Heya! I thought I'd write down some musings of mine...( musings, mind you)
So, I've been thinking about becoming what you behold. It's true, right? What if this generation took their eyes off of models, actors, etc. and set their eyes on the beauty of Jesus? Would there not be a change of mindset? I was thinking that a lot of teens I've seen and talked to have this desire to be beautiful and good-looking on the outside. An obsession really. What is beauty though? How can we know beauty if we do not look upon beauty itself? Yes, Jesus is the beautiful One. If our eyes were set on Him, we would become more Christ-like. We have our gaze, our hearts, set on Him. Paul says, " And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." ( 2 Cor. 3:18) When we think on the glory of the Lord, we are transformed into His image. Isn't that what we should be doing? Why are we so concerned with what we look like? Can it be a distraction? Is it a incomplete, mediocre desire for a longing to be who we truly are?
I know I have a lot of questions in this post, but like I said, these are my ponderings-- not exactly complete thoughts yet. My main point, though, is: If we keep our eyes on Jesus, and are transfixed on His dazzling beauty, will we not be transformed into something beautiful? Into His beautiful Bride?
It's time we truly get our eyes off ourselves and the things of the world and set our gaze on the only One worthy to gaze at -- Jesus Christ. Read Revelation, a mere glimpse of all He is, and all ready, you will be blown away.
It's been a long time "thing" that people have been obsessed with. It's time for this generation to turn obsession with their own beauty to an obsession with Jesus. Lord, turn our eyes from worthless things...
"One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple." Psalm 24:7
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight." -- 1 Peter 3: 3-4 ( I know this was directed to wives, but just read the concept. Get what I'm saying?)
"For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ." -- 2 Cor. 4:6
"Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word." -- Psalm 119: 37
Friday, November 18, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
All a Matter of Perspective
WHOA!!!!!! It's been awhile! Lookie, here: I leave for a few months and BAM! everything is changed on this thing.
Anyway, this will be a relatively short post, as I still need to write up an essay. I wanted to get this down for a bit, but I didn't know how to word it. However, the Lord just gave me a revelation. So, I was asking Him:
Lord, why does school, hobbies, etc. seem less important lately? And He said, " Not less important, but in a new perspective." Yeahhh....he totally blew me away with that! I've been making it a goal: I'm living for another age. All of a sudden, everything I do has a new meaning and purpose. It's starting to become a little clear that everything we do on this earth must be driven for God and by God. If we aren't, what's the purpose in the big picture? Am I doing this for my ends, or His purpose? You see, He knows things we don't. So when we begin asking to see things through his eyes-- to find His will and purpose in our lives, it becomes a little clear on what we're supposed to do. Granted its not clear all the time! Sometimes, you're sitting there wondering: Why, Lord? And yet, you still have some kind of peace. You still have that feeling, "Yes, I know this is from You, Lord."
So, as time progresses, and stress continues to pile on, ask Him for His perspective. What does He see in our actions? Is it bringing glory to Him? Is it what he wants in the first place? For, even good things, when not in His will, are not good at all.
"I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;apart from you I have no good thing.”-- Psalm 16:2
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." -- Romans 12:2
"...your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." --Matthew 6:10
"Be good to your servant while I live, that I may obey your word." --Psalm 119: 17
Anyway, this will be a relatively short post, as I still need to write up an essay. I wanted to get this down for a bit, but I didn't know how to word it. However, the Lord just gave me a revelation. So, I was asking Him:
Lord, why does school, hobbies, etc. seem less important lately? And He said, " Not less important, but in a new perspective." Yeahhh....he totally blew me away with that! I've been making it a goal: I'm living for another age. All of a sudden, everything I do has a new meaning and purpose. It's starting to become a little clear that everything we do on this earth must be driven for God and by God. If we aren't, what's the purpose in the big picture? Am I doing this for my ends, or His purpose? You see, He knows things we don't. So when we begin asking to see things through his eyes-- to find His will and purpose in our lives, it becomes a little clear on what we're supposed to do. Granted its not clear all the time! Sometimes, you're sitting there wondering: Why, Lord? And yet, you still have some kind of peace. You still have that feeling, "Yes, I know this is from You, Lord."
So, as time progresses, and stress continues to pile on, ask Him for His perspective. What does He see in our actions? Is it bringing glory to Him? Is it what he wants in the first place? For, even good things, when not in His will, are not good at all.
"I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;apart from you I have no good thing.”-- Psalm 16:2
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." -- Romans 12:2
"...your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." --Matthew 6:10
"Be good to your servant while I live, that I may obey your word." --Psalm 119: 17
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Secure in Insecurities?
I was listening to a song the other day called " Dark but Lovely" and one of the lines hit me hard. It said,
" Though I'm dark, You say I am lovely. Though I'm poor You say, I am beautiful." And I think how many times I fret over petty things like clothing and such. And how many times I complain to Jesus about all the mistakes I've made and how much I mess up. Eventually, He said, " STOP! Do I not know you better than you yourself?" It was intense. I mean, here I am telling Him how I should be. He knows all about me...all of who I really am. He will form me into who I am supposed to be-- I just have to let him.
So much insecurity nowadays, lies in that concept. We're constantly trying to live by the standards of the world. Whether it be clothing, or in what we watch, or what we say. As Christians, the only standard we should be living by is what God says in His word. It should be the law we follow daily and strive to follow. After all, things of this world will fade away. Who are we trying to please? The only One we should try to please is Jesus.
