6/26/2009
panic
what do i stinkin want? i'm so confused and on ends....i wish that it was easier, that i didn't have to make all the decisions and all the moves...i am so tired of making the decisions, doing everything...it's wearing me out....why can't it just be simpler? why do i feel like i am juggling my life in my hands? Because i am...i feel like i am in candy land and i keep having to go back spaces and it suck, terribly sucks...and this is my calm down because i feel like i am having a panic attack.... :(
6/16/2009
like a child
I feel like a little child who has fallen and hurt themselves and although I am seeking the comfort and love of my parents hands, I am running from that comfort in fear of losing my independence...but I want that love, I want that comfort...I want my independence and I don't want someone to question it...but I just wish that I had hope, wish I had something to actually hope for and wish that those "promises" God placed in my heart made me smile, feel invigorated, filled me with hope....when in reality, where I stand...there is terror...fear...hopelessness.....
10/21/2008
Self-Control
"Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified." - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27(NLT)
A Walk with God requires us to have control over our flesh or to will that to God. We need to be ready to face anything that may come in the way. This takes training. What kind of spiritual training should we take part in to equip ourselves for spiritual races in our lives?
1. Bury yourself in God's word
"For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires." - Hebrews 4:12(NLT)
His word not only guides us but it penetrates and convicts our hearts. It keeps us strong in our walk. Reading and studying the Bible on a dailt basis keeps us focused on our goal and on Him, which is needed continually.
2. Pray constantly
"And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened." - Luke 11:9-10(NLT)
God loves listening to us...He revels in our time with Him. Being in prayer could be one of the most intimate times we get to spend with God. We should come to Him in prayer all the time. Just like with any other relationship we should be in constant conversation with Him.
3. Through praise and worship
"Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!" - Psalm 150:6 (NLT)
Some of my favorite times with God are in worship. It is just you and God and you are able to give Him the praise and worship He deserves.
"He forgives all my sins and heals all my desires. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!" - Psalm 103:3-5 (NLT)
He has done so many things and by living a life of worship we give Him all the glory for our success and show hope in low times.
When we surround ourselves with His word, stay in constant communication with God, and are always lifting up His name He will make us ready for whatever life throws our way.
A Walk with God requires us to have control over our flesh or to will that to God. We need to be ready to face anything that may come in the way. This takes training. What kind of spiritual training should we take part in to equip ourselves for spiritual races in our lives?
1. Bury yourself in God's word
"For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires." - Hebrews 4:12(NLT)
His word not only guides us but it penetrates and convicts our hearts. It keeps us strong in our walk. Reading and studying the Bible on a dailt basis keeps us focused on our goal and on Him, which is needed continually.
2. Pray constantly
"And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened." - Luke 11:9-10(NLT)
God loves listening to us...He revels in our time with Him. Being in prayer could be one of the most intimate times we get to spend with God. We should come to Him in prayer all the time. Just like with any other relationship we should be in constant conversation with Him.
3. Through praise and worship
"Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!" - Psalm 150:6 (NLT)
Some of my favorite times with God are in worship. It is just you and God and you are able to give Him the praise and worship He deserves.
"He forgives all my sins and heals all my desires. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!" - Psalm 103:3-5 (NLT)
He has done so many things and by living a life of worship we give Him all the glory for our success and show hope in low times.
When we surround ourselves with His word, stay in constant communication with God, and are always lifting up His name He will make us ready for whatever life throws our way.
7/30/2008
Guidance and Hope
Psalm 23:4-5 (NLT)
"Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings."
What better place to look for guidance, for hope, for direction than the very one who died on the cross for our sins. I can think of no other individual who has the most infinite amounts of knowledge, to whom I would wish to seek advice from. He is the way, the truth, and the life. Who is better qualified? Where can we find his guidance?
1. His WORD:
Psalm 119:105 (NLT)
"Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path."
The Bible says that his word will guide us, being the most true written word. Inspired by God himself, what better handbook to guide our choices and decisions than this?
2. The SPIRIT:
1 Corinthians 2:13 (NLT)
"When we tell you this we do not use words of human wisdom. We speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit's words to explain spiritual truths."
