"I believe He wants us to love others so much that we go to extremes to help them." // Francis Chan
“God's definition of what matters is pretty straightforward. He measures our lives by how we love.” // Francis Chan
When I worried about what others thought of the people I spent my time on, I was always alone and unmoved in my faith walk. (That has sometimes included disagreeing opinions of other believers.)
Now I love, keep close, and go after more those who NEED IT regardless of opinions around me. ♥ I've never felt a more moving and deeper love than for those who currently walk the shoes I use to walk. ♥ Don't get me wrong - correction and advise is always welcomed, but I refuse to listen to critics tell me I shouldn't share the same love and grace I've been given. Isn't that what we are here for? To draw in and welcome those who don't believe? I'm not talking about living a double life style. I'm talking about making people feel welcomed and loved just as they are in their moment of
unknowing and need. This is not a game nor a club. Souls are at stake. We can't be willing to miss opportunities to show God to people. As women, we have a God given characteristic to nurture people. We're GOOD at this loving thing. Don't waste it! What "image" are you portraying? The image the world thinks you should have, or the image and example Christ gave us to follow? Be blessed today by being a blessing.
Mark 12:30-31 NIV 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: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Matt. 4: 1-11 Fight Back With God's Word
In Matthew 4: 1-11 Jesus was coming to the end of his 40 day/40 night fasting when the devil "the temptor" came to him. This scripture has always scared me growing up. I guess because it scared me that satan would even try to mess with Jesus. But I don't fear this now - not with some clarity. :)
Other than Christ's crucifixion, this point in His fasting was possibly the weakest Jesus ever was physically. Isn't like the enemy to strike at moments when we are at our lowest? The cool thing is that even though the devil tempted Jesus and placed him in different stressful situations, he never harmed Jesus. I think that he probably couldn't. ;) So the worst that can be done to us is that we are presented choices to tempt us. Not so scary now is it? :)
More importantly, Jesus didnt use magic or fight an epic fist battle to defeat satan that day. Jesus simply replied to each temptation with scripture. The enemy is not dumb and knows God's Word as well, but he IS powerless under God and God in Us. Get into God's Word and cling to it. It's our sword and defense. If you are God's, the enemy can not touch you. He can only use smoke and mirrors around you, so have your spiritual glasses on so that you're not fooled, and always be ready with an answer (scripture). Praying protection, peace, assurance, and JOY over you today. God Is Good! ♥
Other than Christ's crucifixion, this point in His fasting was possibly the weakest Jesus ever was physically. Isn't like the enemy to strike at moments when we are at our lowest? The cool thing is that even though the devil tempted Jesus and placed him in different stressful situations, he never harmed Jesus. I think that he probably couldn't. ;) So the worst that can be done to us is that we are presented choices to tempt us. Not so scary now is it? :)
More importantly, Jesus didnt use magic or fight an epic fist battle to defeat satan that day. Jesus simply replied to each temptation with scripture. The enemy is not dumb and knows God's Word as well, but he IS powerless under God and God in Us. Get into God's Word and cling to it. It's our sword and defense. If you are God's, the enemy can not touch you. He can only use smoke and mirrors around you, so have your spiritual glasses on so that you're not fooled, and always be ready with an answer (scripture). Praying protection, peace, assurance, and JOY over you today. God Is Good! ♥
Be and Do What We Know
There comes a point in our lives where we realize we've been marinating and soaking in God soo much and soo long that we've forgotten to open our eyes to look around and see opportunities where we can apply what we've been learning. Maybe you didn't know yet that there's more than just sitting here in God's presence. Maybe there was still some work to be done on you, but maybe you just don't want to step out of that comfort zone. It's time to step out to do and be the example we've been praising.
God's word has some strong words regarding us hearing His word yet not doing His word. You don't have to be superhuman either. Just pay attention to the "tug" at your heart particularly in the more personal not-on-exhibit moments. Lend an ear. Offer a shoulder. Wipe a tear. Hug that neck. Release a prayer over them. Hold that hand. Don't be afraid to reach out. I think you'll be surprised how easily peoples' walls come down when sincerity is on the forefront. Simply ask God today to show you opportunities to show His love, and watch God form you into what you've been hearing. God bless you today as you become one of God's stories. ♥ -
God's word has some strong words regarding us hearing His word yet not doing His word. You don't have to be superhuman either. Just pay attention to the "tug" at your heart particularly in the more personal not-on-exhibit moments. Lend an ear. Offer a shoulder. Wipe a tear. Hug that neck. Release a prayer over them. Hold that hand. Don't be afraid to reach out. I think you'll be surprised how easily peoples' walls come down when sincerity is on the forefront. Simply ask God today to show you opportunities to show His love, and watch God form you into what you've been hearing. God bless you today as you become one of God's stories. ♥ -
Obama vs Romney 2012
My response to the election, results, and reactions of soo many:
I Timothy 2: 1-8
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
We will always be disappointed and saddened when we place our trust, faith, and hope in other people. They are no more super human than we are, but we have a supernatural God who has not changed. He is the same right now, post election, as He was in the beginning - creating and shaping everything into existence while having you, me, us on His mind. Today and tomorrow are no surprise to Him. Have faith. Be obediant and pray for those in positions of authority. Praying peace for you and so many.
