Every day I see myself smiling more, complaining less, and being more thankful for the things and people I have been blessed with. The feeling is overwhelming. God's grace and peace has just washed over me like a flood. I have done nothing to deserve His blessings, yet He has given them to me anyway. That is something I can never repay Him for.
As I sit here listening to a song, I can't help but think of all the times God has blessed me, and I haven't praised Him for it. Now my heart just wants to sing these words,
"Jesus, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain for us, Son of God and Man
You are high and lifted up; and all the world will praise Your great name. Redeemer, My Healer, Lord Almighty. My savior, Defender, You are My King." (By: Natalie Grant)
He is my Savior, and He is always worthy to be praised no matter what life throws at me. what Satan tries to get me down with, or what my circumstances are. My God will never leave me and will always love me. What a promise!
Psalm 106: 1-2 "Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? Who can declare His praise?"
Psalm 111:1-3 "Praise the Lord! I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation. The words of the Lord are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them. His work is honorable and glorious."
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Lost and found
Life moves on. Every day things change and people have to learn to deal with the outcome of different situations. I think the hardest of all, though, is when you lose a few friends. Even though you have many more still in your life, sometimes all you can think about are the one's you've lost and how much of your life they were a part of. God gives peace to those who seek it and follow Him faithfully. I just pray I can keep following Him even when He asks me to give certain things up that I've grown attached to.
I have many friends that I connect with on facebook or through text...even some that I'm not as close to that I see when I play tennis a lot. Sometimes, it's just nice to have someone in person to cry on, vent to, or just have a talk with. Then I remember who my best friend really is (or at least, should be.) Jesus. He is my Father, but He is also my best friend. Unlike the people of this world that will leave me, whether by choice or by circumstance, my God has promised never to leave me nor forsake me. He has promised to be there any time I need to talk, and He will be there for me no matter where I am in the world. It hurts losing many friends...but God will also bless a faithful servant; sometimes He even brings better friends into our life through a sad situation. Through many things I've gone through the past year, I have lost friends, but I have also made some new amazing friends. God has blessed me, even when I have failed so many times to "show myself friendly" or do the right thing.
That is the lesson I have learned. I don't have to have friends of this world. I already have THE best friend ever. I never thought about it like this before, but all the things I wish I had someone to talk to about...God is right there, waiting on me to give all my problems and worries over to Him. Whereas friends might not always know what to do or say, God has an answer for everything (even if it's not right away.) God blesses me with friends, but I shouldn't let them get in the way of my relationship with Christ. For me to put anyone higher above Him is making them an idol. Why put someone on a pedestal when they will fail me anyway? Shouldn't God be in the most prominent place in my life? Shouldn't I go to HIM for all my needs? Shouldn't He be the one I go to for advice? Indeed. I pray God will keep my heart on Him fully and completely, and never let any relationship of this world get in the way of me and Him.
I have many friends that I connect with on facebook or through text...even some that I'm not as close to that I see when I play tennis a lot. Sometimes, it's just nice to have someone in person to cry on, vent to, or just have a talk with. Then I remember who my best friend really is (or at least, should be.) Jesus. He is my Father, but He is also my best friend. Unlike the people of this world that will leave me, whether by choice or by circumstance, my God has promised never to leave me nor forsake me. He has promised to be there any time I need to talk, and He will be there for me no matter where I am in the world. It hurts losing many friends...but God will also bless a faithful servant; sometimes He even brings better friends into our life through a sad situation. Through many things I've gone through the past year, I have lost friends, but I have also made some new amazing friends. God has blessed me, even when I have failed so many times to "show myself friendly" or do the right thing.
That is the lesson I have learned. I don't have to have friends of this world. I already have THE best friend ever. I never thought about it like this before, but all the things I wish I had someone to talk to about...God is right there, waiting on me to give all my problems and worries over to Him. Whereas friends might not always know what to do or say, God has an answer for everything (even if it's not right away.) God blesses me with friends, but I shouldn't let them get in the way of my relationship with Christ. For me to put anyone higher above Him is making them an idol. Why put someone on a pedestal when they will fail me anyway? Shouldn't God be in the most prominent place in my life? Shouldn't I go to HIM for all my needs? Shouldn't He be the one I go to for advice? Indeed. I pray God will keep my heart on Him fully and completely, and never let any relationship of this world get in the way of me and Him.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
"They are precious in His sight"
Every time I start to think of everything in my life that is going wrong, I stop and think of all the things I've been blessed with. It's astounding...I have always considered myself a nobody, but I have found that God doesn't think the same about me that I think about myself. The times I thought I was just a piece of junk, and that God must have made a mistake in making me the way I am...I am reminded of His love for me and that I was not only created, but I was created by a perfect Creator. One who makes no mistakes, and certainly doesn't make junk or anything worthless. I am a sinner, yes, but my God thinks of me as His child. A precious treasure. What does it really matter what anyone else thinks about me, as long as my Lord is pleased with the things I do and the way I use what He's given me?