God uses the Holy Spirit to communicate to Christians his will and his way. He does this through spiritual gifts such as prophecy and tongues and interpretation. The Holy Spirit is one of the strongest messengers of God's will for our lives.
3. God's VOICE:
Genesis 12:1-9
"The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you." So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. He took his wife, Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all his wealth—his livestock and all the people he had taken into his household at Haran—and headed for the land of Canaan. When they arrived in Canaan, Abram traveled through the land as far as Shechem. There he set up camp beside the oak of Moreh. At that time, the area was inhabited by Canaanites. Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, "I will give this land to your descendants. And Abram built an altar there and dedicated it to the Lord, who had appeared to him. After that, Abram traveled south and set up camp in the hill country, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built another altar and dedicated it to the Lord, and he worshiped the Lord. Then Abram continued traveling south by stages toward the Negev.""
God spoke directly to Abram and told him exactly what to do and what his reward for following God's call would be. God speaks directly to us if we just listen for his still, small voice.
Reflection:
I was once told that if my walk with God was where it needed to be I wouldn't be confused about what to do, God would show me and speak to me directly. It was only a matter of me opening my ears and taking the mud from my eyes and listening and seeing God's plan for my life.
"Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings."
What better place to look for guidance, for hope, for direction than the very one who died on the cross for our sins. I can think of no other individual who has the most infinite amounts of knowledge, to whom I would wish to seek advice from. He is the way, the truth, and the life. Who is better qualified? Where can we find his guidance?
1. His WORD:
Psalm 119:105 (NLT)
"Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path."
The Bible says that his word will guide us, being the most true written word. Inspired by God himself, what better handbook to guide our choices and decisions than this?
2. The SPIRIT:
1 Corinthians 2:13 (NLT)
"When we tell you this we do not use words of human wisdom. We speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit's words to explain spiritual truths."
God uses the Holy Spirit to communicate to Christians his will and his way. He does this through spiritual gifts such as prophecy and tongues and interpretation. The Holy Spirit is one of the strongest messengers of God's will for our lives.
3. God's VOICE:
Genesis 12:1-9
"The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you." So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. He took his wife, Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all his wealth—his livestock and all the people he had taken into his household at Haran—and headed for the land of Canaan. When they arrived in Canaan, Abram traveled through the land as far as Shechem. There he set up camp beside the oak of Moreh. At that time, the area was inhabited by Canaanites. Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, "I will give this land to your descendants. And Abram built an altar there and dedicated it to the Lord, who had appeared to him. After that, Abram traveled south and set up camp in the hill country, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built another altar and dedicated it to the Lord, and he worshiped the Lord. Then Abram continued traveling south by stages toward the Negev.""
God spoke directly to Abram and told him exactly what to do and what his reward for following God's call would be. God speaks directly to us if we just listen for his still, small voice.
Reflection:
I was once told that if my walk with God was where it needed to be I wouldn't be confused about what to do, God would show me and speak to me directly. It was only a matter of me opening my ears and taking the mud from my eyes and listening and seeing God's plan for my life.
7/29/2008
Doubt
During our walk with God, everyone will go through bouts of doubt and impatience. Most times this is due to us putting God on our time schedule or listening to those who don't believe. Doubt is a lack of faith. Christianity and our personal relationship with God is based solely on the idea of faith. If we have no faith, then ultimately, what do we have? God desires for us to be faithful to him as he is faithful to us. What is doubt? What are the characteristics of a faithful individual and how can we achieve this in our own lives?
What is DOUBT?
Isaiah 40:27-28 (NLT)
"O Israel, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles? How can you say God refuses to hear your case? Have you never heard or understood? Don't you know that the Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He never grows faint or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding."
Doubt is having a lack of faith. In our walk with God, this translates to mean that we aren't trusting him to be our provider and creator. In Psalms 139, verses 13-18, David writes about how God is all powerful and how he has been providing and preparing for us since before we were born. How amazing is that? There is no room for doubt in a relationship with God.
Characteristics of FAITH:
1. Loving
1 John 4:12 (NLT)
"No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love has been brought to full expression through us."
This verse really shows that through love, faith is bred. It says that although we haven't ever seen God we should have the faith to love others and him.
