Sometimes God needs to bring us to our knees in order for us to get the point.
He had to do that to me yesterday.
In a ball on the floor, crying, asking God for help.
That’s what happened to me.
See, I thought I would do things my way. (It’s totally worked in the past right???? NOT.)
I made stupid decisions that hurt people around me. Hurt myself. Hurt my relationship with
God.
And at first, I justified it. I didn’t feel bad. But then, I realised it was wrong, at least in my head. My heart took longer.
But then yesterday, it hit.
I thought I would kneel and pray, but it wound up being a ball leaning on my bed, crying, completely broken.
I realised what I had done. I realised the chaos around me. I realised the danger I was in.
I decided I didn’t want that for me anymore. I didn’t want to be doing things on my own.
I once again realised I can’t do things on my own. (Shocker, I know. Not like I’ve written about it 1,000 times... *insert eye roll*)
And you know what?
God helped me.
He didn’t have to.
He didn’t have any reason to.
I had turned against Him.
He owed me nothing.
He never owes me anything.
But still He helps.
I’m thankful that God is faithful, even when my heart is unfaithful to Him.
And that’s what I’m working on in this New Year. Being more faithful to the One Who is Most Faithful. Being more faithful in all areas of my life.
Not letting sin, not letting my desires, come between me and God, or between me and others.
Trusting that God has the plan, and that He’s got control, even when it feels everything is spiralling out of control.
What are you going to do?
Why not join me?
We’re all in this together. It’s kinda like High School Musical. :P
Showing posts with label feelings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label feelings. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Monday, June 12, 2017
Making the Most of EVERY Opportunity
Ephesians 5:16 "Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days." (NLT)
Ephesians is an awesome book of the Bible. I have to say, most anything Paul writes in the Bible is super powerful. But that is because it was inspired by our Almighty, Great and Powerful God. However, I am getting off track.
This verse tells us to make the most of EVERY opportunity. Not just some opportunities. EVERY opportunity.
What on earth does that even mean?
Looking at the context of the chapter, Paul is addressing how a Christian is to live in this world that is overcome by darkness, sin, and just plain ol' evil. Paul is warning Christians to not participate in evil deeds, but expose them. (vs 11) He warns Christians to be careful in how they are living. (vs 15) In verse 17, we are also told to not act thoughtlessly, but know what the Lord wants us to do.
There is always a way to make the most of every opportunity. When we are faced with temptation of doing some evil deed (let's say party or drink) we can take that opportunity to reach out to Jesus, and maybe even teach those who are around us about Jesus, and not give in to the temptation to sin. We can learn to say no to the temptation, and do the right thing; aka, make the most of the opportunity.
When we are tempted to live and act in a thoughtless way, (talking behind people's backs, being mean to others, etc.) we can think, "Is this something the Lord would want me to do, or approve of me doing?" Answering this question honestly can give you an opportunity to really decide whether you are going to make the most of the opportunity before you, or if you are going to make a poor choice, and live in a thoughtless and careless manner.
Let's bring this closer to home now. You are at work, and everything seems to be going wrong. Nothing is working out the way it should, and everyone is grumpy. YOU have a choice. YOU can decide whether you are going to fall into this grumpy and negative state of mind, or you can do what you can to make things better. Keep a positive attitude. Encourage others. Be kind and helpful. Don't let the grumpiness spread, but try to bring smiles and laughter back.
Maybe this was something only I needed to realize. Maybe this post was just for me. But, I think it is a valuable lesson for all of us to learn...
GO OUT AND MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY! :)
Ephesians is an awesome book of the Bible. I have to say, most anything Paul writes in the Bible is super powerful. But that is because it was inspired by our Almighty, Great and Powerful God. However, I am getting off track.
This verse tells us to make the most of EVERY opportunity. Not just some opportunities. EVERY opportunity.
What on earth does that even mean?
Looking at the context of the chapter, Paul is addressing how a Christian is to live in this world that is overcome by darkness, sin, and just plain ol' evil. Paul is warning Christians to not participate in evil deeds, but expose them. (vs 11) He warns Christians to be careful in how they are living. (vs 15) In verse 17, we are also told to not act thoughtlessly, but know what the Lord wants us to do.
There is always a way to make the most of every opportunity. When we are faced with temptation of doing some evil deed (let's say party or drink) we can take that opportunity to reach out to Jesus, and maybe even teach those who are around us about Jesus, and not give in to the temptation to sin. We can learn to say no to the temptation, and do the right thing; aka, make the most of the opportunity.
When we are tempted to live and act in a thoughtless way, (talking behind people's backs, being mean to others, etc.) we can think, "Is this something the Lord would want me to do, or approve of me doing?" Answering this question honestly can give you an opportunity to really decide whether you are going to make the most of the opportunity before you, or if you are going to make a poor choice, and live in a thoughtless and careless manner.