I have spent most of my life looking around me at the things I don't have, the looks I've always wanted, the talent I've never felt I had...when in reality, I have everything I'm supposed to have. God has blessed me with so much and I take every bit of it for granted. My family, friends, the way I look, the things I have, whatever talent I DO have...all of it is worthless in my mind when I see what other people have. My heart is discontent, and then I become greedy or jealous.
Oh the shame of it. Everything that I've been blessed with, and everything that so many around the world don't have because they don't know my King...and I'm complaining about the length of my hair or some such nonsense. How selfish. God has brought me through a lot the past 2 years. He has grown me, blessed me, given to me and taken away from me...through it all, I have learned to be content (at least, most of the time.) I have been given the gift that outweighs all other gifts that have ever been given. I've been given a second chance, the forgiveness that I don't deserve, love that is never ending...and eternal life. Other people may have better looks, more talent, and maybe even more material things...but without the gift of the Creator, they have nothing.
I've had to remember that God gives everyone a different personality. He gives each of us a special gift/talent. He has given each of us a different way to handle situations. That's what makes up the body of Christ here on earth. All of the different mixes of people that God has purposefully put here are so that we can work together and accomplish great things! We need to be there for one another, to love each other and give of the gifts God has blessed us with. Whether it be leadership, mercy, the heart of a servant, a prophet or a teacher. Each one is so very important and vital to make up the body of Christ. To work together and deal with each others little quirks...it's part of God's plan.
God DOES have a plan for my life, and it may not be what *I* want, I will suffer, I will have pain and heartache, but through it all, God's name will be glorified. And in the end...that's all that really matters...isn't it?
I have spent most of my life looking around me at the things I don't have, the looks I've always wanted, the talent I've never felt I had...when in reality, I have everything I'm supposed to have. God has blessed me with so much and I take every bit of it for granted. My family, friends, the way I look, the things I have, whatever talent I DO have...all of it is worthless in my mind when I see what other people have. My heart is discontent, and then I become greedy or jealous.
Oh the shame of it. Everything that I've been blessed with, and everything that so many around the world don't have because they don't know my King...and I'm complaining about the length of my hair or some such nonsense. How selfish. God has brought me through a lot the past 2 years. He has grown me, blessed me, given to me and taken away from me...through it all, I have learned to be content (at least, most of the time.) I have been given the gift that outweighs all other gifts that have ever been given. I've been given a second chance, the forgiveness that I don't deserve, love that is never ending...and eternal life. Other people may have better looks, more talent, and maybe even more material things...but without the gift of the Creator, they have nothing.
I've had to remember that God gives everyone a different personality. He gives each of us a special gift/talent. He has given each of us a different way to handle situations. That's what makes up the body of Christ here on earth. All of the different mixes of people that God has purposefully put here are so that we can work together and accomplish great things! We need to be there for one another, to love each other and give of the gifts God has blessed us with. Whether it be leadership, mercy, the heart of a servant, a prophet or a teacher. Each one is so very important and vital to make up the body of Christ. To work together and deal with each others little quirks...it's part of God's plan.
God DOES have a plan for my life, and it may not be what *I* want, I will suffer, I will have pain and heartache, but through it all, God's name will be glorified. And in the end...that's all that really matters...isn't it?
Monday, June 20, 2011
The amazing Lord of lords.
"When you're broken, when you're weak. When you turn the other check. When you cannot speak of the bitter sweet, the bitter sweetness. When the floor gives out beneath, and everything that you believe, cannot give you peace. You're broken inside, broken in pieces.
You can rest in the arms of the one who holds you. Rest in the arms of the One who knows you. Rest in the arms of the One who won't let go. You can rest in the arms of the One who holds you. Rest in the arms of the One who loves you. Rest in the arms of the One who won't let go.
When the water starts the rise, and you've lost the will to fight. When you're losing light, just close your eyes, close your eyes now. Have no fear, I'll be here.
You can rest in the arms of the one who holds you. Rest in the arms of the One who knows you. Rest in the arms of the One who won't let go. You can rest in the arms of the One who holds you. Rest in the arms of the One who loves you. Rest in the arms of the One who won't let go." By: Aaron Shust, Rest In The Arms
It is amazing to hear these songs, and have a revelation that we always need to rest in the arms of our amazing Savior. Our God is great. Our God is good. He is loving, merciful, and gives us everything we don't deserve. He takes on our problems as His own, forgives everything we ask Him to, and He never leaves us.
