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."
Monday, January 31, 2011
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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