Let's bring this closer to home now. You are at work, and everything seems to be going wrong. Nothing is working out the way it should, and everyone is grumpy. YOU have a choice. YOU can decide whether you are going to fall into this grumpy and negative state of mind, or you can do what you can to make things better. Keep a positive attitude. Encourage others. Be kind and helpful. Don't let the grumpiness spread, but try to bring smiles and laughter back.
Maybe this was something only I needed to realize. Maybe this post was just for me. But, I think it is a valuable lesson for all of us to learn...
GO OUT AND MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY! :)
Friday, January 20, 2017
Faith During the Hard Times
Job was a man who had it all. He was the richest man in the land where he live, as Job 1:3 tells us. He was a man who feared God, and verse one of chapter one tells us that he was a "man of complete integrity," (NLT). As we read Job 1:1-5, we see that Job has everything going for him, in all he does.
Moving into verse 6, we switch gears, and are given insight into what is going on in heaven at this time. From verses 6-12, we read about Satan approaching God, and God telling Satan about Job, and how dedicated of a servant Job was to His Lord God. Satan stood up against the Lord, telling Him that Job just followed Him so faithfully because God protected him, and allowed Job to prosper in all he did. Satan reasoned with God, telling Him that Job only followed Him because God protected and provided so well for him. "Take away everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face!" (Job 1:11, NLT). The Lord told Satan to do what he would, but not to harm Job physically.
The story continues, telling about how Job lost everything he had, all in the same day; first his animals and farmhands, sheep and shepherds, camels and servants, and even all his sons and daughters.
Job was distraught. The Bible tells us he stood up and tore his robes because of his overwhelming grief (1:20). However, even though he had lost everything, he did not curse God, but praised Him! (1:21). He never blamed God for anything, but praised God through everything He went through.
How quick are we to blame God when things do not go our way? I know I am quick to become angry with God when I do not get my own way. But, is that the way we are supposed to be? I don't think so. Is this difficult, praising God through trials? Definitely!
I attended a church service over the weekend, and the pastor was preaching on the people of Zion, and their wondering about where God was in the midst of their trials. He said something that stuck with me, and it will be something that I will often think about; "Despite what we may think or feel, God is with His people," (Benjamin Pass).
Job knew that God was with him in the midst of his trials, and tribulations. Can we trust God will do the same for us?
Psalm 23:4 (NIV)
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
(Suggested reading: Psalm 23).
Moving into verse 6, we switch gears, and are given insight into what is going on in heaven at this time. From verses 6-12, we read about Satan approaching God, and God telling Satan about Job, and how dedicated of a servant Job was to His Lord God. Satan stood up against the Lord, telling Him that Job just followed Him so faithfully because God protected him, and allowed Job to prosper in all he did. Satan reasoned with God, telling Him that Job only followed Him because God protected and provided so well for him. "Take away everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face!" (Job 1:11, NLT). The Lord told Satan to do what he would, but not to harm Job physically.
The story continues, telling about how Job lost everything he had, all in the same day; first his animals and farmhands, sheep and shepherds, camels and servants, and even all his sons and daughters.
Job was distraught. The Bible tells us he stood up and tore his robes because of his overwhelming grief (1:20). However, even though he had lost everything, he did not curse God, but praised Him! (1:21). He never blamed God for anything, but praised God through everything He went through.
How quick are we to blame God when things do not go our way? I know I am quick to become angry with God when I do not get my own way. But, is that the way we are supposed to be? I don't think so. Is this difficult, praising God through trials? Definitely!
I attended a church service over the weekend, and the pastor was preaching on the people of Zion, and their wondering about where God was in the midst of their trials. He said something that stuck with me, and it will be something that I will often think about; "Despite what we may think or feel, God is with His people," (Benjamin Pass).
Job knew that God was with him in the midst of his trials, and tribulations. Can we trust God will do the same for us?
Psalm 23:4 (NIV)
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
(Suggested reading: Psalm 23).
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Trusting God
I'll be very honest. Trusting God is not easy. I have a very difficult time with this. It is hard to trust God with everything; finances, relationships, education; it's hard. But you know what is harder? It is harder to try to figure things out by yourself. Let me explain a bit.
I have tried so many times to try to figure things out on my own. I have done things that I regret because I was doing what I thought was right, or what I was feeling like I wanted to do. However... each time I have found out that my plan... well, it sucks. Every time, I let myself down, and I always let the people around me down too. And I'll be honest... I don't like doing that.
I'm in the process of learning to lay things down and let them go, giving them to God. Cause honestly, God knows all of it, and He knows everything that is going to happen. And I believe that God has the best plan for my life. I also think He has the best plan for your life.