What a God to have! Where other people simply have "religion" and false gods and such to believe in, OUR God is faithful, and we are able to see Him in things through our every day life, and feel Him when we have troubles. How many other "gods" can have that title? Not one. We are blessed to have such an amazing Lord to believe in, when so many people today have no hope, and no idea what will happen to them when they're gone. So many don't know the fear and awfulness of hell..they think if they don't believe in it, they won't go there. Oh, how sad! To have no hope of a life forever and ever. To all of those who don't know what their life will come to...Jesus came, died, and saved all who come to Him. His gift to those who believe in Him is eternal life after death, and the most incredible love you've ever imagined! I don't know how people can live their life without Christ, honestly. There are times when I wouldn't have gone on with my life, but because God was there for me and strengthened me, I kept going. To have the promise of never being left alone is one nobody else can give. To have the promise of forgiveness no matter what you do is something nobody else can give you.
God is not a religion, and those who think believing in God is simply a "religion"
are seriously mistaken. Choosing to follow God is a commitment to a relationship. As a song by Jayson Gray says, "Its gotta be more like falling in love, than something to believe in. More like losing my heart than giving my allegiance."
Christianity is not some made up religion that will simply "fill the gaps in our life." And it's not a "false hope." It's a visible, real relationship with the Creator...one who has evidence of being alive by everything you see around you.
Something I always remind myself, is that Christianity is not about rules; it's about love. It's not about judging others, but judging oneself. It's not about the laws, but the forgiveness and mercy. When we do the first (love) we will strive harder to follow the "laws" (which, incidentally, are written on all of our hearts) that God has given us, BECAUSE we love God. Christianity isn't about checking off another number when we bring someone to Christ. It's not about how many people came to Sunday school, or gave in the offering plate. It's not about the activities we offer to the public, or how much of our time we give to organizations as "charity." It's about God, and loving those around us as He did, and as He told us to do. But then again...we do have that freedom to love. We must choose to love our neighbor's and those who despise us.
Choose God! He will be the most amazing decision you'll ever make in your life. And though your life won't be perfect and without pain, you will be one of the few who have a supernatural strength backing you up and constantly being with you. "You can rest in the arms of the One who holds you..."
You can rest in the arms of the one who holds you. Rest in the arms of the One who knows you. Rest in the arms of the One who won't let go. You can rest in the arms of the One who holds you. Rest in the arms of the One who loves you. Rest in the arms of the One who won't let go.
When the water starts the rise, and you've lost the will to fight. When you're losing light, just close your eyes, close your eyes now. Have no fear, I'll be here.
You can rest in the arms of the one who holds you. Rest in the arms of the One who knows you. Rest in the arms of the One who won't let go. You can rest in the arms of the One who holds you. Rest in the arms of the One who loves you. Rest in the arms of the One who won't let go." By: Aaron Shust, Rest In The Arms
It is amazing to hear these songs, and have a revelation that we always need to rest in the arms of our amazing Savior. Our God is great. Our God is good. He is loving, merciful, and gives us everything we don't deserve. He takes on our problems as His own, forgives everything we ask Him to, and He never leaves us.
What a God to have! Where other people simply have "religion" and false gods and such to believe in, OUR God is faithful, and we are able to see Him in things through our every day life, and feel Him when we have troubles. How many other "gods" can have that title? Not one. We are blessed to have such an amazing Lord to believe in, when so many people today have no hope, and no idea what will happen to them when they're gone. So many don't know the fear and awfulness of hell..they think if they don't believe in it, they won't go there. Oh, how sad! To have no hope of a life forever and ever. To all of those who don't know what their life will come to...Jesus came, died, and saved all who come to Him. His gift to those who believe in Him is eternal life after death, and the most incredible love you've ever imagined! I don't know how people can live their life without Christ, honestly. There are times when I wouldn't have gone on with my life, but because God was there for me and strengthened me, I kept going. To have the promise of never being left alone is one nobody else can give. To have the promise of forgiveness no matter what you do is something nobody else can give you.
God is not a religion, and those who think believing in God is simply a "religion"
are seriously mistaken. Choosing to follow God is a commitment to a relationship. As a song by Jayson Gray says, "Its gotta be more like falling in love, than something to believe in. More like losing my heart than giving my allegiance."
Christianity is not some made up religion that will simply "fill the gaps in our life." And it's not a "false hope." It's a visible, real relationship with the Creator...one who has evidence of being alive by everything you see around you.
Something I always remind myself, is that Christianity is not about rules; it's about love. It's not about judging others, but judging oneself. It's not about the laws, but the forgiveness and mercy. When we do the first (love) we will strive harder to follow the "laws" (which, incidentally, are written on all of our hearts) that God has given us, BECAUSE we love God. Christianity isn't about checking off another number when we bring someone to Christ. It's not about how many people came to Sunday school, or gave in the offering plate. It's not about the activities we offer to the public, or how much of our time we give to organizations as "charity." It's about God, and loving those around us as He did, and as He told us to do. But then again...we do have that freedom to love. We must choose to love our neighbor's and those who despise us.
Choose God! He will be the most amazing decision you'll ever make in your life. And though your life won't be perfect and without pain, you will be one of the few who have a supernatural strength backing you up and constantly being with you. "You can rest in the arms of the One who holds you..."
