as you can hoping everything will just go away. And then, you hear the train blare it's horn, and boom. Death was quicker than you thought. Only, nothing feels like it's changed. In fact, the impossible happened: You were saved. A man risks his life and swoops you up out of nowhere. The train zooms by and you can feel the blast of air coming beside the train. You barely made it. You're afraid to open your eyes. Was this real? The fear grips you that you might be in heaven -- or worse, hell -- but you hope it's heaven. Then you hear a deep, reassuring voice, "Are you alright?" and you'd never heard words sweeter than honey come from someone's mouth. In your shock and gratefulness and fear, you mumble words that you don't even understand yourself. So he squeezes your hand lightly, scoops your hurting body up, and carries you to the nearest hospital to fix you up. All the while, holding you tight, never letting go, never slipping, never stumbling, despite the pouring down rain. And then, as you recover, you always have a new, fresh bed of flowers by your bed by this mysterious, life changing and life saving man.
Sounds lovely, doesn't it? The women scream "Ahh, my hero," and the men groan wondering why they paid $10 for a movie like every other chick flick. The women have unrealistic expectations and the guy has to meet these impossible expectations. Nobody wins. But you know what? He exists. Jesus is His name and people call him Emmanuel. He's the one guy who walked this planet who DID do exactly what everyone wants: A Savior. If someone saved our life, like in the story above, you could never thank him enough. You'd do anything you could to help him out to return the greatest favor of saving your life. Well, if Jesus is that guy, why don't we give him credit where it's due? Or better yet, how can we go a single day without recognizing, "Wow, I'm alive because of Christ." How do we go a week without remembering He saved my life! And your life. He does this heroic act by saving our lives again and again by dying on the cross for us. And ever sin is like a nail pierced to His heart. Troops die for us everyday, and we give them our reverence. Shouldn't we do the same for Christ? We persecute Jesus in our actions, our words, and even our very thoughts every hour because we're sinners. Yet, He never leaves. He is a forever, faithful friend.
Find Him more important than the things you find important. And most importantly, how can we just stand and watch loved ones get hit by a train? Food for thought ... (I'm guilty of it too.)
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 ...
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
A City Not Forsaken (Isaiah 62:12)
Hey everyone! I am really sorry for not writing lately; it's been over a month! Life has just been crazy. I'll try to get back into writing more often. For those of you that said you missed it, thank you! I wasn't even aware some of you were reading it :) To be honest, I started writing this blog because 1) I wanted to and fnally got around to it. 2) Because I felt led to start a blog. Now I realize that my writing was some of your weekly dose of Jesus outside of Sunday. So I apologize for dropping the ball ............ totally not living up to my purpose. But hey, I tend to do a pretty crappy job of living up to my purpose in general :) anyway ... BLOG POST. So I just recently came across this the other day. It's Isaiah 60:18-20 ...
"Violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation or destruction within your borders; you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise. No longer will you need the sun to shine by day, nor the moon to give its light by night; but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun will never set, nor your moon withdraw itself; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended."
Ah, I love that. It's really just a beautiful and true description. Yet, I'm not going to lie. This past month has been all over the place; a lot of highs and a lot of lows. While I'm not saying it's wrong to feel sad or happy, I also realize that life's circumstances are some of the last things that should effect me. I mean, 1 Cor 13:11 says I am to "rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you." What more could I ask for?
Let me break this down: I have JESUS inside of me. He died because He loves me. He thinks it's the best thing that happened to Him! He loves me enough to rejoice in my joy and mourn with my sadness. He's there all the time and sometimes ... I ignore Him. I pretend like He's not even there. That's what I have to give back. There are days where I go my entire day without even a quick thank you to my Saviour. If your best friend is with you, do you completely ignore them? No. Does that make me a sinner? Yeah, I most definitely am for a lot of reasons. That's just one of them.
What I love about Jesus is His never ending love and grace for me. I am nothing without Him, though for some reason, I like to think I am worth something WITHOUT Him in the picture. But then, that day comes, where everything goes awry. I reach rock bottom and realize I truly am nothing and I need the One who is EVERYTHING. And what does He whisper while I lay in bed wishing to change things? "Daughter, my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Thus, boast gladly in your weakness that My power may rest upon you. Be content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when you are weak, then you are strong" (2 Cor. 12:9-10). Why He chose to save me I'll never quite fathom.
He my "hero" and my King who stooped down to rescue me -- a little slave in the millions of faces. He spotted me in the midst of the crowd, looked at me straight in the eye and said, "I want you." He adopted me into His family and made me His own. He tells me everyday that He loves me with the beauty of His creation and little blessings in the day. He cleaned me and made me new. He even calls me His heir. What King does that? What person in their right mind would do that? Who is this God ... He even devotes His time and life to me. As Galatians 4:1-7 says, "I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as songs. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!' So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God." My Jesus saved me from the "prince of the power of the air" and made me the princess of all that was and is good in this life (Eph. 2:2). In the richness of His mercy, grace, and love, He made me alive in Him and He placed me right next to Him (Eph. 2:1-10). Gah ... idk how to express my gratitude. No amount of feelings could really return all He has done for me. And you. And your ancestors and your children and your children's children. He loves so well.