The best thing that one can do to learn how to let go and trust God is to grow closer to Him. In every relationship, as you get closer to someone, you trust them more. If we grow closer to God, we will learn to trust Him more, and then we will be able to let things go. And how do we get closer to God? Well, how do you get closer to anyone? You spend time with them. You talk with them. This is what you need to do with God. You need to take time to spend with Him, praying and listening for Him to answer. You need to read His Word, and reflect on it. Just like when you think about what your friends say, think about what God says.
I'm not saying that this is going to change things completely. This is a process, and it is going to take time. The best relationships are formed over time. Your relationship with God will form. It takes time and work, just like any other relationship, but it will be worth it.
You can and will learn to trust if you want to. So, what do you want to do?
I have tried so many times to try to figure things out on my own. I have done things that I regret because I was doing what I thought was right, or what I was feeling like I wanted to do. However... each time I have found out that my plan... well, it sucks. Every time, I let myself down, and I always let the people around me down too. And I'll be honest... I don't like doing that.
I'm in the process of learning to lay things down and let them go, giving them to God. Cause honestly, God knows all of it, and He knows everything that is going to happen. And I believe that God has the best plan for my life. I also think He has the best plan for your life.
The best thing that one can do to learn how to let go and trust God is to grow closer to Him. In every relationship, as you get closer to someone, you trust them more. If we grow closer to God, we will learn to trust Him more, and then we will be able to let things go. And how do we get closer to God? Well, how do you get closer to anyone? You spend time with them. You talk with them. This is what you need to do with God. You need to take time to spend with Him, praying and listening for Him to answer. You need to read His Word, and reflect on it. Just like when you think about what your friends say, think about what God says.
I'm not saying that this is going to change things completely. This is a process, and it is going to take time. The best relationships are formed over time. Your relationship with God will form. It takes time and work, just like any other relationship, but it will be worth it.
You can and will learn to trust if you want to. So, what do you want to do?
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Crazy Life
Life gets crazy sometimes. This past week has been a testimony to that fact. There are times when we question God on where He is and what He is doing in our lives. We shed many tears, and almost lose our faith. During these times, we learn who our true friends are.
When I was feeling that way this week, my best friends in the whole world gathered around me to help me back up. It didn't matter that I was an emotional disaster... they just were there to help me, give me words of advice and wisdom, and get a laugh out of me once in a while. They were also there to point me back to the One Who controls everything... God. They told me stories of how God had been faithful to them in the past, and encouraged me that God had everything under control.
God reminded me this week of how much He loves me. He showed me that His plans are always for my good, and for the good of those around me, even if I don't understand. When I was struggling to understand why God allows young people to be really sick and in some cases die, God reminded me that our breath belongs to Him... He has the right to give it, and the right to take it away. We cannot question Him on His ability to provide for us. He always comes through. This morning while I was in church, God pointed me to this verse,
When I was feeling that way this week, my best friends in the whole world gathered around me to help me back up. It didn't matter that I was an emotional disaster... they just were there to help me, give me words of advice and wisdom, and get a laugh out of me once in a while. They were also there to point me back to the One Who controls everything... God. They told me stories of how God had been faithful to them in the past, and encouraged me that God had everything under control.
God reminded me this week of how much He loves me. He showed me that His plans are always for my good, and for the good of those around me, even if I don't understand. When I was struggling to understand why God allows young people to be really sick and in some cases die, God reminded me that our breath belongs to Him... He has the right to give it, and the right to take it away. We cannot question Him on His ability to provide for us. He always comes through. This morning while I was in church, God pointed me to this verse,
Psalm 32:7
You are my hiding place;
You shall preserve me from trouble;
You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.
This verse reminded me that God has been there all week, in the good and bad times. And I am so thankful that even when I was angry with Him, He stayed with me and never gave up on me, and showed me this promise that I can hold on to. He reveals things to us as we need to learn them, and He is always faithful to provide for us.
I just encourage you to lean in to God no matter what is going on in your life. He's the only One who can fix the mess you are in. And you can tell Him anything. Even if you are mad, tell Him. You'll be surprised how He can work in your heart and life.
Monday, November 2, 2015
"Gracious and Attractive"
Colossians 4:2-6 {NLT}
"Devote yourselves to prayer, with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone."
