October 29, 2012
It had been way too long since I have blogged last. Definitely think I'm going to pick up on this a lot more soon. I have so many thoughts and am learning so much that I am excited to share! Right now a few friends and I are actually reading 10 chapters a day in the Bible straight through until we are finished. None of us have read the entire Bible like this, so I'm really excited to see what is in store. We are in Numbers now and trucking right along. I have been very blessed and am sure I will be sharing some of the blessings on here very soon.
However, at the moment, I am needing to rant a little bit about a problem I have ran into a few times in my lifetime. I don't understand why some people treat other people the way they do sometimes. It makes me so angry the disrespect, rudeness, attitude, and condescending words that people use against others. Especially others that they should be defending or at least be supporting. It drives me up the wall. Why do they think it makes them so much cooler to be a bully? Really? I feel sorry for them because they have such a low view of themselves that they feel they have to put other people down or gossip about them to trash their name. As Christians this is so wrong-- we really need to be careful about what we say and do. Especially on social media, too. This petty stuff makes me so angry... I could say so much more but have got to get going... Maybe I'll come back and edit more. But for the time being this is all.
Ephesians 4:29-32
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Healing
Sometimes I find myself on my knees.
The Lord has humbled me in many ways recently. And I'm okay with that, and I praise His name for that.
But sometimes I find myself asking Him, "Why??"
As in my last post, I really try to step out of MY WORLD and see things from HIS world--a bigger perspective.
Right now, in this moment as I try to do so, I'm really trying to see where God is taking this. I just found out that my knee that I have had 2 surgeries on, probably has contracted MRSA again. For those of you who do not know, MRSA stands for Methicillin-Resistant staphylococcus aureus. It is a serious and sometimes lethal staph infection. I've had it in my knee since my ACL repair and I suffered through various antibiotics and being allergic to certain ones and just an off an on cycle with this stuff for a year. Then I had a surgery to clean it out. It seems to have been better since then until it started swelling up recently. I thought it might be back, but I was hoping it was just a pocket that filled with fluid or some other source of inflammation.
Today, however, the scar popped open again at track practice and the nasty yellow puss came out again. Why??? If this is in my joint I will need a surgery to take out my ACL and put tubes with antibiotics in my knee for 6 weeks, and then the WHOLE replacement ACL surgery--AGAIN!?!? 4-9 months recovery AGAIN! And even if it is just another basic clean-out surgery... My parents can't afford this stuff right now, and I surely can't. I know God provides...
But I don't understand.
I am currently checking my life for sin at the moment.
I just don't understand why--I have put my faith in God about this healing over and over again... And I give glory to Him for healing me--yet it attacks again! It is devastating me. I don't know how to understand this. I don't know what this means. I don't know how God wants me to respond or what He wants me to do through this. I'm so just lost right now.
Right now is the time to just fall on my knees and trust Him.
4 Surely he took up our pain
and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:4-5
Isaiah 40:31: "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint."
Psalm 34:19 "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all."
Jeremiah 30:17 "For I will restore health unto you, and I will heal you of your wounds, saith the Lord."
Jeremiah 33:6 "Behold, I will bring you health and cure, and I will cure you, and will reveal unto you the abundance of peace and truth."
Mark 11:24 "Therefore I say to you whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."
1 Thessalonians 5:23 "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly [completely]; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless [sound, complete and intact] unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 2:24 "Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness-- by whose stripes you were healed."
Psalm 103:2-3 "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who heals all thy diseases"
James 5:14-15 "Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him."
John 10:10 "The thief (satan) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
(I am going to use this verse again and again!!! )
I John 5:4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
2 Peter 1:3-4 "As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."
Proverbs 3:7-8 "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones."
Psalm 30:2 "O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me."
I fully, 100% believe this:
Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
I John 5:14-15 "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him."
I have a little story:
Luke 18:1-8
[18:1] Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. [2] He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. [3] And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.'