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Lessons from God to me
I was thinking about my parents today. Not many kids today can or will say how amazing their parents are. But I really do have two of the most amazing parents. Not to put them on a pillar, because they have their faults. They don't always make the right decisions. They make mistakes. But the one thing I appreciate the most about my parents is their willingness to learn through a situation. Like the quote says "Many people stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves back up and keep walking and pretend nothing ever happened." Some people don't ever learn from their mistakes, but I am so thankful that my parents are ones who try to correct something they have done wrong.
Even when I was a little kid, and I would get in trouble. They taught me the importance of seeing I had done wrong, and made sure I understood I needed to make amends. My dad would give me a spanking when I had done something wrong, and when he was done he would says "You know I punish you because I love you, and want you to do the right thing, don't you?" I would respond with a yes, and he would give me a hug to show his love for me. How many parents punish their kids out of love? I know it sounds funny...but think about it. Most parents punish their children out of anger or utter irritation.
When they did something wrong, they would openly apologize. If they got upset at us, they would come and apologize. If they made a poor decision and us kids knew about it, they would come tell us they made a mistake and were sorry for letting us down in that area. Now tell me, HOW many parents do you see these days that are willing to admit when they've done wrong? Most parents realize they made a mistake, and just pretend it never happened, hoping everyone will forget about it and not make them feel awkward.
I adore my parents, I really do. But having said that, another thing about my parents, is that they point me to the One that my love and respect should go to most. Jesus Christ. Even though they make mistakes, they still learn and move on. They grow from them. As Christ wants us to do. They have also taught me the importance of forgiveness, even when I don't want to. Kids think its awful to have to tell their siblings they're sorry for something when they don't want to...but because I was made to do that as a child, it has better equipped me to go into adulthood with that same mindset. NO. It's not always easy. NO. It's never fun apologizing. For man is full of pride, and apologizing hurts that so deeply...But God loves a humble heart, one who can admit to doing wrong when wrong has been done...or even when we have offended or hurt someone unintentionally, and we apologize anyway. I know many times I've just wanted to put my two cents worth in ans say why I think it's ridiculous to apologize when I have "done nothing wrong." But...then I remember my Lord, hanging on the cross, bleeding and suffering...for who? For me. For that other person. For anyone who would accept His life offering. And I am truly humbled. To think of all the wrong I've ever done, and it all being forgiven. Just like that. And God forgives and forgets. Once something is forgiven, He no longer remembers it. Isn't that the most perfect example of how we should live our life? One full of forgiveness, love, and mercy?
To have a clean heart, one without bitterness, hatred or anger. That is very hard when you feel everyone is against you. But remember back to our Savior that gave His life, so we could simply have one! And not only give us life, but blessings, family and friends...material things that we don't deserve! Our God is so great to us, ones who deserve nothing...why then should we treat anyone with anything less than the love we, ourselves, have been shown?
The one thing I have learned that has made the biggest difference for me is the fact that having unholy things stored up in my heart simply hurts my health and mind. When I sit and think about something negative all the time, it will eat at me until one day I just drift away. It rots on my heart, and breaks down my health. Then you know what happens? The people I was bitter against are just fine, but I am all messed up...total opposite affect I wanted, wasn't it? The ones I wanted to get back by being mean are still fine, but I have made MYSELF miserable by brooding over the situation and how I want to get them back. Such a selfish, wrong state of heart on my part. I am nowhere near perfect. I am in the same place as every other person on this earth. I cannot say I am better than any of them. But my hope is that God gives me the strength I need to be more Christ-like every day.
God, I pray that you continue to cleanse my heart, to make it new every single day. To keep it clean of bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, pride and a judgmental spirit. I pray that you would bless all of those who curse me, and that I will be fully willing to show those Your love who have none for me. I pray that you would give me strength to overcome the enemies lies and darts, that You would allow me to keep my eyes turned on You every moment of every day. Amen
Even when I was a little kid, and I would get in trouble. They taught me the importance of seeing I had done wrong, and made sure I understood I needed to make amends. My dad would give me a spanking when I had done something wrong, and when he was done he would says "You know I punish you because I love you, and want you to do the right thing, don't you?" I would respond with a yes, and he would give me a hug to show his love for me. How many parents punish their kids out of love? I know it sounds funny...but think about it. Most parents punish their children out of anger or utter irritation.
When they did something wrong, they would openly apologize. If they got upset at us, they would come and apologize. If they made a poor decision and us kids knew about it, they would come tell us they made a mistake and were sorry for letting us down in that area. Now tell me, HOW many parents do you see these days that are willing to admit when they've done wrong? Most parents realize they made a mistake, and just pretend it never happened, hoping everyone will forget about it and not make them feel awkward.