If everyone came into agreement with what HE says about us, surely, all this insecurity would vanish. If only we were confident in who we are as His bride...as His people. Do we not have enough faith to even know who we are?
Sometimes, I think, people are too secure in the their insecurities. They have forgotten who they are. We are the people of God. We listen to what the enemy would make us believe we are instead of what our Creator is declaring we are. And , one cannot listen to both. You can only serve one master.
Part of destiny is learning who You truly are. And how does one do that? Ask the One who created them. For He knows everything about you down to the last detail.
Can the pot say to the potter,“You know nothing”?" " -- Isaiah 29:16
"No longer will they call you Deserted,or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah,and your land Beulah;for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be married." -- Isaiah 62:4 (Hephzibah means my delight is in her;Beulah means married.)
"I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys." --Song of Solomon 2:1
" Though I'm dark, You say I am lovely. Though I'm poor You say, I am beautiful." And I think how many times I fret over petty things like clothing and such. And how many times I complain to Jesus about all the mistakes I've made and how much I mess up. Eventually, He said, " STOP! Do I not know you better than you yourself?" It was intense. I mean, here I am telling Him how I should be. He knows all about me...all of who I really am. He will form me into who I am supposed to be-- I just have to let him.
So much insecurity nowadays, lies in that concept. We're constantly trying to live by the standards of the world. Whether it be clothing, or in what we watch, or what we say. As Christians, the only standard we should be living by is what God says in His word. It should be the law we follow daily and strive to follow. After all, things of this world will fade away. Who are we trying to please? The only One we should try to please is Jesus.
If everyone came into agreement with what HE says about us, surely, all this insecurity would vanish. If only we were confident in who we are as His bride...as His people. Do we not have enough faith to even know who we are?
Sometimes, I think, people are too secure in the their insecurities. They have forgotten who they are. We are the people of God. We listen to what the enemy would make us believe we are instead of what our Creator is declaring we are. And , one cannot listen to both. You can only serve one master.
Part of destiny is learning who You truly are. And how does one do that? Ask the One who created them. For He knows everything about you down to the last detail.
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."-- Matt. 2: 28-34
" Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." -- Matt. 10: 28-30
"You turn things upside down,as if the potter were thought to be like the clay!
Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, “You did not make me”? Can the pot say to the potter,“You know nothing”?" " -- Isaiah 29:16
"No longer will they call you Deserted,or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah,and your land Beulah;for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be married." -- Isaiah 62:4 (Hephzibah means my delight is in her;Beulah means married.)
"I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys." --Song of Solomon 2:1
Friday, July 1, 2011
"Somewhere over the rainbow..."
Why over? Okay, I'm gonna get a bit scientific here, so bear with me. White light is made up of seven colors(ROY G. BIV). Oh, 7, by the way, is the number of completion. Anyway, the colors in white light are not visible to the human eye except when white light is refracted through a prism or some such thing.
When is a rainbow most often seen? After a storm!
" So, Tanacita, what's your point? Don't I get enough of this in science class?" Well, faithful readers, my point: All these colors are in front of us all the time and we don't even see them until after a storm. Didn't God promise He would never flood the earth again? And didn't he use a rainbow as a sign of that covenant?
See, God's promises always, always stay true. And a lot of the time, we can't see them. It's really hard to believe in something you can't see That's where faith comes in, which we pray that He will give us. And sometimes, He has to take us through storms. We go through trials and testing. But at the end, when light breaks through, He once again reminds us of His promises. They were always there...but after tough times, we need to be reminded. Isn't He so gracious? So, those of you going through a storm, remember, the Lord ALWAYS keeps His promises.
"I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth." --Gen. 9:13
"For no word from God will ever fail.” -- Luke 1:37
"For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does." -- Psalm 33:4
"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." -- Hebrews 11:1
When is a rainbow most often seen? After a storm!
" So, Tanacita, what's your point? Don't I get enough of this in science class?" Well, faithful readers, my point: All these colors are in front of us all the time and we don't even see them until after a storm. Didn't God promise He would never flood the earth again? And didn't he use a rainbow as a sign of that covenant?
See, God's promises always, always stay true. And a lot of the time, we can't see them. It's really hard to believe in something you can't see That's where faith comes in, which we pray that He will give us. And sometimes, He has to take us through storms. We go through trials and testing. But at the end, when light breaks through, He once again reminds us of His promises. They were always there...but after tough times, we need to be reminded. Isn't He so gracious? So, those of you going through a storm, remember, the Lord ALWAYS keeps His promises.
"I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth." --Gen. 9:13
"For no word from God will ever fail.” -- Luke 1:37
"For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does." -- Psalm 33:4
"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." -- Hebrews 11:1
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Hide and Seek
I attended a conference this past weekend. One of the speakers spent a whole hour going through who Jesus is according to the Bible. And it occurred to me how little I actually know about the One I serve. He is so deep and everytime I look, I see something new.
It's really amazing. I read the Word and say, " Wow, Jesus! I learned something new about you." And then, come back a week later to the same exact verse and the Holy Spirit reveals something new.
It made me check myself. There is so much to learn about him. How much am I searching? The Bible says if you seek Him, you will find Him. And I'm gonna need the Holy Spirit to understand anything in the Word. I need to put in that time to seek. I need to get to a point where I don't only need Him, I desperately want Him. And to add something more, I only love Him, because He loved me first.
