I'm sorry but let me repeat that...it is perfectly, without a doubt, entirely
OK TO BE SINGLE!
Because you...
1. Don't have a boyfriend right now
2. Aren't engaged or married right now
3. Aren't having kids right now
Does NOT mean there is something wrong with you!
Because you have HIGH standards...
Does NOT mean there is something wrong with you!
Because you ARE SINGLE...
1. You get to fall in love with a PERFECT MAN
2. You get to be pursued by a PERFECT MAN
3. You get to find joy in a personal relationship with a PERFECT MAN
LIES that the world/man/Satan tells us ladies:
1. You are NOT good enough
2. You are NOT pretty enough
3. You are NOT worthy enough
TRUTHS that the PERFECT MAN tells us ladies:
1. You ARE PRECIOUS
"You are precious and honored in My sight and I love you." ~ Isaiah 43:4
2. You ARE BEAUTIFUL
"I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~ Psalm 139:14
3. You ARE WORTHY
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." ~ 1 Peter 3:3-4
Ladies, being single isn't about picking out your flaws and wondering what is wrong with you. Being single is about falling in love with the PERFECT MAN, our Father, Creator, Savior. Being single is a time to learn more about Him and how to be a woman who flourishes for Him. Being single allows for a time to grow deeper in faith and understand pure joy. Being single allows our hearts to be full and look to Him to pursue us. Being single is a beautiful journey with Him.
When He is ready to bring the "perfect man" into our lives, He will. Know that. Believe that. Trust that. Quit looking for the "perfect man." It's easier to pursue and love Christ in every aspect of our lives until He brings the "perfect man" to not only love us like Christ does, but encourage us, pursue us, honor us, and do all of these things in His name.
Be patient ladies.
Until then...
"dance with the PERFECT MAN until He lets our 'perfect man' cut in."
Monday, April 25, 2016
Sunday, May 31, 2015
There's Always a Light
Do you ever feel like you're constantly stuck in the dark?
That life is never going the way you want it to?
It's always "your season" of life?
Today as I was going to Little Rock and back, it rained off and on the entire drive there and back.
In my head I thought, this is life. Right here, right now during this drive.
Life is constantly in and out of rainy seasons.
Life is a constant roller coaster.
It's not stagnant, it's up and down, it's rainy and sunny.
If life stayed the same all the time how would we make mistakes? How would we learn? How would we challenge ourselves? How would we challenge others? How would we grow?
We wouldn't. This is why Christ gives us obstacles, challenges, and trials.
Sometimes when you feel stuck in the rainy season or in the dark you don't see the way out.
You don't know how to get out.
Until you see it. You see the light.
You finally see the light that Christ has placed in front of you.
He never leaves you, even in the darkness He walks beside you.
He guides you to the light. His light.
His promises will never fail us. We never have to go through life alone.
Even in the dark, there's hope.
Hope takes faith.
And faith brings light.
"The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them."
~Isaiah 9:2
"For God, who said, 'Light shall shine out of darkness,' is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ."
~2 Cor. 4:6
"Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, 'I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.'"
~John 8:12
That life is never going the way you want it to?
It's always "your season" of life?
Today as I was going to Little Rock and back, it rained off and on the entire drive there and back.
In my head I thought, this is life. Right here, right now during this drive.
Life is constantly in and out of rainy seasons.
Life is a constant roller coaster.
It's not stagnant, it's up and down, it's rainy and sunny.
If life stayed the same all the time how would we make mistakes? How would we learn? How would we challenge ourselves? How would we challenge others? How would we grow?
We wouldn't. This is why Christ gives us obstacles, challenges, and trials.
Sometimes when you feel stuck in the rainy season or in the dark you don't see the way out.
You don't know how to get out.
Until you see it. You see the light.
You finally see the light that Christ has placed in front of you.
He never leaves you, even in the darkness He walks beside you.
He guides you to the light. His light.
His promises will never fail us. We never have to go through life alone.
Even in the dark, there's hope.
Hope takes faith.
And faith brings light.
"The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them."
