Showing posts with label Encouragement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Encouragement. Show all posts
In Retrospect
Today I spent a little bit of time browsing through some of the posts that I've written in the past. Looking back, I can't believe the amazing things that God has done. How he moved my heart and changed it. How he used my struggles and my strengths to touch your hearts. Its unfathomable to me how a God so great would call me His own. Unfathomable that he would love on me, and use the very last threads of his patience to wait for me to be receptive to him. Yet, as unfathomable as it seems to me, God does. He has an everlasting love, a love that embraces hearts, and a kindness that calls our hearts to him. Tonight don't forget that you have a God who LOVES you, who went to the depths for you, who while you were yet a sinner, died for you! Because he loves you. Because he WANTED to give you the opportunity to share in His love, and in every blessing he ever created. YES! We have a God like that.
MY Love IS Deeper
Let Jesus sing this to your heart today...
My love is deeper than the holler.
Stronger than the river.Higher than the pine trees growin' tall upon the hill.My love is purer than the snowflakes,That fall in late December.And honest as a Robin on a springtime window sill.And longer than the song of a whippoorwill.
My love is deeper than the holler.
Stronger than the river.Higher than the pine trees growin' tall upon the hill.My love is purer than the snowflakes,That fall in late December.And honest as a Robin on a springtime window sill.And longer than the song of a whippoorwill.
All Dried Up
Have you ever felt all dried up? Like you've given what you can give but there is just nothing left that you can really do.
Sometimes I feel like that with my spiritual life. While there may be something that I can do about what God is convicting in me, I don't do it, and sometimes I don't even want to do it. It saddens my heart to admit it, but I know it's really true.
That's when I need to consult God and just say hey, I'm feeling all dried up, help me because I need it.
Grace. There is enough to cover me.
Nevertheless, I believe the lie that there isn't. I believe the lie that if I'm not good enough God will condemn me.
That's when I need to remember scripture.
Romans 8:1-3
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh,
It really hits home for me when I read "For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering".
Christ covers all.
Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Though we have been redeemed we are not without purpose. We have a job to do. Here Christ tells the disciples to be alert and aware of temptation praying to God for assistance to resist it.
We still live in a broken and sinful world, therefore we must watch and pray to avoid temptation. When we stop watching and praying that is when we fall into sin.
2 Peter 1:3-4
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
This passage in second Peter is a good reminder that though we live in a broken world God has given us everything we need to succeed in living a life pleasing to Him.
An excerpt from Matthew Henry's Commentary explains verses 3 & 4 in more depth...
Those who receive the promises of the gospel partake of the divine nature. They are renewed in the spirit of their mind, after the image of God, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness; their hearts are set for God and his service; they have a divine temper and disposition of soul; though the law is the ministration of death, and the letter killeth, yet the gospel is the ministration of life, and the Spirit quickeneth those who are naturally dead in trespasses and sins. [4.] Those in whom the Spirit works the divine nature are freed from the bondage of corruption. Those who are, by the Spirit of grace,renewed in the spirit of their mind, are translated into the liberty of the children of God; for it is the world in which corruption reigns. Those who are not of the Father, but of the world, are under the power of sin; the world lies in wickedness, 1 John 5:19. And the dominion that sin has in the men of the world is through lust; their desires are to it, and therefore it rules over them. The dominion that sin has over us is according to the delight we have in it.
The last sentence here is easy to overlook, but it is what stood out to me most. It says, "The dominion that sin has over us is according to the delight we have in it". Hearing myself read those words both encourages and saddens me. I am saddened by this because it means that I am holding a dominion of sin over myself and therefore keeping myself from what God has for me. On the other hand, I am encouraged because it means that the only sin which has power over Christians is the sin that I myself take pleasure in. This means that through the Holy Spirit, I have the power I need to get rid of any sin that is held over me.