[4] "For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, [5] yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!' "
[6] And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. [7] And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? [8] I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"
I am going to be on my knees, I am going to praying fervently. This is NOT going to break my faith. God is going to heal me. This sickness has no place in me. It is of Satan to harm me, and God is going to heal me. He has healed me eternally and He will heal me of the pains of this world. I rebuke this sickness. By Jesus' stripes I am healed and this MRSA has no place in my body. My body is Christ's and holy place for Him, there is no place for the sicknesses of this world.
I thank God so much for Christ's death for me and His salvation. I am so humbled by the pain of this world and my imperfection, and the smallness of my faith, even as it grows. He is doing so much more in me than I can even realize. And this is one of the HARDEST things for me to swallow--this MRSA is like a cancer eating away at my body, killing me every day, flaring up when I thought it was gone. God is going to get rid of it once and for all and He is going to teach me through this and increase my faith. I hate this and this is something I don't understand. But this is where I have to just trust Him. I am scared, but faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (see Hebrews 11:11). It doesn't mean I am without fear--but that's where God comes in and has to take care of me. I'm scared because I do not have control. This is something totally in God's hands and I don't know how He is going to heal this or what He is going to do with it. But He has what's best for me in mind and wants to bless me. I am blessed and highly favored. Everything is going to be okay, and even more than okay, it's going to be blessed. Satan cannot win. God has me in His hands and won't allow it. God is bigger than this sickness. He is so good.
The Lord has humbled me in many ways recently. And I'm okay with that, and I praise His name for that.
But sometimes I find myself asking Him, "Why??"
As in my last post, I really try to step out of MY WORLD and see things from HIS world--a bigger perspective.
Right now, in this moment as I try to do so, I'm really trying to see where God is taking this. I just found out that my knee that I have had 2 surgeries on, probably has contracted MRSA again. For those of you who do not know, MRSA stands for Methicillin-Resistant staphylococcus aureus. It is a serious and sometimes lethal staph infection. I've had it in my knee since my ACL repair and I suffered through various antibiotics and being allergic to certain ones and just an off an on cycle with this stuff for a year. Then I had a surgery to clean it out. It seems to have been better since then until it started swelling up recently. I thought it might be back, but I was hoping it was just a pocket that filled with fluid or some other source of inflammation.
Today, however, the scar popped open again at track practice and the nasty yellow puss came out again. Why??? If this is in my joint I will need a surgery to take out my ACL and put tubes with antibiotics in my knee for 6 weeks, and then the WHOLE replacement ACL surgery--AGAIN!?!? 4-9 months recovery AGAIN! And even if it is just another basic clean-out surgery... My parents can't afford this stuff right now, and I surely can't. I know God provides...
But I don't understand.
I am currently checking my life for sin at the moment.
I just don't understand why--I have put my faith in God about this healing over and over again... And I give glory to Him for healing me--yet it attacks again! It is devastating me. I don't know how to understand this. I don't know what this means. I don't know how God wants me to respond or what He wants me to do through this. I'm so just lost right now.
Right now is the time to just fall on my knees and trust Him.
4 Surely he took up our pain
and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:4-5
Isaiah 40:31: "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint."
Psalm 34:19 "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all."
Jeremiah 30:17 "For I will restore health unto you, and I will heal you of your wounds, saith the Lord."
Jeremiah 33:6 "Behold, I will bring you health and cure, and I will cure you, and will reveal unto you the abundance of peace and truth."
Mark 11:24 "Therefore I say to you whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."
1 Thessalonians 5:23 "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly [completely]; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless [sound, complete and intact] unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 2:24 "Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness-- by whose stripes you were healed."
Psalm 103:2-3 "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who heals all thy diseases"
James 5:14-15 "Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him."
John 10:10 "The thief (satan) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
(I am going to use this verse again and again!!! )
I John 5:4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
2 Peter 1:3-4 "As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."
Proverbs 3:7-8 "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones."
Psalm 30:2 "O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me."
I fully, 100% believe this:
Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
I John 5:14-15 "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him."
I have a little story:
Luke 18:1-8
[18:1] Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. [2] He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. [3] And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.'