So ... yeah, life's not perfect. I have to get over that just like everybody else on this planet. At least I know I'm just making a stop for gas before I get home, throw my arms around my Daddy's neck, and tell Him that I've missed him. Isaiah 64:8 sums up what I'm trying to say well I think:
"[N]o eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him. You meet him who joyfully works righteousness, those who remember you in your ways. Behold, you were angry, and we sinned; in our sins we have been a long time, and shall we be saved? We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. There is no one who calls upon your name, who rouses himself to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have made us melt in the hand of our iniquities. But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand."
Mold me into the person I'm meant to be. Help me forget my desires and make Your desires my desires. Keep my focus on You that everything else can fall into place, even if it's not in the place I want them to be. I love you and I can't wait to spend eternity in the heavenly realm where I am not forsaken, but loved. Who are we as Christians? "Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken" (Isaiah 62:12). Don't let me forget ...
"Violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation or destruction within your borders; you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise. No longer will you need the sun to shine by day, nor the moon to give its light by night; but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun will never set, nor your moon withdraw itself; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended."
Ah, I love that. It's really just a beautiful and true description. Yet, I'm not going to lie. This past month has been all over the place; a lot of highs and a lot of lows. While I'm not saying it's wrong to feel sad or happy, I also realize that life's circumstances are some of the last things that should effect me. I mean, 1 Cor 13:11 says I am to "rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you." What more could I ask for?
Let me break this down: I have JESUS inside of me. He died because He loves me. He thinks it's the best thing that happened to Him! He loves me enough to rejoice in my joy and mourn with my sadness. He's there all the time and sometimes ... I ignore Him. I pretend like He's not even there. That's what I have to give back. There are days where I go my entire day without even a quick thank you to my Saviour. If your best friend is with you, do you completely ignore them? No. Does that make me a sinner? Yeah, I most definitely am for a lot of reasons. That's just one of them.
What I love about Jesus is His never ending love and grace for me. I am nothing without Him, though for some reason, I like to think I am worth something WITHOUT Him in the picture. But then, that day comes, where everything goes awry. I reach rock bottom and realize I truly am nothing and I need the One who is EVERYTHING. And what does He whisper while I lay in bed wishing to change things? "Daughter, my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Thus, boast gladly in your weakness that My power may rest upon you. Be content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when you are weak, then you are strong" (2 Cor. 12:9-10). Why He chose to save me I'll never quite fathom.
He my "hero" and my King who stooped down to rescue me -- a little slave in the millions of faces. He spotted me in the midst of the crowd, looked at me straight in the eye and said, "I want you." He adopted me into His family and made me His own. He tells me everyday that He loves me with the beauty of His creation and little blessings in the day. He cleaned me and made me new. He even calls me His heir. What King does that? What person in their right mind would do that? Who is this God ... He even devotes His time and life to me. As Galatians 4:1-7 says, "I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as songs. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!' So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God." My Jesus saved me from the "prince of the power of the air" and made me the princess of all that was and is good in this life (Eph. 2:2). In the richness of His mercy, grace, and love, He made me alive in Him and He placed me right next to Him (Eph. 2:1-10). Gah ... idk how to express my gratitude. No amount of feelings could really return all He has done for me. And you. And your ancestors and your children and your children's children. He loves so well.
So ... yeah, life's not perfect. I have to get over that just like everybody else on this planet. At least I know I'm just making a stop for gas before I get home, throw my arms around my Daddy's neck, and tell Him that I've missed him. Isaiah 64:8 sums up what I'm trying to say well I think:
"[N]o eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him. You meet him who joyfully works righteousness, those who remember you in your ways. Behold, you were angry, and we sinned; in our sins we have been a long time, and shall we be saved? We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. There is no one who calls upon your name, who rouses himself to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have made us melt in the hand of our iniquities. But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand."
Mold me into the person I'm meant to be. Help me forget my desires and make Your desires my desires. Keep my focus on You that everything else can fall into place, even if it's not in the place I want them to be. I love you and I can't wait to spend eternity in the heavenly realm where I am not forsaken, but loved. Who are we as Christians? "Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken" (Isaiah 62:12). Don't let me forget ...
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.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Pure Bliss
"Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise." James 12:13
Indeed, thanks for asking, I am quite happy today! I had a good day; one of those days where you are just happy all day long and think Jesus is too amazing to be real! I got to talk to my best friend tonight, and she is such a blessing in my life. I don't know what I'd do without her. I thank God everytime I remember her (Philippians 1:3) -- well, almost always. But hey, nobody is perfect! :) I sung my praise to my Jesus in the car, because that's some of my quality time with Jesus, interestingly enough ;) As Psalm 100:2 says, "Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." He's our Lord, Savior, Counselor, Best Friend, etc. He is just so AWESOME. I feel like I'm degrading him when I use a word so inefficent to describe him sometimes, but it's true! He is ....... awesome.