See, I can't read the Word without the Holy Spirit giving me understanding. I couldn't love, if Christ never loved me first. I could do nothing if it wasn't for God. I can do absolutely nothing on my own. It just shows how much Jesus, inside of me, is doing. I want to learn about the One I serve. Because, I want to know about the One who lives inside of me. He's so vast! He's bigger than the entire, entire universe ( which, by the way, is still expanding). After all, He did create it. Yet, He's inside of me...and wants to use me for His purpose. When you think about it, it's really mind-blowing. And humbling.
It's almost like hide and seek....or a treasure hunt. God keeps certain things hidden for those who will take the time to actually seek Him. So, what are we waiting for? Those who seek will find.
"But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul."-- Deut. 4:29
"I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me." -- Proverbs 8:17
"13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
It's really amazing. I read the Word and say, " Wow, Jesus! I learned something new about you." And then, come back a week later to the same exact verse and the Holy Spirit reveals something new.
It made me check myself. There is so much to learn about him. How much am I searching? The Bible says if you seek Him, you will find Him. And I'm gonna need the Holy Spirit to understand anything in the Word. I need to put in that time to seek. I need to get to a point where I don't only need Him, I desperately want Him. And to add something more, I only love Him, because He loved me first.
See, I can't read the Word without the Holy Spirit giving me understanding. I couldn't love, if Christ never loved me first. I could do nothing if it wasn't for God. I can do absolutely nothing on my own. It just shows how much Jesus, inside of me, is doing. I want to learn about the One I serve. Because, I want to know about the One who lives inside of me. He's so vast! He's bigger than the entire, entire universe ( which, by the way, is still expanding). After all, He did create it. Yet, He's inside of me...and wants to use me for His purpose. When you think about it, it's really mind-blowing. And humbling.
It's almost like hide and seek....or a treasure hunt. God keeps certain things hidden for those who will take the time to actually seek Him. So, what are we waiting for? Those who seek will find.
"But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul."-- Deut. 4:29
"I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me." -- Proverbs 8:17
"13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. " -- Matt. 16: 13-17
"We love because he first loved us." -- 1 John 4:19
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Conversations
I've been thinking about conversations lately. Well, I decided to look up the definition.
conversation: The spoken exchange of thoughts, opinions, and feelings; talk
A spoken exchange.... Have you ever had a one sided conversation? They aren't much of a conversation though. It was that moment I checked myself. Do I do that to God? I mean, am I the one doing the talking or are we conversing? And, when Jesus and I converse, what's it like? What does it mean to converse with Him? To exchange thoughts and feelings. He tells me what He's feeling, what he's thinking... it's so amazing when I just slow down and actually listen.
In a world where everyone is in the fast lane, where texts and emails and social networks makes communication faster, we've lost the meaning of a conversation. It's so different when you can hear the person's voice, their tone, their volume. It all affects the meaning of the words.
It's the same with Jesus. I shouldn't be doing a "Hi-- goodbye" sort of thing. And, it shouldn't be me doing all the talking. After all, God is personal. A Father enjoys talking with His children. He loves to hear us share, but he loves share his thoughts and feelings as well. As my mother always tells me, " When you want to get to know some one, conversation is necessary."
" [There is]... a time to be silent and a time to speak," -- Ecclesiastes 3:7
"“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. " --John 10: 14-15
conversation: The spoken exchange of thoughts, opinions, and feelings; talk
A spoken exchange.... Have you ever had a one sided conversation? They aren't much of a conversation though. It was that moment I checked myself. Do I do that to God? I mean, am I the one doing the talking or are we conversing? And, when Jesus and I converse, what's it like? What does it mean to converse with Him? To exchange thoughts and feelings. He tells me what He's feeling, what he's thinking... it's so amazing when I just slow down and actually listen.
In a world where everyone is in the fast lane, where texts and emails and social networks makes communication faster, we've lost the meaning of a conversation. It's so different when you can hear the person's voice, their tone, their volume. It all affects the meaning of the words.
It's the same with Jesus. I shouldn't be doing a "Hi-- goodbye" sort of thing. And, it shouldn't be me doing all the talking. After all, God is personal. A Father enjoys talking with His children. He loves to hear us share, but he loves share his thoughts and feelings as well. As my mother always tells me, " When you want to get to know some one, conversation is necessary."
" [There is]... a time to be silent and a time to speak," -- Ecclesiastes 3:7
"“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. " --John 10: 14-15
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Hero and Villain
So, I was talking to my dad yesterday about villains in novels and such. I observed that villains usually have something related with the hero ( circumstances, family, etc.) And he said something that sent me thinking. He said, " Most villains are just heroes who were disappointed because things did not work the way they thought it should."
Mhmm....and that sent me whirling about destiny, and God's purpose for us. Are we creating villains of our own destiny? God has a purpose for every one of us. We each have a purpose and a calling and together we build the body of Christ. But, how many times does something happen and we get offended at God? Something doesn't go the way we think it should and BAM! " God, but I thought..." I think, faith is so crucial to our fulfilling our calling. If the Lord has set a destiny for me, who am I to say how it should play out? He's the One who knows what it is, and what I need to do to get there.
If I become so easily offended, then it's my loss. I'm the one getting hung up on every little step.I'm the one who needs to be humble enough to learn. God knows where I need to improve, and He puts us through trials to strengthen us, and test us. He knows what He's doing...not me. I gave my life to Him. The part that seems to hurt is dying to flesh. But, that's what needs to happen if I am to walk into the life He has called me.