[4] "For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, [5] yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!' "
[6] And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. [7] And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? [8] I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"
I am going to be on my knees, I am going to praying fervently. This is NOT going to break my faith. God is going to heal me. This sickness has no place in me. It is of Satan to harm me, and God is going to heal me. He has healed me eternally and He will heal me of the pains of this world. I rebuke this sickness. By Jesus' stripes I am healed and this MRSA has no place in my body. My body is Christ's and holy place for Him, there is no place for the sicknesses of this world.
I thank God so much for Christ's death for me and His salvation. I am so humbled by the pain of this world and my imperfection, and the smallness of my faith, even as it grows. He is doing so much more in me than I can even realize. And this is one of the HARDEST things for me to swallow--this MRSA is like a cancer eating away at my body, killing me every day, flaring up when I thought it was gone. God is going to get rid of it once and for all and He is going to teach me through this and increase my faith. I hate this and this is something I don't understand. But this is where I have to just trust Him. I am scared, but faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (see Hebrews 11:11). It doesn't mean I am without fear--but that's where God comes in and has to take care of me. I'm scared because I do not have control. This is something totally in God's hands and I don't know how He is going to heal this or what He is going to do with it. But He has what's best for me in mind and wants to bless me. I am blessed and highly favored. Everything is going to be okay, and even more than okay, it's going to be blessed. Satan cannot win. God has me in His hands and won't allow it. God is bigger than this sickness. He is so good.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
A Bigger Perspective
First off, sorry for not posting in so long: I have not felt I have had time to sit down and write like I have wanted to lately: lots has been going on. But my counsellor has actually told me that I shouldn't be so much of a perfectionist and it would be a good idea. So guess what? I'm taking her advice proudly and cheerfully becuase I enjoy writing. So fortunately, or unfortunately for you, you get to read some more of my thoughts. Though they may involve a little bit of venting as well as other emotions. So just a forewarning but hope you can take some wisdom out of it. So here. we. go...
Sometimes I just get really fed up with people’s crap. Like straight up. I get tired of the petty drama and problems that just seem oh so huge and overwhelming. The last few days I have felt just ready to snap on someone— the next person who is pissy because they are having a bad day because someone looked at them wrong or someone heard someone else say something about them behind their back last Tuesday--really? What are these little problems? Recently one of my dearest friends in this world was diagnosed with breast cancer. This, among a lot of other things going on in my life, and her’s, has really change my perspective on things. The little petty things truly don’t matter. This is a lesson God taught me long ago. But it has become more and more clear as I live each day in this situation. Unfortunately, this is not a situation that is easy to handle. I thought I was being strong and handling it well. However, each day this situation gets more and more difficult. Though we are praying, though we are speaking the truth: emotions are still high, frustration and anger as to how and why this is happening is building. I personally have been at peace and felt God’s hand in this situaion so much. I know He is going to use this and use her life to touch and bless and change so many people. She is just struggling and asking God why this is happening to her. I pray that her perspective is transformed: it’s not about why her. It’s not about the pain and suffering this is—and we don’t even know yet how bad this is going to be because the battle against that cancer has just begun—shock and anxiety are all that is there. She feels so angry at God allowing this to happen. However, when I think about the situation, or any difficulty for that matter— it’s not a question of why did God do this, because first of all, God brings healing, restoration, peace, joy and comfort. Satan is who comes to steal, kill and destroy. This is just a situation where God’s glory, power and strength can be manifested into our daily lives. She, and I, as well as everyone in the situation need to remember that GOD IS SO MUCH BIGGER THAN THE CANCER. He can take the worst things in this life and create beautiful things from them. And His plan is so much greater than this temporary pain.
