For the past 24 days I have been writing down a blessing for each day. I realized how much I kept putting myself down with negativity; God got a hold of me and made me realize all I have to be thankful for. Thanksgiving comes once a year, but that doesn't mean I need to limit my gratefulness to such a short time.
Every day is a blessing in itself; I have learned this. Every time I am able to wake up in the morning, take a breath, get out of bed and do daily activities...it's all a blessing. Every time I go brush my teeth, pick out what I'm going to wear, choose the perfect pair of shoes...it's all something I've been given that so many have to do without. Waking up in the morning is something special. Personally, I hate mornings. But I realize now that every morning, as the sun comes up, it's a promise that my life is starting over. (Like the rainbow being a promise after the flood.) God is giving me a brand new day to begin my life again. Wow. It blows my mind.
I have a choice when I wake up: Am I going to be glad today, if for no other reason than for the fact that I DID wake up, or make my life and everyone around me miserable and depressed. God can't magically make me happy, I have to choose for myself where my heart is going to be.
"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." -James 1:2-4
Consider it mostly joy? No. Consider it all joy. Why? Because when we're thrown trials and hard times, we can have a reassurance that God gives strength in those times and in the end will give endurance.
"O satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." -Psalm 90:14
He does satisfy us in the morning! Being able to crawl out of bed is proof of His kindness. It's more proof God hasn't given up on or forgotten us. That, my friends, is something to be joyful about! Knowing as soon as we wake up, God is there.
"For You, O LORD, have made me glad by what You have done, I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands." -Psalm 92:4
I will sing for joy. How often do we sing for joy? Not just think about being happy, but literally burst out in song because we can't contain the joy we have from Christ.
"Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth; break forth and sing for joy and sing praises." -Psalm 98:4
Shout to the Lord...sing praises... God deserves our praise. Period.
- - - - - - - - -
Blessing #25: The gift given to someone as lowly and pitiful as myself over 2,000 years ago by a perfect Man/Son/King/God. May I always be grateful for the beauty He is still working on that is made from every mistake and painful scar I've acquired. He came in a manger, but lived, loved and eventually died an excruciating death, all so I could live my life and have the choice to accept or deny Him. #thisiswhywesing
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Where are your feet planted?
I just watched yet another eye opening movie.
It's amazing how many times recently God has put something in my life that has shown me just how often I put my own comfort above other people. How often I haven't done something because it wasn't safe.
"Safe is sinking sand. Comfort is sinking sand." (from the movie "The Second Chance") But my faith is built on a Solid Rock. One that never fails. One that is strong and everlasting.
How many times have we been in the bad part of town and walked a little faster down the sidewalk, triple checked our car doors to make sure they were locked, held on a bit tighter to our purse and checked our wallet to make sure it was still there? How many times have we thought more about what could be taken away from us than what we could give away?
"So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions." -Luke 14:33
One thing you will notice among Christian groups and churches, whether big or small; people have their friends and family (both blood and church) over for get together's, dinner, parties, etc. Their intentions may not be to have them over because they will be returned the kindness, but they know more than likely it will happen. When is the last time we spent time with those who could give us nothing? The last time we talked with someone who may not have had the same education as we had...if any at all...? When was the last time any of us went out instead of people having to come to us?
“When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, otherwise they may also invite you in return and that will be your repayment. But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” - Luke 14:12-14
I find it ironic that churches claim to be doing all they can for God, yet their own communities are hurting and aching for love which the church refuses to give. There are homeless on every corner...and churches at every other corner. Again, the irony. Have you looked around you lately to see how many churches there are? There are hundreds in most towns. And while these churches are splitting over some little disagreement, spending money, time and resources to build new churches from the "splits" and arguments, there are people in need outside, watching as these so called "people of God" treat one another like the devil himself.
Pastors now beleive their place is to take care of the church, the (outwardly) kind people who pay their salary. Since when is it a pastors job to sit in a big building all day, worrying about who is going to blow up next? We shouldn't be paying our pastor to take care of every little argumentative statement we blab out of our mouths. We shouldn't be paying him to put out flames among each other (so called brothers and sisters). We shouldn't be paying a pastor to go out on lunches with potential members of our amazing "perfect" congregation. The pastor's job is not to the people, it is to God. If he is all for God, He will show kindness, love and understanding to his people. We pay our pastors to do as God says, not what we say. Otherwise, we're simply paying a man to tell us what we want to hear...and kick him out when he makes us feel guilty.