~Isaiah 9:2
~2 Cor. 4:6
~John 8:12
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Hands
I wrote this a few weeks ago at a 9:06 service at the Wesley Foundation here at Arkansas Tech. It came into my head during our reflection time and I had to put my thoughts down. These thoughts literally came out of nowhere, so I know that the Lord put them into my head to be put on paper and to be shared. Just goes to show that Christ is always in control of all your thoughts and He places things into your head for a reason. Hope you all enjoy what my Savior put on my heart that evening.
Hands are used for many things. They are there to help. To pick us up as well as others. To serve Christ and help others. To place things in. To give gifts, money, or even hugs. They're there to help hold the weight that someone else cannot carry. They're meant to be folded in prayer. Used to spend time with our Creator. The hands are there to be offered, offered for anything or anyone who could possibly need them. To care for. Sometimes do you ever think about the hands and what they could and can do? Look at them. What do you see? I see many uses. Uses that some aren't always blessed with. How do you use them? What do you use them for? Think about it. You have two for a reason, for a purpose that God created. Use them.
Hands are used for many things. They are there to help. To pick us up as well as others. To serve Christ and help others. To place things in. To give gifts, money, or even hugs. They're there to help hold the weight that someone else cannot carry. They're meant to be folded in prayer. Used to spend time with our Creator. The hands are there to be offered, offered for anything or anyone who could possibly need them. To care for. Sometimes do you ever think about the hands and what they could and can do? Look at them. What do you see? I see many uses. Uses that some aren't always blessed with. How do you use them? What do you use them for? Think about it. You have two for a reason, for a purpose that God created. Use them.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Time to Make a Difference
So it is now officially 2013 and this world is still a sinful world. Judging a person by what they look like has become a very popular standard nowadays. I use this blog for a purpose and it's time that people in this world start to stand out and make a difference.
I have seen so many people hurt because of the judgments that have been placed upon them. No on deserves that. The world is such a cruel place and people have real feelings, emotions, pains, and hurts. How are we helping to build up one another up? We aren't here on this earth to tear each other down. That only leads to more pain and suffering.
Recently a strong topic I would like to attend to is the topic on interracial relationships. If we are living in the year 2013 and we are placing judgments upon someone due to the color of their skin then we have it all wrong. God created everyone in His perfect picture, just as He created you and me. God didn't make any mistakes. A color makes no difference about a person. A color is a color and a person is a person. I am one of the whitest people I know and when I burn I'm bright red. Doesn't mean someone should look at me and say, "Oh she's red, better not be friends with or date her." That is just a little ridiculous to me. This applies to the same concept as if you are white, brown, black, purple, tan, blue, pink, or whatever!
Placing judgments upon someone based on stereotypes, color, or race isn't what Christ would want us to do to show His love. He doesn't call us to judge one another but to get to know and love one another.
"There is only one lawgiver and judge, He who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?" ~ James 4:12
This is a question we all need to be asking ourselves. No race, color, or person is superior to one another. Christ created us all in His OWN IMAGE.
"And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them." ~ Luke 6:31
Treat others how you want to be treated. You would never want another person to make a judgment on you based upon your looks, race, or color if they didn't get to know you. Get to know a person. And if someone is happy and enjoys being around and with that person by all golly means let them. There is too much hate in this world already.
Stand out, be bold, be different. Get to know people for who they really and truly are.
"And as they continued to ask Him, He stood up and said to them, 'Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone.'" ~ John 8:7
Monday, October 8, 2012
Who Am I?
Those 3 words have been driving me crazy recently. People tell you that in college you change and begin to discover who you really are. They are definitely right about that.
Already as I am a couple months into college, I'm beginning to find this statement more true than ever. College opens up opportunities, freedom, and responsibility. I'm not saying I have it all figured out because I most certainly do not.
Today I felt absolutely sick to my stomach and didn't really know why. All the sudden a hundred different things were racing through my head. I suddenly became overwhelmed and broke down. This is not something that happens everyday. The main thing that I kept thinking about was the question, "Who am I?" I realized I don't really like the person I'm becoming. There is nothing to explain what happened today other than the fact that the Lord opened my eyes and broke me down, helping me understand where this path would lead. I just haven't been myself and I've been putting my Savior on the back burner recently.