Why did I highlight the last part of this passage? This is something people (especially close friends) have been reminding me of this last little bit. I struggle with my conversations being "gracious" and "attractive," especially when I am stressed or overwhelmed or don't think I can do it anymore. God has been teaching me this last week about it. He uses people to speak to us, and when He highlights the same thing in Scripture, it is time to really listen and pay attention to what He is saying. This is what God taught me from this last part of Colossians:
We need to be careful in our conversations. We need to make sure that they are indeed "gracious" and "attractive" so that we can be leading people to God instead of driving them away from God. If we focus our conversations on things that are, as Philippians 4:8 says, true, right, pure, lovely, honorable, and admirable, we will be more likely, and more able to lead people toward God, instead of driving them away with "unattractive" and "ungracious" conversations.
This is hard to do sometimes. I know, especially when people upset me, that I am not likely to be very "gracious" and "attractive" in my speech. Did you know that our thoughts are important as well? Philippians 4:8 (as referred to above) is talking about our thoughts. As Jesus says in Matthew 15:18, "But the words you speak come from the heart - that's what defiles you." What we are thinking can be just as bad as what we are saying (or, in some cases, worse than what we are saying). Our heart is the center of us. Everything springs forth from the heart.
How can we practically "put into practice" what we have learned? Well, I have a few suggestions. Like I said before, this is something I struggle with, so I am definitely no expert on this! The best place to go is to the Bible or to ask the Lord in prayer.
Here are a few ways we can learn to be "gracious and attractive" in our conversations:
1) Listen! We do not have to agree with them. We do not have to even support what they are saying. But we need to be gracious enough to let them speak their mind, and then we can share our opinion on the topic.
2) Be gentle! Do not force something on someone. It is disrespectful, unattractive, and not at all gracious.
3) Stop! If you cannot be calm and rational with someone, do not talk to them. Walk away. Come back and talk to them. I have had to do this when I have gotten into heated debates, or even arguments with people, or if I am upset with them about something. Remember what Mom always taught... "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all!"
In the end, most of it is common sense. Be kind to people, gracious and forgiving in speech and in manner. If you are unable to do this, walk away and calm down instead of saying something that could be very damaging to someone. Remember Philippians 4:8 and apply that to your life, in every aspect, and you will be well on your way!
"Devote yourselves to prayer, with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone."
Why did I highlight the last part of this passage? This is something people (especially close friends) have been reminding me of this last little bit. I struggle with my conversations being "gracious" and "attractive," especially when I am stressed or overwhelmed or don't think I can do it anymore. God has been teaching me this last week about it. He uses people to speak to us, and when He highlights the same thing in Scripture, it is time to really listen and pay attention to what He is saying. This is what God taught me from this last part of Colossians:
We need to be careful in our conversations. We need to make sure that they are indeed "gracious" and "attractive" so that we can be leading people to God instead of driving them away from God. If we focus our conversations on things that are, as Philippians 4:8 says, true, right, pure, lovely, honorable, and admirable, we will be more likely, and more able to lead people toward God, instead of driving them away with "unattractive" and "ungracious" conversations.
This is hard to do sometimes. I know, especially when people upset me, that I am not likely to be very "gracious" and "attractive" in my speech. Did you know that our thoughts are important as well? Philippians 4:8 (as referred to above) is talking about our thoughts. As Jesus says in Matthew 15:18, "But the words you speak come from the heart - that's what defiles you." What we are thinking can be just as bad as what we are saying (or, in some cases, worse than what we are saying). Our heart is the center of us. Everything springs forth from the heart.
How can we practically "put into practice" what we have learned? Well, I have a few suggestions. Like I said before, this is something I struggle with, so I am definitely no expert on this! The best place to go is to the Bible or to ask the Lord in prayer.
Here are a few ways we can learn to be "gracious and attractive" in our conversations:
1) Listen! We do not have to agree with them. We do not have to even support what they are saying. But we need to be gracious enough to let them speak their mind, and then we can share our opinion on the topic.
2) Be gentle! Do not force something on someone. It is disrespectful, unattractive, and not at all gracious.
3) Stop! If you cannot be calm and rational with someone, do not talk to them. Walk away. Come back and talk to them. I have had to do this when I have gotten into heated debates, or even arguments with people, or if I am upset with them about something. Remember what Mom always taught... "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all!"
In the end, most of it is common sense. Be kind to people, gracious and forgiving in speech and in manner. If you are unable to do this, walk away and calm down instead of saying something that could be very damaging to someone. Remember Philippians 4:8 and apply that to your life, in every aspect, and you will be well on your way!
Monday, September 8, 2014
Worldly Expectations vs God's Love
What does the world tell you everyday? I don't know about you, but in my experience, love, sex, power, money, fitness, and material things are important. The world sees these things as things we need-- or we aren't good enough and don't fit in. Everyone seems to be so obsessed with fitting in and conforming to the worlds' standards that we lose our own. Even Christians have this happen to them-- they become so obsessed with the world that they lose sight of God and what He wants for them. I know that I have done it. Many times over.