The thing is, it doesn't take a man with an Associates degree, Bachelors, Masters, or Doctorate degree to go out and do the work of God. God has no title for us. In His eyes every one of His followers are equal. We are all sinners saved by His grace alone, not by the title we've been labeled with because of our wisdom or the amount of money we have in our bank account.
There isn't a single person more fit for the job of telling the gospel than you and I. You don't need big words, you don't even need to understand everything perfectly. All you need to know is that "you were blind but now you see."
We tend to point out those who we think don't deserve the gift God gave. We highlight their faults, the parts that need work and most of all, point out where they're lacking in an area that we have always excelled. You know the saying, "Who died and made you king"? Well, lets change it a little bit so that it says, "HE die;, He IS our King." It's not our job to say who deserves God's love. We sure wouldn't ever pick out the right people if it were up to us. We would have everyone condemned...well, all but ourselves, of course.
"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don't condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you'll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity." -Luke 6:38
When I sit and think about all that I hold back from doing because of fear...my goodness, I could fill up notebook after notebook. Fear has ruled my life for a long time. But do you know what I've been realizing? Everyone is afraid of something. It could be something as small as a little spider, to something more life changing, like dying from cancer.
Even strong Christians who have been followers of Christ for decades have fears. The good news is we all have Christ, too. If we lean on His courage we can accomplish anything He asks.
There are hurting people out there; there are people who need love and kindness poured out on them. Why do we place that responsibility on others when we have the power to give everything we have away? Too much, you say? Well, if God is your all...then wouldn't it just be Him you have to give away? Anything else comes as a response from that.
Look down. Where are your feet planted?: On The Solid Rock, or the sinking sand?
We're a few hours away from Christmas day. I know almost everyone (my family included) will be having family time, time for presents, food and fun times. Let us be sure and remember the whole reason we celebrate this time of the year. It is not about what we might be getting, but rather what we HAVE BEEN GIVEN. A long time ago God Himself came to this earth as a babe. He was born in the poorest of circumstances, into a family with hardly anything to their name. He didn't come to condemn the world, but to give the ultimate gift of His own life. He lived so He could die; so we wouldn't have to.
That baby in the manger was the biggest, most powerful gift you will ever receive. That baby grew up to be a man who died for you and I along with everything we've ever done wrong.
Take a moment and thank Him for HIS gift, tomorrow. Without Him, we would have nothing...not even the life we're now living.
It's amazing how many times recently God has put something in my life that has shown me just how often I put my own comfort above other people. How often I haven't done something because it wasn't safe.
"Safe is sinking sand. Comfort is sinking sand." (from the movie "The Second Chance") But my faith is built on a Solid Rock. One that never fails. One that is strong and everlasting.
How many times have we been in the bad part of town and walked a little faster down the sidewalk, triple checked our car doors to make sure they were locked, held on a bit tighter to our purse and checked our wallet to make sure it was still there? How many times have we thought more about what could be taken away from us than what we could give away?
"So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions." -Luke 14:33
One thing you will notice among Christian groups and churches, whether big or small; people have their friends and family (both blood and church) over for get together's, dinner, parties, etc. Their intentions may not be to have them over because they will be returned the kindness, but they know more than likely it will happen. When is the last time we spent time with those who could give us nothing? The last time we talked with someone who may not have had the same education as we had...if any at all...? When was the last time any of us went out instead of people having to come to us?
“When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, otherwise they may also invite you in return and that will be your repayment. But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” - Luke 14:12-14
I find it ironic that churches claim to be doing all they can for God, yet their own communities are hurting and aching for love which the church refuses to give. There are homeless on every corner...and churches at every other corner. Again, the irony. Have you looked around you lately to see how many churches there are? There are hundreds in most towns. And while these churches are splitting over some little disagreement, spending money, time and resources to build new churches from the "splits" and arguments, there are people in need outside, watching as these so called "people of God" treat one another like the devil himself.
