I like thinking that each day I'm alive is a privelage. To think that today didn't have to happen if God didn't want it to. He's in control of everything,and He could have taken me home or come back today,but He didn't. Each day neither of those happen,I feel like I'm here for a reason...regardless of what's going on that day.
I think we take each day for granted. Seriously,how many people wake up and immediately thank God for letting them wake up and live another day? I don't because I'm one of those people,it's something I don't think about every second,even though I should. David writes,"Today is the day that the Lord has made,I will rejoice and be glad in it."(Psalm 118:24). I love that,because he isn't just glad that God made today,he's glad that we have reasons to rejoice as well,kind of a two for one deal.
Whether you read that verse in the morning,noon,or night;be glad and rejoice that you're here for enough reason for God to make another day for you.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
M711
"When you're the most vulnerable,is when God has the greatest chance to work."
Think about this; if you have everything you could ever imagine. I'm talking financial security,the perfect spouse,a huge house,and so on...what do you need? We as humans can often let that get to our heads and we'd think nothing. Have you ever wondered why God would allow things to happen to someone such as job less,or sickness or something like that? If we're depenedent on Him,He's happy. He's a big jealous guy,and when we "don't need" Him,I can imagine He gets pretty hurt. Maybe He allows something to slow you down and make you focus on something else other than yourself or anything in the world that distracts you from Him.
I love Matthew. One of the best books in the Bible,and not a half bad name either. Matthew 7:11 says," If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" God knows what you need and what you want. He promises to always provide,but I've learned you have to do three things first:
1)Ask him for whatever it is. Of course He knows,but I think He likes to hear you ask.
2)Believe He will do it. I could ask Him for 14 billion dollars,but if I didn't believe it would happen,it couldn't.
3)Know it's in His time. We are always in such a rush that we forget He is in control and we aren't.
So the next time you're set back,or feel in a rut,you're there for a reason. God might be slowing you down or trying to get your attention elsewhere. You have to believe He works everything out for good,whether you see it right now or not.
Think about this; if you have everything you could ever imagine. I'm talking financial security,the perfect spouse,a huge house,and so on...what do you need? We as humans can often let that get to our heads and we'd think nothing. Have you ever wondered why God would allow things to happen to someone such as job less,or sickness or something like that? If we're depenedent on Him,He's happy. He's a big jealous guy,and when we "don't need" Him,I can imagine He gets pretty hurt. Maybe He allows something to slow you down and make you focus on something else other than yourself or anything in the world that distracts you from Him.
I love Matthew. One of the best books in the Bible,and not a half bad name either. Matthew 7:11 says," If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" God knows what you need and what you want. He promises to always provide,but I've learned you have to do three things first:
1)Ask him for whatever it is. Of course He knows,but I think He likes to hear you ask.
2)Believe He will do it. I could ask Him for 14 billion dollars,but if I didn't believe it would happen,it couldn't.
3)Know it's in His time. We are always in such a rush that we forget He is in control and we aren't.
So the next time you're set back,or feel in a rut,you're there for a reason. God might be slowing you down or trying to get your attention elsewhere. You have to believe He works everything out for good,whether you see it right now or not.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
426
Never in a million years did I ever think I could hear something that would make me ponder and want to develop my relationship more with God...from a reality show on Bravo.
I watch Millionaire Matchmaker just because it's funny and almost ridiculous how people treat what they think is "love". The host said something that made me think today,which is kinda weird seeing as it's the most shallow show on television. She said,"Love is like a flower. You have to water it everyday and care for it,otherwise it'll die." That made me think about relationships and dating and so on,but it clicked with my relationship with God. People call themselves "Christians" all the time,even on this show,but when was the last time they spent time growing in it?
It made me think,that I really need to put effort into it daily to keep it alive and healthy;we all do. If we don't,it can get boring and might even seem pointless if it gets bad enough. If God is always with us,why can't we always be with Him?
I watch Millionaire Matchmaker just because it's funny and almost ridiculous how people treat what they think is "love". The host said something that made me think today,which is kinda weird seeing as it's the most shallow show on television. She said,"Love is like a flower. You have to water it everyday and care for it,otherwise it'll die." That made me think about relationships and dating and so on,but it clicked with my relationship with God. People call themselves "Christians" all the time,even on this show,but when was the last time they spent time growing in it?
It made me think,that I really need to put effort into it daily to keep it alive and healthy;we all do. If we don't,it can get boring and might even seem pointless if it gets bad enough. If God is always with us,why can't we always be with Him?
Monday, April 25, 2011
M1822
You haven't lived until you've found yourself with no friends,until you've been hurt by everyone,been to lied to by your closest friend,been cheated on by the perfect girl,and been abandoned by your own family. That's pretty common these days,but you have to let that go. People will make mistakes and intentionally hurt you,but you have to forgive them and move on.