Don't let yourself become the villain of your destiny.
"Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” --Matthew 11:6
" Before a downfall, the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor." -- Proverbs 18:1
" This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD:"Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him." -- Jeremiah 18: 1-4
Mhmm....and that sent me whirling about destiny, and God's purpose for us. Are we creating villains of our own destiny? God has a purpose for every one of us. We each have a purpose and a calling and together we build the body of Christ. But, how many times does something happen and we get offended at God? Something doesn't go the way we think it should and BAM! " God, but I thought..." I think, faith is so crucial to our fulfilling our calling. If the Lord has set a destiny for me, who am I to say how it should play out? He's the One who knows what it is, and what I need to do to get there.
If I become so easily offended, then it's my loss. I'm the one getting hung up on every little step.I'm the one who needs to be humble enough to learn. God knows where I need to improve, and He puts us through trials to strengthen us, and test us. He knows what He's doing...not me. I gave my life to Him. The part that seems to hurt is dying to flesh. But, that's what needs to happen if I am to walk into the life He has called me.
Don't let yourself become the villain of your destiny.
"Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” --Matthew 11:6
" Before a downfall, the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor." -- Proverbs 18:1
" This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD:"Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him." -- Jeremiah 18: 1-4
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Rainy Day Prayer
It begins as a drizzle...then pours like buckets...
Lord, let the physical mirror the spiritual. Open up the floodgates of Heaven and rain down. Pour out Your Spirit; I won't be satisfied 'til I have more. I just can't get enough. I want to be drenched in Your rain. Let Your love drip off of me as I stand in Your presence. No spiritual umbrellas-- I want to be soaked. Let me hear the lightning and feel the thunder of Heaven. Jesus, I want more. Refresh me, cleanse me, let Your love wash over me.
Let Your living water soak into my roots. Increase spiritual growth. I want to be like a tree planted by Your streams of living water. Let me be grounded in You.
How lovely is Your rain!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Raising the Bar
So, I was thinking the other day about the verse,
"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." -- Revelation 3: 15-16
So, no compromise. You know, it's easy to follow God when its beneficial to us. What about when it's not? So, I got to thinking, What if God asked me to, suddenly, do something I really did not want to do? Would I do it? Hmm....
God says in the Bible, " Be holy because I am holy." (Lev. 19:2) And that, by the way, is huge. How do I be holy? Well, first, the blood of Christ makes us holy. But how do I, then, keep a holy lifestyle? Obeying his commands and living life through His word... but NOT ONLY when it's benefits me, or when it's what I want to do. But wait....should I not want, what the Lord wants? Aha! And, if I follow the Lord, it does benefit me...just not the way I thought it should. God knows whats best for me. He knows what He's doing. What right have I to say, " God, You need to do this so I can..." fill in the blank. I don't deserve anything, and the fact that He even accepts my love, by His mercy and Jesus' blood, should be enough.
I really think God is raising a new standard of holiness for this generation. Guiding our steps more precisely and strictly. He's keeping a very close eye that we're staying on the path He has paved, not the one we want to walk on.
"And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it. No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there..." Isaiah 35: 7-9
"Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me your law." Proverbs 119: 29
Friday, April 22, 2011
Sacrifice
sacrifice (v.) : To forfeit (one thing) for another thing considered to be of greater value.
Christ sacrificed Himself in obedience to His Father. He took on the wrath and judgement of God on the cross. The word sacrifice comes from the word sacer (meaning sacred or holy) and facere( to make or do). Directly translated, the definition is "to make holy". We deserved death and the wrath of God. Yet, by Jesus' blood, we are made holy.. He saved our lives. And all He asks in return in our love.
He wants to spend time with us; He wants us to get to know Him-- to truly love Him. Yet, we don't want to sacrifice our time. As if we deserve anything. The definition of sacrifice is to forfeit something for another considered to be of greater value. How much value is Christ to us?
The great prophets in the new and old testament gave up everything. Elisha had to leave his parent's house to follow Elijah-- another man of God. Moses left all he knew to follow God's will. Some of the apostles gave up their dignity for the sake of Christ. But :
"The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name." Acts 5:41
I love this verse because of the reaction of the apostles. They were rejoicing!
They are many Christians in other countries being martyred for the sake of Christ. Many who live in other countries are being persecuted for their faith in the Lord and their denial of all other gods. Sorry to say, but we have it easy. We think persecution is being made fun of? That's barely it. Try being disowned by your parents? Try being kicked out of your home? Try having your home vandalized. And through all that, try and love your enemy. Try to rejoice and thank the Lord. I guarantee, it's very, very difficult.
And to end this post, I pray to the Lord that He would bless us with such tests. I pray that He'll show us what real sacrifice is, and what it really means to be a Christian and to live for the Name.
Have a blessed Ressurection Sunday! We remember the day that Jesus Christ conquered sin and death and freed us so we may have everlasting life!
"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life." -- Psalm 143: 8
"Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." --Matt. 10:37
"The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again." -- John 10: 17
“If you love me, keep my commands." -- John 14:15
"Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” -- John 14: 21
" As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Christ sacrificed Himself in obedience to His Father. He took on the wrath and judgement of God on the cross. The word sacrifice comes from the word sacer (meaning sacred or holy) and facere( to make or do). Directly translated, the definition is "to make holy". We deserved death and the wrath of God. Yet, by Jesus' blood, we are made holy.. He saved our lives. And all He asks in return in our love.