The only question that remains then is how. How do we get rid of the dominion of sin we are willingly holding over ourselves. Well I guess that the easy answer is to let go of it. The more helpful answer is perhaps to watch and pray. In order to get rid of it we need to ask God for help. We also need to be mindful or in other words pay attention to what thoughts lead us into sin. Then, instead of entertaining those thoughts, we need to capture them and toss them out. We can be set free by the power of the Holy Spirit if we watch and pray.
Sometimes I feel like that with my spiritual life. While there may be something that I can do about what God is convicting in me, I don't do it, and sometimes I don't even want to do it. It saddens my heart to admit it, but I know it's really true.
That's when I need to consult God and just say hey, I'm feeling all dried up, help me because I need it.
Grace. There is enough to cover me.
Nevertheless, I believe the lie that there isn't. I believe the lie that if I'm not good enough God will condemn me.
That's when I need to remember scripture.
Romans 8:1-3
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh,
It really hits home for me when I read "For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering".
Christ covers all.
Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Though we have been redeemed we are not without purpose. We have a job to do. Here Christ tells the disciples to be alert and aware of temptation praying to God for assistance to resist it.
We still live in a broken and sinful world, therefore we must watch and pray to avoid temptation. When we stop watching and praying that is when we fall into sin.
2 Peter 1:3-4
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
This passage in second Peter is a good reminder that though we live in a broken world God has given us everything we need to succeed in living a life pleasing to Him.
An excerpt from Matthew Henry's Commentary explains verses 3 & 4 in more depth...
Those who receive the promises of the gospel partake of the divine nature. They are renewed in the spirit of their mind, after the image of God, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness; their hearts are set for God and his service; they have a divine temper and disposition of soul; though the law is the ministration of death, and the letter killeth, yet the gospel is the ministration of life, and the Spirit quickeneth those who are naturally dead in trespasses and sins. [4.] Those in whom the Spirit works the divine nature are freed from the bondage of corruption. Those who are, by the Spirit of grace,renewed in the spirit of their mind, are translated into the liberty of the children of God; for it is the world in which corruption reigns. Those who are not of the Father, but of the world, are under the power of sin; the world lies in wickedness, 1 John 5:19. And the dominion that sin has in the men of the world is through lust; their desires are to it, and therefore it rules over them. The dominion that sin has over us is according to the delight we have in it.
The last sentence here is easy to overlook, but it is what stood out to me most. It says, "The dominion that sin has over us is according to the delight we have in it". Hearing myself read those words both encourages and saddens me. I am saddened by this because it means that I am holding a dominion of sin over myself and therefore keeping myself from what God has for me. On the other hand, I am encouraged because it means that the only sin which has power over Christians is the sin that I myself take pleasure in. This means that through the Holy Spirit, I have the power I need to get rid of any sin that is held over me.
The only question that remains then is how. How do we get rid of the dominion of sin we are willingly holding over ourselves. Well I guess that the easy answer is to let go of it. The more helpful answer is perhaps to watch and pray. In order to get rid of it we need to ask God for help. We also need to be mindful or in other words pay attention to what thoughts lead us into sin. Then, instead of entertaining those thoughts, we need to capture them and toss them out. We can be set free by the power of the Holy Spirit if we watch and pray.
Like That Tree
Tonight I came across this verse and it encouraged me so I wanted to share it here with all of you.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
But blessed is the one who trusts in Me alone;
the Eternal will be his confidence.
He is like a tree planted by water,
sending out its roots beside the stream.
It does not fear the heat or even drought.
Its leaves stay green and its fruit is dependable, no matter what it faces.
My prayer is to be like that tree. No matter what I face may I not fear any circumstance because I trust in God.
Lord,
Mold my heart that I may be more like you.
A Virtual Book Tour
Bloggers Note: Today we have a guest post! I would like to introduce you to Livy Jarmusch, an accomplished 19 year old who has made it her mission to inspire young Christian women. You can check out her new e-book When Life Feels Like a Taylor Swift Song: A Girl's Guide To Boys, available as a free download HERE.