Pastors now beleive their place is to take care of the church, the (outwardly) kind people who pay their salary. Since when is it a pastors job to sit in a big building all day, worrying about who is going to blow up next? We shouldn't be paying our pastor to take care of every little argumentative statement we blab out of our mouths. We shouldn't be paying him to put out flames among each other (so called brothers and sisters). We shouldn't be paying a pastor to go out on lunches with potential members of our amazing "perfect" congregation. The pastor's job is not to the people, it is to God. If he is all for God, He will show kindness, love and understanding to his people. We pay our pastors to do as God says, not what we say. Otherwise, we're simply paying a man to tell us what we want to hear...and kick him out when he makes us feel guilty.
The thing is, it doesn't take a man with an Associates degree, Bachelors, Masters, or Doctorate degree to go out and do the work of God. God has no title for us. In His eyes every one of His followers are equal. We are all sinners saved by His grace alone, not by the title we've been labeled with because of our wisdom or the amount of money we have in our bank account.
There isn't a single person more fit for the job of telling the gospel than you and I. You don't need big words, you don't even need to understand everything perfectly. All you need to know is that "you were blind but now you see."
We tend to point out those who we think don't deserve the gift God gave. We highlight their faults, the parts that need work and most of all, point out where they're lacking in an area that we have always excelled. You know the saying, "Who died and made you king"? Well, lets change it a little bit so that it says, "HE die;, He IS our King." It's not our job to say who deserves God's love. We sure wouldn't ever pick out the right people if it were up to us. We would have everyone condemned...well, all but ourselves, of course.
"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don't condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you'll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity." -Luke 6:38
When I sit and think about all that I hold back from doing because of fear...my goodness, I could fill up notebook after notebook. Fear has ruled my life for a long time. But do you know what I've been realizing? Everyone is afraid of something. It could be something as small as a little spider, to something more life changing, like dying from cancer.
Even strong Christians who have been followers of Christ for decades have fears. The good news is we all have Christ, too. If we lean on His courage we can accomplish anything He asks.
There are hurting people out there; there are people who need love and kindness poured out on them. Why do we place that responsibility on others when we have the power to give everything we have away? Too much, you say? Well, if God is your all...then wouldn't it just be Him you have to give away? Anything else comes as a response from that.
Look down. Where are your feet planted?: On The Solid Rock, or the sinking sand?
We're a few hours away from Christmas day. I know almost everyone (my family included) will be having family time, time for presents, food and fun times. Let us be sure and remember the whole reason we celebrate this time of the year. It is not about what we might be getting, but rather what we HAVE BEEN GIVEN. A long time ago God Himself came to this earth as a babe. He was born in the poorest of circumstances, into a family with hardly anything to their name. He didn't come to condemn the world, but to give the ultimate gift of His own life. He lived so He could die; so we wouldn't have to.
That baby in the manger was the biggest, most powerful gift you will ever receive. That baby grew up to be a man who died for you and I along with everything we've ever done wrong.
Take a moment and thank Him for HIS gift, tomorrow. Without Him, we would have nothing...not even the life we're now living.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Bumpy Roads Ahead
The past year or so has been hard. These past few months especially. I'm getting to my breaking point where I feel like I'm just a lost woman wondering around with no purpose.
Everyone has something in their life that changes the direction they were going. It's in those times when it is the most difficult to feel God, and even more so to distinguish which way is up and which is down.
I'm tired of the nightmares, the bombarding questions about school and my "plan" for my life (as if I even know); I'm tired of the stress, depression and the pain. I want tears to flow and release some of the emotions I have built up in my heart. I just want to get away from everything except God for a few years.
I tell myself what I tell other people going through similar situations; God has a purpose for everything that's happening, even in the midst of your mess, God still has it all under control. It's just not the same hearing it from myself and my family nowadays. I'm at the end of my rope, trying to hold on. God is the only comforter for me now, and I can feel Him working, I honestly can. It's just all of the other voices from people around me that are filling my head along with His voice.
For reasons only God knows, my healing process has been slower than I'd hoped. I have such a long way to go before my heart is better. I know God heals broken hearts, and even though the scars will always be there, He can make them hardly noticeable if He so chooses.