John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
New International Version (NIV)
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Sometimes I just get really fed up with people’s crap. Like straight up. I get tired of the petty drama and problems that just seem oh so huge and overwhelming. The last few days I have felt just ready to snap on someone— the next person who is pissy because they are having a bad day because someone looked at them wrong or someone heard someone else say something about them behind their back last Tuesday--really? What are these little problems? Recently one of my dearest friends in this world was diagnosed with breast cancer. This, among a lot of other things going on in my life, and her’s, has really change my perspective on things. The little petty things truly don’t matter. This is a lesson God taught me long ago. But it has become more and more clear as I live each day in this situation. Unfortunately, this is not a situation that is easy to handle. I thought I was being strong and handling it well. However, each day this situation gets more and more difficult. Though we are praying, though we are speaking the truth: emotions are still high, frustration and anger as to how and why this is happening is building. I personally have been at peace and felt God’s hand in this situaion so much. I know He is going to use this and use her life to touch and bless and change so many people. She is just struggling and asking God why this is happening to her. I pray that her perspective is transformed: it’s not about why her. It’s not about the pain and suffering this is—and we don’t even know yet how bad this is going to be because the battle against that cancer has just begun—shock and anxiety are all that is there. She feels so angry at God allowing this to happen. However, when I think about the situation, or any difficulty for that matter— it’s not a question of why did God do this, because first of all, God brings healing, restoration, peace, joy and comfort. Satan is who comes to steal, kill and destroy. This is just a situation where God’s glory, power and strength can be manifested into our daily lives. She, and I, as well as everyone in the situation need to remember that GOD IS SO MUCH BIGGER THAN THE CANCER. He can take the worst things in this life and create beautiful things from them. And His plan is so much greater than this temporary pain.
John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
New International Version (NIV)
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Forgiveness, Judgment and Words
I have lied.
I have done drugs.
I have had a kid out of wedlock.
I've done pre-marital sexual acts.
I have cussed people out.
I have been decietful.
I've cheated on homework.
I've cheated on a test.
I've manipulated others.
I've hurt somebody else intentionally.
I've judged her.
I've held a grudge.
I've drank alcohol; and a lot of it.
I've backstabbed my best friend.
I've stolen.
I've broken the law.
I've lusted.
I've committed homosexual acts.
I've been arrogant and prideful.
I've broken the rules.
I've dishonored my parents.
I've gossiped.
I've murdered.
I've committed adultery.
I've broken a promise.
I have been greedy.
I have put other things before God--I've been an idolater.
I have slandered his name.
I have ripped someone off.
Who am I?
I AM JESUS CHRIST ON THE CROSS.
Jesus has taken on all of our sins. He did not commit them--but He embraced them and held them on the cross for us. He has been in our place and become fully the flesh for us.
Hebrews 2:
Warning to Pay Attention 1 We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. Jesus Made Fully Human5 It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. 6 But there is a place where someone has testified: “What is mankind that you are mindful of them,
a son of man that you care for him?
7 You made them a little[a] lower than the angels;
you crowned them with glory and honor
8 and put everything under their feet.”[b][c] In putting everything under them,[d] God left nothing that is not subject to them.[e] Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them.[f] 9 But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. 10 In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. 11 Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.[g] 12 He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters;
in the assembly I will sing your praises.”[h] 13 And again, “I will put my trust in him.”[i] And again he says, “Here am I, and the children God has given me.”[j] 14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like them,[k] fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."
I have personally been judged many times for sins I have committed. Several things that I am not proud of have gotten out about me. I am very far from perfect. I have made many, many mistakes, some that I wish I never had. However, because of them I have had to experience healing, forgiveness, and the LOVE of Chirst like I never would have been able to. "God works for the good of those who ove Him." OH, How true that is!!!
--> you might be trying and failing-- don't give up because of discouragement and if you think others think you're a bad person because of what you do or have done-- don't allow others judgement to hold you down.
"But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”" 1 Samuel 16:7
Sometimes God teaches you from the most unexpected situations, from the most unexpected people and at the most unexpected times.
Strong enough lyrics:
You must You must think I'm strong To give me what I'm going through
Well, forgive me Forgive me if I'm wrong But this looks like more than I can do On my own
I know I'm not strong enough to be everything that I'm supposed to be I give up I'm not stong enough Hands of mercy won't you cover me Lord right now I'm asking you to be Strong enough Strong enough For the both of us
I think about the Story of Job. --> people thought he must be SINNING because of the bad things happening to Him!
How do you respond when you feel like the world has condemned you??
This was how Job responded.