Boys, Beauty and Disney Princesses
“Sometimes I think God sprayed me with a huge bottle of boy repellent, just for the fun of it.” Ally's quirky comment reminded me of her single status.
My reply was just as single, yet not quite so humorous. “God must think really highly of my future husband, because He hasn't let any boy come near me with a ten-foot pole!” I sighed wistfully,
“I hope he appreciates it.”
Conversations like this happen every few weeks when I ask Alyssa if she has any secret admirers hiding love notes in her cubby at work, or hunky guys on the block writing her love songs.
Her response is always the same, then it's her turn to ask me about my lack of love life. We joke about becoming old, senile cat ladies who will wear polyester pants and date imaginary boyfriends who don't exist.
Choosing not to date was exciting at first. It was rebellious and gutsy. Proudly sporting our Barlow Girl T-shirts in middle school was almost the cool thing to do. In high school, we joined forces in support of our No Dating Campaign.
But now, as many of our friends are inviting us to watch them slow dance with Prince Charming at their weddings, we can't help but glance at one another, and wonder if there's something wrong with us.
Hidden Treasure
Do you ever feel invisible to the guys in your life? Maybe you feel like you're the only girl without a prom date. Sometimes I feel like a weary Rapunzel, locked up in an intimidating tower of stone, which keeps my Flynn Rider far, far away.
Sneaky lies pounce on every opportunity of doubt to whisper things like, “You're unattractive. You're a major dork. All your friends have someone special to hold hands with on the Fourth of July. You dream of fireworks, sparks and romance, but you've never even been asked on a date before! You don't get special attention from guys, because you're not worthy of it.”
Do these words sound familiar? Lies attempt to disguise themselves in sneaky shades of truth. If we're not careful, we can easily slip into a place of discouragement. Magazines, music, Hollywood, and movie screens tell me that without a guy on my arm, I'm painfully pathetic. What good am I if I don't have what it takes to capture his heart? Isn't that what it's all about...beauty?
Sweet sister, don't believe these shadowy words to be true. If we strike a match on the stone of Jesus, and light the candle of God's Word, these darkened lies will suddenly be illuminated with a dazzling truth.
In Job Chapter 28, Job talks about a deep, dark place. He speaks of hidden treasure buried underground. A mine of glorious, priceless jewels are hidden, but the sparkling diamonds resting there are not for the eyes of man. Only God sees “the place where gold is refined.” (vs 1).
Verse 10 says,
“He tunnels through the rock; His eyes see all its treasures, He searches sources of the rivers, and brings hidden things to light.” (vs 10)
My favorite verse in this passage is verse 6,
“Sapphires come from its rocks, and its dust contains nuggets of gold.”
One might look at these verses and say, “What kind of injustice is this? Why are those lovely pieces of gold, silver, and sapphires forced to live in the dirt where no one can see them? They should be honored and adored, noticed and cherished! Why would God hide them away like that?”
These treasures would only be found by those who would seek them out. God didn't make these treasures obvious and place them on a display table. He knew that lazy men would never dive into the depths of the earth. He knew that only those men who truly desired and valued the treasure would seek it. The men who would humble themselves and be willing to get a little dirty...those are the guys who are forever rewarded with the prize.
The same is true with you. You are beautiful. You're a dazzling diamond. The Bible says that you were woven together in the depths of the earth. Because you are so valuable and lovely, the Lord has hidden you in the shade of His right hand. You're under his covering, and you may feel as though you're locked in a tower. You are tucked away, but not to rot. You've been hidden so that your beautification process can continue, without being tainted by the fingerprints of man. You shine like stars in the universe. You have an expensive price tag on your soul, that could only be matched by Someone so priceless as the King of Kings, the Majesty of Heaven, God's only son, Jesus. Be encouraged sister. God does have a man for you! He won't be a selfish, shallow jerk who only takes what is free and easy. If you stay hidden in God's presence, this man will set out on the greatest adventure of his life, as he humbles himself and travels through the deepest places of life...just to find you, his eternal treasure.