Being mad at someone doesn't hurt them. If you're angry at someone,there isn't a psychological power you can harness to hurt them by having negative thoughts and emotions towards them,it'll only hurt you. Countless times in the Bible you hear about forgiveness. That's a hard task sometimes. I've honestly gave up on so many people because of the constant garbage they caused in my life,but I've always forgiven them,but it also hasn't been easy.
Peter plays the best role of this in the Bible,I think. Jesus tells him that he's not suppose to forgive someone once,or twice or even seven times. He actually says to forgive those who hurt us seven times seventy times. So,the 491st time we don't have to do it? No,Jesus was emphasizing the extreme amount of forgiveness we should have. If you have to forgive someone 490 times,there might be a problem,but that's not the point. I find myself having to do it with people constantly,and then I kinda reevaluate if that person should be in my life or not,either way,I always forgive.
We have to,as believers,forgive everyone otherwise God won't forgive us. That comes along the lines of being "Christlike". He forgave everyone and looks past their faults and sins,and we should always do the same.
Being mad at someone doesn't hurt them. If you're angry at someone,there isn't a psychological power you can harness to hurt them by having negative thoughts and emotions towards them,it'll only hurt you. Countless times in the Bible you hear about forgiveness. That's a hard task sometimes. I've honestly gave up on so many people because of the constant garbage they caused in my life,but I've always forgiven them,but it also hasn't been easy.
Peter plays the best role of this in the Bible,I think. Jesus tells him that he's not suppose to forgive someone once,or twice or even seven times. He actually says to forgive those who hurt us seven times seventy times. So,the 491st time we don't have to do it? No,Jesus was emphasizing the extreme amount of forgiveness we should have. If you have to forgive someone 490 times,there might be a problem,but that's not the point. I find myself having to do it with people constantly,and then I kinda reevaluate if that person should be in my life or not,either way,I always forgive.
We have to,as believers,forgive everyone otherwise God won't forgive us. That comes along the lines of being "Christlike". He forgave everyone and looks past their faults and sins,and we should always do the same.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
J121
I don't know about you,but I've been learning to appreciate more,but also value less. Yes,that makes sense,hear me out.
We have a lot to be thankful for. Our houses,heat and air conditioning,cars,food and so on. At the end of the day though,those don't matter. Who we are as a person matters. We should be the same person if we have a million dollars or two. I've been reading Job a lot lately and again,it's one of the best stories. He said,"the Lord gives and the Lord takes away,blessed be the name of the Lord."(Job 1:21) Job says that if we have all we want and need,bless His name. He says that if we have nothing and we need,bless His name. As hard as that is,it's what we have to do. God knows all of our needs,and will fulfill them at the most perfect times. So don't ever worry about His provisions,they'll never be delayed.
We're so reliant on Facebook,money,and fancy clothes...are you taking that to Heaven with you?
We have a lot to be thankful for. Our houses,heat and air conditioning,cars,food and so on. At the end of the day though,those don't matter. Who we are as a person matters. We should be the same person if we have a million dollars or two. I've been reading Job a lot lately and again,it's one of the best stories. He said,"the Lord gives and the Lord takes away,blessed be the name of the Lord."(Job 1:21) Job says that if we have all we want and need,bless His name. He says that if we have nothing and we need,bless His name. As hard as that is,it's what we have to do. God knows all of our needs,and will fulfill them at the most perfect times. So don't ever worry about His provisions,they'll never be delayed.
We're so reliant on Facebook,money,and fancy clothes...are you taking that to Heaven with you?
Thursday, April 21, 2011
2C98
At times,I feel like I have nothing. Even though I'm blessed beyond any word can begin to describe,I still get the sense that I don't have all that I need. Like my car has a problem,but I don't have the money to fix it,that to me is a "need". I put that in quotes because I don't think God sees it the same.
We're always going to have all that God feels we should have. Of course,He knows what's best for us at all times. But when it comes to certain physical things,I don't know how far that works. 2 Corinthians 9:8 says,"And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." I love that,because to me it says that if you have the drive and ambitions to do good things,God will give you what you need to accomplish them. But when He doesn't provide,it almost seems like He might trying to tell me something else regarding my problem.
I've seen God do this,countless times. I've seen the greatest,most perfect chances in life get crushed because of Him not providing;but afterwards I saw it wasn't meant to be. I've also seen things that I didn't think I need or wanted to do get served to me on a silver platter when it seemed absolutely impossible. He knows what's best,He always makes a way when there isn't.
I think our problem,is that we limit God. We can only go off what we see. The difference is,we live in natural,when our God is supernatural.
"What is impossible with men is possible with God."-Luke 18:27
We're always going to have all that God feels we should have. Of course,He knows what's best for us at all times. But when it comes to certain physical things,I don't know how far that works. 2 Corinthians 9:8 says,"And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." I love that,because to me it says that if you have the drive and ambitions to do good things,God will give you what you need to accomplish them. But when He doesn't provide,it almost seems like He might trying to tell me something else regarding my problem.