"As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. "
James 5:11
"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. 13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. "
James 1:2-18
Lyrics from Rise:
Yes I will rise
Out of these ashes rise
From this trouble I have found
And this rubble on the ground
I will rise
... Cause He Who is in me
Is greater than I will ever be
And I will rise
We all make mistakes, or we may not have even done something, but our faith and where we really measure up are not determined by human standards -- Jesus vs Pharisees. Don't allow other peoples thoughts or words hold power over you or dictate your next actions. "The greatest mistake you can make in life is to continually be afraid you will make one."
-Elbert Hubbard
"For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. 26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." 1 Corinthians 1:25-27
Don't be discouraged-- God takes the worst thing in our lives--whether they were our own actions or caused from outside sources--and they can become beautiful and great things for God's purpose.
Side note: Words are very powerful (so we need to watch our own and our own judgment):
"The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit. "
Proverbs 18:21
Then tie it all with Hebrews 3:13: "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. " <3
I challenge us to look for the good things in others--to give others the benefit of the doubt. And if we see those who are judged, or down, or struggling--instead of hurting them with our words, lets uplift them and encourage them-- for Christ's sake because HE IS THE ONE WHO BEARS OUR SINS NOW-- we are freed, and we should share that freedom with the weak, lost, and suffering.
"Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. "
Galatians 6:1-2
This is another command too-- so even with those we see who say they are Christians, but see that their actions don't necessarily prove it, we are called to this: "8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. " Galatians 6:8-10
We will still SOW THE CONSEQUENCES OF OUR SIN, BUT, we can encourage the work of Christ regardless the situation. We are called to DO GOOD TO ALL PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO CLAIM TO BE OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST WHETHER THEY ARE DOING A PERFECT JOB AT IT OR NOT.
<3 Hope you enjoyed. Sorry for a little bit of the scattered portions. If you have questions about any of the references I didn't go into much detail about, such as Job, please let me know! :)
I have done drugs.
I have had a kid out of wedlock.
I've done pre-marital sexual acts.
I have cussed people out.
I have been decietful.
I've cheated on homework.
I've cheated on a test.
I've manipulated others.
I've hurt somebody else intentionally.
I've judged her.
I've held a grudge.
I've drank alcohol; and a lot of it.
I've backstabbed my best friend.
I've stolen.
I've broken the law.
I've lusted.
I've committed homosexual acts.
I've been arrogant and prideful.
I've broken the rules.
I've dishonored my parents.
I've gossiped.
I've murdered.
I've committed adultery.
I've broken a promise.
I have been greedy.
I have put other things before God--I've been an idolater.
I have slandered his name.
I have ripped someone off.
Who am I?
I AM JESUS CHRIST ON THE CROSS.
Jesus has taken on all of our sins. He did not commit them--but He embraced them and held them on the cross for us. He has been in our place and become fully the flesh for us.
Hebrews 2:
Warning to Pay Attention 1 We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. Jesus Made Fully Human5 It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. 6 But there is a place where someone has testified: “What is mankind that you are mindful of them,
a son of man that you care for him?
7 You made them a little[a] lower than the angels;
you crowned them with glory and honor
8 and put everything under their feet.”[b][c] In putting everything under them,[d] God left nothing that is not subject to them.[e] Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them.[f] 9 But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. 10 In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. 11 Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.[g] 12 He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters;
in the assembly I will sing your praises.”[h] 13 And again, “I will put my trust in him.”[i] And again he says, “Here am I, and the children God has given me.”[j] 14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like them,[k] fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."
I have personally been judged many times for sins I have committed. Several things that I am not proud of have gotten out about me. I am very far from perfect. I have made many, many mistakes, some that I wish I never had. However, because of them I have had to experience healing, forgiveness, and the LOVE of Chirst like I never would have been able to. "God works for the good of those who ove Him." OH, How true that is!!!
--> you might be trying and failing-- don't give up because of discouragement and if you think others think you're a bad person because of what you do or have done-- don't allow others judgement to hold you down.
"But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”" 1 Samuel 16:7
Sometimes God teaches you from the most unexpected situations, from the most unexpected people and at the most unexpected times.