But, O God, it is hard waiting for that day. It is so hard pushing through each day, working through the sadness and twists of my life's new path. A path I'm still not sure where it leads. I'm at a point of desperation, Lord. I need Your comfort now more than ever before; I need Your healing power to come and cleanse this messed up life I've created.
Choices, mistakes, I've made. God they haunt me around every corner and I just don't know how to handle them anymore. Help me, please, to hand all of them over to You. Help me let go of everything in me, the hurt and the pain; the aching and the tears. God they need to be Yours alone so they can become part of my praises to You and not a cry of hopelessness. In YOU alone I have hope, in YOU alone I have never ending love and acceptance. In all things, Lord, let me praise You and come to You with all that burdens my heart and soul.
YOU are my God.
YOU are my King.
YOU are my Peace.
YOU are my Healer.
YOU are my Savior.
YOU are my Father.
YOU are my Strength.
YOU are my Protector.
In YOU alone I find what I so desperately need; grace, love, protection, peace.
This song has been playing a lot lately and it so fits how I feel.
"Everything inside me cries for order. Everything inside me wants to hide.
Is this shadow an angel or a warrior? If God is pleased with me, why I am I so terrified? Someone tell me I am only dreaming. Somehow help me see with Heaven’s eyes. And before my head agrees, my heart is on its knees. Holy is He. Blessed am I.
I am not brave, I’ll never be. The only thing my heart can offer is a vacancy.
I’m just a girl, nothing more. But I am willing, I am Yours." (By:Francesca Battistelli)
Today, this is where my healing starts. It all begins here and now.
Jesus I pray You will give me the strength I need to get through every day and it's challenges. I pray for patience with people, love to my enemies, forgiveness to those who haven't asked of it, and peace for my broken heart.
Amen.
Everyone has something in their life that changes the direction they were going. It's in those times when it is the most difficult to feel God, and even more so to distinguish which way is up and which is down.
I'm tired of the nightmares, the bombarding questions about school and my "plan" for my life (as if I even know); I'm tired of the stress, depression and the pain. I want tears to flow and release some of the emotions I have built up in my heart. I just want to get away from everything except God for a few years.
I tell myself what I tell other people going through similar situations; God has a purpose for everything that's happening, even in the midst of your mess, God still has it all under control. It's just not the same hearing it from myself and my family nowadays. I'm at the end of my rope, trying to hold on. God is the only comforter for me now, and I can feel Him working, I honestly can. It's just all of the other voices from people around me that are filling my head along with His voice.
For reasons only God knows, my healing process has been slower than I'd hoped. I have such a long way to go before my heart is better. I know God heals broken hearts, and even though the scars will always be there, He can make them hardly noticeable if He so chooses.
But, O God, it is hard waiting for that day. It is so hard pushing through each day, working through the sadness and twists of my life's new path. A path I'm still not sure where it leads. I'm at a point of desperation, Lord. I need Your comfort now more than ever before; I need Your healing power to come and cleanse this messed up life I've created.
Choices, mistakes, I've made. God they haunt me around every corner and I just don't know how to handle them anymore. Help me, please, to hand all of them over to You. Help me let go of everything in me, the hurt and the pain; the aching and the tears. God they need to be Yours alone so they can become part of my praises to You and not a cry of hopelessness. In YOU alone I have hope, in YOU alone I have never ending love and acceptance. In all things, Lord, let me praise You and come to You with all that burdens my heart and soul.
YOU are my God.
YOU are my King.
YOU are my Peace.
YOU are my Healer.
YOU are my Savior.
YOU are my Father.
YOU are my Strength.
YOU are my Protector.
In YOU alone I find what I so desperately need; grace, love, protection, peace.
This song has been playing a lot lately and it so fits how I feel.
"Everything inside me cries for order. Everything inside me wants to hide.
Is this shadow an angel or a warrior? If God is pleased with me, why I am I so terrified? Someone tell me I am only dreaming. Somehow help me see with Heaven’s eyes. And before my head agrees, my heart is on its knees. Holy is He. Blessed am I.
I am not brave, I’ll never be. The only thing my heart can offer is a vacancy.
I’m just a girl, nothing more. But I am willing, I am Yours." (By:Francesca Battistelli)
Today, this is where my healing starts. It all begins here and now.