I've seen God do this,countless times. I've seen the greatest,most perfect chances in life get crushed because of Him not providing;but afterwards I saw it wasn't meant to be. I've also seen things that I didn't think I need or wanted to do get served to me on a silver platter when it seemed absolutely impossible. He knows what's best,He always makes a way when there isn't.
I think our problem,is that we limit God. We can only go off what we see. The difference is,we live in natural,when our God is supernatural.
"What is impossible with men is possible with God."-Luke 18:27
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
J
Today has been such a horrible day for me. I can't count how many things went wrong,how many times I wanted to give up or punch someone in the face. At the same time,I'm very glad I felt that way. It's at the breaking point,when God puts us in that situation to give in and submit to Him.
I go through various trials weekly.Ones where I usually lose it,scream at God,tell people off,and go hit my heavy bag for an hour...but not today. I almost lost it,but I let it go. I almost screamed at God,but I prayed instead. I didn't tell anyone off,kinda. And I didn't have to go punch my bag. Instead,I read Job.
Job is amazing,to say the least. He was the richest man on the earth at the time. He had thousands of animals,a hot wife,cash like no other,and a dozen kids. God let Satan test him by literally turning his life upside down. I mean,hell was on earth on this guys property. God allowed his family to be killed,his animals to taken and his crops to be burned to the ground...and he STILL gave God glory. I want to be this guy so bad,and today,I kinda felt like him. God eventually paid him back double for his faith and let him live for 140 awesome years with his "new" life(part 2).
Just because God allows all things to come together for good,doesn't mean that it's all going to come as good. You will face horrible things. Bad things will happen to good people,but He will allow that to purify you in a sense. It's almost like how a weld works. A piece of metal is obviously strong,but when welding occurs,for a split second,the metal is heated to temperatures in the thousands of degrees. It's damaged. But after it cools down,a weld is actually stronger than the metal itself.
Consider yourself a piece of steel,and your afflictions as welds. The more you go through,the stronger you will be. The pain might last for a short while,but in the end it'll only make you stronger.
I go through various trials weekly.Ones where I usually lose it,scream at God,tell people off,and go hit my heavy bag for an hour...but not today. I almost lost it,but I let it go. I almost screamed at God,but I prayed instead. I didn't tell anyone off,kinda. And I didn't have to go punch my bag. Instead,I read Job.
Job is amazing,to say the least. He was the richest man on the earth at the time. He had thousands of animals,a hot wife,cash like no other,and a dozen kids. God let Satan test him by literally turning his life upside down. I mean,hell was on earth on this guys property. God allowed his family to be killed,his animals to taken and his crops to be burned to the ground...and he STILL gave God glory. I want to be this guy so bad,and today,I kinda felt like him. God eventually paid him back double for his faith and let him live for 140 awesome years with his "new" life(part 2).
Just because God allows all things to come together for good,doesn't mean that it's all going to come as good. You will face horrible things. Bad things will happen to good people,but He will allow that to purify you in a sense. It's almost like how a weld works. A piece of metal is obviously strong,but when welding occurs,for a split second,the metal is heated to temperatures in the thousands of degrees. It's damaged. But after it cools down,a weld is actually stronger than the metal itself.
Consider yourself a piece of steel,and your afflictions as welds. The more you go through,the stronger you will be. The pain might last for a short while,but in the end it'll only make you stronger.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
E1413
I like encouragement. I like reading God's word in excitement of learning something new and helpful. I like dwelling on a promise from God in hopes of joy and peace or wisdom and guidance...I just hate waiting.
So many times,God makes us wait,or He'll put us in an uncomfortable place where we really don't want to be,but we need to be. These are those horribly awesome times,when we need to be still and know He's in control. We have seasons just the like the weather. Read Galatians,we reap and sow,just like the earth does. We go through drought,rain,harvest,and then start all over again. I constantly have to remind myself of this,otherwise I get angry and wonder if it's my fault or not.
Moses said in Exodus 14:13,"Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today." Now,that was to the people of Israel,but I believe that goes for all of us. You might not win the lottery,or get a job,or have your cancer cured 'today',but God is moving in your life to a point of completion. It might happen tomorrow,or in 3 months,or a year,but know that God is always working behind the scenes on your behalf. We can't always see it,but He's always up to something.
The next time you feel like you're losing,or there's no where to run...don't. Dig your heels in and hang on. "Lose the weight of defeat,it's time to stand your ground." as Oh,Sleeper says it. God has a purpose for what's going on,or for where you are right now. Trust in Him that He'll always make a way for you,even when there isn't one you can see.