2. Forgiving
2 Timothy 2:13 (NLT)
"If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself."
No matter how many times we mess up and ask for forgiveness God is there. He has faith each time and through forgiving others and ourselves we gain faith in his power.
3. Just
Deuteronomy 10:17-18 (NLT)
"The Lord your God is the God of gods and and Lord of lords. He is the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and takes no bribes. He gives justice to orphans and widows. He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing."
God is a just and fair God who will not look upon anyone with partiality. We will each be judged by him for our sins. He shows his love for us through his discipline. When we are disciplined, we can feel his love and it will enrich our walk of faith.
How to be FAITHFUL?
Genesis 15:6 (NLT)
"And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord declared him righteous because of his faith."
Abraham had to give everything to the Lord and have complete faith that he would keep his promises to him. In our own lives we have to do the same things. If an upcoming bill is your burden or a family illness is the problem, you have to release the entire thing to God and have faith in his power.
I want to end with this passage:
Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NLT)
"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He will make me as surefooted as a deer and bring me safely over the mountains."
What is DOUBT?
Isaiah 40:27-28 (NLT)
"O Israel, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles? How can you say God refuses to hear your case? Have you never heard or understood? Don't you know that the Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He never grows faint or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding."
Doubt is having a lack of faith. In our walk with God, this translates to mean that we aren't trusting him to be our provider and creator. In Psalms 139, verses 13-18, David writes about how God is all powerful and how he has been providing and preparing for us since before we were born. How amazing is that? There is no room for doubt in a relationship with God.
Characteristics of FAITH:
1. Loving
1 John 4:12 (NLT)
"No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love has been brought to full expression through us."
This verse really shows that through love, faith is bred. It says that although we haven't ever seen God we should have the faith to love others and him.
2. Forgiving
2 Timothy 2:13 (NLT)
"If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself."
No matter how many times we mess up and ask for forgiveness God is there. He has faith each time and through forgiving others and ourselves we gain faith in his power.
3. Just
Deuteronomy 10:17-18 (NLT)
"The Lord your God is the God of gods and and Lord of lords. He is the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and takes no bribes. He gives justice to orphans and widows. He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing."
God is a just and fair God who will not look upon anyone with partiality. We will each be judged by him for our sins. He shows his love for us through his discipline. When we are disciplined, we can feel his love and it will enrich our walk of faith.
How to be FAITHFUL?
Genesis 15:6 (NLT)
"And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord declared him righteous because of his faith."
Abraham had to give everything to the Lord and have complete faith that he would keep his promises to him. In our own lives we have to do the same things. If an upcoming bill is your burden or a family illness is the problem, you have to release the entire thing to God and have faith in his power.
I want to end with this passage:
Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NLT)
"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He will make me as surefooted as a deer and bring me safely over the mountains."
7/28/2008
Pride
Proverbs 11:2 (NLT)
"Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."
Pride can hold us back in so many areas of our life. I know in my own it has kept me in debt, hurt personal relationships, and most of all hurt my relationship with God and prevented me from following his will in my life. Pride is the opposite of humility and can only bring destruction to our lives. So, how does pride destroy your life, what does humility mean, and how do we eliminate pride from our lives?
How does being PRIDEFUL destroy your life?
1. Brings discontent into your life
Proverbs 13:10 (NLT)
"Pride leads to arguments; those who take advice are wise."
When we allow pride to rule us, we can never be wrong and never humble ourselves to the leadership of someone else. God didn't make us all-knowing and therefore, we sometimes need to seek advice and information from others. Pride can prevent this from happening.
2. Causes discontent with the Lord
Proverbs 16:5,18 (NLT)
"5)The Lord despises pride; be assured that the proud will be punished. 18) Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall."
The saying "pride comes before fall" is so true. God is sovereign and wants us to realize that. When we let pride control our decisions, we remove God from the equation and put our flesh in charge. Removing God from any area of your life, especially decision making, can only lead to destruction.
3. Prevents growth in the Lord
Luke 18:9-14 (NLT)
"Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: "Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: 'I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.' But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, 'O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.' I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.""
When pride settles in our hearts, it prevents us from growing in our walk with the Lord. When we aren't growing we are falling away, there is no dormant in between.
What is HUMILITY?