Who I am should be defined in Christ. Not in college, my friends, or the world. I was in need of a wake up call and a reminder of why I'm here at Arkansas Tech and the mission He has called me to here. Sometimes the Lord works in mysterious ways but He grabs a hold of your heart and shows you His path.
He has so much to teach me and now I know I'm really ready to turn around and start chasing His name.
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." ~Romans 5:1
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Senior Year Comes to a Close...
"But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him." ~Jeremiah 17:7
My senior year at Har-Ber High School was not an easy one. A lot happened this year both good and bad. It was fun. It was a challenge. It was a learning experience. It was a time to grow. It was time to plan. A time to make decisions. A time to mature. A time to take on responsibility. A time to realize what your future might hold.
Senior year will never be forgotten. The friends I've made, the friends I've lost. The hundreds of pictures that created memories. The Lord has really done a lot in my life this year. I'm not perfect. I made mistakes but they became great lessons that were learned. I learned a lot this year and I learned a lot about who I am.
The Lord did a lot of work in my life this year and made me the person I am today. Without Him, my family, and friends (you know who you are) I never would survived this year. It was hard. It was rough. But the good times were great and I will cherish those memories forever.
As you grow up people start to change and so do you. I did. The Lord works in crazy ways. Sometimes you don't understand and you have to trust that He has your best interests at heart always. His plan is greater than one we can get imagine or comprehend.
Trusting Him has always been one of my biggest struggles, but He constantly reminds me over and over, like He did this year, that when you Trust in Him, He will provide. I've been so blessed this year by the people that the Lord has brought in my life and I could never thank Him enough.
I had so much fun this senior year and I can't wait to see what He has in store for me these next 4 years at Arkansas Tech.
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" ~Jeremiah 29:11
The Lord did a lot of work in my life this year and made me the person I am today. Without Him, my family, and friends (you know who you are) I never would survived this year. It was hard. It was rough. But the good times were great and I will cherish those memories forever.
As you grow up people start to change and so do you. I did. The Lord works in crazy ways. Sometimes you don't understand and you have to trust that He has your best interests at heart always. His plan is greater than one we can get imagine or comprehend.
Trusting Him has always been one of my biggest struggles, but He constantly reminds me over and over, like He did this year, that when you Trust in Him, He will provide. I've been so blessed this year by the people that the Lord has brought in my life and I could never thank Him enough.
I had so much fun this senior year and I can't wait to see what He has in store for me these next 4 years at Arkansas Tech.
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" ~Jeremiah 29:11
Monday, February 6, 2012
What Began as a Meeting...
Today was a pretty average Monday, like most Monday's go. I was called out of my 6th period class to meet with my counselor about college and scholarships. I was expecting a normal counselor meeting... BUT the Lord always has a different plan that what you expect.(:
My counselor asked me the basic college questions like: Where are you looking at going? What do you want to be? How are you going to pay for it? The normal questions that most people would ask. I've met with him on other school occasions before so he knew a little about me.
He finally looked at me and said, "Paxton, who is in control of your life?" I was in shock, I almost didn't know what to say. This is where the Lord presents Himself in ways you can't even imagine sometimes. He said, "This isn't a trick question." I then with tears in my eyes said, "He is." My counselor looked at me and we both knew what had just happened. Through my SCHOOL COUNSELOR, who I've never really shared about my faith with, the Lord presented Himself to remind me that He is in control, that He will provide for me, that He has bigger plans for me than I have for myself, and that He keeps his promises.
We then continued to have a conversation about how He will guide me and be with me through this difficult and stressful of big college/future decisions. He asked me if it was ok if he shared his favorite scripture with me and I told him I would like that. This is what he then proceed to share with me:
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call My name. You will come to Me and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will search for Me. And when you search for Me with all your heart, you will find Me. I will let you find Me,' says the Lord. 'And I will bring you back from your captivity. I forced you to leave this place, but I will gather you from all the nations, from the places I have sent you as captives,' says the Lord. 'And I will bring you back to this place.'" ~Jeremiah 29:11-14
I think so often we only see Jeremiah 29:11 and stop reading there, even myself. But my counselor brought to my attention the verses that follow. They were so warming to heart and brought an overwhelming amount of peace to my heart. Next he shared:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." ~Proverbs 3:5-6
I know for me personally, giving my future and my decisions to Him and fully trusting that He will take care of them and protect me is hard. I like deciding what I do and I like taking control of things myself. Yet again I fail and I'm wrong, over and over again. He proves Himself trustworthy constantly and today was just one example. I'm absolutely amazed and in awe of how He works in those around us.