I Timothy 2: 1-8
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
We will always be disappointed and saddened when we place our trust, faith, and hope in other people. They are no more super human than we are, but we have a supernatural God who has not changed. He is the same right now, post election, as He was in the beginning - creating and shaping everything into existence while having you, me, us on His mind. Today and tomorrow are no surprise to Him. Have faith. Be obediant and pray for those in positions of authority. Praying peace for you and so many.
Bringing Down Internal Strongholds
All I can do is sit back in awe of what we are capable of with God leading us. Yet sadly, some of our biggest hindrances are ourselves. So when God brings to light negative strongholds within ourselves, don't lash out or run away because you think it's to embarrass us. The shame may be momentary, but we are already promised grace and have mercy waiting to bannish the shame. Listen, God brings it (things we need to repent or fix) to light to give us the chance to destroy it! To completely demolish something, we need to see all of it.
Seeing Our Struggles Transformed: Being Equipped
If the Lord calls you, He WILL equip you for the task He wants you to fulfill" // We are all called; therefore, we will all be equipped. God will not send us out without purpose. Though our training in the past and present is not always easy, our ultimate victory will come from wisdom gained from failures. If our vision becomes clear it means that it was once clouded. Our past stumbling blocks become our stepping stones. Everything is an opportunity for God's glory to shine ♥ It's up to us to allow the struggles to be transformed.
Seek Peace And Prosperity Where You Are (Jeremiah 29:7)
Jeremiah 29:7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.
(Can I get an amen for direct direction? I hate having to guess. This ^ is soo powerful and comforting.)
♥ Have faith that where you are is where you are meant to be regardless of how you got there. Nothing touches us or our life that hasn't first gone through God's hands. He knew ages ago that you would be right where you are right now. It may be that in this place, location or phase, that you are finally submitting enough to allow God to mold you. If you feel this isn't happening, then the winds of change are on our side because God never messes up. Maybe we've seen this place or situation or phase as a curse and we've treated it as a curse. Instead, start blessing the place you're in/at. Start blessing it because there's a reason you are there even if you can't see it. Start speaking blessing to it because the tongue holds the power of life and death. Be God's willing light of love to those around you. Be a part of prospering what is around you. Everything we do is an investment into God's kingdom and into our own lives.
(Can I get an amen for direct direction? I hate having to guess. This ^ is soo powerful and comforting.)
♥ Have faith that where you are is where you are meant to be regardless of how you got there. Nothing touches us or our life that hasn't first gone through God's hands. He knew ages ago that you would be right where you are right now. It may be that in this place, location or phase, that you are finally submitting enough to allow God to mold you. If you feel this isn't happening, then the winds of change are on our side because God never messes up. Maybe we've seen this place or situation or phase as a curse and we've treated it as a curse. Instead, start blessing the place you're in/at. Start blessing it because there's a reason you are there even if you can't see it. Start speaking blessing to it because the tongue holds the power of life and death. Be God's willing light of love to those around you. Be a part of prospering what is around you. Everything we do is an investment into God's kingdom and into our own lives.
God Doesn't Call The Qualified. He Qualifies The Called.
Researching the history and lives of Christ's first twelve disciples, the one after His own heart, and countless others in the bible we see every day people who failed daily yet are now considered pillars in our faith. That should have us feeling confident and absolutely free to lay down our complete imperfections before God. If He can use them...He can use us. There's no getting ourselves right before going to God. Going before God gets us right.
"God doesn't need you. He want's you."
"God doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called."
Got it?
Good :)
God uses common, ordinary, everyday people who have uncommon goals and visions for His purpose. Loving others regardless of persons.
"God doesn't need you. He want's you."
"God doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called."
Got it?
Good :)
God uses common, ordinary, everyday people who have uncommon goals and visions for His purpose. Loving others regardless of persons.