Isaiah 66:1-2 (NLT)
"This is what the Lord says: "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Could you ever build me a temple as good as that? Could you ever build a dwelling place for me? My hands have made both heaven and earth, and they are mine. I, the Lord, have spoken! I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word.""
The phrase "tremble at my word" in the scripture above really captures the idea of humility. How could we ever think ourselves better or even halfway equal to the Lord who rules over the heavens and the earth? We can't, plain and simple. We will never be comparable to him and therefore should never think ourselves able to make decisions about our lives without him. Realizing this is humility. When we fear God, our hearts have been humbled.
How do we ELIMINATE PRIDE from our lives?
1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (NLT)
"Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy[a] when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God. God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. Therefore, as the Scriptures say, "If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.""
1. By living in the presence of God
2. By allowing God to break our hearts
3. By being a light for God
It's a step-by-step process to remove pride and replace it with humility. Like with any other problem the first step is admitting that pride is in your life. Once we do this, we can step into God's presence and allow him to break our hearts. Once we become broken in his presence, he can fill us with his holy spirit and we are able to shine humbly to the world with his guiding voice all along the way.
"Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."
Pride can hold us back in so many areas of our life. I know in my own it has kept me in debt, hurt personal relationships, and most of all hurt my relationship with God and prevented me from following his will in my life. Pride is the opposite of humility and can only bring destruction to our lives. So, how does pride destroy your life, what does humility mean, and how do we eliminate pride from our lives?
How does being PRIDEFUL destroy your life?
1. Brings discontent into your life
Proverbs 13:10 (NLT)
"Pride leads to arguments; those who take advice are wise."
When we allow pride to rule us, we can never be wrong and never humble ourselves to the leadership of someone else. God didn't make us all-knowing and therefore, we sometimes need to seek advice and information from others. Pride can prevent this from happening.
2. Causes discontent with the Lord
Proverbs 16:5,18 (NLT)
"5)The Lord despises pride; be assured that the proud will be punished. 18) Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall."
The saying "pride comes before fall" is so true. God is sovereign and wants us to realize that. When we let pride control our decisions, we remove God from the equation and put our flesh in charge. Removing God from any area of your life, especially decision making, can only lead to destruction.
3. Prevents growth in the Lord
Luke 18:9-14 (NLT)
"Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: "Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: 'I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.' But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, 'O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.' I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.""
When pride settles in our hearts, it prevents us from growing in our walk with the Lord. When we aren't growing we are falling away, there is no dormant in between.
What is HUMILITY?
Isaiah 66:1-2 (NLT)
"This is what the Lord says: "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Could you ever build me a temple as good as that? Could you ever build a dwelling place for me? My hands have made both heaven and earth, and they are mine. I, the Lord, have spoken! I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word.""
The phrase "tremble at my word" in the scripture above really captures the idea of humility. How could we ever think ourselves better or even halfway equal to the Lord who rules over the heavens and the earth? We can't, plain and simple. We will never be comparable to him and therefore should never think ourselves able to make decisions about our lives without him. Realizing this is humility. When we fear God, our hearts have been humbled.
How do we ELIMINATE PRIDE from our lives?
1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (NLT)
"Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy[a] when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God. God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. Therefore, as the Scriptures say, "If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.""
1. By living in the presence of God
2. By allowing God to break our hearts
3. By being a light for God
It's a step-by-step process to remove pride and replace it with humility. Like with any other problem the first step is admitting that pride is in your life. Once we do this, we can step into God's presence and allow him to break our hearts. Once we become broken in his presence, he can fill us with his holy spirit and we are able to shine humbly to the world with his guiding voice all along the way.
Upcoming Devotions...
I am so excited about the devotions that I am going to be doing over the next few weeks...God has just really told me to deal with my flesh and my heart and I am so excited to be able to share all of it. I hope that anyone who reads these will find it encouraging that somebody else is dealing with the same issues and that no matter what, God shows his mercy and compassion by forgiving us for our sins and giving us a full pardon!
7/27/2008
Mercy
Today we spoke about mercy in Sunday school and it really struck me as something I wanted to learn more about and understand and apply. I have been obsessed with Psalms 103 so that will be my basis for most of this devotion. So, what is mercy and how can we show mercy in our lives today?
