Saturday, December 31, 2011
New Year
Its the last night of 2011 and I am very excited to welcome the New Year. A lot happened in the year 2011. I started work at one of the biggest blessing of my life, Crossings Community Church has brought me so many blessings.The youth and the people I work with have blessed me beyond understanding. They have given me many laughs, lots of learning, and just a few tears.:) I am very excited to see the journey God has for this part of my life in 2012. Two huge blessings came into our family late this year, after lots of praying we found out last December Shanna was pregnant. A few months later found out that we were gonna get double the blessings. I love those sweet babies with all that I am, my other two nephews still hold just as big of place in my heart. I'll never forget that my 2011 was filled with the worlds "I love you to heaven and back" and "I love you JaJa" from those sweet boys. 2011 brought new love and understanding for my family with a thankfulness of their love and support for me. I got a sweet puppy Mercy she loves to snuggle up to my neck and follow me every where, but I think I love it more. I was blessed with friends that stood by me in the most important times. I got to see a sweet friend marry her best friend and happy and thankful for both of them. I continue to be in awe of the friendship God brought me three years ago, and how we continue to grow together. I said hello and goodbye to a relationship in 2011, I can walk away thankful for what God taught me through it and the good memories shared. Closing 2011 feels good for me, I have tons to be thankful for and tons to learn from. I welcome 2012 hoping to love more, and have more faith. Nothing else matters if 2012 is not filled with my God, filled with the truth that he holds me,and loves me. I can't imagine welcoming this new year without this hope in my father. I pray that you know that truth as well. Happy New Year! I hope your year is filled with many blessings.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Where do I find my worth?
Do I find my worth in what other's think of me because of the things I have done, or do I find my worth through the one that thought I was worthy enough to send his son to die for me even while I was still a sinner? Many times the acceptance of others is very conditional, did we earn it that day and were we nice enough to be worthy of their love. But the acceptance of our Savior is never conditional, he loves you even when you run away. He loves you even when you spit in his face and deny his name, just to put it plainly HE LOVES YOU! He knows everything about you, he thinks your beautiful. He thinks your worthy of love and grace. Relationships and people will fail you if we are always expecting our needs to be meet and for it to go our own way. They never will, but your heavenly Father does know all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
Matthew 6:32-33
"For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
Matthew 6:32-33
"For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
His power
Luke 1:37 "For nothing is impossible with God."
2 Corinthians 12:9 "Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. "
Nothing is to difficult or impossible with God! He choose the weak to use to accomplish his purpose. Because through our weakness he can be strong. Since this is true we shall not fear our limitations or measure the task ahead according to our strength! All we need is to stay connected to him, leaning on his great and limitless resources. When we start to face difficulty and don't believe we can accomplish what is ahead know that he is with you, wanting you to talk to him and listen while he talks us through each situation. He will fully equip you to handle whatever comes into your life. We just relax in his presence, and trust in his strength.Monday, May 2, 2011
Consider it a sheer gift
James 1:2 (The Message)
2-4Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (The Message)
7-10Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn't get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan's angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn't think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me,
My grace is enough; it's all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness.
Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.
His power is made strong in our weakness. I often get discouraged or down because of my weaknesses or the things I feel I lack, but if those things were not present how would God come in? I have to know that through my inadequacy it allows me to rely fully on him who I should rely on. So let us consider it a blessings when hard things come our way and know that through our weakness he will make us strong!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Not about me
Romans 8:6 (The Message)
5-8Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God's action in them find that God's Spirit is in them—living and breathing God! Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God, ends up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what he is doing. And God isn't pleased at being ignored.
Its been a crazy last few weeks. With some REALLY good things happening in my life, and then some bad news. But one thing I have been learning the last few weeks is that I have to keep my focus on God. When I don't I start to lose everything. This life is not about me, the work I am doing and the things God has blessed me with are all amazing but only if I remember him. I trust that through the good and the bad that God's living and breathing in me. I can see him every where I look. He is in EVERYTHING, God is not just present when I have my quiet time or go to church but he is in everything I do. I want to think about him in the little things, and praise him in everything. When I continually put my focus on him my life no matter what may come is a good life.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Everything can be turned to good
We all fall short of God's glory, and we all mess up but nothing is wasted when we are walking close with God. He can take our mistakes and sins and turns them into good through his grace and love. While we were still living in darkness he began to shine light into our sin filled life. He lifted us up through having sacrificed his own life.
Romans 3:23-24
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:28 (The Message)
26-28Meanwhile
1 Peter 2:9 (The Message)
9-10But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Not destiny but legacy
We spend so much time thinking about our destiny (aka.Heaven) that we forget that it should be about our legacy. If God would have just wanted our ultimate goal to be to get to Heaven why would he have even put us on earth? Why not just put us right in heaven? As Christian sometimes we are so worried about how we can get to Heaven, and what we need to do to get the best rewards, but I really don't think this is what God is calling us to do. When we talk about salvation the focus is always on you accept Jesus in your heart, and your good to go. Im going to say that is not the only factor we should be focused on, and maybe even the smallest factor. So many people have been hurt because of our view on salvation. We focus so much on who is getting to heaven, when really we are not the one that gets to decide that. What we are called to do, and what is most important is to use this life we have been given here on earth for his kingdom. We are here on earth to show his love through our actions first and then our words. Proclaiming with your words but than not showing with your actions means nothing. Salvation can not stop at proclaiming that Christ is in our heart, but we have to follow through with actions in our life. Showing his love and grace through everything we do is the most important thing to our life here on earth. We are called to go out to the world and show him.