He wants to spend time with us; He wants us to get to know Him-- to truly love Him. Yet, we don't want to sacrifice our time. As if we deserve anything. The definition of sacrifice is to forfeit something for another considered to be of greater value. How much value is Christ to us?
The great prophets in the new and old testament gave up everything. Elisha had to leave his parent's house to follow Elijah-- another man of God. Moses left all he knew to follow God's will. Some of the apostles gave up their dignity for the sake of Christ. But :
"The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name." Acts 5:41
I love this verse because of the reaction of the apostles. They were rejoicing!
They are many Christians in other countries being martyred for the sake of Christ. Many who live in other countries are being persecuted for their faith in the Lord and their denial of all other gods. Sorry to say, but we have it easy. We think persecution is being made fun of? That's barely it. Try being disowned by your parents? Try being kicked out of your home? Try having your home vandalized. And through all that, try and love your enemy. Try to rejoice and thank the Lord. I guarantee, it's very, very difficult.
And to end this post, I pray to the Lord that He would bless us with such tests. I pray that He'll show us what real sacrifice is, and what it really means to be a Christian and to live for the Name.
Have a blessed Ressurection Sunday! We remember the day that Jesus Christ conquered sin and death and freed us so we may have everlasting life!
"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life." -- Psalm 143: 8
"Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." --Matt. 10:37
"The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again." -- John 10: 17
“If you love me, keep my commands." -- John 14:15
"Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” -- John 14: 21
" As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone.19 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.”
20 “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”
21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
22 At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”
24 The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
26 The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?”
27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
28 Then Peter spoke up, “We have left everything to follow you!”
29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel 30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” -- Mark 10: 17- 31
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
The Secret Place
Hello All,
I'm sorry! I have not posted in a very long time due to sinus infections and tests and exams. Mea Culpa. ( That's Latin...if you don't know what it means...look it up:D )
I always joke around with my dad that I can recognize him by his cough. It's funny but it's so true. When you know some one well enough, you know their voice. You can recognize them immediately! Many say that my mom and I sound the same on the phone. However, our close family can distinct which one of us it is. Why? Because they know our voice.
So, where am I getting at? It should be the same with the Holy Spirit. How do we expect to listen to Him, when we don't know His voice? When Jesus tries to speak to us, how do we tune our spiritual ears to Him? By spending time with Him. It's as simple as that. To be still and seek out His voice. Talk with Him. Alone. With no distractions. As His children, we should know the voice of our Father. We need to spend time with Him.
So, find your secret place with Him. And spend time seeking and praying. And just like with those you're close to, when, for some reason, you cannot speak in the secret place for a day or two, you miss it. We long to hear the voice of the Bridegroom.
"The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice."
--John 10: 2-5
How do we know if we are following God or not if we do not recognize His voice. Don't children know the voice of their Father? Doesn't a bride know the voice of Her Beloved? It is a very crucial time to listen to the voice of the Father. To listen to His direction. It is so very important to be in the secret place with Him. To know His voice, and to learn His plan in our lives.
"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." -- Matt. 6:6
"One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple." -- Psalm27: 4
I'm sorry! I have not posted in a very long time due to sinus infections and tests and exams. Mea Culpa. ( That's Latin...if you don't know what it means...look it up:D )
I always joke around with my dad that I can recognize him by his cough. It's funny but it's so true. When you know some one well enough, you know their voice. You can recognize them immediately! Many say that my mom and I sound the same on the phone. However, our close family can distinct which one of us it is. Why? Because they know our voice.
So, where am I getting at? It should be the same with the Holy Spirit. How do we expect to listen to Him, when we don't know His voice? When Jesus tries to speak to us, how do we tune our spiritual ears to Him? By spending time with Him. It's as simple as that. To be still and seek out His voice. Talk with Him. Alone. With no distractions. As His children, we should know the voice of our Father. We need to spend time with Him.
So, find your secret place with Him. And spend time seeking and praying. And just like with those you're close to, when, for some reason, you cannot speak in the secret place for a day or two, you miss it. We long to hear the voice of the Bridegroom.
"The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice."
--John 10: 2-5
How do we know if we are following God or not if we do not recognize His voice. Don't children know the voice of their Father? Doesn't a bride know the voice of Her Beloved? It is a very crucial time to listen to the voice of the Father. To listen to His direction. It is so very important to be in the secret place with Him. To know His voice, and to learn His plan in our lives.
"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." -- Matt. 6:6
"One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple." -- Psalm27: 4
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Cracks in the Road...
So, I was taking a stroll with my parents the other day, and God told me to do something. He told me to walk on top of the cracks on the road along the parking lots. I shrugged and obeyed. I got so absorbed into it and found it was more difficult than I thought. Because, the cracks were uneven , it was very hard to balance.
Then, God pointed something out to me. He asked, " Why is it so hard to walk on?" I replied, " Because the cracks are so narrow, I have to walk on my tippy toes to--- oh!!!"
Maybe some of you have figured it out already, but here it goes: Our walk with God is not easy. It is a narrow road, but He walks all the way with us. When we get off balance, we're not alone. The Lord gives us a push in the right direction and urges us to keep going. But, you have to walk on your toes! PAY ATTENTION! :) God is always giving us hints and directions on what to do, what to say, and so on. He is our Father who gives us discipline and correction. This is what keeps us on balance.You just gotta keep your ear and heart open to Him. Is it hard? Yes. Is it impossible? Anything is possible with the Lord who gives us strength. Is it worth it? Absolutely!!!