Cinderella was hidden for a purpose. A parade of guys didn't pound on her door. Gentlemen callers didn't fill up the parlor. We all know that Cinderella wasn't ugly, socially awkward, or unattractive in any way...she was glorious! She was a Princess, hidden until the perfect time for love to awaken.
Do you remember that magical scene when Cinderella entered the ball room for the first time? Every jaw dropped and Prince Charming stared at this mysterious girl. Who was she? Where had she come from? Charming was suddenly hit with an astonishing realization... he didn't know anything about this girl, but he wanted to know everything. She was like nothing he had ever seen.
Some say Charming fell head over heels because of her sparkly blue dress or luxurious blonde hair, but I believe Charming saw something beyond sparkles and glitter....
Do you ever feel invisible to the guys in your life? Maybe you feel like you're the only girl without a prom date. Sometimes I feel like a weary Rapunzel, locked up in an intimidating tower of stone, which keeps my Flynn Rider far, far away.
Sneaky lies pounce on every opportunity of doubt to whisper things like, “You're unattractive. You're a major dork. All your friends have someone special to hold hands with on the Fourth of July. You dream of fireworks, sparks and romance, but you've never even been asked on a date before! You don't get special attention from guys, because you're not worthy of it.”
Sweet sister, don't believe these shadowy words to be true. If we strike a match on the stone of Jesus, and light the candle of God's Word, these darkened lies will suddenly be illuminated with a dazzling truth.
In Job Chapter 28, Job talks about a deep, dark place. He speaks of hidden treasure buried underground. A mine of glorious, priceless jewels are hidden, but the sparkling diamonds resting there are not for the eyes of man. Only God sees “the place where gold is refined.” (vs 1).
Verse 10 says,
“He tunnels through the rock; His eyes see all its treasures, He searches sources of the rivers, and brings hidden things to light.” (vs 10)
My favorite verse in this passage is verse 6,
“Sapphires come from its rocks, and its dust contains nuggets of gold.”
One might look at these verses and say, “What kind of injustice is this? Why are those lovely pieces of gold, silver, and sapphires forced to live in the dirt where no one can see them? They should be honored and adored, noticed and cherished! Why would God hide them away like that?”
These treasures would only be found by those who would seek them out. God didn't make these treasures obvious and place them on a display table. He knew that lazy men would never dive into the depths of the earth. He knew that only those men who truly desired and valued the treasure would seek it. The men who would humble themselves and be willing to get a little dirty...those are the guys who are forever rewarded with the prize.
The same is true with you. You are beautiful. You're a dazzling diamond. The Bible says that you were woven together in the depths of the earth. Because you are so valuable and lovely, the Lord has hidden you in the shade of His right hand. You're under his covering, and you may feel as though you're locked in a tower. You are tucked away, but not to rot. You've been hidden so that your beautification process can continue, without being tainted by the fingerprints of man. You shine like stars in the universe. You have an expensive price tag on your soul, that could only be matched by Someone so priceless as the King of Kings, the Majesty of Heaven, God's only son, Jesus. Be encouraged sister. God does have a man for you! He won't be a selfish, shallow jerk who only takes what is free and easy. If you stay hidden in God's presence, this man will set out on the greatest adventure of his life, as he humbles himself and travels through the deepest places of life...just to find you, his eternal treasure.
Do you remember that magical scene when Cinderella entered the ball room for the first time? Every jaw dropped and Prince Charming stared at this mysterious girl. Who was she? Where had she come from? Charming was suddenly hit with an astonishing realization... he didn't know anything about this girl, but he wanted to know everything. She was like nothing he had ever seen.
Some say Charming fell head over heels because of her sparkly blue dress or luxurious blonde hair, but I believe Charming saw something beyond sparkles and glitter....