Jesus I pray You will give me the strength I need to get through every day and it's challenges. I pray for patience with people, love to my enemies, forgiveness to those who haven't asked of it, and peace for my broken heart.
Amen.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Are we there yet?
Something I see all too frequently, around me and in my own life, is the sad fact that Christians cast out instead of welcoming in. We're too conservative to be seen with someone who has _____ or does _____. We can't change them or the way they live, so we might as well not even try to be around them. As we all know, being with like minded people is the best place to be...and a whole lot safer...right?
It's funny, though, when you look in the bible at who Jesus hung around. Granted, He had His disciples, but who did He spend most of His time with while He was here on this earth? The sick, adulterers, homeless, the "unfit" to be seen with, the heathen, diseased and outcast.
It made me think...if I am to be truly "Christ-like" is it really the best thing for me to hang around the safe people, the clean and "pure" Christians with motives not quite so pure and hearts a little cold to those in need. Is it really doing any good to claim Christ as my Savior and treat with disgust those that He spent most of His life loving? I am basically telling God Himself that who He chose to spend His whole life with, His whole life loving, were mere mortals...were too low for me to give of my time and love.
My time: The life I live, every minute a gift, given by God Himself for a purpose.
My love: The very thing that gives me what I need to go on; I haven't a drop of love in and of myself; it comes from God and Him alone to bless others.
It's almost sad to see homeless shelters and charity organizations at Thanksgiving and Christmas. People know it's "the perfect time" to give. They go buy tons of gifts, give toys, clothes, blankets, etc to give to those in need. Never are there needs for volunteers around these holidays... people are packed to go help. It's great, really it is. But what have we really done if we've come for one day, bought a bag of toys or blankets...but never see these people again? What has it shown them except that you gave 30 minutes to put a scoop of food on their plate or run to the store to put items on your credit card for them. Have you ever looked at these amazing causes at a time other than Thanksgiving/Christmas and seen how bare they are? People may come together around holidays...but there are needy people other days than these. The needy will be there after we've gone home from relatives, after we've stuffed our faces with food and our homes with gifts we didn't really need in the first place. The needy will always be there, even when we're not.
To come one day and volunteer, it's great, don't ever doubt you've done a good thing. But we all need to make an effort to think of those in need other than the obvious times; other than the times when everyone else in the world rushes in to get their "feel good" volunteer work done. Being a follower of Christ means following Him, wherever He leads. Even if that means going to volunteer, give and love at times that aren't exactly convenient for us.
If the church of God, His people not a building, could really get it's act together, we could accomplish so much for God. We could reach people with our hearts instead of our programs. We could interact with those who are hurting and in need of love.
The church isn't a building; it's not a safe haven to gather together and feel good. The church shouldn't be full of perfect people hiding behind masks of pain and hurt; afraid to show emotion. We're not robots. We should stop acting like them. If we feel uncomfortable opening up to a fellow believe in our church...something is really wrong. You see more splits and arguments than you do people coming to know the Lord; you see people coming to know the schedule of the service better than they know how to disciple; you see people who don't care about getting in late and leaving early...what do those on the outside see?
*Dysfunctional*
*Disunity*
*Disloyalty*
I had someone tell me one time they saw the church as a bunch of people who thought they were better than everyone else. The church was a place for people to bring in a lot of money and spend it as they wished on programs and new buildings claiming it would reach a larger crowd, but that it really only brought gain to the congregation; they saw more arguments and split marriages than they did in regular people.
They saw a large building full of hypocritical people claiming to have a better life than the "non-Christian", yet they were so fake it made them wonder why they were confused about Christianity becoming more about "religion" than "love."
This isn't to say all churches are like this...but it sure opened my eyes to what people really see in the places we call "a house of worship."
Are we becoming so full of ourselves than we are of Christ Himself? Does our life mirror HIM, or US? I'm ashamed to say, my life has been about me more times than I can count. People couldn't even see Jesus; just Jessica.
People don't want our bible translations, our theological explanations for why we're better than any other belief out there...they want to know how we can have hope; they want to know how to be washed clean.
People need a Savior. They need the One True God. They need a King who will protect; One that will change their life.
People need a Leader. They need someone who will guide them and forgive them.