I adore my parents, I really do. But having said that, another thing about my parents, is that they point me to the One that my love and respect should go to most. Jesus Christ. Even though they make mistakes, they still learn and move on. They grow from them. As Christ wants us to do. They have also taught me the importance of forgiveness, even when I don't want to. Kids think its awful to have to tell their siblings they're sorry for something when they don't want to...but because I was made to do that as a child, it has better equipped me to go into adulthood with that same mindset. NO. It's not always easy. NO. It's never fun apologizing. For man is full of pride, and apologizing hurts that so deeply...But God loves a humble heart, one who can admit to doing wrong when wrong has been done...or even when we have offended or hurt someone unintentionally, and we apologize anyway. I know many times I've just wanted to put my two cents worth in ans say why I think it's ridiculous to apologize when I have "done nothing wrong." But...then I remember my Lord, hanging on the cross, bleeding and suffering...for who? For me. For that other person. For anyone who would accept His life offering. And I am truly humbled. To think of all the wrong I've ever done, and it all being forgiven. Just like that. And God forgives and forgets. Once something is forgiven, He no longer remembers it. Isn't that the most perfect example of how we should live our life? One full of forgiveness, love, and mercy?
To have a clean heart, one without bitterness, hatred or anger. That is very hard when you feel everyone is against you. But remember back to our Savior that gave His life, so we could simply have one! And not only give us life, but blessings, family and friends...material things that we don't deserve! Our God is so great to us, ones who deserve nothing...why then should we treat anyone with anything less than the love we, ourselves, have been shown?
The one thing I have learned that has made the biggest difference for me is the fact that having unholy things stored up in my heart simply hurts my health and mind. When I sit and think about something negative all the time, it will eat at me until one day I just drift away. It rots on my heart, and breaks down my health. Then you know what happens? The people I was bitter against are just fine, but I am all messed up...total opposite affect I wanted, wasn't it? The ones I wanted to get back by being mean are still fine, but I have made MYSELF miserable by brooding over the situation and how I want to get them back. Such a selfish, wrong state of heart on my part. I am nowhere near perfect. I am in the same place as every other person on this earth. I cannot say I am better than any of them. But my hope is that God gives me the strength I need to be more Christ-like every day.
God, I pray that you continue to cleanse my heart, to make it new every single day. To keep it clean of bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, pride and a judgmental spirit. I pray that you would bless all of those who curse me, and that I will be fully willing to show those Your love who have none for me. I pray that you would give me strength to overcome the enemies lies and darts, that You would allow me to keep my eyes turned on You every moment of every day. Amen
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Stay strong
Struggling with a new chapter in my life. God has moved me back into the single category, and it's hitting me harder than I thought. I am having to take each moment of my day and remind myself that He is still in control, that He still has a plan for me, and that His will is being done. Even when times get tough, God is still here for me, and has promised to never leave me, no matter what comes. I pray I can be used like Job, that God knows no matter what comes my way I will not curse His name nor will I turn my back on Him.
To see everything I've gone through the past week, I just know more than ever that God knows I'm strong enough (only with His strength, mind you) to handle it all. I might be small, but I am not weak when I have the Lord on my side.
I pray God continues to work in mine and Nathans life and guide each of us with what He would have us to do. He blessed me so much in that time, and I am stronger and have grown so much by this experience. Not to say I don't still need some growing, but I know now that as long as I keep my focus on Christ, I can get through anything.
"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." -By: Aaron Shust, "My Savior My God"
To see everything I've gone through the past week, I just know more than ever that God knows I'm strong enough (only with His strength, mind you) to handle it all. I might be small, but I am not weak when I have the Lord on my side.
I pray God continues to work in mine and Nathans life and guide each of us with what He would have us to do. He blessed me so much in that time, and I am stronger and have grown so much by this experience. Not to say I don't still need some growing, but I know now that as long as I keep my focus on Christ, I can get through anything.
"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." -By: Aaron Shust, "My Savior My God"
Friday, June 10, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
God all over
As I sat on my couch tonight watching a show on TV, I see commercial after commercial about marriage. I see the focus of so many, and whereas I fully understand that I have never been married before and therefore have no right to try and coach on the subject, I do have some opinions, and bible verses. ;)
I was thinking, when the question was brought to attention "What is the key to a successful marriage"? I didn't have to think very long. lol Jesus is to be the center of everything in our life and if He isn't the center, then things will not go well. There is a big difference in "things going well" and "things going well for God." Things can be going great with your life, but if we're not following Christ, then is it really worth having fake happiness and fulfillment?
Now the one worded answers people gave me for keys to a successful marriage are these:
- Trust
- Commitment
- Love
- Forgiveness
- Friendship
- Faithfulness
- Patience
- Compromise
Whew! What a list to try and keep! However, if you look at these things, you can put all of them into one word. God. If the center of our life, relationships, friendships, etc is God, then He will certainly bless it. The minute you take your eyes off of God, you will experience trials hard times.
So the question is this, how will we be able to have forgiveness, patience, and trust when that special person lets us down again and again? God. In our flesh we cannot do anything good. The bible tells us that our flesh is weak.