The world tells us we don't need God. You know what? God loves us so much that He created this world-- however, Adam and Eve's sin is what made it what it is today. The world was a perfect place-- but they fell into Satan's trap telling them there was something better than what God had given them. Check out Genesis. The whole story is in there.
But even in that, God made a way for us to get back to Him. He sent His Only Son, Jesus, to live here, teach us about Him, and die a brutal death for our sins. His story is in any of the gospels-- Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. (Check it out! It's awesome!:)
The world is always telling us we need to change, eat this, have a hot boyfriend/girlfriend, own anything/everything we want. But you know what God tells us?
HE LOVES US (see John 13:34)
HE WANTS US TO COME TO HIM WITH EVERYTHING (Matthew 11:28-30)
HE FORGIVES US OF OUR SINS (Luke 7:48)
HE IS ENOUGH FOR US (Matthew 11:30)
God loves us in a way the world never can. We, as Christians, need to learn to listen to God, not the world. Remember, God is the Only One who can love you unconditionally. He loves you in a way no person ever can. Don't hang on to the things of this world. They won't last. Hang on to God-- HE WILL LAST--FOREVER! And so will His love.
The world tells us we don't need God. You know what? God loves us so much that He created this world-- however, Adam and Eve's sin is what made it what it is today. The world was a perfect place-- but they fell into Satan's trap telling them there was something better than what God had given them. Check out Genesis. The whole story is in there.
But even in that, God made a way for us to get back to Him. He sent His Only Son, Jesus, to live here, teach us about Him, and die a brutal death for our sins. His story is in any of the gospels-- Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. (Check it out! It's awesome!:)
The world is always telling us we need to change, eat this, have a hot boyfriend/girlfriend, own anything/everything we want. But you know what God tells us?
HE LOVES US (see John 13:34)
HE WANTS US TO COME TO HIM WITH EVERYTHING (Matthew 11:28-30)
HE FORGIVES US OF OUR SINS (Luke 7:48)
HE IS ENOUGH FOR US (Matthew 11:30)
God loves us in a way the world never can. We, as Christians, need to learn to listen to God, not the world. Remember, God is the Only One who can love you unconditionally. He loves you in a way no person ever can. Don't hang on to the things of this world. They won't last. Hang on to God-- HE WILL LAST--FOREVER! And so will His love.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Honesty; The Best Policy!
Who of you has told at least one white lie? I know that I have. Usually it is to protect other people. (Sometimes to protect myself!) Like, when people ask how you are doing. I usually say "good", "okay" or "fine." Do I always mean it? No! But it is easier to say that than to get into a conversation on your whole life; worries, concerns, burdens. But God's Word tells us to be honest with one another, no matter what the cost. No, it may not be easy or fun, but it is what God asks of us.
1 Corinthians 3:9-10 says this; "Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him..." I suggest you read verse 11 too. But I'll leave that to you.
Basically, we are told that lying is not a good thing to do. I have another verse to back me up on what God believes about lying. I rarely read the book of Revelation, because to me, it is somewhat scary! But it was in my references, so I looked it up. Revelation 21:27 says this; "But there shall by no means enter it (heaven) anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life."
Ouch! That seems a little harsh, doesn't it? Well, think about it. Heaven is a perfect place, right? If something is perfect, nothing evil can exist within it, right? So, when you think of it that way, it does make sense!
Now, I'm not saying that God doesn't allow anyone who isn't perfect into heaven. Rather, He wants us all to enter heaven! Titus 1:2 says " in hope of eternal life which God, Who cannot lie, promised before time began..."
So you see, God loves us all and wants us all in His kingdom. He cares so much about us He gave us a way to spend all of our lives with Him; both now and forevermore! That was through Jesus' death and resurrection. That is the only way we can find forgiveness and love; arms open wide to receive us! If you want to find out how to be forgiven from your sins, and how to become a follower of Jesus, I ask you to read some of my past posts. They should explain everything to you!
If you would like to comment, I would appreciate feedback.
Thanks! God bless!
1 Corinthians 3:9-10 says this; "Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him..." I suggest you read verse 11 too. But I'll leave that to you.
Basically, we are told that lying is not a good thing to do. I have another verse to back me up on what God believes about lying. I rarely read the book of Revelation, because to me, it is somewhat scary! But it was in my references, so I looked it up. Revelation 21:27 says this; "But there shall by no means enter it (heaven) anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life."
Ouch! That seems a little harsh, doesn't it? Well, think about it. Heaven is a perfect place, right? If something is perfect, nothing evil can exist within it, right? So, when you think of it that way, it does make sense!
Now, I'm not saying that God doesn't allow anyone who isn't perfect into heaven. Rather, He wants us all to enter heaven! Titus 1:2 says " in hope of eternal life which God, Who cannot lie, promised before time began..."