People need someone who will love them even when they don't act quite so loveable. People need Someone who will care about what's in their heart, their pains and heartache, before they judge for what they're wearing.
Jesus is the only One. He is our Savior; the One who brings light to this dark and desolate world. He brings hope, joy and peace to those who thought such a thing were too far for them.
People need to know that Christ has risen and is alive! They need to know no matter what they've done, they're never too far for Jesus to reach them...never too dirty to enter His gates if they only ask to be cleansed.
Who is willing to to tell the world about HIM?
It's funny, though, when you look in the bible at who Jesus hung around. Granted, He had His disciples, but who did He spend most of His time with while He was here on this earth? The sick, adulterers, homeless, the "unfit" to be seen with, the heathen, diseased and outcast.
It made me think...if I am to be truly "Christ-like" is it really the best thing for me to hang around the safe people, the clean and "pure" Christians with motives not quite so pure and hearts a little cold to those in need. Is it really doing any good to claim Christ as my Savior and treat with disgust those that He spent most of His life loving? I am basically telling God Himself that who He chose to spend His whole life with, His whole life loving, were mere mortals...were too low for me to give of my time and love.
My time: The life I live, every minute a gift, given by God Himself for a purpose.
My love: The very thing that gives me what I need to go on; I haven't a drop of love in and of myself; it comes from God and Him alone to bless others.
It's almost sad to see homeless shelters and charity organizations at Thanksgiving and Christmas. People know it's "the perfect time" to give. They go buy tons of gifts, give toys, clothes, blankets, etc to give to those in need. Never are there needs for volunteers around these holidays... people are packed to go help. It's great, really it is. But what have we really done if we've come for one day, bought a bag of toys or blankets...but never see these people again? What has it shown them except that you gave 30 minutes to put a scoop of food on their plate or run to the store to put items on your credit card for them. Have you ever looked at these amazing causes at a time other than Thanksgiving/Christmas and seen how bare they are? People may come together around holidays...but there are needy people other days than these. The needy will be there after we've gone home from relatives, after we've stuffed our faces with food and our homes with gifts we didn't really need in the first place. The needy will always be there, even when we're not.
To come one day and volunteer, it's great, don't ever doubt you've done a good thing. But we all need to make an effort to think of those in need other than the obvious times; other than the times when everyone else in the world rushes in to get their "feel good" volunteer work done. Being a follower of Christ means following Him, wherever He leads. Even if that means going to volunteer, give and love at times that aren't exactly convenient for us.
If the church of God, His people not a building, could really get it's act together, we could accomplish so much for God. We could reach people with our hearts instead of our programs. We could interact with those who are hurting and in need of love.
The church isn't a building; it's not a safe haven to gather together and feel good. The church shouldn't be full of perfect people hiding behind masks of pain and hurt; afraid to show emotion. We're not robots. We should stop acting like them. If we feel uncomfortable opening up to a fellow believe in our church...something is really wrong. You see more splits and arguments than you do people coming to know the Lord; you see people coming to know the schedule of the service better than they know how to disciple; you see people who don't care about getting in late and leaving early...what do those on the outside see?
*Dysfunctional*
*Disunity*
*Disloyalty*
I had someone tell me one time they saw the church as a bunch of people who thought they were better than everyone else. The church was a place for people to bring in a lot of money and spend it as they wished on programs and new buildings claiming it would reach a larger crowd, but that it really only brought gain to the congregation; they saw more arguments and split marriages than they did in regular people.
They saw a large building full of hypocritical people claiming to have a better life than the "non-Christian", yet they were so fake it made them wonder why they were confused about Christianity becoming more about "religion" than "love."
This isn't to say all churches are like this...but it sure opened my eyes to what people really see in the places we call "a house of worship."
Are we becoming so full of ourselves than we are of Christ Himself? Does our life mirror HIM, or US? I'm ashamed to say, my life has been about me more times than I can count. People couldn't even see Jesus; just Jessica.
People don't want our bible translations, our theological explanations for why we're better than any other belief out there...they want to know how we can have hope; they want to know how to be washed clean.
People need a Savior. They need the One True God. They need a King who will protect; One that will change their life.
People need a Leader. They need someone who will guide them and forgive them.