"You make beautiful things, You make beautiful things out of the dust. You make beautiful things, You make beautiful things out of us."
My counselor asked me the basic college questions like: Where are you looking at going? What do you want to be? How are you going to pay for it? The normal questions that most people would ask. I've met with him on other school occasions before so he knew a little about me.
He finally looked at me and said, "Paxton, who is in control of your life?" I was in shock, I almost didn't know what to say. This is where the Lord presents Himself in ways you can't even imagine sometimes. He said, "This isn't a trick question." I then with tears in my eyes said, "He is." My counselor looked at me and we both knew what had just happened. Through my SCHOOL COUNSELOR, who I've never really shared about my faith with, the Lord presented Himself to remind me that He is in control, that He will provide for me, that He has bigger plans for me than I have for myself, and that He keeps his promises.
We then continued to have a conversation about how He will guide me and be with me through this difficult and stressful of big college/future decisions. He asked me if it was ok if he shared his favorite scripture with me and I told him I would like that. This is what he then proceed to share with me:
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call My name. You will come to Me and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will search for Me. And when you search for Me with all your heart, you will find Me. I will let you find Me,' says the Lord. 'And I will bring you back from your captivity. I forced you to leave this place, but I will gather you from all the nations, from the places I have sent you as captives,' says the Lord. 'And I will bring you back to this place.'" ~Jeremiah 29:11-14
I think so often we only see Jeremiah 29:11 and stop reading there, even myself. But my counselor brought to my attention the verses that follow. They were so warming to heart and brought an overwhelming amount of peace to my heart. Next he shared:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." ~Proverbs 3:5-6
I know for me personally, giving my future and my decisions to Him and fully trusting that He will take care of them and protect me is hard. I like deciding what I do and I like taking control of things myself. Yet again I fail and I'm wrong, over and over again. He proves Himself trustworthy constantly and today was just one example. I'm absolutely amazed and in awe of how He works in those around us.
"You make beautiful things, You make beautiful things out of the dust. You make beautiful things, You make beautiful things out of us."
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Life ISN'T Simple, That's Why He Gives Us an Instruction Manual
No one told you life was simple, that life was going to be easy. BUT it's a good thing the Lord gave us an instruction manual! Every time I read His Word and His promises, He begins to reveal the answers to life. He hasn't left us on this Earth with no idea what to do, He loves us too much.
1. PRAYER
If you've ever heard or been told that "prayer is the most powerful thing," whoever told you that was absolutely right.
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." -Matthew 7:7-8
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." -Matthew 21:22
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." -Mark 11:24
2. FORGIVENESS
Without forgiveness where would we be? He loves us enough to forgive us for the sins and mistakes we constantly make. What's not fair is having the most perfect God to die a horrible death for all of our faults and sins. What would be fair is death, for all of us as sinners. But thankfully Jesus came and saved us from the wrath we really deserve.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." -1 John 1:9
"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace." -Ephesians 1:7
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" -2 Corinthians 5:17
3. FAITH
Faith is the reason for everything. The reason to believe. The reason our Father, Savior, Lord, and Messiah wants to have a relationship with us, wants to be with us, guide us, help us, and love us. He's the reason for all of it. The reason we find light in the darkness, peace in the restless, hope in the hopeless.
"He replied, 'Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.'" -Matthew 17:20
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." -2 Corinthians 4:16-18
"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.'” -Mark 10:27
1. PRAYER
If you've ever heard or been told that "prayer is the most powerful thing," whoever told you that was absolutely right.