So this post hopefully encourages you to keep going! Listen to what He's saying. Ask Him to speak to you--to give you directions. To keep you balanced.
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." -- Matthew 7:13-14
"Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out..." -- 1 Kings 19: 11-13
"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."-- Psalm 23:4
Then, God pointed something out to me. He asked, " Why is it so hard to walk on?" I replied, " Because the cracks are so narrow, I have to walk on my tippy toes to--- oh!!!"
Maybe some of you have figured it out already, but here it goes: Our walk with God is not easy. It is a narrow road, but He walks all the way with us. When we get off balance, we're not alone. The Lord gives us a push in the right direction and urges us to keep going. But, you have to walk on your toes! PAY ATTENTION! :) God is always giving us hints and directions on what to do, what to say, and so on. He is our Father who gives us discipline and correction. This is what keeps us on balance.You just gotta keep your ear and heart open to Him. Is it hard? Yes. Is it impossible? Anything is possible with the Lord who gives us strength. Is it worth it? Absolutely!!!
So this post hopefully encourages you to keep going! Listen to what He's saying. Ask Him to speak to you--to give you directions. To keep you balanced.
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." -- Matthew 7:13-14
"Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out..." -- 1 Kings 19: 11-13
"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."-- Psalm 23:4
Friday, March 18, 2011
A Daughter's Prayer
Dear Father,
Thank You for the position You have placed me in at this very moment in time. Though it may be tough, You walk with me hand in hand through it all. When things seem unbearable, You hold me in Your arms. Your love is refreshing, Your words precious.
Let me see the world as You do. Let me see others with Your eyes. Let me see my enemies with love, not hatred. Help me be patient and kind. Help me be like You. I want to please You, Father-- no one else.
Teach me the importance and significance in small things. Teach me Your ways. Help me walk in Your will. Keep me on the path You have paved for me.
Use me as You please. I am Your servant. Where You go, I want to go. If you're not with me, my feet shall not tread that path. To be separated from You would be the utmost torture which I deserve. To be forever with You, the greatest gift You have given.
Father, thank You for Your grace. May I never take it for granted.
Love,
Your Daughter
Thank You for the position You have placed me in at this very moment in time. Though it may be tough, You walk with me hand in hand through it all. When things seem unbearable, You hold me in Your arms. Your love is refreshing, Your words precious.
Let me see the world as You do. Let me see others with Your eyes. Let me see my enemies with love, not hatred. Help me be patient and kind. Help me be like You. I want to please You, Father-- no one else.
Teach me the importance and significance in small things. Teach me Your ways. Help me walk in Your will. Keep me on the path You have paved for me.
Use me as You please. I am Your servant. Where You go, I want to go. If you're not with me, my feet shall not tread that path. To be separated from You would be the utmost torture which I deserve. To be forever with You, the greatest gift You have given.
Father, thank You for Your grace. May I never take it for granted.
Love,
Your Daughter
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Love One Another
Greetings, everyone!
I am very sorry I have not posted in over a week. My school had overrun my priority for computer time.
This post is more of a challenge I'm taking on, and I would like to challenge you as well. First, let me explain this so the rest of this post makes sense. I am a person who loves to come up with witty or sarcastic come backs. But, lately, the Holy Spirit has been convicting me. I didn't realize it, but I was actually taking "revenge" in what I said to those who insulted me. One day the Lord spoke to me and said, " If I can forgive you everytime you do something against me, why can't you forgive one comment?"
And it really dawned on me. What right do I have to hold anything against anyone? And it isn't always what I say to their face, but what I say to others about them....what I think about them. So, now whenever some one says something insulting to me, God reminds me to ask Him what I should say, or if I should say anything at all. What comes out of my mouth should give glory to Him. I'll admit, it can be a challenge. But remember, we strive to live for Christ. How can we show others His love if we're insulting them? Try this: Everytime some one insults you, look on them with love, as if they had never said anything. It's very, very difficult, but please, please try! Ask the Spirit to give you strength for all things are possible in Him.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." -- John 13:34
"Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." -- 1 Peter 3:13-16
"Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning;great is your faithfulness."-- Lamentations 3:22-23
And here's an added quote to think about: " No one can make you feel inferior without your permission." -- Eleanor Roosevelt
I am very sorry I have not posted in over a week. My school had overrun my priority for computer time.
This post is more of a challenge I'm taking on, and I would like to challenge you as well. First, let me explain this so the rest of this post makes sense. I am a person who loves to come up with witty or sarcastic come backs. But, lately, the Holy Spirit has been convicting me. I didn't realize it, but I was actually taking "revenge" in what I said to those who insulted me. One day the Lord spoke to me and said, " If I can forgive you everytime you do something against me, why can't you forgive one comment?"
And it really dawned on me. What right do I have to hold anything against anyone? And it isn't always what I say to their face, but what I say to others about them....what I think about them. So, now whenever some one says something insulting to me, God reminds me to ask Him what I should say, or if I should say anything at all. What comes out of my mouth should give glory to Him. I'll admit, it can be a challenge. But remember, we strive to live for Christ. How can we show others His love if we're insulting them? Try this: Everytime some one insults you, look on them with love, as if they had never said anything. It's very, very difficult, but please, please try! Ask the Spirit to give you strength for all things are possible in Him.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." -- John 13:34
"Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." -- 1 Peter 3:13-16
"Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning;great is your faithfulness."-- Lamentations 3:22-23
And here's an added quote to think about: " No one can make you feel inferior without your permission." -- Eleanor Roosevelt
Monday, February 28, 2011
Longing for the Day...