What is MERCY?
1. Compassionate
Micah 7:18-20 (NLT)
"Where is another God like you, who pardons the sins of the survivors among his people? You cannot stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing mercy. Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love as you promised with an oath to our ancestors Abraham and Jacob long ago."
Despite all that we do and every sin we commit, God has chosen to show compassion on his people so they do not have to suffer the judgments they deserve. God shows compassion and pardons our evil ways. He is that amazing.
2. Gracious
Exodus 34:6 (NLT)
"He passed in front of Moses and said, "I am the Lord, I am the Lord, the merciful and gracious God. I am slow to anger and rich in unfailing love and faithfulness."
We can constantly turn our backs on God and choose to be part of the world, yet he is slow to get angry with us and is always standing there waiting for us to come back to him and his never-ending love. He is a gracious God who knows that we aren't perfect and although it hurts him for us to stray, He knows we will. Yet he tries to teach us and guide us in his will constantly, even if it is a lesson that has to be given repeatedly.
3. Holy
1 Peter 1:15-16 (NLT)
"But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God - who chose you to be his children - is holy. For he himself has said, "You must be holy because I am holy.""
By being holy - humbling ourselves, loyally and obediently to God's call on our lives - we allow ourselves to be in the position to show God's mercy to others. We have to ensure holiness in our lives because when we draw near to him, he will draw near to us. Holiness allows us to care and show mercy and compassion.
How can we SHOW MERCY in our lives?
Psalm 103:8-18 (NLT)
"The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone—as though we had never been here. But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!"
By shaping and modeling our lives after Christ, like David has laid out for us in this Psalm. Christ has offered his mercy through his patience in forgiving us of our sins and cleansing our hearts again and again. We don't by any means deserve God's mercy yet he bestows it upon us daily. In that same way we must show his mercy whether we have judged that another person deserves it or not. God is the only sovereign power who decides who deserves mercy and who doesn't. By sending his son to die for us he has demonstrated that his mercy is to be spread to all.
We should constantly be striving to grow in our walk with God by demonstrating the mercy we so graciously receive from our Father in heaven.
What is MERCY?
1. Compassionate
Micah 7:18-20 (NLT)
"Where is another God like you, who pardons the sins of the survivors among his people? You cannot stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing mercy. Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love as you promised with an oath to our ancestors Abraham and Jacob long ago."
Despite all that we do and every sin we commit, God has chosen to show compassion on his people so they do not have to suffer the judgments they deserve. God shows compassion and pardons our evil ways. He is that amazing.
2. Gracious
Exodus 34:6 (NLT)
"He passed in front of Moses and said, "I am the Lord, I am the Lord, the merciful and gracious God. I am slow to anger and rich in unfailing love and faithfulness."
We can constantly turn our backs on God and choose to be part of the world, yet he is slow to get angry with us and is always standing there waiting for us to come back to him and his never-ending love. He is a gracious God who knows that we aren't perfect and although it hurts him for us to stray, He knows we will. Yet he tries to teach us and guide us in his will constantly, even if it is a lesson that has to be given repeatedly.
3. Holy
1 Peter 1:15-16 (NLT)
"But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God - who chose you to be his children - is holy. For he himself has said, "You must be holy because I am holy.""
By being holy - humbling ourselves, loyally and obediently to God's call on our lives - we allow ourselves to be in the position to show God's mercy to others. We have to ensure holiness in our lives because when we draw near to him, he will draw near to us. Holiness allows us to care and show mercy and compassion.
How can we SHOW MERCY in our lives?
Psalm 103:8-18 (NLT)
"The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone—as though we had never been here. But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!"
By shaping and modeling our lives after Christ, like David has laid out for us in this Psalm. Christ has offered his mercy through his patience in forgiving us of our sins and cleansing our hearts again and again. We don't by any means deserve God's mercy yet he bestows it upon us daily. In that same way we must show his mercy whether we have judged that another person deserves it or not. God is the only sovereign power who decides who deserves mercy and who doesn't. By sending his son to die for us he has demonstrated that his mercy is to be spread to all.
We should constantly be striving to grow in our walk with God by demonstrating the mercy we so graciously receive from our Father in heaven.