So many times,God makes us wait,or He'll put us in an uncomfortable place where we really don't want to be,but we need to be. These are those horribly awesome times,when we need to be still and know He's in control. We have seasons just the like the weather. Read Galatians,we reap and sow,just like the earth does. We go through drought,rain,harvest,and then start all over again. I constantly have to remind myself of this,otherwise I get angry and wonder if it's my fault or not.
Moses said in Exodus 14:13,"Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today." Now,that was to the people of Israel,but I believe that goes for all of us. You might not win the lottery,or get a job,or have your cancer cured 'today',but God is moving in your life to a point of completion. It might happen tomorrow,or in 3 months,or a year,but know that God is always working behind the scenes on your behalf. We can't always see it,but He's always up to something.
The next time you feel like you're losing,or there's no where to run...don't. Dig your heels in and hang on. "Lose the weight of defeat,it's time to stand your ground." as Oh,Sleeper says it. God has a purpose for what's going on,or for where you are right now. Trust in Him that He'll always make a way for you,even when there isn't one you can see.
Monday, April 18, 2011
H111
"Faith is like a rubber band,it only works when it's stretched."
Think about how true that is. Anyone can have faith when everything is going their way,and the sun is shining down on them...but what about when the world is crashing down on you and there seems to be no way out...still have faith then?
God uses hardships and trials to strengthen us. Whether you believe it or not,it's true. How do you think rocks get smooth on the ocean shore? From constant waves crashing down on the and throwing them against abrasive sand. Those that are faithful,are like those rocks. We started out rough and odd shaped,but after our trials,we'll be smooth and shiny.
Hebrews 11:1 says,"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." We can't see God,but what we can see is His love and guidance and provisions. With our hope,we can see God when others can't. Faith should be defined in the dictionary as "crazy". We are able to see things that others can't,and we know where it's from. We can see bad things as blessings. We can see light in the darkest hours.
Today,use that faith. Grow in it. "Faith without actions is dead." Show the world that yours is alive.
Think about how true that is. Anyone can have faith when everything is going their way,and the sun is shining down on them...but what about when the world is crashing down on you and there seems to be no way out...still have faith then?
God uses hardships and trials to strengthen us. Whether you believe it or not,it's true. How do you think rocks get smooth on the ocean shore? From constant waves crashing down on the and throwing them against abrasive sand. Those that are faithful,are like those rocks. We started out rough and odd shaped,but after our trials,we'll be smooth and shiny.
Hebrews 11:1 says,"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." We can't see God,but what we can see is His love and guidance and provisions. With our hope,we can see God when others can't. Faith should be defined in the dictionary as "crazy". We are able to see things that others can't,and we know where it's from. We can see bad things as blessings. We can see light in the darkest hours.
Today,use that faith. Grow in it. "Faith without actions is dead." Show the world that yours is alive.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
1T511
I love the few people I have in my life that are encouragers and won't stop until they've lifted me up out of the rut I'm in occasionally. I'm so blessed and I always make sure that they know they're appreciated and I would do the same for them if they ever needed it.
I've always been a positive person,but we all stumble sometimes. I feel as if the closer we get to God,the more satan tries to tempt us and cause us to fall. I've had my share of rough times,and more so recently over the past year. But one thing I've noticed,my lack of friends is showing me the few genuine people I can count on. Not to put my faith in,but to know I can come to them and ask for prayer.
"So encourage each other and build each other up"(1 Thessalonians 5:11),is my verse for the day. I always try to do this,but I don't do it with everyone. There are people that I've tried and tried to encourage and they don't want it,so I tend to move on. Today,I want to encourage everyone to encourage someone else. Joy and hope and peace are all addicting. Once you have it,you want more. You don't just have it one day and say,meh...it was ok. People love to be happy and hopeful,so I want to share that with everyone I see today.
Like I said yesterday,you can be an encouragment without even speaking a word. Just from how people see you act or what you do can really make an impact in someone,and that may cause them to mimic that aswell.
I've always been a positive person,but we all stumble sometimes. I feel as if the closer we get to God,the more satan tries to tempt us and cause us to fall. I've had my share of rough times,and more so recently over the past year. But one thing I've noticed,my lack of friends is showing me the few genuine people I can count on. Not to put my faith in,but to know I can come to them and ask for prayer.
"So encourage each other and build each other up"(1 Thessalonians 5:11),is my verse for the day. I always try to do this,but I don't do it with everyone. There are people that I've tried and tried to encourage and they don't want it,so I tend to move on. Today,I want to encourage everyone to encourage someone else. Joy and hope and peace are all addicting. Once you have it,you want more. You don't just have it one day and say,meh...it was ok. People love to be happy and hopeful,so I want to share that with everyone I see today.
Like I said yesterday,you can be an encouragment without even speaking a word. Just from how people see you act or what you do can really make an impact in someone,and that may cause them to mimic that aswell.