18-20Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20
18-20Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20
Monday, April 4, 2011
He is everything
In him we have everything, in him we are complete.While our experience of his is increasing, debris and clutter of our heart decreases. Yearning for him grows, and desires for other things fade. He is infinite and abundantly accessible to us so desiring him above all else is the best way to live.
He meets all the meets that we could ever have. He did create us and everything that is. The world is still at his call, although it often does not appear that way. Do not be fooled by appearances. Things that are visible are brief and fleeting, while things that are invisible are everlasting.
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18
He meets all the meets that we could ever have. He did create us and everything that is. The world is still at his call, although it often does not appear that way. Do not be fooled by appearances. Things that are visible are brief and fleeting, while things that are invisible are everlasting.
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18
Friday, April 1, 2011
Rest in his peace
Truly God is good, and the more intimately we experience him the more we are convinced of his goodness. He is the one who sees us and longs to be part of everything in our life. He wants us to find him in each moment of every day, and to be in his love. Sometimes his blessings can come through pain and sorrow, but at those times we can only know his goodness by trust in him. Trying to understand will fail us, but trust will keep us close to him.
His gift of peace is something that we can not even fathom its depth. He knows its our deepest need, and he knows our anxious thoughts. He wants us to listen to him, tune out other voices and just listen. Listen to the God who calms your fears, and gives you peace through all circumstances. He designed us to dwell in peace all day so draw close to him and receive it.
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15
His gift of peace is something that we can not even fathom its depth. He knows its our deepest need, and he knows our anxious thoughts. He wants us to listen to him, tune out other voices and just listen. Listen to the God who calms your fears, and gives you peace through all circumstances. He designed us to dwell in peace all day so draw close to him and receive it.
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Not about blessings
Thinking about the Sermon on Sunday, and something I read this morning made me ask myself as Christians do we do things for rewards? Sunday Marty pointed out that following Jesus should not be about just getting our sins forgiven in hopes that one day we can get to heaven. Its not about us and what rewards we can get but it should be about following him. I than started to think do we do things to receive blessings? Although God is the ultimate giver and delights in blessing us, do we solely worship the blessings? Do we desire what God can do for us or what we can do for his kingdom?
I'll be bold enough to say that most of the time we are always thinking about what the benefit is for me. Rarely do I find people that don't have some sort of selfish motive for the things they do even if they are good. We can get so caught up in doing things to receive blessings that we don't remember the greatest commandment.
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, The Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The is no other commandment greater than these." John 17:21
J-Jesus
O- Others
Y- You
We shouldn't desire God because of the things he can do for us, we shouldn't love others to get something out of it, and we shouldn't put our self before anything else. Jesus called us to love him first, and than others second. It is not about us, and our selfish needs and desires, we shouldn't follow Christ to satisfy our self. We should follow him because we love him so much we want to glorify him. Christ promises that when we make him the desire of our hearts and wait in his presence we will enjoy the greatest gift of all: Christ in you, and the hope of Glory!
I'll be bold enough to say that most of the time we are always thinking about what the benefit is for me. Rarely do I find people that don't have some sort of selfish motive for the things they do even if they are good. We can get so caught up in doing things to receive blessings that we don't remember the greatest commandment.
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, The Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The is no other commandment greater than these." John 17:21
J-Jesus
O- Others
Y- You
We shouldn't desire God because of the things he can do for us, we shouldn't love others to get something out of it, and we shouldn't put our self before anything else. Jesus called us to love him first, and than others second. It is not about us, and our selfish needs and desires, we shouldn't follow Christ to satisfy our self. We should follow him because we love him so much we want to glorify him. Christ promises that when we make him the desire of our hearts and wait in his presence we will enjoy the greatest gift of all: Christ in you, and the hope of Glory!
Be strong against the devil's schemes!
Ephesians 6:10-11
" Finally be strong in the Lord, and in his might power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."
The devil trys to scheme and push into our lives in a way that most of the time we are not even aware of. He puts unhealthy thoughts into our minds that effect the plan God has put before us. He is very sneaky in the fact that he works one small thing at a time till it becomes one big thing. He thrives on ruining the good things we have going on in our life. We have to always be aware and have the armor of God on to make sure we think of things that are good and honorable. The way to make sure to protect ourselves is to be in constant conversation with the Lord. To ask for protection against the thoughts the devil puts in our minds, and the way he tries to scheme into our lives.The devil attacks as soon as he sees a weak spot in us, and when we are doing good things for God's kingdom. So we must never put our guard down, and always be be equip with God's mighty power.
" Finally be strong in the Lord, and in his might power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."