3/23/2008
new stuff
Well...a lot of changes are taking place right now...
First, I am moving to Chicago :)
Second, I am about starting training for the 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk in Chicago :)
And Finally, I am going to ministry school...life is amazing :)
I will follow up with details at a later time :)
First, I am moving to Chicago :)
Second, I am about starting training for the 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk in Chicago :)
And Finally, I am going to ministry school...life is amazing :)
I will follow up with details at a later time :)
2/13/2008
Love
I've been thinking a lot about love and what it truly means. In the world, we try so hard to commercialize and define something God has already defined and exhibited so perfectly. God desires for us to pursue and show our love by his son, Christ's, example in both our spiritual and physical relationships.
Defining LOVE:
Characteristics of Love:
1. Sacrifice
1 John 4:9-10 (NIV)
"God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins."
God sent his only son to die on the cross so our sins could be forgiven. This is the ultimate sacrifice, the ultimate act of love.
2. Comforting
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)
"All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."
No matter what situations are presented in our lives, God is always there to comfort us. He comforts us so we can in turn, comfort others in His name and credit our source of comfort to Him.
3. Accepting
Romans 15:7 (NIV)
"So accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified."
God has chosen each and everyone of us before we were born to be his children. No matter our faults, he accepts us. The Israelites constantly turned their backs on Him but God chose them before they ever chose Him and He never turned His back on them. Like God, we need to accept others, despite their faults.
4. Encouraging
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
"But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."
When we have faith in God, He will encourage us and give us strength. By offering this encouragement to others we are conveying God's strength into their lives. God offers great rewards to keep us from being discouraged in our walk with Him.
5. Humility
Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV)
"Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. Though He was God, He did not demand and cling to his rights as God. He made Himself nothing; He took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. And in human form He obediently humbled Himself even further by dying a criminal's death on the cross."
Jesus performed the most perfect act of humility. He came to the earth in human form, was "nothing" to the world, and died as an accused criminal on a cross. He did this all to save our souls. Like Jesus, we need to humble ourselves before God and to others.
So, what is love?
1 John 4:8 says, "But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love." All of these characteristics are just characteristics of God's love. When we accept His love, we should love others to show God how much we appreciate His love. When we let God live through us, we will truly show love in every aspect and relationship in our lives.
Why love?
God gives us the command to love. In Deuteronomy 6:5 He says, "And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength." Through this love we express to God, our love for others will be expressed.
Defining LOVE:
Characteristics of Love:
1. Sacrifice
1 John 4:9-10 (NIV)
"God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins."
God sent his only son to die on the cross so our sins could be forgiven. This is the ultimate sacrifice, the ultimate act of love.
2. Comforting
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)
"All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."
No matter what situations are presented in our lives, God is always there to comfort us. He comforts us so we can in turn, comfort others in His name and credit our source of comfort to Him.
3. Accepting
Romans 15:7 (NIV)
"So accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified."
God has chosen each and everyone of us before we were born to be his children. No matter our faults, he accepts us. The Israelites constantly turned their backs on Him but God chose them before they ever chose Him and He never turned His back on them. Like God, we need to accept others, despite their faults.
4. Encouraging
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
"But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."
When we have faith in God, He will encourage us and give us strength. By offering this encouragement to others we are conveying God's strength into their lives. God offers great rewards to keep us from being discouraged in our walk with Him.
5. Humility
Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV)
"Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. Though He was God, He did not demand and cling to his rights as God. He made Himself nothing; He took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. And in human form He obediently humbled Himself even further by dying a criminal's death on the cross."
Jesus performed the most perfect act of humility. He came to the earth in human form, was "nothing" to the world, and died as an accused criminal on a cross. He did this all to save our souls. Like Jesus, we need to humble ourselves before God and to others.
So, what is love?
1 John 4:8 says, "But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love." All of these characteristics are just characteristics of God's love. When we accept His love, we should love others to show God how much we appreciate His love. When we let God live through us, we will truly show love in every aspect and relationship in our lives.
Why love?
God gives us the command to love. In Deuteronomy 6:5 He says, "And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength." Through this love we express to God, our love for others will be expressed.
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