Strong enough lyrics:
You must You must think I'm strong To give me what I'm going through
Well, forgive me Forgive me if I'm wrong But this looks like more than I can do On my own
I know I'm not strong enough to be everything that I'm supposed to be I give up I'm not stong enough Hands of mercy won't you cover me Lord right now I'm asking you to be Strong enough Strong enough For the both of us
I think about the Story of Job. --> people thought he must be SINNING because of the bad things happening to Him!
How do you respond when you feel like the world has condemned you??
This was how Job responded.
"As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. "
James 5:11
"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. 13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. "
James 1:2-18
Lyrics from Rise:
Yes I will rise
Out of these ashes rise
From this trouble I have found
And this rubble on the ground
I will rise
... Cause He Who is in me
Is greater than I will ever be
And I will rise
We all make mistakes, or we may not have even done something, but our faith and where we really measure up are not determined by human standards -- Jesus vs Pharisees. Don't allow other peoples thoughts or words hold power over you or dictate your next actions. "The greatest mistake you can make in life is to continually be afraid you will make one."
-Elbert Hubbard
"For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. 26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." 1 Corinthians 1:25-27
Don't be discouraged-- God takes the worst thing in our lives--whether they were our own actions or caused from outside sources--and they can become beautiful and great things for God's purpose.
Side note: Words are very powerful (so we need to watch our own and our own judgment):
"The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit. "
Proverbs 18:21
Then tie it all with Hebrews 3:13: "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. " <3
I challenge us to look for the good things in others--to give others the benefit of the doubt. And if we see those who are judged, or down, or struggling--instead of hurting them with our words, lets uplift them and encourage them-- for Christ's sake because HE IS THE ONE WHO BEARS OUR SINS NOW-- we are freed, and we should share that freedom with the weak, lost, and suffering.
"Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. "
Galatians 6:1-2
This is another command too-- so even with those we see who say they are Christians, but see that their actions don't necessarily prove it, we are called to this: "8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. " Galatians 6:8-10
We will still SOW THE CONSEQUENCES OF OUR SIN, BUT, we can encourage the work of Christ regardless the situation. We are called to DO GOOD TO ALL PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO CLAIM TO BE OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST WHETHER THEY ARE DOING A PERFECT JOB AT IT OR NOT.
<3 Hope you enjoyed. Sorry for a little bit of the scattered portions. If you have questions about any of the references I didn't go into much detail about, such as Job, please let me know! :)
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Fear
Have you ever done something that scares you? Had goals and dreams that seemed to big or unrealistic to try? Have you ever been afraid that everything you are fighting and working for will prove to be fruitless?
What is it you fear most?
For me personally, several of my fears include not getting into medical school, not finding a school where I can use the last two years of my eligibility to play, I will not be able to pay back my student loans, I will never find a truly great guy to marry, dissapointing my boss and not accomplishing the goals I need/want to through work, failing at my intentions of having the highest integrity, and falling back into past sins.
Yeah, seems like an extensive list. Maybe, maybe not. I suppose that is relative.
For whatever your list is, I challenge you to try something new… Take the list and write down affirmations for each one. The opposite of what you fear. Imagine that moment where you accomplish each of your dreams. And affirm yourself. Speak it outloud and make it truth.
For me:
I will not only get into medical school, I will recieve an outstanding score on my MCAT and exceed my own expectations and I will help many people in the future by becoming an amazing orthopedic surgeon because every day I perform a surgery or speak to a client, it will be to the glory of my Lord. I will change and facilitate people’s lives.
I will not only a place to play my last two years, but a place that is as much a blessing to me as I am to them. I will be a joy for my next coach. I will be a key role on and off the court for the team’s success and will experience vistories and play as champions.
I will pay all my student loans, help others pay their’s off, and be able to give back to my alma maters.
I will marry an amazing man truly passionate about the Lord. He will be there to stand next to me the remainder of my life and leading me in the way of the Lord. We will be constantly pushing each other to grow and pull each other through challenges. We will experience more joy than we could have ever imagined.
