Romans 8:38-39
And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture: They kill us in cold blood because they hate you. We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one. None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.
If after reading this scripture you don't feel Christ's love for you, you are not fully grasping the measure of his love towards you. NOTHING. Absolutely nothing can separate us from the love that he gives freely to us. If you've failed, if you've tried to run away from him, if you've failed and failed again, he still loves you! That is something to rejoice about. I don't know how many times I've messed up and I turn to him and still feel his love, still feel his assuring voice telling me that he loves me. People in our lives may love us but their love is not perfect, their love fails. God's love NEVER fails, it never changes. It's constant. It's true. Walk through this day and every day knowing that the Father, your Father loves you and nothing you do or don't do can change that fact!
Monday, October 14, 2013
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
The Unknown
Take time to really read through these lyrics to Britt Nicole's song Walk On The Water.
"Walk On The Water"
"Walk On The Water"
You look around
It's staring back at you
Another wave of doubt
Will it pull you under
You wonder
What if I'm overtaken
What if I never make it
What if no one's there?
Will you hear my prayer?
When you take that first step
Into the unknown
You know that He won't let you go
[Chorus:]
So what are you waiting for?
What do you have to lose?
Your insecurities try to hold to you
You know you're made for more
So don't be afraid to move
Your faith is all
It takes in you
You can walk on the water too
So get out
And let your fear fall to the ground
No time to waste
Don't wait
Don't you turn around and miss out
Everything you were made for
I know you're not sure
So you play it safe
Try to run away
If you take that first step
Into the unknown
He won't let you go
[Bridge:]
(Step Out)
Even when a storm hits
(Step Out)
Even when you're broken
(Step Out)
Even when your heart is telling you, telling you to give up
(Step Out)
When your hope is stolen
(Step Out)
You can't see where you're going
You don't have to be afraid
So what are you waiting for?
It's staring back at you
Another wave of doubt
Will it pull you under
You wonder
What if I'm overtaken
What if I never make it
What if no one's there?
Will you hear my prayer?
When you take that first step
Into the unknown
You know that He won't let you go
[Chorus:]
So what are you waiting for?
What do you have to lose?
Your insecurities try to hold to you
You know you're made for more
So don't be afraid to move
Your faith is all
It takes in you
You can walk on the water too
So get out
And let your fear fall to the ground
No time to waste
Don't wait
Don't you turn around and miss out
Everything you were made for
I know you're not sure
So you play it safe
Try to run away
If you take that first step
Into the unknown
He won't let you go
[Bridge:]
(Step Out)
Even when a storm hits
(Step Out)
Even when you're broken
(Step Out)
Even when your heart is telling you, telling you to give up
(Step Out)
When your hope is stolen
(Step Out)
You can't see where you're going
You don't have to be afraid
So what are you waiting for?
Stepping out into the unknown is something that we all have to do at some point in our lives. Whether it be a new job, a new school, a new hometown, learning how to cope with the loss of a loved one, etc. There are countless situations in life that we can be challenged to step out into the unknown. It can be frightening and intimidating, there can be sorrow and disappointment but there can also be joy and encouragement, growth and wisdom. It all depends on our perspective. When we are stepping into unknown places, we are more reliant on God and his strength in our weakness. We are able to trust that he knows best and is going to be there with us through the transition. Proverbs 20:24 The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?
If you've been trying to understand the path that God has you on or the circumstances that you've been dealt, STOP. God is in control and we can plan what we'd like to happen but ultimately it is in God's hands. Deuteronomy 29:29 The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Give & Take
Proverbs 11:25 The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.
It is so important for us to be poured into and also for us to pour out into others. I am so thankful for the many mentors and leaders I have in my life that I can look up to and draw strength, support, encouragement, wisdom and advice from. They also hold me accountable and challenge me to be better. As we are invested in by those we are surrounded by, we are able to then invest into the lives of the younger generation. Both parts are equally important. The scripture in Proverbs doesn't say "The one who blesses others is not abundantly blessed," or "The one who doesn't bless others is abundantly blessed." The blessing goes both ways when people take time for us and we take time for people. Take time to think about those in your life. Are there people that you are drawing from? Are there also people you're investing in? If your answer is no to either or both of these questions then it is time for you to take charge and surround yourself with both kinds of people. Not only will you benefit, others will too. You need wisdom and you have wisdom to give.
It is so important for us to be poured into and also for us to pour out into others. I am so thankful for the many mentors and leaders I have in my life that I can look up to and draw strength, support, encouragement, wisdom and advice from. They also hold me accountable and challenge me to be better. As we are invested in by those we are surrounded by, we are able to then invest into the lives of the younger generation. Both parts are equally important. The scripture in Proverbs doesn't say "The one who blesses others is not abundantly blessed," or "The one who doesn't bless others is abundantly blessed." The blessing goes both ways when people take time for us and we take time for people. Take time to think about those in your life. Are there people that you are drawing from? Are there also people you're investing in? If your answer is no to either or both of these questions then it is time for you to take charge and surround yourself with both kinds of people. Not only will you benefit, others will too. You need wisdom and you have wisdom to give.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Opposing the Opposition
Opposition in your spirit to something God has CALLED you to do is just an attack of the enemy. If the enemy can get us to believe that the very things God has called us to do are too big or not worthy of pursuing, we have become ineffective and stagnant. When we face the greatest opposition is when we need to persevere and push towards the goal more than ever because there is victory on the other side. With God we can always come out victorious in the end, no matter the situation. The best thing we can do when we've made a decision to pursue the thing(s) God has called us to do is to prepare ourselves for the opposition that can be just around the corner:
1. Pray- Ask God to equip you with the tools you need to overcome the battle that is raging on the inside.
2. Read His Word- Find scriptures that speak to your situation and stand on them believing that God is greater than the enemy who would love for you to believe his lies.