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" -2 Corinthians 10:3-5
"Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." -Mark 14:38
We in ourselves cannot do anything needed for a good marriage. Only through God can we give the things needed. But also at the same time, we are to rely on God for all of our needs for love, mercy, forgiveness, trust, etc...because man IS weak in the flesh, and cannot fulfill the things we need. Again, God, God, God.
Also, when things get hard and we think what something somebody has done is just unforgivable, we must go back to scripture.
“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you." -Luke 6:27-28
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." -John 3:16
"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion."
-Romans 12:14
"And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."
-Ephesians 4:32
"Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven."
-Matthew 18:21-23
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
-I John 1:9
"Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do."
-Colossians 3:13
To be able to forgive one another in any relationship, it's an amazing gift from God. There will be times when people do things to you that will never be apologized for, but with help from the Lord, we CAN forgive them anyways! It's something we will have to keep turning over to Christ every day possibly even for the rest of our lives...but when we hold things that are unforgiven in our hearts, it hurts US more than it hurts the person we aren't forgiving. Plain and simple; forgive, forgive, forgive.
I think two of the best examples of what we should do as Christians are:
When Jesus hung on the cross;
"Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
And when Stephen was being stoned to death;
"While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep." (Acts 7:59-60 )
Our Lord, the King and Creator...even as He hung on the cross being tortured, asked God to forgive the very ones who were causing Him pain. That means an awful lot to me. That while Jesus was paying for MY sin, He was already forgiving me as He hung there in agony. And Stephen! My goodness, for a human to ask God to not hold such an awful thing against another human...that was purely from God. He can help us overcome anything, and the more I see marriages falling apart, the more I see the root problem: pride. Nobody wants to admit being/doing wrong. We must humble ourselves before our Lord and ask for forgiveness each day...even things we have only thought of in our hearts.
One of the hardest things for me to do is forgive someone when they have hurt me tremendously. Then I think about all Jesus went through for ME, a lowly sinner...and I have to remind myself that I am no better than any other person on this earth...and I have to turn everything in my heart over to God so I can live my life. And you know what? When we hold grudges and hatred for another brother or sister in Christ, it eat at our body, mind and soul so much more than it does to them. Because I take so long to hand my bitterness over to God, I hurt myself. Oh, to just have the faith of a child and be able to trust to simply that God in fully and completely in control. I cannot wait to see what else He has to change in my life.
As a friend said awhile back, "God is breaking me, and it's beautiful." For the lord to break us should be something we desire. I so pray whenever I stray from Him that He breaks me to pull me back to Him. "the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Lean not on your own understanding...but trust in God's all knowing power! :)
I was thinking, when the question was brought to attention "What is the key to a successful marriage"? I didn't have to think very long. lol Jesus is to be the center of everything in our life and if He isn't the center, then things will not go well. There is a big difference in "things going well" and "things going well for God." Things can be going great with your life, but if we're not following Christ, then is it really worth having fake happiness and fulfillment?
Now the one worded answers people gave me for keys to a successful marriage are these:
- Trust
- Commitment
- Love
- Forgiveness
- Friendship
- Faithfulness
- Patience
- Compromise
Whew! What a list to try and keep! However, if you look at these things, you can put all of them into one word. God. If the center of our life, relationships, friendships, etc is God, then He will certainly bless it. The minute you take your eyes off of God, you will experience trials hard times.
So the question is this, how will we be able to have forgiveness, patience, and trust when that special person lets us down again and again? God. In our flesh we cannot do anything good. The bible tells us that our flesh is weak.
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" -2 Corinthians 10:3-5
"Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." -Mark 14:38
We in ourselves cannot do anything needed for a good marriage. Only through God can we give the things needed. But also at the same time, we are to rely on God for all of our needs for love, mercy, forgiveness, trust, etc...because man IS weak in the flesh, and cannot fulfill the things we need. Again, God, God, God.
Also, when things get hard and we think what something somebody has done is just unforgivable, we must go back to scripture.
“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you." -Luke 6:27-28
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." -John 3:16
"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion."
-Romans 12:14
"And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."
-Ephesians 4:32
"Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven."
-Matthew 18:21-23
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
-I John 1:9
"Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do."
-Colossians 3:13
To be able to forgive one another in any relationship, it's an amazing gift from God. There will be times when people do things to you that will never be apologized for, but with help from the Lord, we CAN forgive them anyways! It's something we will have to keep turning over to Christ every day possibly even for the rest of our lives...but when we hold things that are unforgiven in our hearts, it hurts US more than it hurts the person we aren't forgiving. Plain and simple; forgive, forgive, forgive.