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." -Matthew 7:7-8
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." -Matthew 21:22
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." -Mark 11:24
2. FORGIVENESS
Without forgiveness where would we be? He loves us enough to forgive us for the sins and mistakes we constantly make. What's not fair is having the most perfect God to die a horrible death for all of our faults and sins. What would be fair is death, for all of us as sinners. But thankfully Jesus came and saved us from the wrath we really deserve.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." -1 John 1:9
"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace." -Ephesians 1:7
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" -2 Corinthians 5:17
3. FAITH
Faith is the reason for everything. The reason to believe. The reason our Father, Savior, Lord, and Messiah wants to have a relationship with us, wants to be with us, guide us, help us, and love us. He's the reason for all of it. The reason we find light in the darkness, peace in the restless, hope in the hopeless.
"He replied, 'Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.'" -Matthew 17:20
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." -2 Corinthians 4:16-18
"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.'” -Mark 10:27
Sunday, October 23, 2011
In the Midst of Trial...We Find Joy
"My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these trials test your faith, and this will give you patience. Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need." - James 1:2-4
"But when you ask God, you must believe and not doubt." - James 1:6
As we're studying James in FSM, I've been challenged immensely. As I re-read James 1:2-4 it became more and more convicting. I've never been the one in the moment of a trial to find or even think about joy. I'm also very stubborn and have great difficulty when it comes to being patient.
Do you ever pray for something to happen or something you need but while you're praying you find yourself doubt that the Lord can really do what you're asking?
I have! When I read James 1:6 and actually thought about it, it's like a slap in the face to Him when we doubt Him and His power. He created EVERYTHING! He works MIRACLES! Why do we even consider doubting Him?!?! As I asked myself this question, I was slightly embarrassed. When we are going to Him, we should BELIEVE!
Recently I've been challenged and put up against trials. The only reason I could breathe and come out of these trials with some sanity is because this time I actually believed, prayed, and asked Him to guide me in the aspect of these trials, to help me overcome and be filled with His joy. No other want, need, or satisfaction will EVER make you feel like that. To be overwhelmed with His joy and comfort in the midst of a trial is mind boggling.
To personally know a God that can do that is the most joyful thing one can experience. We don't ever give Him enough credit. What an incredible God we have!(:
"But when you ask God, you must believe and not doubt." - James 1:6
As we're studying James in FSM, I've been challenged immensely. As I re-read James 1:2-4 it became more and more convicting. I've never been the one in the moment of a trial to find or even think about joy. I'm also very stubborn and have great difficulty when it comes to being patient.
Do you ever pray for something to happen or something you need but while you're praying you find yourself doubt that the Lord can really do what you're asking?
I have! When I read James 1:6 and actually thought about it, it's like a slap in the face to Him when we doubt Him and His power. He created EVERYTHING! He works MIRACLES! Why do we even consider doubting Him?!?! As I asked myself this question, I was slightly embarrassed. When we are going to Him, we should BELIEVE!
Recently I've been challenged and put up against trials. The only reason I could breathe and come out of these trials with some sanity is because this time I actually believed, prayed, and asked Him to guide me in the aspect of these trials, to help me overcome and be filled with His joy. No other want, need, or satisfaction will EVER make you feel like that. To be overwhelmed with His joy and comfort in the midst of a trial is mind boggling.
To personally know a God that can do that is the most joyful thing one can experience. We don't ever give Him enough credit. What an incredible God we have!(:
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Been One of Those Days...
Seems like this week has been a pretty rough week for most people. I feel the exact same way. But after tonight there are some things on my heart that I really want to share.
My cell group and I spent about 30-45 minutes praying alone and with one another in a prayer room tonight. When you're having a rough week that puts you in a definite low, it's incredible to see how the power of prayer and His strength can change everything. Tonight as I prayed and spent time talking to Him, I felt a giant weight being lifted and an overwhelming peace in my heart. At a moment of weakness from this stressful week I felt His strength. As humans we were made weak so that we could see, need, and rely on His strength during the weak, rough, and difficult times.