The line of this song has been in my head the entire day:
How lovely is Your dwelling place, Oh Lord Almighty. My soul longs, and even aches for You.
I love being in the Lord's sweet, sweet presence! The name of Jesus is like honey on my lips. And, this song really brings out the right words for the longing in my heart...my lovesick heart for Jesus. Yes, my heart aches for His return...
"How lovely is your dwelling place, LORD Almighty!"-- Psalm 84:1
"“How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast." -- Matthew 9:15
"The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life." -- Revelation 22:17
How lovely is Your dwelling place, Oh Lord Almighty. My soul longs, and even aches for You.
I love being in the Lord's sweet, sweet presence! The name of Jesus is like honey on my lips. And, this song really brings out the right words for the longing in my heart...my lovesick heart for Jesus. Yes, my heart aches for His return...
"How lovely is your dwelling place, LORD Almighty!"-- Psalm 84:1
"“How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast." -- Matthew 9:15
"The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life." -- Revelation 22:17
Friday, February 25, 2011
Rain, Rain....Come and stay!
I don't know about you....but I absolutely love the rain! There is something about it that's just so refreshing and inspiring!
What about God's rain? Isn't it the same? Rain is a blessing from the Lord. It brings refreshment and nutrition for the ground so that fruit may be harvested.
"I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees their fruit." --Leviticus 26:4
"...then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil." -- Deuteronomy 11:14
"The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands..." --Deuteronomy 28:12
And you know what I find interesting? In all these verses, it says that the Lord will send rain in its season or in season.
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens..." -- Ecclesiastes 3:1
God has a season for everything. He sends rain in the right, exact season in your life. Enjoy it! Run in His rain:)
What about God's rain? Isn't it the same? Rain is a blessing from the Lord. It brings refreshment and nutrition for the ground so that fruit may be harvested.
"I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees their fruit." --Leviticus 26:4
"...then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil." -- Deuteronomy 11:14
"The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands..." --Deuteronomy 28:12
And you know what I find interesting? In all these verses, it says that the Lord will send rain in its season or in season.
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens..." -- Ecclesiastes 3:1
God has a season for everything. He sends rain in the right, exact season in your life. Enjoy it! Run in His rain:)
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Half full or Half empty?
Hey ya'll! This post is going to be much shorter than the others. It's just a thought.
Do you think your cup is half full or half empty?...Got your answer?
Hopefully, the following will change your answer:
"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." --Psalm 23:5
Ah, I couldn't help it:) So next time some one asks you that question, keep this in mind:D
P.S: I was going to elaborate more about this...and maybe I will in the future, but I shall let you tackle it, for now. Feel free to leave thoughts on Half empty and half full vs. Overflowing!
Do you think your cup is half full or half empty?...Got your answer?
Hopefully, the following will change your answer:
"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." --Psalm 23:5
Ah, I couldn't help it:) So next time some one asks you that question, keep this in mind:D
P.S: I was going to elaborate more about this...and maybe I will in the future, but I shall let you tackle it, for now. Feel free to leave thoughts on Half empty and half full vs. Overflowing!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Better Homes and Gardens....from a God Perspective
"Break up your unplowed ground and do not sow among thorns." -- James 4:3
Hello, everyone! So here is a Scripture I've been tackling and I want to share some of my thoughts so far on it.
I like to think of this, not literally, for now, but metaphorically. So, let us take "unplowed ground" as an area in our lives untouched or something not touched for a very long time. And remember, if you haven't plowed ground in a very long time, imagine weeds and all these overgrown plants hiding it.
Okay, so let's make this choice and "break up" this unplowed ground. That means we reveal this place. Great, so we see ground. Now what?
Notice God says, (even after He says break up the unplowed ground), do not sow on thorns. This implies thorns are there INSIDE the ground. When we plowed it, we revealed it. Hmmm.....so what can thorns represent? Hurt. After all, when have you grabbed a thorn and said, " Wow! This feels great!"
This brings me to a topic I've been hearing about a lot lately. We have to deal with the hurt and bitterness we have against each other or perhaps even towards ourselves. But, we need to make that choice to plow back that ground to reveal that which we've been hiding.
But notice, God doesn't ask us to uproot the thorns ourselves...that's where He comes in. He pulls out those thorns for us. He uproots them and rids us of them. After all, He is the Gardener. And where's that?
Hey! Lookee here: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener." --John 15:1
So, the Gardener ( the Father) pulls up those planted hurts and bitterness. Now we can sow our seeds. And through those seeds grows a tree that bears fruit. And that same Gardener (the Father) will cut off the branches that does not beat fruit.(Those branches are things in our life that are not from Him. But He is gracious and so cuts them.) Yes, it is going to hurt when He keeps us growing straight, but He knows what He's doing. And don't forget, when a branch is cut off, it's not necessarily cut off slowly. It is quite abrupt.
I recommend reading all of John 15. There is so much to get out of it!
And to end this, remember it is all for HIS glory!
"This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." -- John 15:8
Hello, everyone! So here is a Scripture I've been tackling and I want to share some of my thoughts so far on it.