The devil trys to scheme and push into our lives in a way that most of the time we are not even aware of. He puts unhealthy thoughts into our minds that effect the plan God has put before us. He is very sneaky in the fact that he works one small thing at a time till it becomes one big thing. He thrives on ruining the good things we have going on in our life. We have to always be aware and have the armor of God on to make sure we think of things that are good and honorable. The way to make sure to protect ourselves is to be in constant conversation with the Lord. To ask for protection against the thoughts the devil puts in our minds, and the way he tries to scheme into our lives.The devil attacks as soon as he sees a weak spot in us, and when we are doing good things for God's kingdom. So we must never put our guard down, and always be be equip with God's mighty power.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Letting Go
This past Sunday the part of the Sermon that stood out to me was letting go of things that we some times hold so dearly. I will not say what I am letting go but man is it something big. Its Thursday and I'm finally saying ok God this has got to happen. I'm scared to let it go because its something I have held onto my whole entire life. I have thoughts of what will I do without this, can I make it on my own, is this really what you are calling me to do Lord? But I have know this is what must be done in order to fully let God take control of my life. In order to let go of this thing that is precious to me, I have to rest in his presence, where I am complete. Slowing relaxing more and more, and letting go of my prized possession to his care. I can feel secure even in the midst of of these changes, through the awareness he is always there. The one that never leaves me is the same one who never changes. I am the same yesterday, today, and forever. Releasing more and more I know he never lets go of my hand. I am secure in that no one, or no circumstances can ever take that away for me.
"For I am the LORD your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you." Isaiah 41:13
"And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light" (Colossians 1:10-12, NIV).
"For I am the LORD your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you." Isaiah 41:13
"And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light" (Colossians 1:10-12, NIV).
Monday, March 21, 2011
One day at a time
It is VERY hard for me not to look to the future and worry about tomorrow. I have always disliked surprises, we are talking DISLIKED. I really don't understand the joy of not knowing whats next because it does not appeal to me. Honestly its hard for me to trust because of the deep wounds I have gotten in my past. During these times I have to remember to stay close to God, and be responsive to his will. He is helping me with his gentle touch. I love to understand everything but sometimes that can distract me from him. He promises to equip us to get through this day victoriously if we live in deep dependence on him.
Tomorrow is busy worrying about itself; don't get tangled up in its worry-webs.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34
Tomorrow is busy worrying about itself; don't get tangled up in its worry-webs.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Waiting, Trusting, and Hoping
These three things are all interconnected. Believe me I have felt at times that Im just going to wait forever for God to do something because his time is not my time. I have gotten frustrated, and lost all trust and hope but that is not what our Father wants from us. Trust is the most important thing he wants. It seems that no matter how many times God has followed through with his promises I still lose a little trust sometimes. How can this be? He promises that if we commit ourselves to him, he will act.
Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
and your justice as the noonday.
trust in him, and he will act.
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
and your justice as the noonday.
—Psalm 37:3-6
I even have found myself not trusting him with the little things, anxiously trying to make things go my way. I know his ways are better than my ways, but in a society that is now, now, now I get lost.
The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.
What can man do to me?
The Lord is on my side as my helper;
I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.
What can man do to me?
The Lord is on my side as my helper;
I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in man.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in princes.
than to trust in man.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in princes.
—Psalm 118:6-9
Keeping my eyes on him, waiting for him to work and realizing he will protect me gives me hope. Hope that the he holds my tomorrow, and if I wait and trust his plans are better than my own.
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
Jeremiah 29:11
Friday, March 11, 2011
His Strength
I often find myself living safely, making my plans and goals on what I think I can do. I forget that when Christ gave us his Spirit he empowered us to live beyond our natural ability and strength. We can not measure our strength to what may lie ahead. It is about his strength not our own, and his strength is limitless. When we walk close to him, calling on him he will renew our strength.
1 Chronicles 16:11Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always
Isaiah 40:28-31
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
1 Chronicles 16:11Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always
Isaiah 40:28-31
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Cast your burdens
Almost four years ago the greatest thing came into my life, he had beautiful blue eyes and was perfect. I never knew I could love someone so much.It was April 11th 2007 a day that new life was born not only my first beautiful nephew but my own. We received the call in the middle of the night the moment we had been waiting for nine months. My sister had went into labor and they were headed an hour and a half away to the hospital. I didn't ever expect that being an aunt would be so rewarding. The day that Reid Allen Estep was born changed my life forever. Not only was I an aunt now I realized that I had someone that was going to look up to me.Since I was still living at home I was able to watch him a lot for the first few months of his life. Taking care of another life, and loving someone so much that you would do anything for them was new to me. I was scared the first time I had to change a green diaper, and afraid for awhile that I could break him. Looking back I wouldn't change those experiences for the world. It made me a new person with a different outlook on life. It was the first time I realized this life is not about me. Reid taught me selfless love, he now has a beautiful brother Parker that I love just as much even though I didn't think it was possible. The reason I'm writing about this is because Parker has been in the hospital the last couple days, and I have been hurting for the little guy. All I wanted to do was go and get the shots for him, I wanted to take away all the pain so he didn't have to carry it.
It got me thinking about that is exactly what our Father in heaven does, I couldn't take Parker's pain away even though I wanted too but God can. He takes it all away.