Although, I know some of you reading this probably aren't happy like I am today. Maybe you had a really crappy day; week; month; year; I don't know. When times are hard, they can really impact your life. Circumstances can wipe you out. But God calls us to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). I know that's hard. I don't know what you're going through. I try not to expect or understand how you're feeling either. (If you want to talk about it, I am always open.) But if you're a Jesus follower like me, you're my family -- I want to walk and pray with you. For my close friends, I already do so, and "thank God for all of you and continually mention you" in my prayers (1 Thessalonians 1:2).
As I reflected on just how blessed I am (which I'm sure I always underestimate), I read Ecclesiastes 7:14, which says, "When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future." That verse hit me. Times are good, so I'm really happy right now! But this verse gives us a reality check. When times are good, they're going to get bad again. But for all of you suffering in tribulation, take heart: when times are bad, they're going to get better. God never loses control of the situation, but things change. What's the one thing that never changes though? Jesus. Therefore, let us be "joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" to the one and only steady thing in our lives (Romans 12:12).
Indeed, thanks for asking, I am quite happy today! I had a good day; one of those days where you are just happy all day long and think Jesus is too amazing to be real! I got to talk to my best friend tonight, and she is such a blessing in my life. I don't know what I'd do without her. I thank God everytime I remember her (Philippians 1:3) -- well, almost always. But hey, nobody is perfect! :) I sung my praise to my Jesus in the car, because that's some of my quality time with Jesus, interestingly enough ;) As Psalm 100:2 says, "Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." He's our Lord, Savior, Counselor, Best Friend, etc. He is just so AWESOME. I feel like I'm degrading him when I use a word so inefficent to describe him sometimes, but it's true! He is ....... awesome.
Although, I know some of you reading this probably aren't happy like I am today. Maybe you had a really crappy day; week; month; year; I don't know. When times are hard, they can really impact your life. Circumstances can wipe you out. But God calls us to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). I know that's hard. I don't know what you're going through. I try not to expect or understand how you're feeling either. (If you want to talk about it, I am always open.) But if you're a Jesus follower like me, you're my family -- I want to walk and pray with you. For my close friends, I already do so, and "thank God for all of you and continually mention you" in my prayers (1 Thessalonians 1:2).
As I reflected on just how blessed I am (which I'm sure I always underestimate), I read Ecclesiastes 7:14, which says, "When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future." That verse hit me. Times are good, so I'm really happy right now! But this verse gives us a reality check. When times are good, they're going to get bad again. But for all of you suffering in tribulation, take heart: when times are bad, they're going to get better. God never loses control of the situation, but things change. What's the one thing that never changes though? Jesus. Therefore, let us be "joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" to the one and only steady thing in our lives (Romans 12:12).
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Being Content and Thankful
Tonight, I read Psalm 30. David praises God in his Psalm, thanking Him for all He has done. In fact, David says he wants to give Him credit for his glory, that he "may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!" (Psalm 30:12). Today, in the sermon at church today, Pastor Meek said we need to warn and share because God cares. We should care too! Honestly, we all go through trials, including David. Sometimes, we forget others have problems, and think we're the only ones with real pain, real hardship, and real suffering -- but that's all false. If I need Jesus, doesn't everybody else? If that's true, then why don't I try harder to build God's kingdom? Basically, I'M A WEENIE. I'm too shy to introduce God to the perfect lover, best friend, wonderful counselor, and author of creation itself.
I think part of being bold is thanking God, rather than asking God out of insecurity. All I need is Christ. But two things: First, is Christ all I need? Yes. Do I truly believe Christ is all I need? ... idk, you tell me. What about you? Is Christ all you need? Do you believe Christ is truly all you need? To quote my last Biblical passage blog post, "Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything" (2 Tim. 2:7). Second, He has given me WAY more than I even deserve! Again, maybe I sound redundant by echoing my "God's will" post, but when we ask God for things, it's usually for our own gain, am I wrong? I know that's true for me. But let's face it: we're supposed to be content with just Him. We are to "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). He's supposed to be good enough -- and He is good enough!
David thanks God for his goodness. Not just sometimes, but all the time. He continually thanks God, through whatever storm or sun-shiny day he experiences. Should we not thank God everyday for His steadfast love and faithfulness as well? As one of my favorite passages in the Bible says, in Lamentations 3:40, "Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!" Amen.
I think part of being bold is thanking God, rather than asking God out of insecurity. All I need is Christ. But two things: First, is Christ all I need? Yes. Do I truly believe Christ is all I need? ... idk, you tell me. What about you? Is Christ all you need? Do you believe Christ is truly all you need? To quote my last Biblical passage blog post, "Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything" (2 Tim. 2:7). Second, He has given me WAY more than I even deserve! Again, maybe I sound redundant by echoing my "God's will" post, but when we ask God for things, it's usually for our own gain, am I wrong? I know that's true for me. But let's face it: we're supposed to be content with just Him. We are to "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). He's supposed to be good enough -- and He is good enough!
David thanks God for his goodness. Not just sometimes, but all the time. He continually thanks God, through whatever storm or sun-shiny day he experiences. Should we not thank God everyday for His steadfast love and faithfulness as well? As one of my favorite passages in the Bible says, in Lamentations 3:40, "Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!" Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)