People need someone who will love them even when they don't act quite so loveable. People need Someone who will care about what's in their heart, their pains and heartache, before they judge for what they're wearing.
Jesus is the only One. He is our Savior; the One who brings light to this dark and desolate world. He brings hope, joy and peace to those who thought such a thing were too far for them.
People need to know that Christ has risen and is alive! They need to know no matter what they've done, they're never too far for Jesus to reach them...never too dirty to enter His gates if they only ask to be cleansed.
Who is willing to to tell the world about HIM?
Monday, December 5, 2011
- - - - Where's our check in? - - - -
----The rich and the poor have a common bond, the LORD is the maker of them all.----
It's a wide known fact that there are rich and there are poor. There was soon after the beginning of time. It's easy to put these two into their own little groupies. The rich turn their face from the site of the poor and the poor hunger for the wealth of the rich.
How often do we blame the needy for their situation? Understandably, some who are without are at fault because of their own actions, but to put the needy in a category of someone to avoid because of their lack of cleanliness, education, or money is the wrong attitude completely. The color of a persons skin, their title or their balance in the bank has nothing to do with who they are. God made everyone, mankind, in His image. You cast out the poor and needy, homeless, fatherless and widowed, you've cast out God Himself.
He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker, But he who is gracious to the needy honors Him. -Proverbs 14:31
The LORD protects the strangers; He supports the fatherless and the widow, But He thwarts the way of the wicked.- Psalm 146:9
You shall not afflict any widow or orphan. -Exodus 22:22
The LORD makes poor and rich; He brings low, He also exalts. -1 Samuel 2:7
I think sometimes I have a big head about the way I live, like I'm better than those in need, somehow. I don't know what I've done better than them but I look where I am and look where they are.
It's amazing how well God speaks to all feelings and thoughts humans have. He doesn't put black and white every detail of right and wrong, drawing a clear line to every area of our life, but there are definitely places He couldn't be more clear.
Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in speech and is a fool. -Proverbs 19:1
There is none righteous, not even one; there is none who understands,
there is none who seeks for God; all have turned aside, together they have become useless; there is none who does good; there is not even one. -Romans 3:10,11,12
"A fool". Yes, this would be where I sit a lot of the time. My actions, speech and heart aren't in the right place so often; sometimes I just want to give up all together because I know I won't ever get anything right. Just because I am a fool, doesn't mean I can't be forgiven and given new direction and a new heart for certain things. I remember always feeling sorry for people who were "poor" or in need...but about 3 years ago I went to a homeless shelter and served food. That was the first time it ever clicked that these were actually people, just like me. People who had unthinkable things happen to them that put them in the position they were in. I remember looking into the eyes of the men and women there, seeing the loneliness and desire for someone, anyone, to care; someone who wouldn't judge them for who they had become. I remember the smile on the older men's faces when they saw me smile, like they hadn't been smiled at in a long time. It broke my heart to see the longing for that in someone's eyes. Nobody should have kindness taken from their life; they shouldn't have to worry about people calling them names, think "where can I go that will be dry when it rains?" or "where will my next meal come from?"
The day mankind started thinking of endangered animals, animal cruelty and animal beatings more than they cared for the millions of people dying from lack of food, clothing and shelter...that is the day I wish someone could have seen where things were going and helped reverse what has become of it. When you see police officers being called to people's homes because animals were being treated poorly, and a homeless man being tripped over to get to the animals...goodness. What happened to caring for your neighbor?
He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be answered. -Proverbs 21:13
If I'm guilty of doing it once, I'm guilty of doing it a hundred times. Putting those in need after myself and what I wanted. I have more than about half the world. Family, a home, cars that run, a closet stocked with clothes, food abundant, clean water, friends who care about me... I have all of this, yet I check my watch when someone needs me. It is a cruel act indeed.
One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, and He will repay him for his good deed.- Proverbs 19:17
What is desirable in a man is his kindness, and it is better to be a poor man than a liar.- Proverbs 19:22
My friends, there are people in need in our lives right now.
When is the last time we opened our eyes to see them, and our calenders to help them? If someone were to look on our yearly calender, where would most of our time be spent? Where's our check-in?
Helping other people should make our hearts joyful! Not because we will be recognized for it, not because our name is on the news or in the papers, but because you are giving of yourself and your time to help another person in need. There should never be a time when helping your fellow man become a chore.