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall not permit the righteous to be moved.” (Psalm 55:22)
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all of your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
I never will be able to fathom the love our father has for us because the love I have for my nephews does not even come close. Just remember he wants to take it all, he sent his son who he loved for you! So that you could live an abundant life with him forever.
It got me thinking about that is exactly what our Father in heaven does, I couldn't take Parker's pain away even though I wanted too but God can. He takes it all away.
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall not permit the righteous to be moved.” (Psalm 55:22)
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all of your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
I never will be able to fathom the love our father has for us because the love I have for my nephews does not even come close. Just remember he wants to take it all, he sent his son who he loved for you! So that you could live an abundant life with him forever.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Come just as you are
This song has been in my head all day. My devotional today was about not earning God's love by our performance. We live in a world that is all about performance, we are happy when someone accomplishes some task.If you serve in church your a good christian, if you do a good job at work your boss is happy, Dad's smile when their daughters look pretty. Because we are constantly preforming we roll this over into our views of God. I know I have often thought I need to preform to be accepted and loved by him. That could not be further from the truth. He simple loves you because you are his, not because of anything we have done or will do. So come as you are, and see he loves you for you no matter what you have done.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Problems
Everyday we face problems some are big, some are small. Although at times many things feel random and wrong we need to remember God is sovereign over everything. He fits everything into a pattern for good, but only if we trust him. Every problem we face teaches us something, and molds us into the masterpiece he created us to be. The very same problem that teaches us something can become a stumbling bock if we allow it, reacting in distrust and defiance. We have to choose many times each day to either trust him or defy him.
If we thank him for our problems it can open our mind to the possibility of benefits from our difficulties. Tell him and he will embrace them with his loving presence. He won't necessarily remove them but his wisdom can bring good out of each and every one of them.
26-28Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. Romans 8:26-28 The Message
If we thank him for our problems it can open our mind to the possibility of benefits from our difficulties. Tell him and he will embrace them with his loving presence. He won't necessarily remove them but his wisdom can bring good out of each and every one of them.
26-28Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. Romans 8:26-28 The Message
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Voices
Lately I have had a lot of voices telling me different things. Everyone seems to have their views on my life, and I really have been fighting with hearing God's voice. We have to learn to discern what is his voice and what is not, we can do this by asking him to give us discernment. We often run around trying to obey the various voices directing our lives. Believe me this can lead to frustration, and fragmented patterns of living. Don't fall for this! If we walk closely with him each moment listening for his directives and enjoying his companionship we will not.
Ephesians 4:1-6
1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Resist Sin
I went to run at the park today and took a little break to sit on the bench to think and pray. I was sitting there watching the ducks, one duck in particular.Now this duck was a warrior, he was standing his ground when any other duck would come near. He would fight, bite do anything to scare them off. This duck reminded me of what I should do when any sin comes my way. When the devil tries to tempt me with sin I shall stand my ground and fight him off!
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."Ephesians 6:10-17
God and his mighty power will give us the strength to fight off temptation and he will also never gives us more than we can handle.
"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted[ beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
Just like that duck I will fight off all sin that Satan tries to throw my way, because I know I have a fight worth fighting for and a God who is all powerful.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."Ephesians 6:10-17
God and his mighty power will give us the strength to fight off temptation and he will also never gives us more than we can handle.
"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted[ beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
Just like that duck I will fight off all sin that Satan tries to throw my way, because I know I have a fight worth fighting for and a God who is all powerful.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Beautiful
Today one of my youth girls challenged me to not wear make-up with her this week. She wanted to do this to show the true beauty God made her to be. Now that is beautiful, a young girl so in tune with God that she wants to be who he made her to be. The only beauty our father sees does not come from our outward appearance. God sees what is on the inside, and that is truly what makes you beautiful.
1 Samuel 16:7 "But the Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn't make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions."
We all can feel imperfect at times, but the next time you start to compare the way you look to someone else or look in the mirror walk away. Stop compulsive exercising and dieting to lose weight, shut the magazines and turn off the TV that says your only pretty if you look a certain way. Shut your eyes and listen. More precious than any fairy tale is this truth. Your Prince has spoken and he is so in love with you!
Psalm 45:11 "The king is enthralled by your beauty." Let your true beauty show, let God make you totally beautiful!
1 Samuel 16:7 "But the Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn't make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions."
We all can feel imperfect at times, but the next time you start to compare the way you look to someone else or look in the mirror walk away. Stop compulsive exercising and dieting to lose weight, shut the magazines and turn off the TV that says your only pretty if you look a certain way. Shut your eyes and listen. More precious than any fairy tale is this truth. Your Prince has spoken and he is so in love with you!
Psalm 45:11 "The king is enthralled by your beauty." Let your true beauty show, let God make you totally beautiful!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Francesca Battistelli - This Is The Stuff
Its good to remember that he uses everything, and that through everything small or big we are still extremely blessed!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Gentle Hands
God uses his gentle hands to guide us, he never lets go and always knows the path. I on the other hand did not know the plan, and I did not like it one bit. Six months ago I thought my world was turned upside down, but little did I know God was directing me towards something I NEVER would have imagined. He had to do it gentle because if he would have just let me have it all at once I would have ran as fast as I could have. The plan that is unfolding right before my eyes is beautiful, but it did not always look that way. I got frustrated, lost, confused.. just to name a few. I questioned why he was doing this, why the life I had planned got turned upside down. It got turned upside down because he had better plans. My heart was with kids, I loved working with the youth but I never saw that as a job. I dreamed about it but I was scared, I never thought God would choose me but he did. He opened door after door, and I just knew it was him directing my steps. Proverbs 16:9 "A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."