I like to think of this, not literally, for now, but metaphorically. So, let us take "unplowed ground" as an area in our lives untouched or something not touched for a very long time. And remember, if you haven't plowed ground in a very long time, imagine weeds and all these overgrown plants hiding it.
Okay, so let's make this choice and "break up" this unplowed ground. That means we reveal this place. Great, so we see ground. Now what?
Notice God says, (even after He says break up the unplowed ground), do not sow on thorns. This implies thorns are there INSIDE the ground. When we plowed it, we revealed it. Hmmm.....so what can thorns represent? Hurt. After all, when have you grabbed a thorn and said, " Wow! This feels great!"
This brings me to a topic I've been hearing about a lot lately. We have to deal with the hurt and bitterness we have against each other or perhaps even towards ourselves. But, we need to make that choice to plow back that ground to reveal that which we've been hiding.
But notice, God doesn't ask us to uproot the thorns ourselves...that's where He comes in. He pulls out those thorns for us. He uproots them and rids us of them. After all, He is the Gardener. And where's that?
Hey! Lookee here: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener." --John 15:1
So, the Gardener ( the Father) pulls up those planted hurts and bitterness. Now we can sow our seeds. And through those seeds grows a tree that bears fruit. And that same Gardener (the Father) will cut off the branches that does not beat fruit.(Those branches are things in our life that are not from Him. But He is gracious and so cuts them.) Yes, it is going to hurt when He keeps us growing straight, but He knows what He's doing. And don't forget, when a branch is cut off, it's not necessarily cut off slowly. It is quite abrupt.
I recommend reading all of John 15. There is so much to get out of it!
And to end this, remember it is all for HIS glory!
"This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." -- John 15:8
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Testing....Testing 1 2 3!
I don't know about you guys, but this time of the year is test season for me. This is the time I prepare for SAT's and other tests in my classes. But, what if all this stress and all these tests are part of one big test? I mean, God always tests us. That's how He refines us.
So what does this have to do with school tests? Well, (at least on my part), I can study for hours on any one particular test. And it becomes very hard to divert my attention away. But, God always reminds me with a sort of tug. The conversation is something like this, " Hey, have you been studying?" " Yeah! That's what I've been doing for the past few hours." " Studying MY Word?" "...Oh."
He's gracious enough to remind me to do so. Almost like when a teacher writes down math formulas on the chalkboard so you don't have to remember them. But, after a few times, He begins to expect US to remember. To practice what He teaches.
To close this off, I will quote something my parents tell me all the time, and it has yet to fail, " When you give your time to God first, He will always give you the exact amount of time you need to excel." And remember, it's for His glory!
"For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver." --Psalm 66: 10
Monday, February 14, 2011
Happy Valentine's Day!
Hello ya'll!
Sorry, I haven't been posting lately. School and computer problems have been preventing me. But, I decided to take these few minutes I have and wish you all a Happy Valentine's day!!!
Hope you all enjoy it with your family and friends. And don't forget the One who loved you first:) (Jesus!!! <3)
"Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire,like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love;rivers cannot sweep it away." --Song of Songs 8:6-7
"Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." -- 1 John 4:8
Sorry, I haven't been posting lately. School and computer problems have been preventing me. But, I decided to take these few minutes I have and wish you all a Happy Valentine's day!!!
Hope you all enjoy it with your family and friends. And don't forget the One who loved you first:) (Jesus!!! <3)
"Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire,like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love;rivers cannot sweep it away." --Song of Songs 8:6-7
"Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." -- 1 John 4:8
Monday, January 31, 2011
Based on a True Story
Yes, how many times have we seen that under a book or movie title? Well, the other day, I saw it, and I thought about a post I put on a social network that said, " (My Name) is based on a true story". I thought it was cute back then, so I put it up. I was thinking about it yesterday, and I chuckled. Then, God said one of those things that leave you speechless ( or "thoughtless). He said, " Well... are you based on the true story?"
I understood after a few minutes. Are we basing our lives on the true story that Jesus died on the cross for us and rose again? Are we living in the reality that He will return? Are we living on what HE said is good? His principles?
The Bible says you reap what you sow. What are we sowing into? The Kingdom of God or our own purposes? And the Lord has really been pressing this upon me: to pray before I do or decide anything. Who knows better than the Lord himself what will sow into His purposes? And, let me tell you, sometimes...MOST of the time, to do what He wants you to do is going to push you out of your comfort zone. But, if you obey, He gives the strength. God will never give you what you can't handle. He's always with you. And to obey Him is so much more rewarding than doing what's comfortable for you.
Be careful in what you sow your time, thoughts, etc. What we sow into can determine whether we are living for Him or for ourselves. So what are you basing your life on?
I understood after a few minutes. Are we basing our lives on the true story that Jesus died on the cross for us and rose again? Are we living in the reality that He will return? Are we living on what HE said is good? His principles?
The Bible says you reap what you sow. What are we sowing into? The Kingdom of God or our own purposes? And the Lord has really been pressing this upon me: to pray before I do or decide anything. Who knows better than the Lord himself what will sow into His purposes? And, let me tell you, sometimes...MOST of the time, to do what He wants you to do is going to push you out of your comfort zone. But, if you obey, He gives the strength. God will never give you what you can't handle. He's always with you. And to obey Him is so much more rewarding than doing what's comfortable for you.
Be careful in what you sow your time, thoughts, etc. What we sow into can determine whether we are living for Him or for ourselves. So what are you basing your life on?
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