"The Lord gives strength to His people, the Lord blesses His people with peace." -Psalm 29:11
I've come to realize that most of time I try to be strong for myself and everyone else. Yet every time I attempt to do that I fail. Why? Simply because without Him, I have no purpose, meaning, strength, peace, or value. He is the source of life, every reason we are here, ALIVE! That alone is an amazing amount of strength that only He will EVER posses.
'But the people who trust the Lord will become strong again. They will rise up as an eagle in the sky; they will run and not need rest; they will walk and not become tired." -Isaiah 40:31
My cell group and I spent about 30-45 minutes praying alone and with one another in a prayer room tonight. When you're having a rough week that puts you in a definite low, it's incredible to see how the power of prayer and His strength can change everything. Tonight as I prayed and spent time talking to Him, I felt a giant weight being lifted and an overwhelming peace in my heart. At a moment of weakness from this stressful week I felt His strength. As humans we were made weak so that we could see, need, and rely on His strength during the weak, rough, and difficult times.
"The Lord gives strength to His people, the Lord blesses His people with peace." -Psalm 29:11
I've come to realize that most of time I try to be strong for myself and everyone else. Yet every time I attempt to do that I fail. Why? Simply because without Him, I have no purpose, meaning, strength, peace, or value. He is the source of life, every reason we are here, ALIVE! That alone is an amazing amount of strength that only He will EVER posses.
'But the people who trust the Lord will become strong again. They will rise up as an eagle in the sky; they will run and not need rest; they will walk and not become tired." -Isaiah 40:31
Saturday, September 10, 2011
It Was All Me?...no, HIM!
*Has someone ever tried to take credit for what you've done? I know I have and how do you think He feels?
- We all want credit for the things we do, so does He.
- When He does something amazing and great, He wants all of us to know it was Him.
- One of the greatest things God has ever done is provide us with salvation from our sins. Through Him we were brought to life. Through Him our sinful hearts were transformed into hearts that desire and want to be more like Him. In Him we were made pure, holy, and blameless in His beautiful, wonderful, everlasting sight.
We had NOTHING to do with it, it was ALL Him!
"I mean that You have been saved by grace through believing You did not save yourselves; it was a gift of your own efforts, so you cannot brag about it." - Ephesians 2:8-9
- It is only through God's grace that we're saved. Your salvation is not dependent on who you are or what you've done -- but only on who He is and what He's done!
"But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away from God are brought near through the blood of Christ's death." -Ephesians 3:13
"God gave that grace to us freely, in Christ, the One He loves." - Ephesians 1:6b
- We all want credit for the things we do, so does He.
- When He does something amazing and great, He wants all of us to know it was Him.
- One of the greatest things God has ever done is provide us with salvation from our sins. Through Him we were brought to life. Through Him our sinful hearts were transformed into hearts that desire and want to be more like Him. In Him we were made pure, holy, and blameless in His beautiful, wonderful, everlasting sight.
We had NOTHING to do with it, it was ALL Him!
"I mean that You have been saved by grace through believing You did not save yourselves; it was a gift of your own efforts, so you cannot brag about it." - Ephesians 2:8-9
- It is only through God's grace that we're saved. Your salvation is not dependent on who you are or what you've done -- but only on who He is and what He's done!
"But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away from God are brought near through the blood of Christ's death." -Ephesians 3:13
"God gave that grace to us freely, in Christ, the One He loves." - Ephesians 1:6b
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Nature: One of God's Love Letters
Isn't it fascinating how nature has this mystical power to rejuvenate us? We find peace and quiet as we walk in the woods. We find solace when we fix our gaze upon rivers, lakes, and the ocean. We slowly unwind as we hike up hills and mountains, leaving our chaotic lives behind us. God understands the enchantment of wild, untouched beauty. He created it! And He uses it time and time again to refresh us and speak to us.
This past week I went to Timberline in Winter Park, Colorado. It's the first time I've been to Colorado and seen the mountains and the beauty of it all. I was completely disconnected from home and the outside world and it was probably the best week of my life. As we were hiking, biking, and white water rafting, it was incredible to intake. He really knows how to use His creation to capture your mind and to speak His word. He truly captured my heart this week and brought me back to Him and His wonder.