I now have the greatest opportunity to be a intern at my church, and go to a great school and it is all because of his guidance.
The last few days have been some of the greatest and rewarding days of my life, because after the storm I can see the plan he knew all along. I wouldn't change the path for anything, at the time I didn't know why but now I see that his gentle hands were at work the whole time to guide me to the unimaginable.
Psalm 73:24 "You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory."
I now have the greatest opportunity to be a intern at my church, and go to a great school and it is all because of his guidance.
The last few days have been some of the greatest and rewarding days of my life, because after the storm I can see the plan he knew all along. I wouldn't change the path for anything, at the time I didn't know why but now I see that his gentle hands were at work the whole time to guide me to the unimaginable.
Psalm 73:24 "You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory."
Friday, February 11, 2011
Full Life
I taught a lesson last night at the Landing over hope, and a fulfilled life. I had the kids read John 10:10 Which is "10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. " In this chapter God is referring to his sheep, and that if they enter into his gate will be saved and have a full life. What is a full life to our society today? I asked the kids that questions, I had water, grass and branches and said this is what sheep need to survive what are the three things we need as humans. The answers were good they said food, water, and shelter. But they left out of the main one, the one that created it all. The one that allows us to have those things. The world tells us to focus our attention else where, and that other things beside Christ are what we need to have a positive life. Those are lies, I searched for a long time in the things of this world that are supposed to fill you. Believe me they don't, you may be satisfied for a little bit but never truly fulfilled. Only Christ can truly satisfy that longing in our heart, and he wants to. He never leaves and wants the best for us.
Psalm 37:4 "Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart."
Psalm 37:4 "Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart."
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Take time
Jesus calling today talked about spending time with him. To sum it up we need to trust him enough to spend time everyday with him, pushing back the demands of everyday. Don't feel guilty spending time with him, and pushing back other things because this is pleasing to him. Because he is omnipotent, he is able to bend time and events in our favor. You'll find you can accomplish more in less time, after we have spent time with our father. When we align our perspective with him we can sort out what is important and what is not. We shouldn't be on the go always, and sometimes the things we do in his name have no value in his kingdom. To avoid doing meaningless work we have to stay in direct communication with him.
Psalm 32:8 'Let me give you some good advice, I'm looking you in the eye and giving it to you straight."
Psalm 32:8 'Let me give you some good advice, I'm looking you in the eye and giving it to you straight."
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
He forgives
Your mind, your conscience, your heart tells you God can't forgive you. But you know deep down that God's grace is greater than our sin. It has to be! Otherwise we all live in vain! Is anything to hard for God? Anything too big for him? Any sin too great for him to forgive? It would be blasphemy to say so. If you are the one who can commit a sin too great for God to forgive you are above God. He forgives, and he changes us. He is good!
Monday, February 7, 2011
He is everything.
Honestly I have felt pretty worn down the last couple of days. I have always been very hard on myself, and expected a lot.I try to be perfect for God because in the past I've been very far from. I get stuck in the worlds view that I need to earn God's love, but I don't. That isn't how God works, and when I defeat myself because I feel I'm not enough I clearly do not understand who God is.
Psalm 103:3-18 " He forgives your sins-every one. He heals your diseases- every one. He redeems you from hell-saves your life! He crowns you with love and mercy- a paradise crown. He wraps you in goodness-beauty eternal. He renews your youth- you're always young in his presence.
GOD makes everything come out right; he puts victims back on their feet. He showed Moses how he went about his work, opened up his plans to all Israel. GOD is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, he's rich in love. He doesn't endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever. He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs. As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is his love to those who fear him. And as far as sunrise is from sunset, he has separated us from our sins. As parents feel for their children, GOD feels for those who fear him. He knows us inside and out, keeps in mind that we're made of mud. Men and women don't live very long; like wildflowers they spring up and blossom, But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly, leaving nothing to show they were here. GOD's love, though, is ever and always, eternally present to all who fear him, making everything right for them and their children as they follow his Covenant ways and remember to do whatever he said."
I don't have to be enough for him, I don't have to fret over the past, present, or the future when things start to weigh me down.When we become weary because our journey has been to much he wants us to find rest and refreshment in him. He fits everything into a pattern for good, including the things we wish were different. He wants us to start from his day on, accepting that we are right where he wants us to be. We just have to remain attentive to him, let him guide us and remember who he is. He is love, he is forgiveness, and grace. He does not care who we where, who we are, but he does care who we are going to be.
Psalm 103:3-18 " He forgives your sins-every one. He heals your diseases- every one. He redeems you from hell-saves your life! He crowns you with love and mercy- a paradise crown. He wraps you in goodness-beauty eternal. He renews your youth- you're always young in his presence.