At work, I will surpass mine, and my boss’s expectations. I will spread success and encouragement wherever I go, sharing wisdom and experience, being a leader among leaders. I will gain experience, communication skills, people skills, business skills and far more knowledge than I imagined, and even more so, better and amazing relationships that will last a lifetime.
I will have the greatest integrity—sticking to what I say I will do, and being responsible enough to accept my failures and ammend my wrongs. I will be transparent in my faults and honest about my strengths with myself and others.
“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it,[a] but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. ” Philippians 3:13-14
Christ has forgiven me. And after much struggling, I have forgiven myself. I am ready to move past my sins. Satan no longer has hold of my life. I am Christ’s. I am more than a conqueror. I am free.
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Romans 8:37
"Commit your actions to the LORD,
and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3
The next step is to remember to “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:7. Speak your affirmations, and give God your worries. He is strong enough for the both of us, or in your case, you.
“Give your burdens to the LORD,
and he will take care of you.
He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. ” Psalms 55:22
I John 4:18 (TM) – “There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love.”
“Faith is being sure of what you hope for, and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
Have faith, not fear.
FEAR is:
False
Expectations
Appearing
Real.
Fear = Fake. LIES. from Satan, who seeks to kill, steal and destroy your life.
So forget about it. Let go of fear, live free, with a concious guilt free and not regretting what you do or don’t do. Attack life. Love it. enJOY it. <3
What is it you fear most?
For me personally, several of my fears include not getting into medical school, not finding a school where I can use the last two years of my eligibility to play, I will not be able to pay back my student loans, I will never find a truly great guy to marry, dissapointing my boss and not accomplishing the goals I need/want to through work, failing at my intentions of having the highest integrity, and falling back into past sins.
Yeah, seems like an extensive list. Maybe, maybe not. I suppose that is relative.
For whatever your list is, I challenge you to try something new… Take the list and write down affirmations for each one. The opposite of what you fear. Imagine that moment where you accomplish each of your dreams. And affirm yourself. Speak it outloud and make it truth.
For me:
I will not only get into medical school, I will recieve an outstanding score on my MCAT and exceed my own expectations and I will help many people in the future by becoming an amazing orthopedic surgeon because every day I perform a surgery or speak to a client, it will be to the glory of my Lord. I will change and facilitate people’s lives.
I will not only a place to play my last two years, but a place that is as much a blessing to me as I am to them. I will be a joy for my next coach. I will be a key role on and off the court for the team’s success and will experience vistories and play as champions.
I will pay all my student loans, help others pay their’s off, and be able to give back to my alma maters.
I will marry an amazing man truly passionate about the Lord. He will be there to stand next to me the remainder of my life and leading me in the way of the Lord. We will be constantly pushing each other to grow and pull each other through challenges. We will experience more joy than we could have ever imagined.
At work, I will surpass mine, and my boss’s expectations. I will spread success and encouragement wherever I go, sharing wisdom and experience, being a leader among leaders. I will gain experience, communication skills, people skills, business skills and far more knowledge than I imagined, and even more so, better and amazing relationships that will last a lifetime.
I will have the greatest integrity—sticking to what I say I will do, and being responsible enough to accept my failures and ammend my wrongs. I will be transparent in my faults and honest about my strengths with myself and others.
“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it,[a] but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. ” Philippians 3:13-14
Christ has forgiven me. And after much struggling, I have forgiven myself. I am ready to move past my sins. Satan no longer has hold of my life. I am Christ’s. I am more than a conqueror. I am free.
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Romans 8:37
"Commit your actions to the LORD,
and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3
The next step is to remember to “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:7. Speak your affirmations, and give God your worries. He is strong enough for the both of us, or in your case, you.
“Give your burdens to the LORD,
and he will take care of you.
He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. ” Psalms 55:22
I John 4:18 (TM) – “There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love.”
“Faith is being sure of what you hope for, and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
Have faith, not fear.
FEAR is:
False
Expectations
Appearing
Real.
Fear = Fake. LIES. from Satan, who seeks to kill, steal and destroy your life.
So forget about it. Let go of fear, live free, with a concious guilt free and not regretting what you do or don’t do. Attack life. Love it. enJOY it. <3
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