Have you reveled in the glory of nature lately, letting your soul drink in all of God's works through His creation? God may have some cool truth He wants to remind you of how much He loves you.
"Look up to the skies. Who created all these stars? He leads out the army of heaven one by one and calls all the stars by name. Because He is strong and powerful, not one of them is missing." -Isaiah 40:26
This past week I went to Timberline in Winter Park, Colorado. It's the first time I've been to Colorado and seen the mountains and the beauty of it all. I was completely disconnected from home and the outside world and it was probably the best week of my life. As we were hiking, biking, and white water rafting, it was incredible to intake. He really knows how to use His creation to capture your mind and to speak His word. He truly captured my heart this week and brought me back to Him and His wonder.
Have you reveled in the glory of nature lately, letting your soul drink in all of God's works through His creation? God may have some cool truth He wants to remind you of how much He loves you.
"Look up to the skies. Who created all these stars? He leads out the army of heaven one by one and calls all the stars by name. Because He is strong and powerful, not one of them is missing." -Isaiah 40:26
Monday, June 20, 2011
HIS Love in the Midst of Our Stuggles
When you think about a difficulty in your life, sometimes it feels as though it's impossible to conquer or change. When I think about what's been a struggle in my life lately, I'd say my relationships with my family and work. With life problems I know for me, I try to change/fix them. But as I've realized "trying to fix" things has got me nowhere. The moment I reflect on the situation, pray about it, and give it to God, is when I begin to see the difference and see the change. We all have difficulties that steal life from us and keep us from moving forward. God wants to help us conquer them. Sometimes God is closest to us in our darkest moments and shows Himself to us in special ways. God also uses the difficult emotions of brokenness and sadness to draw us closer to Him. The weight of our wrongness crushes our spirit and that's the perfect time to see and accept God's amazing love and grace. He reveals His love to people who realize how much they need Him. No matter how deep and terrible the pain is, God's love is so much bigger. God is there to comfort you and heal your hurting spirit. When we're feeling weak and beat up by the world, His gentle love is just that much more real. Tough times make us know how deeply we need God.
"The Lord hears good people when they cry out to Him, and He saves them from all their troubles."
- Pslam 34:17
"The Lord hears good people when they cry out to Him, and He saves them from all their troubles."
- Pslam 34:17
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Do. Not. Fear.
"The power to rule the world now belongs to our Lord and His Christ, and He will now rule forever and ever." - Revelation 11:15
If you're human, you've definitely had to deal with fear. Maybe you're unsure of the future - college, work, life away from your parents, I know I am. There are lots of things in life that make us fearful. No matter if you have have big or tiny fears, God's always in control of everything. This is something that I've been struggling with lately, but in my heart I know the Lord is in complete and total control with a plan especially made for me. God protects us from Satan's power to ruin our lives. Even in the most difficult and darkest times, God is still and continuously at work in our lives. He loves to bless each and every one of us, delight in us, and celebrate us. Therefore we really have nothing to fear.
When you look your fears in the face you can see them for what they really are. The devil wants you to feel overwhelmed and trapped. But God constantly says, "Do not fear." Only He has the power in this world and you'll see that because of His power, Satan will never stand a chance. Each and every day I have to remind myself to stay strong in Him and His word because with Him everything is possible. (:
If you're human, you've definitely had to deal with fear. Maybe you're unsure of the future - college, work, life away from your parents, I know I am. There are lots of things in life that make us fearful. No matter if you have have big or tiny fears, God's always in control of everything. This is something that I've been struggling with lately, but in my heart I know the Lord is in complete and total control with a plan especially made for me. God protects us from Satan's power to ruin our lives. Even in the most difficult and darkest times, God is still and continuously at work in our lives. He loves to bless each and every one of us, delight in us, and celebrate us. Therefore we really have nothing to fear.
When you look your fears in the face you can see them for what they really are. The devil wants you to feel overwhelmed and trapped. But God constantly says, "Do not fear." Only He has the power in this world and you'll see that because of His power, Satan will never stand a chance. Each and every day I have to remind myself to stay strong in Him and His word because with Him everything is possible. (:
The Lost Get Found
All this stuff has been are my heart lately and I just wanted to share.