GOD makes everything come out right; he puts victims back on their feet. He showed Moses how he went about his work, opened up his plans to all Israel. GOD is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, he's rich in love. He doesn't endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever. He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs. As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is his love to those who fear him. And as far as sunrise is from sunset, he has separated us from our sins. As parents feel for their children, GOD feels for those who fear him. He knows us inside and out, keeps in mind that we're made of mud. Men and women don't live very long; like wildflowers they spring up and blossom, But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly, leaving nothing to show they were here. GOD's love, though, is ever and always, eternally present to all who fear him, making everything right for them and their children as they follow his Covenant ways and remember to do whatever he said."
I don't have to be enough for him, I don't have to fret over the past, present, or the future when things start to weigh me down.When we become weary because our journey has been to much he wants us to find rest and refreshment in him. He fits everything into a pattern for good, including the things we wish were different. He wants us to start from his day on, accepting that we are right where he wants us to be. We just have to remain attentive to him, let him guide us and remember who he is. He is love, he is forgiveness, and grace. He does not care who we where, who we are, but he does care who we are going to be.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Weak
The recent snow storm shows just how weak we are as humans and have no control over what happens. If we did have control I'm sure the weather right now would be 70, BUT we don't. He is in control, he controls everything. But yet we think we are strong enough to brave the storm alone, and we get stuck just like a lot of people did trying to brave this storm when they were advised not to. God advises us to bring our weaknesses to him and receive his peace. We need to accept our self and our circumstances as they are as he does. We get so consumed with planning out our future but instead we should be thankful and trust him who can guide us through everyday. We will not notice our weaknesses when we focus on him because he makes us strong.
Psalm 29:11 " God makes his people strong. God gives his people peace."
He guides us step by step on a beautiful journey he has planned for us. Making us strong when we are weak, taking our fears away when we focus on him.
Numbers 6:24-26 " God bless you and keep you, God smile on you and gift you. God look you full in the face and make you prosper."
Psalm 29:11 " God makes his people strong. God gives his people peace."
He guides us step by step on a beautiful journey he has planned for us. Making us strong when we are weak, taking our fears away when we focus on him.
Numbers 6:24-26 " God bless you and keep you, God smile on you and gift you. God look you full in the face and make you prosper."
Monday, January 31, 2011
His plans.
Its not that I forget he has already planned my life out, its just that sometimes its hard to trust its all going to be ok. He knows everything that is going to happen before it does, he knows what my day will hold before I ever wake up. But the hard thing for me is that I don't! I don't have the control over what may come, and I don't know what the outcome may be. But I can trust that he will give me the strength to face whatever may come my way. He is my shield and my strength. Instead of worrying about tomorrow I should focus on him the one that made tomorrow.
Matthew 6:34 " Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes."
I will not be afraid of what tomorrow may bring because I have protection, and I will trust that he is working and has my best in mind because that is his promise.
Genesis 28:15 " Yes. Ill stay with you, Ill protect you where ever you go, and Ill bring you back to this very ground. Ill stick with you until Ive done everything I promised you."
Matthew 6:34 " Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes."
I will not be afraid of what tomorrow may bring because I have protection, and I will trust that he is working and has my best in mind because that is his promise.
Genesis 28:15 " Yes. Ill stay with you, Ill protect you where ever you go, and Ill bring you back to this very ground. Ill stick with you until Ive done everything I promised you."
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Not Perfection but the Perfect One
I have lived so long thinking unless I have a problem free, prefect life than I am not good enough. I have believed the lies that perfection is what I should strive for, and because of that fallen more times than I can remember. Instead of seeking perfection in this fallen world God wants us to seek him- the perfect one.
John 16:33 " In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world."
It is possible to glorify and follow him in the midst of our problems or imperfections. That is when his light shines most brightly through us. He is less interested in right circumstances, and more interested in right responses to whatever comes our way. I have learned I can't strive for perfection because I'll never reach it, but I can strive for the perfect one because through him I can do anything!
John 16:33 " In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world."
It is possible to glorify and follow him in the midst of our problems or imperfections. That is when his light shines most brightly through us. He is less interested in right circumstances, and more interested in right responses to whatever comes our way. I have learned I can't strive for perfection because I'll never reach it, but I can strive for the perfect one because through him I can do anything!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Fireflight - What I've Overcome
What an amazing song, with such powerful words! God has saved me over and over again, I can't put into words how his grace makes me feel. He still amazes me how he can change our life in an instant.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Don't do nothing.
What happens when we are lazy, and sit back and don't do what God calls us to do? When we just slide through life getting by, and being selfish? I think when we do this we are taking away our potential and purpose. Good shouldn't be good enough we should want spectacular!
God expects us to work for his kingdom.
Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.."
God also has equipped each and every one of us to work for his kingdom is a certain way.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."
God also calls us to serve others.
1 Peter 4:10 " Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others"
Whatever your gift may be use it. Not all gifts are seen by others, but all gifts will impact something. Sometimes we think we have to be a worship leader or help with children's church to really make an impact, but gifts come in all different packages. They are all just as important as the other. You may be a greeter, an usher, or a preacher but any of those gifts can change lives. You never know how your gift may impact those around you, so don't sit still MOVE. Sometimes when life gets to busy or full we squeeze out the most important stuff. Find your gift and make it a priority, get committed to it, stay focused on it, and be determined to work for his kingdom.