Speaking Of Dating Failures Or The Absence Of Dating
If you have to chase it or force it into the mold it should be, it's not for you to have. Sometimes the only problem in a relationship is that you simply wanted it more than the other person. Guess what? That’s ok. There's no blame game to play. There's no baggage that we need to create. Have faith in even this area. Surrender and believe that God is orchestrating all aspects of your life, and that includes doors that are shut. So when it doesn't work out, praise God for it because it's STILL a confirmation. Confirmations don't always come in a positive result. Pray for and bless the other person, and graciously move on.
One day you'll not meet resistance, you won't have to create a scenerio that doesn't exist, nor feel an impossible distance from the love interest across from you. Until then, dive into your days. Every day is training in God's kingdom, and there's a much bigger picture outside of ourselves. ♥ Don't put all your focus on chasing what's not meant for you and possibly miss out giving God's love to someone who shouldn't have to chase you for it.
As wonderful as marriage and parenthood are, they are not THE goal. These things are a branch off from who we truly are. They are a blessing to enjoy and used to teach, but do not lose sight of your true value by basing it on just a ring and stroller or lack thereof! You are a child of a king - The King ♥ - and OH He has plans for you! that encompass winning a world!
One day you'll not meet resistance, you won't have to create a scenerio that doesn't exist, nor feel an impossible distance from the love interest across from you. Until then, dive into your days. Every day is training in God's kingdom, and there's a much bigger picture outside of ourselves. ♥ Don't put all your focus on chasing what's not meant for you and possibly miss out giving God's love to someone who shouldn't have to chase you for it.
As wonderful as marriage and parenthood are, they are not THE goal. These things are a branch off from who we truly are. They are a blessing to enjoy and used to teach, but do not lose sight of your true value by basing it on just a ring and stroller or lack thereof! You are a child of a king - The King ♥ - and OH He has plans for you! that encompass winning a world!
Easier Route VS Harder Route (Exodus 13:17-18)
Exodus 13:17-18 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that
God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that
was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war,
and they return to Egypt: But God led the people about, through the way of the
wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of
the land of Egypt.
You know, all through their wonderings in the wilderness, the Israelites complained at Moses and God about the difficulties of their journey. I've always thought they spent that much time in the wilderness because of their repeated disobediance. Maybe they needed time for God to work on their hearts. I see the OT as many stories of parallelism to today.
In the scripture above, it states that they avoided the faster route (land of the Philistines). Why? Because God knew that going that easier route, at that time, would cause the Israelites to lose heart and run back to Egypt. Whatever was there in Philistine was something that would make God's people see bondage back in Egypt as "better".
So you see, God was keeping in mind their future, the long term effect, the big picture. He does that with us today. Sometimes we get caught up in the today's struggles and want to give up and shake a fist at God when he's actually putting us in a position to live and prosper in the long run.
When a door closes in you life, it may be for your best. When you are going through a difficult time, it may be the better of two paths and you just can't see it. The harder paths may be because they are going to eventually get you to YOUR finish line...in the way YOU were created to finish it. The way you think something "should have" happened may have actually turned out to be your destruction just like how the Israelites' chance at freedom would have been jeopardized had they gone the quicker easier route. Only God sees all - then, now, tomorrow. Only God sees, on all planes, what would have been. Have faith in this fact. Be still and listen. Obey. Praise God in your wilderness because it is all and always for your ultimate good.
You know, all through their wonderings in the wilderness, the Israelites complained at Moses and God about the difficulties of their journey. I've always thought they spent that much time in the wilderness because of their repeated disobediance. Maybe they needed time for God to work on their hearts. I see the OT as many stories of parallelism to today.
In the scripture above, it states that they avoided the faster route (land of the Philistines). Why? Because God knew that going that easier route, at that time, would cause the Israelites to lose heart and run back to Egypt. Whatever was there in Philistine was something that would make God's people see bondage back in Egypt as "better".
So you see, God was keeping in mind their future, the long term effect, the big picture. He does that with us today. Sometimes we get caught up in the today's struggles and want to give up and shake a fist at God when he's actually putting us in a position to live and prosper in the long run.
When a door closes in you life, it may be for your best. When you are going through a difficult time, it may be the better of two paths and you just can't see it. The harder paths may be because they are going to eventually get you to YOUR finish line...in the way YOU were created to finish it. The way you think something "should have" happened may have actually turned out to be your destruction just like how the Israelites' chance at freedom would have been jeopardized had they gone the quicker easier route. Only God sees all - then, now, tomorrow. Only God sees, on all planes, what would have been. Have faith in this fact. Be still and listen. Obey. Praise God in your wilderness because it is all and always for your ultimate good.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)