*Sometimes we let our fears keep us from doing God's will.
- We usually can't understand how God's going to work everything out but His ways are not our ways. If we trust in Him, we can follow Him with confidence.
*God always wants people to admit they've messed up and ask Him for forgiveness
- No matter how bad they've been, He promises to take them back and continue to be their personal, loving, and grace giving God.
*It's important that we really work on developing deep, meaningful relationships with the people who are our brothers and sisters in Christ
- When it comes to the family of God, every person who's a part of it is there because he or she was bought with Jesus' blood.
- God loved us so much that He paid for each of our sins and welcomed us into His arms.
- "You have heard that it was said, 'Love you neighbor and hate your enemies.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who hurt you."
*When you imagine your future, what do you feel?
- The future seems thrilling because of all the unknowns. And it seems a little scary, too because of all the unknowns.
- There are no guarantees in life unless you're committed to God, then you have the greatest guarantee you could ever hope for.
- If you've accepted Jesus as your Savior, you have His promise to take care of you.
- Even if you face tough times, and you definitely will because ups and downs are part of living, you can rest assured that His peaceful presence will carry you.
- When you leave your future in God's hands and rely on Him to lead you, you'll learn the respect of others and enjoy the freedom of being in the center of God's will.
- But above all, you'll please the Lord of your life who offers you a future beyond your dreams.
*What are constant, reliable things in your life?
- You know that almost anything in life could change in an instant.
- Is there anything in life that can't be lost?
- In Psalm 73 Asaph said, "God, You're always right. I'm a fool for doubting You. When I feel alone it's not true, You're always with me. When I feel lost, You guide me! I'm weak and sinful, but You make my strong and pure. You're all that's worth living for."
So when you get the chance
Are you gonna take it?
There's a really big world at your fingertips
And you know you have the chance to change it
Don't let your lights go down
Don't let your fire burn out
Cause somewhere, somebody needs a reason to believe
Why don't you rise up now?
Don't be afraid to stand out
That's how the lost get found
-Britt Nicole (Lost Get Found)
*Sometimes we let our fears keep us from doing God's will.
- We usually can't understand how God's going to work everything out but His ways are not our ways. If we trust in Him, we can follow Him with confidence.
*God always wants people to admit they've messed up and ask Him for forgiveness
- No matter how bad they've been, He promises to take them back and continue to be their personal, loving, and grace giving God.
*It's important that we really work on developing deep, meaningful relationships with the people who are our brothers and sisters in Christ
- When it comes to the family of God, every person who's a part of it is there because he or she was bought with Jesus' blood.
- God loved us so much that He paid for each of our sins and welcomed us into His arms.
- "You have heard that it was said, 'Love you neighbor and hate your enemies.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who hurt you."
*When you imagine your future, what do you feel?
- The future seems thrilling because of all the unknowns. And it seems a little scary, too because of all the unknowns.
- There are no guarantees in life unless you're committed to God, then you have the greatest guarantee you could ever hope for.
- If you've accepted Jesus as your Savior, you have His promise to take care of you.
- Even if you face tough times, and you definitely will because ups and downs are part of living, you can rest assured that His peaceful presence will carry you.
- When you leave your future in God's hands and rely on Him to lead you, you'll learn the respect of others and enjoy the freedom of being in the center of God's will.
- But above all, you'll please the Lord of your life who offers you a future beyond your dreams.
*What are constant, reliable things in your life?
- You know that almost anything in life could change in an instant.
- Is there anything in life that can't be lost?
- In Psalm 73 Asaph said, "God, You're always right. I'm a fool for doubting You. When I feel alone it's not true, You're always with me. When I feel lost, You guide me! I'm weak and sinful, but You make my strong and pure. You're all that's worth living for."
So when you get the chance
Are you gonna take it?
There's a really big world at your fingertips
And you know you have the chance to change it
Don't let your lights go down
Don't let your fire burn out
Cause somewhere, somebody needs a reason to believe
Why don't you rise up now?
Don't be afraid to stand out
That's how the lost get found
-Britt Nicole (Lost Get Found)
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