God expects us to work for his kingdom.
Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.."
God also has equipped each and every one of us to work for his kingdom is a certain way.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."
God also calls us to serve others.
1 Peter 4:10 " Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others"
Whatever your gift may be use it. Not all gifts are seen by others, but all gifts will impact something. Sometimes we think we have to be a worship leader or help with children's church to really make an impact, but gifts come in all different packages. They are all just as important as the other. You may be a greeter, an usher, or a preacher but any of those gifts can change lives. You never know how your gift may impact those around you, so don't sit still MOVE. Sometimes when life gets to busy or full we squeeze out the most important stuff. Find your gift and make it a priority, get committed to it, stay focused on it, and be determined to work for his kingdom.
Friday, January 21, 2011
His Alone
God wants us to be his alone, to depend on nothing but him. When we put our security in other people, or our circumstances we are not allowing him to lead. It is really scary to depend only on him and it may feel like walking on a tightrope, but the safety net underneath is his everlasting arms. He will catch us if we fall, so don't look down or you may lose your balance. Keep your eyes fixed only to him. He is always ahead of us giving us one step at a time. Sometimes he calls us forth slowly, and sometimes its more steady but follow his lead. He knows the path is narrow, but its the best path for us. Circumstances and people will come and try to draw you away from the rope, but he will defend you. Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, can separate you from his loving Presence.
Deuteronomy 33:27
The eternal God is your refuge,
and underneath are the everlasting arms.
He will drive out your enemies before you,
saying, ‘Destroy them!’
Deuteronomy 33:27
The eternal God is your refuge,
and underneath are the everlasting arms.
He will drive out your enemies before you,
saying, ‘Destroy them!’
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
He is with us, and for us.
When we decide on course of action that is in line with his will, nothing on heaven or on earth can stop us.
We may encounter many obstacles as you move toward our goal, but don't be discouraged-never give up! With his help you can overcome any obstacle. Do not expect an easy path, but do remember that God is our very present helper. Guiding you in every little step along the way. Much trouble can come from us wanting to make things happen before their time has come. If we want to stay close to God we must always do things his way, and ask him to show us the path moment by moment. I struggle with wanting God to answer me right now what I'll be doing down the road and forget he has something for me to do today. Instead of rushing ahead to our goal let him set the pace. Slow down and enjoy the journey in his presence.
"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31
We may encounter many obstacles as you move toward our goal, but don't be discouraged-never give up! With his help you can overcome any obstacle. Do not expect an easy path, but do remember that God is our very present helper. Guiding you in every little step along the way. Much trouble can come from us wanting to make things happen before their time has come. If we want to stay close to God we must always do things his way, and ask him to show us the path moment by moment. I struggle with wanting God to answer me right now what I'll be doing down the road and forget he has something for me to do today. Instead of rushing ahead to our goal let him set the pace. Slow down and enjoy the journey in his presence.
"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Wait
Isaiah 40:30-31
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Romans 8:6
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
My strength has been pretty shot the last couple of days. I have been discouraged by the fact that I have no idea what the next couple of months hold for my life. I would love to have control, but I have no idea where God is leading me after I graduate. I was discouraged that my prayers have not yet been answered. I think time is a trainer though, teaching us to wait upon God, and trust him. I have been letting my difficulties, and others draw me into worry and defeat. But God has called us to wait upon him, to not be weary but walk forward towards what he has planned for my life. To see all that he is doing in my life now and live in peace not worry.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Romans 8:6
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
My strength has been pretty shot the last couple of days. I have been discouraged by the fact that I have no idea what the next couple of months hold for my life. I would love to have control, but I have no idea where God is leading me after I graduate. I was discouraged that my prayers have not yet been answered. I think time is a trainer though, teaching us to wait upon God, and trust him. I have been letting my difficulties, and others draw me into worry and defeat. But God has called us to wait upon him, to not be weary but walk forward towards what he has planned for my life. To see all that he is doing in my life now and live in peace not worry.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
I trust you Jesus
Psalm 139:7-10
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
Kristen got me this AMAZING daily devotional and today it was talking about learning the habit of saying "I trust you Jesus" in response to ANYTHING that happens to you. I tend to forget sometimes that he is in control over everything in the Universe. I so often think that I should control it, and I don't always trust that he as a plan through everything he takes me through. I want to control what happens after I get out of school, my relationships, and sometimes how other people act but I can't. I will trust that he has greater plans than I could ever dream of for all those things.If I walk closely with him, and trust him in every situation he will guide me in the direction he wants me to go.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
Kristen got me this AMAZING daily devotional and today it was talking about learning the habit of saying "I trust you Jesus" in response to ANYTHING that happens to you. I tend to forget sometimes that he is in control over everything in the Universe. I so often think that I should control it, and I don't always trust that he as a plan through everything he takes me through. I want to control what happens after I get out of school, my relationships, and sometimes how other people act but I can't. I will trust that he has greater plans than I could ever dream of for all those things.If I walk closely with him, and trust him in every situation he will guide me in the direction he wants me to go.