He saw the defining element, the one thing that set her apart from every other pretty face in the room.
He saw a beautiful heart. Patience and kindness were glowing from her eyes.
She didn't flaunt and strut into the room...instead she gracefully walked in thankfulness. Her humble heart posture enabled her to be exalted to the high place of Princess. Charming knew that this was his future Queen.
In order to walk in the heavenly splendor of a Princess like Cinderella, we must first allow ourselves to be humbled and changed in the hidden, secret place. Dirt is the place where diamonds are discovered.
She didn't flaunt and strut into the room...instead she gracefully walked in thankfulness. Her humble heart posture enabled her to be exalted to the high place of Princess. Charming knew that this was his future Queen.
In order to walk in the heavenly splendor of a Princess like Cinderella, we must first allow ourselves to be humbled and changed in the hidden, secret place. Dirt is the place where diamonds are discovered.
Let God use your season of hidden singleness to create something breathtakingly beautiful.
Livy's Website: http://www.
Livy Jarmusch is a nineteen-year-old author, singer, songwriter, and creator of an online magazine for girls, Crown of Beauty Magazine. She loves golden retriever puppies, ice-cream cones, and changing the world. Check out her new e-book When Life Feels Like a Taylor Swift Song: A Girl's Guide To Boys, available as a free download for girls of all ages! :)
http://www.Livy's Website: http://www.
Burning the Midnight Light
Tonight the Lord has spoken into my heart and here is what He shared with me...
Psalm 119:130
New International Version (NIV)
130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
it gives understanding to the simple.
it gives understanding to the simple.
Matthew Henry's Commentary
Verse 130
Here is, 1. The great use for which the word of God was intended, to give light, that is, to give understanding, to give us to understand that which will be of use to us in our travels through this world; and it is the outward and ordinary means by which the Spirit of God enlightens the understanding of all that are sanctified. God’s testimonies are not only wonderful for the greatness of them, but useful, as a light in a dark place. 2. Its efficacy for this purpose. It admirably answers the end; for, (1.) Even the entrance of God’s word gives light. If we begin at the beginning, and take it before us, we shall find that the very first verses of the Bible give us surprising and yet satisfying discoveries of the origin of the universe, about which, without that, the world is utterly in the dark. As soon as the word of God enters into us, and has a place in us, it enlightens us; we find we begin to see when we begin to study the word of God. The very first principles of the oracles of God, the plainest truths, the milk appointed for the babes, bring a great light into the soul, much more will the soul be illuminated by the sublime mysteries that are found there. “The exposition or explication of thy word gives light;” then it is most profitable when ministers do their part in giving the sense, Neh. 8:8. Some understand it of the New Testament, which is the opening or unfolding of the Old, which would give light concerning life and immortality. (2.) It would give understanding even to the simple, to the weakest capacities; for it shows us a way to heaven so plain that the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.
Matthew 6:32-34
New International Version (NIV)
32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:18-20
New International Version (NIV)
20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
Romans 8:27-29
New International Version (NIV)
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
Read This Too :) - Make You Feel His Love - Sweetness Itself
Why Do I Do It?
Some of you may be wondering why I even care to share my life anyways. Well, I do it for days like today. For days when I feel like a hot mess and I buy into all of the lies that the world shoves in our faces. It's when I have these days of brokenness I really need encouragement and truth spoken into my heart.
That is why I blog.
I want to write to encourage others on their hot mess days, to remind readers like yourself of God's faithfulness and promises. Just when I thought today might be a lost cause, God came and met me at my level to remind me that I AM HIS.
When I read these two blog posts, my savior spoke truth into my heart and it was exactly what I needed.
"Who I AM" by Amy @ Sweet Home Santa Barbara
"Having One of Those Days?" by Holly @ hollywagner.com
That is why I blog.
I want to write to encourage others on their hot mess days, to remind readers like yourself of God's faithfulness and promises. Just when I thought today might be a lost cause, God came and met me at my level to remind me that I AM HIS.