I think two of the best examples of what we should do as Christians are:
When Jesus hung on the cross;
"Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
And when Stephen was being stoned to death;
"While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep." (Acts 7:59-60 )
Our Lord, the King and Creator...even as He hung on the cross being tortured, asked God to forgive the very ones who were causing Him pain. That means an awful lot to me. That while Jesus was paying for MY sin, He was already forgiving me as He hung there in agony. And Stephen! My goodness, for a human to ask God to not hold such an awful thing against another human...that was purely from God. He can help us overcome anything, and the more I see marriages falling apart, the more I see the root problem: pride. Nobody wants to admit being/doing wrong. We must humble ourselves before our Lord and ask for forgiveness each day...even things we have only thought of in our hearts.
One of the hardest things for me to do is forgive someone when they have hurt me tremendously. Then I think about all Jesus went through for ME, a lowly sinner...and I have to remind myself that I am no better than any other person on this earth...and I have to turn everything in my heart over to God so I can live my life. And you know what? When we hold grudges and hatred for another brother or sister in Christ, it eat at our body, mind and soul so much more than it does to them. Because I take so long to hand my bitterness over to God, I hurt myself. Oh, to just have the faith of a child and be able to trust to simply that God in fully and completely in control. I cannot wait to see what else He has to change in my life.
As a friend said awhile back, "God is breaking me, and it's beautiful." For the lord to break us should be something we desire. I so pray whenever I stray from Him that He breaks me to pull me back to Him. "the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Lean not on your own understanding...but trust in God's all knowing power! :)
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Strength and beauty
"What you gonna do when the bottom falls out, and you're left with nothing but your fear and your doubt to hold to, who will hold you? Where you gonna run when it's all on the line, and you're looking for someone to save your life, to save your life.
Love can hear you. Love can heal you, if you let it inside."
This song has encouraged me today. I hear and read that (among other things) God is love. It's an amazing promise to know that the God of love, mercy and peace can hear me and heal me. No matter what I'm are going through or have gone through in the past, God can heal anything. When I think things won't ever get better, or that I can't make it through a hard time, I have to remember that "God works all things together for good for those who love Him."
Life is rough, that's just a fact. But I don't have to be alone when things aren't going well because God has also promised that "He live never leave you nor forsake you." What a promise. To know that the God who created everything is there for me no matter what happens, all I have to do is call out to Him.
Maybe not in other people's eyes, but in God's eyes, I am an amazing creation. And no matter what Satan tells me, I am not simply a piece of junk that can't function in this world. I used to be a sinner on my way to hell, but since I have been forgiven by Christ, I am made new! It's simply mind-blowing to read in the bible that I am a treasure and jewel to God. I am still a sinner, but as I said before, now I am a sinner saved by the wonderful grace of God.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
-Deuteronomy 31:6
"The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you."
-Psalm 9:9-10
Love can hear you. Love can heal you, if you let it inside."
This song has encouraged me today. I hear and read that (among other things) God is love. It's an amazing promise to know that the God of love, mercy and peace can hear me and heal me. No matter what I'm are going through or have gone through in the past, God can heal anything. When I think things won't ever get better, or that I can't make it through a hard time, I have to remember that "God works all things together for good for those who love Him."
Life is rough, that's just a fact. But I don't have to be alone when things aren't going well because God has also promised that "He live never leave you nor forsake you." What a promise. To know that the God who created everything is there for me no matter what happens, all I have to do is call out to Him.
Maybe not in other people's eyes, but in God's eyes, I am an amazing creation. And no matter what Satan tells me, I am not simply a piece of junk that can't function in this world. I used to be a sinner on my way to hell, but since I have been forgiven by Christ, I am made new! It's simply mind-blowing to read in the bible that I am a treasure and jewel to God. I am still a sinner, but as I said before, now I am a sinner saved by the wonderful grace of God.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
-Deuteronomy 31:6
"The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you."
-Psalm 9:9-10
Saturday, June 4, 2011
I've given it over!
As I've been listening to K-Love (a radio station) I have realized one main theme: I am a sinner, one who had no chance of saving herself. I am still brought to tears when I think of how awful I have been all my life and yet, I am still forgiven because of the gift my God gave to me (and the whole world) over a couple of thousand years ago.
"I was lost, but now am found"
"I'm just a sinner saved by grace"
"Saved, I'm saved. My sins are now pardoned"
"Searching for the words to thank my King, humbled by my silent offering. Tears of joy well from the depths of my soul, there is no greater gift I know, I’ll ever know."
Jesus, the perfect being, the One who has never sinned, came to this awful sinful world to save ME. He came to save YOU. He will give the gift of forgiveness to anyone who asks of it. I feel like I get a big head sometimes, because I'm "a Christian." But you know what that means? It means I am just as sinful as the rest of the world, I have simply asked for God's forgiveness. No wrong that I have ever done has been any less of a sin than the murderers, thieves, liars, and adulteress. Nothing. If I think of them as being low for what they have done, then I MUST, by God's law, put myself there as well.
Whereas those who are not saved are "sinners" I am simply a "sinner, saved by grace." The perfect, loving, merciful grace of God.