3. Frontline Friends- Ask trusted friends and loved ones to join you on the frontlines of the battle. Ask them to join you in prayer and to encourage you to keep pushing towards the goal God has placed on your heart.
When God speaks, the enemy loves to be right there to detest what he's spoken and to get you to doubt who you are and what you can do. The enemy is so fearful of your potential that he will whisper any lie he can to get you off track and not carry out the plans God has given you to carry out. Stand firm, pray, read God's word, and ask those around you to fight off the enemy's tactics WITH you.
1. Pray- Ask God to equip you with the tools you need to overcome the battle that is raging on the inside.
2. Read His Word- Find scriptures that speak to your situation and stand on them believing that God is greater than the enemy who would love for you to believe his lies.
3. Frontline Friends- Ask trusted friends and loved ones to join you on the frontlines of the battle. Ask them to join you in prayer and to encourage you to keep pushing towards the goal God has placed on your heart.
When God speaks, the enemy loves to be right there to detest what he's spoken and to get you to doubt who you are and what you can do. The enemy is so fearful of your potential that he will whisper any lie he can to get you off track and not carry out the plans God has given you to carry out. Stand firm, pray, read God's word, and ask those around you to fight off the enemy's tactics WITH you.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
God Has New For You
Isaiah 43:18-19
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
What new thing is God doing in your life or in your heart? Many times we can be tricked by the enemy that we are stagnant, that God is not doing anything new in our hearts or in our lives. He reminds us of our past failures, our shortcomings, our flaws, but God has said that he is doing new, exciting things. I believe there is always something that God is speaking and doing in our lives that requires our attention because it is new. Pursue those things and allow God to bring new perspective, fresh vision, and a changed way of life. He's ready to show you that new thing, are you ready to allow it to change your heart?
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
What new thing is God doing in your life or in your heart? Many times we can be tricked by the enemy that we are stagnant, that God is not doing anything new in our hearts or in our lives. He reminds us of our past failures, our shortcomings, our flaws, but God has said that he is doing new, exciting things. I believe there is always something that God is speaking and doing in our lives that requires our attention because it is new. Pursue those things and allow God to bring new perspective, fresh vision, and a changed way of life. He's ready to show you that new thing, are you ready to allow it to change your heart?
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Push Past Pleasing
1 Thessalonians 2:4
We are not trying to please people but God who tests our hearts.
It is so hard in today's society of people-pleasing not to be overwhelmed by the pressure and demands that others place on our lives. We want to please our parents, our friends, our peers and those we feel are watching us. However, God has called us to listen to HIS voice and HIS guidance and not get distracted by the world around us. Luke 6:26 says, “There’s trouble ahead when you live only for the approval of others, saying what flatters them, doing what indulges them. Popularity contests are not truth contests—look how many scoundrel preachers were approved by your ancestors! Your task is to be true, not popular."
Sometimes the decision or lifestyle God is calling you to is not going to be popular. Those around you may not agree or support you and that is when the true test of pleasing God over people truly comes in. Will you make the decision to follow what God has spoken or give in and attemp to please people?
We are not trying to please people but God who tests our hearts.
It is so hard in today's society of people-pleasing not to be overwhelmed by the pressure and demands that others place on our lives. We want to please our parents, our friends, our peers and those we feel are watching us. However, God has called us to listen to HIS voice and HIS guidance and not get distracted by the world around us. Luke 6:26 says, “There’s trouble ahead when you live only for the approval of others, saying what flatters them, doing what indulges them. Popularity contests are not truth contests—look how many scoundrel preachers were approved by your ancestors! Your task is to be true, not popular."
Sometimes the decision or lifestyle God is calling you to is not going to be popular. Those around you may not agree or support you and that is when the true test of pleasing God over people truly comes in. Will you make the decision to follow what God has spoken or give in and attemp to please people?
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Heart at Peace
Proverbs 14:30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
I recently listened to a podcast series by Andy Stanley titled the Comparison Trap. I was so convicted when I listened to his message and really took time to understand this scripture. When we envy what others have or who they are, we are not going to have peace or be at rest with who God has made us to be. Envy causes us to look everywhere but at ourselves, it doesn't allow us to see the potential and talents we posses. We're constantly comparing ourselves to others and are never able to see the things God has placed in us to do and be. Stop your roaming eyes and allow God to show you what YOU were made to be, not what another person was made to be.
If you'd like to hear more about this topic, I highly recommend you listen to Andy Stanley's series titled Comparison Trap. It is a three part series that will change your perspective. Click on the link below and enjoy! :)
http://yourmove.is/podcasts/
I recently listened to a podcast series by Andy Stanley titled the Comparison Trap. I was so convicted when I listened to his message and really took time to understand this scripture. When we envy what others have or who they are, we are not going to have peace or be at rest with who God has made us to be. Envy causes us to look everywhere but at ourselves, it doesn't allow us to see the potential and talents we posses. We're constantly comparing ourselves to others and are never able to see the things God has placed in us to do and be. Stop your roaming eyes and allow God to show you what YOU were made to be, not what another person was made to be.
If you'd like to hear more about this topic, I highly recommend you listen to Andy Stanley's series titled Comparison Trap. It is a three part series that will change your perspective. Click on the link below and enjoy! :)
http://yourmove.is/podcasts/
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