Jesus...show His love
Others...treat them as God would
Yourself...take care of the body and things you've been given
Fulfill...Gods plan for your life
Understanding...who we are in the eyes of God
Leading...a generation who can make a change
It's a wide known fact that there are rich and there are poor. There was soon after the beginning of time. It's easy to put these two into their own little groupies. The rich turn their face from the site of the poor and the poor hunger for the wealth of the rich.
How often do we blame the needy for their situation? Understandably, some who are without are at fault because of their own actions, but to put the needy in a category of someone to avoid because of their lack of cleanliness, education, or money is the wrong attitude completely. The color of a persons skin, their title or their balance in the bank has nothing to do with who they are. God made everyone, mankind, in His image. You cast out the poor and needy, homeless, fatherless and widowed, you've cast out God Himself.
He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker, But he who is gracious to the needy honors Him. -Proverbs 14:31
The LORD protects the strangers; He supports the fatherless and the widow, But He thwarts the way of the wicked.- Psalm 146:9
You shall not afflict any widow or orphan. -Exodus 22:22
The LORD makes poor and rich; He brings low, He also exalts. -1 Samuel 2:7
I think sometimes I have a big head about the way I live, like I'm better than those in need, somehow. I don't know what I've done better than them but I look where I am and look where they are.
It's amazing how well God speaks to all feelings and thoughts humans have. He doesn't put black and white every detail of right and wrong, drawing a clear line to every area of our life, but there are definitely places He couldn't be more clear.
Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in speech and is a fool. -Proverbs 19:1
There is none righteous, not even one; there is none who understands,
there is none who seeks for God; all have turned aside, together they have become useless; there is none who does good; there is not even one. -Romans 3:10,11,12
"A fool". Yes, this would be where I sit a lot of the time. My actions, speech and heart aren't in the right place so often; sometimes I just want to give up all together because I know I won't ever get anything right. Just because I am a fool, doesn't mean I can't be forgiven and given new direction and a new heart for certain things. I remember always feeling sorry for people who were "poor" or in need...but about 3 years ago I went to a homeless shelter and served food. That was the first time it ever clicked that these were actually people, just like me. People who had unthinkable things happen to them that put them in the position they were in. I remember looking into the eyes of the men and women there, seeing the loneliness and desire for someone, anyone, to care; someone who wouldn't judge them for who they had become. I remember the smile on the older men's faces when they saw me smile, like they hadn't been smiled at in a long time. It broke my heart to see the longing for that in someone's eyes. Nobody should have kindness taken from their life; they shouldn't have to worry about people calling them names, think "where can I go that will be dry when it rains?" or "where will my next meal come from?"
The day mankind started thinking of endangered animals, animal cruelty and animal beatings more than they cared for the millions of people dying from lack of food, clothing and shelter...that is the day I wish someone could have seen where things were going and helped reverse what has become of it. When you see police officers being called to people's homes because animals were being treated poorly, and a homeless man being tripped over to get to the animals...goodness. What happened to caring for your neighbor?
He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be answered. -Proverbs 21:13
If I'm guilty of doing it once, I'm guilty of doing it a hundred times. Putting those in need after myself and what I wanted. I have more than about half the world. Family, a home, cars that run, a closet stocked with clothes, food abundant, clean water, friends who care about me... I have all of this, yet I check my watch when someone needs me. It is a cruel act indeed.
One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, and He will repay him for his good deed.- Proverbs 19:17
What is desirable in a man is his kindness, and it is better to be a poor man than a liar.- Proverbs 19:22
My friends, there are people in need in our lives right now.
When is the last time we opened our eyes to see them, and our calenders to help them? If someone were to look on our yearly calender, where would most of our time be spent? Where's our check-in?
Helping other people should make our hearts joyful! Not because we will be recognized for it, not because our name is on the news or in the papers, but because you are giving of yourself and your time to help another person in need. There should never be a time when helping your fellow man become a chore.
Jesus...show His love
Others...treat them as God would
Yourself...take care of the body and things you've been given
Fulfill...Gods plan for your life
Understanding...who we are in the eyes of God
Leading...a generation who can make a change
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