So you see, God loves us all and wants us all in His kingdom. He cares so much about us He gave us a way to spend all of our lives with Him; both now and forevermore! That was through Jesus' death and resurrection. That is the only way we can find forgiveness and love; arms open wide to receive us! If you want to find out how to be forgiven from your sins, and how to become a follower of Jesus, I ask you to read some of my past posts. They should explain everything to you!
If you would like to comment, I would appreciate feedback.
Thanks! God bless!
Monday, March 11, 2013
Courage
Courage. There are so many different opinions on what it is! Mark Twain says that "courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear--not absence of fear...Consider the flea! incomparably the bravest of all the creatures--if ignorance of fear were courage."
General Geaorge Patton says this; "Courage is fear holding on a minute longer."
Harold Wilson says that "courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're the only one who knows you're scared to death."
A true showing of courage is presented in the Bible. Esther had true courage. She was a young girl chosen to be taken to Xerxes' palace to become his new wife. (Xerxes' wife had shamed him by being defiant; refusing to come and show her beauty to his guests.) Esther went, underwent beauty treatments, and was taken to the king. He fell in love at first sight, and they were wed.
Now, Esther was a Jew. But Mordecai, her uncle who raised her, told her to not reveal that to anyone. She obeyed his instructions-- that is until she was asked to do otherwise.
Haman, the king's right-hand man, hated Mordecai. Why? Mordecai refused to bow to Haman. Mordecai was doing the right thing of course, but it caused trouble still.
Haman devised a plan to have all the Jews annihilated (or killed). He went to the king and told him that there were people who were a threat to the kingdom, got the king's seal and set the decree in motion.
Mordecai told Esther about the plan, and she had to do something. He told her this; " For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14)
After fasting and praying for three days, she went to the king. Luckily, he welcomed her. She invited him and Haman to dine with her. So, they came. Xerxes asked her what she really wanted; he told her he would give her anything up to half of the kingdom. She asked them to dine with them again the next night. They agreed.
That night, when they were all dining, Xerxes asked her what she really wanted, and told her he would give it to her, up to half of the kingdom. That was the moment of truth--she revealed Haman's plot. The king was so angry that he had to go walk in the garden to cool down. Haman went to the queen, and was so scared he fell on top of her. The king walked in at that moment, and ordered him to be put to death. The proclamation that Haman had put out could not be revoked-- Xerxes fixed that by saying that the Jews could fight to protect themselves when the soldiers came to kill them.
What Esther did took courage. She won because she because she put her faith in God. She could have been killed for what she did! But God protected her and helped her. He does the same for anyone who asks. Ultimately, TRUE COURAGE COMES FROM GOD! NO ONE OR ANYTHING ELSE CAN PROVIDE THAT FOR US!
General Geaorge Patton says this; "Courage is fear holding on a minute longer."
Harold Wilson says that "courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're the only one who knows you're scared to death."
A true showing of courage is presented in the Bible. Esther had true courage. She was a young girl chosen to be taken to Xerxes' palace to become his new wife. (Xerxes' wife had shamed him by being defiant; refusing to come and show her beauty to his guests.) Esther went, underwent beauty treatments, and was taken to the king. He fell in love at first sight, and they were wed.
Now, Esther was a Jew. But Mordecai, her uncle who raised her, told her to not reveal that to anyone. She obeyed his instructions-- that is until she was asked to do otherwise.
Haman, the king's right-hand man, hated Mordecai. Why? Mordecai refused to bow to Haman. Mordecai was doing the right thing of course, but it caused trouble still.
Haman devised a plan to have all the Jews annihilated (or killed). He went to the king and told him that there were people who were a threat to the kingdom, got the king's seal and set the decree in motion.
Mordecai told Esther about the plan, and she had to do something. He told her this; " For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14)
After fasting and praying for three days, she went to the king. Luckily, he welcomed her. She invited him and Haman to dine with her. So, they came. Xerxes asked her what she really wanted; he told her he would give her anything up to half of the kingdom. She asked them to dine with them again the next night. They agreed.
That night, when they were all dining, Xerxes asked her what she really wanted, and told her he would give it to her, up to half of the kingdom. That was the moment of truth--she revealed Haman's plot. The king was so angry that he had to go walk in the garden to cool down. Haman went to the queen, and was so scared he fell on top of her. The king walked in at that moment, and ordered him to be put to death. The proclamation that Haman had put out could not be revoked-- Xerxes fixed that by saying that the Jews could fight to protect themselves when the soldiers came to kill them.