When I read these two blog posts, my savior spoke truth into my heart and it was exactly what I needed.
"Who I AM" by Amy @ Sweet Home Santa Barbara
"Having One of Those Days?" by Holly @ hollywagner.com
An Honest Prayer
Quiet. It has been a long time since I have had
some quiet time. A few moments to collect myself and to rest. I am forever
grateful for these quiet moments. It seems that God speaks most often when I am
finally quiet. Not just silent, but quiet, steadfast, at rest. Thank you Lord
for quiet moments.
Lord,
I know it has been a long time since I have last
been in your word you left for me. It seems that I have found myself a little
lost on the map that you have given me. I am sorry that I have not been paying
much attention to your direction and prompting. I hope you will forgive me
Lord. I have been feeling frustrated with myself for not changing the things
that you have called me out of. Tonight I ask that you would provide a way out
of those things for me. Please help me to follow the map you have given me. I
know I will never be the perfect sojourner, but do not give up on me just yet. I
still have a lot of exploring to do with you right by my side. I want to
discover whatever it is this path has for me. I do not want to let you down. I
hope that I do not miss the things along the way big and small that you want me
to experience. I cannot promise that I will not get lost every now and then,
but I hold on to your promise to never leave me on my own when I do. I hold on
to your steadfast love and guidance. I rely on your patience with me and your
strength that holds me up when I am weak. I am very grateful for your
faithfulness to me. Help me to better understand your grace. Thanks for not
giving up on me.
Your daughter & fellow sojourner, Hillary
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His
mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your
faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:22-23
"I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be
shaken, for He is right beside me."
Psalm 16:8
Psalm 16:8
"Even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave
us life when He raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that
you have been saved!)"
Ephesians 2:5
Ephesians 2:5
Dazed & Confused
Did you ever have a time in your life when everything seemed to be spinning around you? When you were so confused you could't make heads or tails of it?
What are we to do when confronted with these type of situations?
1) The first thing that comes to my mind is seek God. I have had a few conversations in the past with women in this situation. People who don't know what to do and are desperate for any advice that might be helpful. I want so bad to help these young women with their situations, but the reality is that I can't. As much as I want to help, some decisions must be made by the person in the situation. What I can do is encourage them to seek God. Because when we seek God, we find him.
2) Make a decision. When we find ourselves dazed and confused in our circumstances it is likely that we need to make a decision. Perhaps there is something you have been putting off or trying to ignore to the best of your ability? If there is, it's probably time to face it. The great thing is we don't have to face it alone. God is right here waiting for us to come to him with our big messes because he knows we can't clean them up all by ourselves.
What are we to do when confronted with these type of situations?
1) The first thing that comes to my mind is seek God. I have had a few conversations in the past with women in this situation. People who don't know what to do and are desperate for any advice that might be helpful. I want so bad to help these young women with their situations, but the reality is that I can't. As much as I want to help, some decisions must be made by the person in the situation. What I can do is encourage them to seek God. Because when we seek God, we find him.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13
2) Make a decision. When we find ourselves dazed and confused in our circumstances it is likely that we need to make a decision. Perhaps there is something you have been putting off or trying to ignore to the best of your ability? If there is, it's probably time to face it. The great thing is we don't have to face it alone. God is right here waiting for us to come to him with our big messes because he knows we can't clean them up all by ourselves.
5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”
but shows favor to the humble.”
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. - 1 Peter 5:5-10
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Verse Seven...
"He is willing to release you of your care, and take the care of you upon himself. He will either avert what you fear, or support you under it. He will order all events to you so as shall convince you of his paternal love and tenderness towards you; and all shall be so ordered that no hurt, but good, shall come unto you,”"
When life seems to toss you around so much that you don't know what to do remember to first seek God because he cares for you.