Friday, April 15, 2011
M516
Today,something weird happened to me. I took my mom some lunch to her work and sat with her for a bit. While I was in her office,a woman who works with her who is older,came up to me and asked if I could help her out. So,I said sure. She told me about how her daughter had been getting into trouble with the law and so on,well she has a young son. After hearing the story,the woman asked me if I could spend some time with him,as a mentor. That's something I've never really done before,but it kinda felt good to be asked,so I said of course I would.
This woman,who probably doesn't know the Lord,who doesn't even really know me that well,asked me to help this young boy out. She said that I'm always so positive, encouraging and good morale. I was kind of in shock,but when I was hearing all of this,a song popped into my head. Newsboys have a song called "Shine". If you don't know it,the chorus is based off of Matthew 5:16,"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
I've been portraying someone good,someone honest and trustwothy when I'm around these people just for a few minutes at a time. I've been trusted with another life,in a way to bring someone who's in an early developmental stage and in a horrible home,to help bring him up in a better way. I couldn't believe it,but I felt so blessed to have the chance to do it.
Remember,you never know who's watching you and your actions really speak louder than any word you could ever say...I'm just glad it worked out for something great.
This woman,who probably doesn't know the Lord,who doesn't even really know me that well,asked me to help this young boy out. She said that I'm always so positive, encouraging and good morale. I was kind of in shock,but when I was hearing all of this,a song popped into my head. Newsboys have a song called "Shine". If you don't know it,the chorus is based off of Matthew 5:16,"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
I've been portraying someone good,someone honest and trustwothy when I'm around these people just for a few minutes at a time. I've been trusted with another life,in a way to bring someone who's in an early developmental stage and in a horrible home,to help bring him up in a better way. I couldn't believe it,but I felt so blessed to have the chance to do it.
Remember,you never know who's watching you and your actions really speak louder than any word you could ever say...I'm just glad it worked out for something great.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
P13
I think about how fortunate I am on so many levels,but never actually realize it. I know everything there is to know,yet I don't apply it to my life. I have all the answers,but I don't use it ace the test of life.
People who actually have a relationship with God have already won. There's a song by Seven Stories Up I really like,and a lyric from it is "All you have to do is stand up and join the fight,and live like you've already won." We don't need to worry about anything if we've already done our part in accepting Jesus as our Savior. We're equipped with everything we will ever need. When we have Jesus in our hearts,we're "like trees planted along the riverbank,bearing fruit each season.Their leaves never wither,and they prosper in all they do."(Psalm 1:3)
I feel like I always have to turn to Philippians 4:6 and remind myself every single day not to worry about anything and to just pray about everything. Truly dwelling on that verse will do exactly what the following verse says,it gives us peace that passes any understanding. God will take always take care of us,He is always with us,and He is always for us. Let that brighten up your day.
People who actually have a relationship with God have already won. There's a song by Seven Stories Up I really like,and a lyric from it is "All you have to do is stand up and join the fight,and live like you've already won." We don't need to worry about anything if we've already done our part in accepting Jesus as our Savior. We're equipped with everything we will ever need. When we have Jesus in our hearts,we're "like trees planted along the riverbank,bearing fruit each season.Their leaves never wither,and they prosper in all they do."(Psalm 1:3)
I feel like I always have to turn to Philippians 4:6 and remind myself every single day not to worry about anything and to just pray about everything. Truly dwelling on that verse will do exactly what the following verse says,it gives us peace that passes any understanding. God will take always take care of us,He is always with us,and He is always for us. Let that brighten up your day.
Monday, April 11, 2011
411
I don't have a verse today,just some thoughts to reflect on:
Over the past week,I've seen the greatest things become the worst,and the worst become the greatest. I can't emphasize enough how great it is to know that God works everything together for good. Yes,even death,illness and heartache. But one thing He does,is He reroutes a path I'm on. I could be cruising along everything going great and then all of the sudden I'm instantly turned upside down and going somewhere else or doing another thing.
God blesses me so much when He helps me dodge bullets. If I never had another thing,I'd still be content and grateful for all the horrible things He's helped me avoid. I've seen first hand God's power and care for me. I've seen things ripped away from me or dreams shattered,only to see it workout for my own good.
One thing I want to dwell on,is that God really knows what He's doing. It's hard to think about sometimes and you always want to be in the drivers seat,but it's worth surrendering. He's never once forsaken me,and won't forsake you. The only thing in life that will ever be shot down is your own will. Anything of God will prosper and provide the greatest and unfathomable blessings.
Over the past week,I've seen the greatest things become the worst,and the worst become the greatest. I can't emphasize enough how great it is to know that God works everything together for good. Yes,even death,illness and heartache. But one thing He does,is He reroutes a path I'm on. I could be cruising along everything going great and then all of the sudden I'm instantly turned upside down and going somewhere else or doing another thing.
God blesses me so much when He helps me dodge bullets. If I never had another thing,I'd still be content and grateful for all the horrible things He's helped me avoid. I've seen first hand God's power and care for me. I've seen things ripped away from me or dreams shattered,only to see it workout for my own good.