It's so easy to judge everyone around me for the things that they do wrong, but God looks at the big picture, and sees every human as being a fallen race who knows nothing of a perfect life.
I might think I have rough times every now and then...and you know what? That is so very selfish. My Lord took beatings, whippings, and being hung on the cross all for me doing things that I would call my "everyday life."
There are so many people that use the gift that God has given us and run with it. They glow Christ wherever they go...even if it simply means smiling to everyone they come in contact with (the unsaved AND their brothers and sisters in Christ.) With as many people out there that are miserable today, smiling all the time means you have something amazing. I am ashamed of how often I have been around people and have just looked down and not smiled at a single person. How awful to hide such joy that I should have for all that has been given to me! I just don't realize how blessed I am unless I sit and think about it...and even then it's only every now and then. What I SHOULD be doing is, first thing when I wake up, sit and thank God for everything that He has given me and what He is going to send me that very day. Even if it's stressful and full of trials, I am still to be thankful.
- "In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:18
- "The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD."
Job 1:21
- "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."
Romans 12:12
- "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."
1 Corinthians 10:13
- "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
John 16:33
- "More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance"
Romans 5:3
- "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7
- "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."
Romans 8:18
- "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds"
James 1:2
We must remember that tribulations help us grow, and God will never give us more than we can handle. We may think we're going through something unbearable, but we must always remind ourselves that God allows things to happen to us, but He does not wish for us to take them into our own hands and try to fix everything ourselves. This is one of my biggest faults. If anything bad or difficult happens in my life, I try to not "bother" God with my problems and figure I can fix them myself. WRONG. If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times; God did not make us to handle the stresses of life. We are to give it all over to Him every single day. The past two weeks, for the first time in my life, I have been free of stresses and worries almost every single day. I never thought I would be able to let go of so many things, but God finally helped me release things into His hands, and now I no longer have to worry about it all!
I serve an amazing God that can work out and repair the most impossible things in our minds. But you know what? He works miracles; even today. So trust in Him! Have some of that faith we always talk about!
"I was lost, but now am found"
"I'm just a sinner saved by grace"
"Saved, I'm saved. My sins are now pardoned"
"Searching for the words to thank my King, humbled by my silent offering. Tears of joy well from the depths of my soul, there is no greater gift I know, I’ll ever know."
Jesus, the perfect being, the One who has never sinned, came to this awful sinful world to save ME. He came to save YOU. He will give the gift of forgiveness to anyone who asks of it. I feel like I get a big head sometimes, because I'm "a Christian." But you know what that means? It means I am just as sinful as the rest of the world, I have simply asked for God's forgiveness. No wrong that I have ever done has been any less of a sin than the murderers, thieves, liars, and adulteress. Nothing. If I think of them as being low for what they have done, then I MUST, by God's law, put myself there as well.
Whereas those who are not saved are "sinners" I am simply a "sinner, saved by grace." The perfect, loving, merciful grace of God.
It's so easy to judge everyone around me for the things that they do wrong, but God looks at the big picture, and sees every human as being a fallen race who knows nothing of a perfect life.
I might think I have rough times every now and then...and you know what? That is so very selfish. My Lord took beatings, whippings, and being hung on the cross all for me doing things that I would call my "everyday life."
There are so many people that use the gift that God has given us and run with it. They glow Christ wherever they go...even if it simply means smiling to everyone they come in contact with (the unsaved AND their brothers and sisters in Christ.) With as many people out there that are miserable today, smiling all the time means you have something amazing. I am ashamed of how often I have been around people and have just looked down and not smiled at a single person. How awful to hide such joy that I should have for all that has been given to me! I just don't realize how blessed I am unless I sit and think about it...and even then it's only every now and then. What I SHOULD be doing is, first thing when I wake up, sit and thank God for everything that He has given me and what He is going to send me that very day. Even if it's stressful and full of trials, I am still to be thankful.
- "In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:18
- "The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD."
Job 1:21
- "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."
Romans 12:12
- "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."
1 Corinthians 10:13
- "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
John 16:33
- "More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance"
Romans 5:3
- "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7
- "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."
Romans 8:18
- "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds"
James 1:2
We must remember that tribulations help us grow, and God will never give us more than we can handle. We may think we're going through something unbearable, but we must always remind ourselves that God allows things to happen to us, but He does not wish for us to take them into our own hands and try to fix everything ourselves. This is one of my biggest faults. If anything bad or difficult happens in my life, I try to not "bother" God with my problems and figure I can fix them myself. WRONG. If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times; God did not make us to handle the stresses of life. We are to give it all over to Him every single day. The past two weeks, for the first time in my life, I have been free of stresses and worries almost every single day. I never thought I would be able to let go of so many things, but God finally helped me release things into His hands, and now I no longer have to worry about it all!
I serve an amazing God that can work out and repair the most impossible things in our minds. But you know what? He works miracles; even today. So trust in Him! Have some of that faith we always talk about!
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