Mortality
Precursor: I realize that the subject of Mortality is not often discussed, especially in this way. However, I feel that it is healthy to realize our finiteness and live accordingly. I assure you that there is no need to worry about me because I am discussing mortality. I simply believe that it is something we don't share enough about and therefore I have taken a risk to share my thoughts with you. I suspect that you can relate to me, and I hope that you will be encouraged.
Yesterday one of my family members was admitted to the hospital. Ever since then I have been keenly aware of human mortality. Asking questions of myself like "What would you do today if it was your last day?" If today were my last day I would want to be with my family and friends because there is nothing more important in life than people. I would just want to have dinner and spend time talking. Finishing out the night with a bonfire in the backyard.
It would be nice if my mortality was the only one I had to think about. Unfortunately it isn't. Last night as I sat in the living room alone I found myself thinking about what it would be like to lose an immediate family member. I pictured each member of my family on a steel metal table, cold, stiff, dead. Then I thought about what it would feel like if in that moment they had ceased to be apart of this world. I concluded pretty much the same thing for each of them. I would weep over them until I could no longer produce tears. Until everything I had within me was out, and I had nothing more I could give.
As I sat in the quiet living room last night thinking of these things I was reminded of our greater purpose. To live loving everyone around us without reserve, because Christ first loved us. I am encouraged knowing that God's plans are greater than my own. Even when they don't seem to be going in a good direction, God is always faithful and he "works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
Yesterday one of my family members was admitted to the hospital. Ever since then I have been keenly aware of human mortality. Asking questions of myself like "What would you do today if it was your last day?" If today were my last day I would want to be with my family and friends because there is nothing more important in life than people. I would just want to have dinner and spend time talking. Finishing out the night with a bonfire in the backyard.
It would be nice if my mortality was the only one I had to think about. Unfortunately it isn't. Last night as I sat in the living room alone I found myself thinking about what it would be like to lose an immediate family member. I pictured each member of my family on a steel metal table, cold, stiff, dead. Then I thought about what it would feel like if in that moment they had ceased to be apart of this world. I concluded pretty much the same thing for each of them. I would weep over them until I could no longer produce tears. Until everything I had within me was out, and I had nothing more I could give.
As I sat in the quiet living room last night thinking of these things I was reminded of our greater purpose. To live loving everyone around us without reserve, because Christ first loved us. I am encouraged knowing that God's plans are greater than my own. Even when they don't seem to be going in a good direction, God is always faithful and he "works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
God’s Love and Ours
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved usand sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. - 1 John 4:7-21
Matthew 22:35-40
35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Watching For God
The Prayer of Faith
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. - James 5:13-20
Prayer is an essential aspect of a relationship with God. It allows us to express our feelings and thoughts to a God who is big enough to handle them. Though we often pray to God seeking him to grant our requests, prayer has a greater purpose than that. Through prayer God transforms our hearts and minds. I think an example of this might be this excerpt from 2 Corinthians Chapter 9...
"Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" - 2 Corinthians 9:13-15
Tonight I spent some much needed time talking with God. We had a long conversation. Mostly I poured my heart out to him about everything. I shared my joys, sorrows, confessions, confusions, questions, worries, and fears, along with many requests. At the end of our conversation I don't think it was God who was changed, but rather me. After my long talk with God, I felt better. In fact, I felt at peace because I knew that my God cares for me. I know that he won't let me down. Even if things don't turn out the way that I had hoped or wanted, I know that God is faithful. He works everything out for the Good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). So, although I don't always know what I am doing or where I am going, though I may have doubts and confusion about many things, it's alright because God is faithful. I don't have to know because he knows. I don't have to know because I DO know that wherever I am there he is with me. No matter what may happen, I am not alone.
Tonight I encourage you to pray. Tell God what you are thinking and feeling. He can take it. After all he's a big guy. Let him know what's up with you, I assure you it will lead to good things. Pray and then watch for God's work in your life. He's there, I assure you.
"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
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:2
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:2
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