One thing I want to dwell on,is that God really knows what He's doing. It's hard to think about sometimes and you always want to be in the drivers seat,but it's worth surrendering. He's never once forsaken me,and won't forsake you. The only thing in life that will ever be shot down is your own will. Anything of God will prosper and provide the greatest and unfathomable blessings.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
E431
I'm probably the last person in the world that should be talking about "letting things go" because I don't remember the last time I honestly did.
I'm learning to see garbage in life as chances to rise above and to grow stronger in whatever it is I'm dealing with. Ephesians has been following me everywhere I go lately. No matter what,I see a verse from it,so I gave in and read. 4:31-32 really hit a homer with me,"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
I have a huge problem with people,more so self-righteous and judgemental people...it's even worse when they're both. I've been knee deep in people like that in the past few weeks and I'm getting tested every second with them. Well,I've been failing a lot. I get so angry sometimes that I scare myself,so I'm learning to let it go and it's been a challenge.
God says to forgive them and let it go,so why not do it? Holding on to things will only bring you down. I honestly believe He will always take care of me and my problems,and the same goes for you too.
I'm learning to see garbage in life as chances to rise above and to grow stronger in whatever it is I'm dealing with. Ephesians has been following me everywhere I go lately. No matter what,I see a verse from it,so I gave in and read. 4:31-32 really hit a homer with me,"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
I have a huge problem with people,more so self-righteous and judgemental people...it's even worse when they're both. I've been knee deep in people like that in the past few weeks and I'm getting tested every second with them. Well,I've been failing a lot. I get so angry sometimes that I scare myself,so I'm learning to let it go and it's been a challenge.
God says to forgive them and let it go,so why not do it? Holding on to things will only bring you down. I honestly believe He will always take care of me and my problems,and the same goes for you too.
Friday, April 8, 2011
P48
I woke up in a great mood today. It's sunny,I feel great,but there's still a lot of bad things going on. Today,I'm choosing to dwell on only positive things and immediately forgetting any negative.
In Philippians 4:8,Paul says,"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." He pretty much is telling us to only dwell on good. If you notice in life,if you think about negative things you'll probably be a negative person. If you think about positive things,you'll become optimistic and you'll learn to milk all the good and happiness you can out of life.
Ecclesiastes 3:12 pretty much says the same thing,"So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can." So why not do that today? We all have so much to be thankful for,even if we don't see it. You have to believe that God only has the greatest plans for you and that every little thing that happens eventually works out for your good:)
In Philippians 4:8,Paul says,"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." He pretty much is telling us to only dwell on good. If you notice in life,if you think about negative things you'll probably be a negative person. If you think about positive things,you'll become optimistic and you'll learn to milk all the good and happiness you can out of life.
Ecclesiastes 3:12 pretty much says the same thing,"So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can." So why not do that today? We all have so much to be thankful for,even if we don't see it. You have to believe that God only has the greatest plans for you and that every little thing that happens eventually works out for your good:)
Thursday, April 7, 2011
P1717
These days,genuine people are hard to come by. People that will stick through anything with you,or even be there in an instant if you ever need them are rare.
I'm an only child,so growing up was kinda quiet and at sometimes boring. I've known people my entire life that are family-ish,but few that feel like family. I've only met a few people who I fully trust and that kinda bums me out. Proverbs has a lot of great verses on friendship and brotherhood.Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend loves at all times,and a brother is born for adversity." When I read that,I think back to the times in life when I was in trouble and remember those few people who were there for me. My two closest guy friends feel like brothers. They've helped me out in the hardest of times and I love them to death for it. I'm truly blessed.
I truly believe God puts people in our lives to help us out each day. Whether it be financially,spiritually or physically. God lines up people to come across our path or even walk it with us at just the right times. Make sure you appreciate those who stick by you and do the same for them,they might need you someday too.
I'm an only child,so growing up was kinda quiet and at sometimes boring. I've known people my entire life that are family-ish,but few that feel like family. I've only met a few people who I fully trust and that kinda bums me out. Proverbs has a lot of great verses on friendship and brotherhood.Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend loves at all times,and a brother is born for adversity." When I read that,I think back to the times in life when I was in trouble and remember those few people who were there for me. My two closest guy friends feel like brothers. They've helped me out in the hardest of times and I love them to death for it. I'm truly blessed.
I truly believe God puts people in our lives to help us out each day. Whether it be financially,spiritually or physically. God lines up people to come across our path or even walk it with us at just the right times. Make sure you appreciate those who stick by you and do the same for them,they might need you someday too.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
L631
I'm no saint,but one thing I've always remembered was to treat other people the way I wanted to be treated. It's a sad day when you realize the world doesn't see it the same.