What Esther did took courage. She won because she because she put her faith in God. She could have been killed for what she did! But God protected her and helped her. He does the same for anyone who asks. Ultimately, TRUE COURAGE COMES FROM GOD! NO ONE OR ANYTHING ELSE CAN PROVIDE THAT FOR US!
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Big giants
Have you ever felt stared down by something that you don't really know how to handle? I am facing that lately, so I do know exactly how it feels!
I watched "Touched by an Angel" last night. I really enjoy watching it because it deals with things that really do happen in people's lives.
Last night, there was a young man on the show who was in the drug dealing business. He had run away from home years ago because people accused him of killing someone. He was found to be not guilty, but he left town just the same. About seven years later, he shows up with his son. His son asked him to read a story to him, and he read him their favorite story; David and Goliath. Both of them felt their were giants in the world, and they didn't really know how to face them. At one point, he calls up his buddies in the business, because he wanted to make money. He took drugs himself which made it easier for him to be in the middle of the business. He didn't realize that he was setting himself up to be caught by the police. He went to the park with his seven year old son, and did the business while his son wasn't looking. It turned out that the so called "drug dealers" were the police. He ran away, and his mother got shot because of him. An angel appeared to him as he was deciding whether to commit suicide or not. After the angel talked to him, he got off the train tracks, and went to the hospital to turn himself in. He told his son that there were Goliaths out there, and he had to face them.
In the end, we all have to face the giants. David did. The Bible tells us in 1 Samuel 17 that David, a young boy, faced a giant named Goliath during battle. How was a young boy able to defeat a giant? He put his faith in God, that's how.
David told Saul, the king, not to worry because he would defeat the Philistine. (Then David said to Saul, "Let no man's heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine." <verse 32>)
Now picture this; a young boy talking to the king and basically saying, "Don't worry; I've got your back!" That would be like a four year old saying they'll protect the eleven year old from the bullies at school! It is a funny picture!
Saul tried to arm David with his armour in order to protect him. After all, his brothers were all fighting in the war, and they wouldn't even go and fight the Philistine! But it didn't fit David. Instead of putting his faith in armour, David put in in God; after all, he knew God was in control of everything anyway! So he decided to use his slingshot; the tool he worked best with. He then went to a river, got five smooth stones for his slingshot, and went to fight the Philistine. David told the giant he would defeat him, and the giant,of course, didn't believe him; he wanted things done the hard way. One shot from David's sling, and BAM! The giant was killed when it hit his forehead. The giant was down!
What I am trying to say in all of this is that it doesn't matter how big or how small you are; all that matters is whether you have faith that God will help you overcome the giants in your life. Because if you have faith, He will help you overcome them; just wait and see!
A little side note; David became a king later on. He didn't always make good choices, no. But God loved him likes He loves you and me. David is even in the genealogy of Jesus! That is pretty cool, I think!
For further study on what we need to have courage, refer to the following:
Psalm 27:14
Psalm 30:5
Isaiah 43:2
I Peter 4:12-13
Romans 8:38-39
Isaiah 41:10
Philippians 4:13
There are plenty more verses on the subject--if you want references, just leave a comment, and I'll put them on for you. God bless!;D
I watched "Touched by an Angel" last night. I really enjoy watching it because it deals with things that really do happen in people's lives.
Last night, there was a young man on the show who was in the drug dealing business. He had run away from home years ago because people accused him of killing someone. He was found to be not guilty, but he left town just the same. About seven years later, he shows up with his son. His son asked him to read a story to him, and he read him their favorite story; David and Goliath. Both of them felt their were giants in the world, and they didn't really know how to face them. At one point, he calls up his buddies in the business, because he wanted to make money. He took drugs himself which made it easier for him to be in the middle of the business. He didn't realize that he was setting himself up to be caught by the police. He went to the park with his seven year old son, and did the business while his son wasn't looking. It turned out that the so called "drug dealers" were the police. He ran away, and his mother got shot because of him. An angel appeared to him as he was deciding whether to commit suicide or not. After the angel talked to him, he got off the train tracks, and went to the hospital to turn himself in. He told his son that there were Goliaths out there, and he had to face them.
In the end, we all have to face the giants. David did. The Bible tells us in 1 Samuel 17 that David, a young boy, faced a giant named Goliath during battle. How was a young boy able to defeat a giant? He put his faith in God, that's how.
David told Saul, the king, not to worry because he would defeat the Philistine. (Then David said to Saul, "Let no man's heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine." <verse 32>)
Now picture this; a young boy talking to the king and basically saying, "Don't worry; I've got your back!" That would be like a four year old saying they'll protect the eleven year old from the bullies at school! It is a funny picture!