Monday, January 3, 2011
My Story
Its been awhile since I have posted anything. I was home for a few weeks, and with the busy holiday season just haven't been seeking God like I should. Yesterday's sermon by Flick about telling your story really hit home. I know God has and is using my past to reach others, and the trails and sorrow I went through made me into the person I am today. I do wish I would have made better choices but God has changed me, and my old self is gone and I am made new. Here it is truthful as I can get.
Honestly I grew up in a family that was about as loving, and amazing as they come. I was spoiled and loved and I knew that but I still searched for more. I grew up in Church but had no personal relationship with God. I knew what I needed to do to look good and that is about as far as it went. Like many other teenage girls I liked boys and I longed for a boyfriend, so I meet this boy one day that was so charming he swept me off my feet. The relationship started innocent although people tried to warn me of him I said " No he is different with me". The relationship continued in a unhealthy way, words were said to me that were very cruel and I started to believe them. I got bite, pushed, held down, hit but I still stayed around out of fear and confusion. My family tried to ground me from seeing him but I still did. One morning changed it all when I was forced to do something I wanted so badly to save for marriage. I broke inside that day, and he quit talking to me. Through a series of events that relationship ended and he was out of my life. I took it hard and thought no one understood, I was angry at the world and at God for letting this happen. I still was not seeking him but I thought he should have protected me. I began chasing after anything and everything to feel that empty void in my life. After boys, drinking, smoking, and even controlling what I ate I had NOTHING. I was still empty inside and had no where else to turn but God. After years of running from him, and making mistake after mistake I had nothing else. God began working in me my second year of college, I was going to church and trying to make the right decisions. I had dropped a lot of old friends that were not helping my walk so I had no friends in Edmond. After a year of seeking him, and trying to make the right choices I still had no friends. I was mad! How could he do this to me, I was doing what he wanted right? No, I quickly learned that I was still a luke warm Christian, and God was not just going to bring friends to my door without me making some effort. So I did, I put myself out there and he blessed me with good friends for that time in my life. I was blessed, but still had not given complete surrender over to him. I got in another relationship that although we tried Christ was not the center because we had no personal relationship with him. After that ended and although I was hurt God changed me in the biggest way possible. I can't even begin to tell you how God worked in those few short months but it was huge. He truly opened my eyes to his love, forgiveness, and plan for my life. I started to see what he really wanted for us as Christian, that he wants us to be radical. I had been so surround with the things of this world for so long I did not see how it had been effecting me. God is still working in me and he will forever but he changed me. His love saved me, I find so much more joy out of doing things for him than doing things for this world. He gave us the best gift of all, he sent his beloved son to die for our sins and all he asks is that we love him. I pray that each one of you see just how much God loves us, and asks for all of us not because he is selfish but because he knows what is best for us.
Honestly I grew up in a family that was about as loving, and amazing as they come. I was spoiled and loved and I knew that but I still searched for more. I grew up in Church but had no personal relationship with God. I knew what I needed to do to look good and that is about as far as it went. Like many other teenage girls I liked boys and I longed for a boyfriend, so I meet this boy one day that was so charming he swept me off my feet. The relationship started innocent although people tried to warn me of him I said " No he is different with me". The relationship continued in a unhealthy way, words were said to me that were very cruel and I started to believe them. I got bite, pushed, held down, hit but I still stayed around out of fear and confusion. My family tried to ground me from seeing him but I still did. One morning changed it all when I was forced to do something I wanted so badly to save for marriage. I broke inside that day, and he quit talking to me. Through a series of events that relationship ended and he was out of my life. I took it hard and thought no one understood, I was angry at the world and at God for letting this happen. I still was not seeking him but I thought he should have protected me. I began chasing after anything and everything to feel that empty void in my life. After boys, drinking, smoking, and even controlling what I ate I had NOTHING. I was still empty inside and had no where else to turn but God. After years of running from him, and making mistake after mistake I had nothing else. God began working in me my second year of college, I was going to church and trying to make the right decisions. I had dropped a lot of old friends that were not helping my walk so I had no friends in Edmond. After a year of seeking him, and trying to make the right choices I still had no friends. I was mad! How could he do this to me, I was doing what he wanted right? No, I quickly learned that I was still a luke warm Christian, and God was not just going to bring friends to my door without me making some effort. So I did, I put myself out there and he blessed me with good friends for that time in my life. I was blessed, but still had not given complete surrender over to him. I got in another relationship that although we tried Christ was not the center because we had no personal relationship with him. After that ended and although I was hurt God changed me in the biggest way possible. I can't even begin to tell you how God worked in those few short months but it was huge. He truly opened my eyes to his love, forgiveness, and plan for my life. I started to see what he really wanted for us as Christian, that he wants us to be radical. I had been so surround with the things of this world for so long I did not see how it had been effecting me. God is still working in me and he will forever but he changed me. His love saved me, I find so much more joy out of doing things for him than doing things for this world. He gave us the best gift of all, he sent his beloved son to die for our sins and all he asks is that we love him. I pray that each one of you see just how much God loves us, and asks for all of us not because he is selfish but because he knows what is best for us.
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