I'm extremely tired,but I can't sleep. I've got so much crud on my mind that I'll never doze off. I normally write in the morning,but this is something that's just rattling my mind straight. Why don't people follow that rule anymore? Like I said,I'm far from anything close to perfect,but the last thing I ever do is treat someone poorly. Luke 6:31 is where that motto came from,seeing as the verse clearly says,"Do to others as you would have them do to you."
Now,I'm pretty sure you and I both want to be treated good,right? So this verse says to treat other people,like you want to be treated. If you want to be treated like a king,treat other people the same way. Now,where's the hard part in all of this? I feel like a rocket scientist being able to comprehend it. I guess I'm just angry with how people have been towards me lately when all I do is treat people better than they deserve. It's something God and I have been battling for I guess. It's hard to let go of someone being mean or rude to you,but as followers of Jesus,it's out duty to turn the other cheek. To still treat them the way you'd expect to be,even if that's not what they're giving you.
I'm going to spend my night praying for this garbage to go away. It's really been taking a toll on me emotionally and physically. If you have something similar going on,release it to God. Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for us:)
I'm extremely tired,but I can't sleep. I've got so much crud on my mind that I'll never doze off. I normally write in the morning,but this is something that's just rattling my mind straight. Why don't people follow that rule anymore? Like I said,I'm far from anything close to perfect,but the last thing I ever do is treat someone poorly. Luke 6:31 is where that motto came from,seeing as the verse clearly says,"Do to others as you would have them do to you."
Now,I'm pretty sure you and I both want to be treated good,right? So this verse says to treat other people,like you want to be treated. If you want to be treated like a king,treat other people the same way. Now,where's the hard part in all of this? I feel like a rocket scientist being able to comprehend it. I guess I'm just angry with how people have been towards me lately when all I do is treat people better than they deserve. It's something God and I have been battling for I guess. It's hard to let go of someone being mean or rude to you,but as followers of Jesus,it's out duty to turn the other cheek. To still treat them the way you'd expect to be,even if that's not what they're giving you.
I'm going to spend my night praying for this garbage to go away. It's really been taking a toll on me emotionally and physically. If you have something similar going on,release it to God. Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for us:)
M73
I'm being tested a lot lately,mostly with people. I just don't care for a lot lately. I'm tired of them,to be honest.
Last night was quite the evening,and I was reminded of a lot of things in the midst of some drama. Some people are on high horses and it's kind of ridiculous. I don't get how people can talk down to others because they think they're high,mighty and perfect. While this was going on last night,I was reminded of an awesome verse in Matthew 7. In verse 3,Jesus simply says,"Why are you worried about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?" That verse is so true. We have no right to cast a stone while we're just as wrong if not even more.
I've had a lot of chances to argue lately,but I've been passing on most. I see no point in it. I'd rather live,I want to say harmoniously,but I'm not a hippie...I just don't like fighting. I can't stand when people have nothing better to do than to try and bring people down. All I know is that God allows it to strengthen us and make us more reliant on Him during the not so pleasant times.
Last night was quite the evening,and I was reminded of a lot of things in the midst of some drama. Some people are on high horses and it's kind of ridiculous. I don't get how people can talk down to others because they think they're high,mighty and perfect. While this was going on last night,I was reminded of an awesome verse in Matthew 7. In verse 3,Jesus simply says,"Why are you worried about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?" That verse is so true. We have no right to cast a stone while we're just as wrong if not even more.
I've had a lot of chances to argue lately,but I've been passing on most. I see no point in it. I'd rather live,I want to say harmoniously,but I'm not a hippie...I just don't like fighting. I can't stand when people have nothing better to do than to try and bring people down. All I know is that God allows it to strengthen us and make us more reliant on Him during the not so pleasant times.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
P1052
As I sit outside in the warm sunshine,I'm reading and listening to Five Iron Frenzy,just dwelling on how blessed I am. I don't have a lot of money,I don't have a fancy car,and my health lacks in a lot of categories. But I realize something,I have a roof over my head. I don't miss meals. I have clothes,television,people who love me and a Savior...I'm the richest guy in the world in my own mind.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,praise Him all creatures here below,praise Him above ye heavenly host,praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
That's been on repeat in my head all morning. I have so many reasons to praise God today and everyday. I take everything He's given me for granted and the thought kinda kills me,but I realize it now more than ever. People are dying of cancer,people don't have heat or food to eat...and I'm complaining over a kidney stone? I really feel like kicking my own butt today.
Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;
tell of all His wondrous works!
-Psalm 105:2
That's what I'm doing today,and I'm going to try my hardest to do everyday. We are all so blessed,even in ways we can't see it. Forget the bad and dwell on the good today. God is working out everything for good in your life at this moment,so give Him some praise.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,praise Him all creatures here below,praise Him above ye heavenly host,praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
That's been on repeat in my head all morning. I have so many reasons to praise God today and everyday. I take everything He's given me for granted and the thought kinda kills me,but I realize it now more than ever. People are dying of cancer,people don't have heat or food to eat...and I'm complaining over a kidney stone? I really feel like kicking my own butt today.
Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;
tell of all His wondrous works!
-Psalm 105:2
That's what I'm doing today,and I'm going to try my hardest to do everyday. We are all so blessed,even in ways we can't see it. Forget the bad and dwell on the good today. God is working out everything for good in your life at this moment,so give Him some praise.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
D327
I go through so many seemingly pointless trials and afflictions in my life. At first,I'm usually pretty upset over what's going on because I see no good,just something bringing me down,we're all like that at some point.
In the Bible,a lot of people suffered some majorly huge trials. Daniel in the lions den,and Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the furnace. I want to talk about those three guys. Now,their trial is pretty different,but it just shows what amazing faith really is. If you don't know,they were just three young guys who loved God. They were told to bow down to a huge gold idol and they said "heck no,we serve the Lord and no one else",so the king at the time ordered them to be burned in a furnace for their disobedience. These three guys were tied up with rope and thrown into pretty much an oven that was heated seven times the normal temperature. Their faith in God saved them. God was with them during this. Daniel 3:25 even says."Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods." They were able to walk out of the furnace and( 3:27,"They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them").
Now,what I like about this story is a cool kind of analogy. They went in there bound by ropes and came out walking free. Think about this,if we're bound by sin of some sort and we get thrown into a furnace of trials...we can walk out free. The fire burned the ropes off of them and actually freed them. Whatever that trial is in your life,it can help us if we keep our faith strong.
So the next time you find yourself in a furnace of trial,think that God might be using it to burn your ropes off. He does work everything together for good,remember that.
In the Bible,a lot of people suffered some majorly huge trials. Daniel in the lions den,and Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the furnace. I want to talk about those three guys. Now,their trial is pretty different,but it just shows what amazing faith really is. If you don't know,they were just three young guys who loved God. They were told to bow down to a huge gold idol and they said "heck no,we serve the Lord and no one else",so the king at the time ordered them to be burned in a furnace for their disobedience. These three guys were tied up with rope and thrown into pretty much an oven that was heated seven times the normal temperature. Their faith in God saved them. God was with them during this. Daniel 3:25 even says."Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods." They were able to walk out of the furnace and( 3:27,"They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them").
Now,what I like about this story is a cool kind of analogy. They went in there bound by ropes and came out walking free. Think about this,if we're bound by sin of some sort and we get thrown into a furnace of trials...we can walk out free. The fire burned the ropes off of them and actually freed them. Whatever that trial is in your life,it can help us if we keep our faith strong.
So the next time you find yourself in a furnace of trial,think that God might be using it to burn your ropes off. He does work everything together for good,remember that.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
M183
"You'll never see the sunrise if you're always looking to the west."-Japanese Proverb
I love that because life is pretty simple;it's so simple that by simply looking the wrong way you can miss something. I apply that to everything from the sun rising,to God. I'm a realist,I don't believe a lot of crap and normally have to have proof before I believe something...I don't know how I have faith sometimes.
Jesus says it in an awesome way. You gotta believe like a kid. You could tell a kid that the moon is made of cheese and they'd believe it. God and His infinite plans are the same. They aren't a lie,we just can't physically comprehend it at a mature age,so we have to think like a child. Matthew 18:3 simply says,"And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
I never had problems with it as a kid,but as I grew up,I didn't doubt it...but I was confused. Confusion led to anger,anger led to fear,and so on. Lately though,my faith has surpassed my own thinking and led to me a form of peace that I don't ever remember. My thinking is going back to that of when I was a child. I still take everything literally,but I don't put any limits on God. It's that simple now,fact only can go so far,then faith kicks in.
If you ever have a problem with believing God for something,change for your faith to what a child believes...you'll see God do things you could never have imagined.
I love that because life is pretty simple;it's so simple that by simply looking the wrong way you can miss something. I apply that to everything from the sun rising,to God. I'm a realist,I don't believe a lot of crap and normally have to have proof before I believe something...I don't know how I have faith sometimes.
Jesus says it in an awesome way. You gotta believe like a kid. You could tell a kid that the moon is made of cheese and they'd believe it. God and His infinite plans are the same. They aren't a lie,we just can't physically comprehend it at a mature age,so we have to think like a child. Matthew 18:3 simply says,"And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
I never had problems with it as a kid,but as I grew up,I didn't doubt it...but I was confused. Confusion led to anger,anger led to fear,and so on. Lately though,my faith has surpassed my own thinking and led to me a form of peace that I don't ever remember. My thinking is going back to that of when I was a child. I still take everything literally,but I don't put any limits on God. It's that simple now,fact only can go so far,then faith kicks in.
If you ever have a problem with believing God for something,change for your faith to what a child believes...you'll see God do things you could never have imagined.
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