Saul tried to arm David with his armour in order to protect him. After all, his brothers were all fighting in the war, and they wouldn't even go and fight the Philistine! But it didn't fit David. Instead of putting his faith in armour, David put in in God; after all, he knew God was in control of everything anyway! So he decided to use his slingshot; the tool he worked best with. He then went to a river, got five smooth stones for his slingshot, and went to fight the Philistine. David told the giant he would defeat him, and the giant,of course, didn't believe him; he wanted things done the hard way. One shot from David's sling, and BAM! The giant was killed when it hit his forehead. The giant was down!
What I am trying to say in all of this is that it doesn't matter how big or how small you are; all that matters is whether you have faith that God will help you overcome the giants in your life. Because if you have faith, He will help you overcome them; just wait and see!
A little side note; David became a king later on. He didn't always make good choices, no. But God loved him likes He loves you and me. David is even in the genealogy of Jesus! That is pretty cool, I think!
For further study on what we need to have courage, refer to the following:
Psalm 27:14
Psalm 30:5
Isaiah 43:2
I Peter 4:12-13
Romans 8:38-39
Isaiah 41:10
Philippians 4:13
There are plenty more verses on the subject--if you want references, just leave a comment, and I'll put them on for you. God bless!;D
Monday, February 25, 2013
Jealousy
Jealousy. We all experience it at some time or other. I figured out the other day; well, a few weeks ago now I guess, that the suffix of the word jealousy is lousy. Strange, huh? Could whoever have come up with this word been on to something?
How does jealousy make you feel? I know how it makes me feel-- angry, hurt, unjust. So, why do I let it get to me? The answer lies in that I am human, just as much as you are. We allow our sinful desires and actions to get the best of us. It doesn't make sense why we allow it, because we see what it does to other people. It is much harder to see faults in others than ourselves. That is just a fact of life, sadly.
What does the Bible say about jealousy? Well, James 3:16 says this: "Whenever people are jealous or selfish, they cause trouble and do all sorts of cruel things." (CEV version)
I don't know what this leads you to think, but it leads me to this; jealousy is selfishness in disguise. Now, that may or may not be a big revelation to you, but it may be too. I don't know; Jesus does though.
Think about it this way; selfishness, obviously, causes jealousy. We are upset because someone has what we don't. So we become jealous and envious of them, which won't help us in the long run; it could damage our relationship with God and with close friends and family members. If we don't take control of it, it could grow from covetousness to resentment of a person or thing-- or worse, even God!!
God commands us in Exodus 20: 17 to not want anthing that belongs to someone else-- not to covet what they have. Proverbs 3:31 has another great saying. I'll type it out for you: "Don't be jealous of men who who use violence. And don't choose to be like them."
There are stories in the Bible about people who were jealous and where it led them. Haman, in the book of Esther, is one example. Satan was cast out of heaven because of his hate and jealousy. That story is in Ezekiel 28, in case you want to check it out.
In the end, we need to learn to be content with what we have, material wise. Wanting to grow spiritually is something everyone should have an innate desire for. I have other verses posted below that you can look up and read for yourself. Have a great evening, and may God bless you this week.
Proverbs 23:17
1 Corinthians 13
How does jealousy make you feel? I know how it makes me feel-- angry, hurt, unjust. So, why do I let it get to me? The answer lies in that I am human, just as much as you are. We allow our sinful desires and actions to get the best of us. It doesn't make sense why we allow it, because we see what it does to other people. It is much harder to see faults in others than ourselves. That is just a fact of life, sadly.
What does the Bible say about jealousy? Well, James 3:16 says this: "Whenever people are jealous or selfish, they cause trouble and do all sorts of cruel things." (CEV version)
I don't know what this leads you to think, but it leads me to this; jealousy is selfishness in disguise. Now, that may or may not be a big revelation to you, but it may be too. I don't know; Jesus does though.
Think about it this way; selfishness, obviously, causes jealousy. We are upset because someone has what we don't. So we become jealous and envious of them, which won't help us in the long run; it could damage our relationship with God and with close friends and family members. If we don't take control of it, it could grow from covetousness to resentment of a person or thing-- or worse, even God!!
God commands us in Exodus 20: 17 to not want anthing that belongs to someone else-- not to covet what they have. Proverbs 3:31 has another great saying. I'll type it out for you: "Don't be jealous of men who who use violence. And don't choose to be like them."
There are stories in the Bible about people who were jealous and where it led them. Haman, in the book of Esther, is one example. Satan was cast out of heaven because of his hate and jealousy. That story is in Ezekiel 28, in case you want to check it out.
In the end, we need to learn to be content with what we have, material wise. Wanting to grow spiritually is something everyone should have an innate desire for. I have other verses posted below that you can look up and read for yourself. Have a great evening, and may God bless you this week.
Proverbs 23:17
1 Corinthians 13
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