Sometimes I don't learn anything from the sermon in church. At least, that's what I think at the time. Often, there was one snippet that gets through to me a couple days later. This happens especially if it's something I've heard before, particularly if it is a common subject. However, since it's not all about me, and there could be someone in church who did need to hear it, I try not to feel unfulfilled.
Today, the sermon was one I didn't connect with. It didn't speak to me, and it didn't touch my heart. As far as I know. So, while I did listen with one ear, what I chose to do was read my Bible, and reflect on today's chapter. I didn't get anything from that either.
The information I did get from the sermon, I put on a shelf. You know the shelf. It's the one where you place information when you aren't sure if you're going to file it away later, or shred it. It will probably stay on the shelf for a while, and then trickle through my brain's filing system. I'm still not sure where it will end up.
Just because I didn't learn anything new from the sermon, doesn't mean I didn't learn anything at all today. Today, I am learning patience and love, even when I am annoyed. I am learning that just because a person can be perceived as annoying for certain traits, doesn't mean I have the whole picture. Today I learned love for a woman whose friends no longer live close by, and whom many members of the church do find annoying, especially with her chatter. Today I learned to listen with an open, and patient heart, no matter the situation. I learned to be more understanding. God teaches me something new every day, if I only open up my heart, and really listen.
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"Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly" (Proverbs 14:29).
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Saturday, August 30, 2014
God Looked at Us
When Jesus was hung on the cross, He could have called down legions of angels to save Himself, but His love for us prevailed. God could have pulled Jesus from the cross at any moment, but His love for us prevailed. God turned His face from His only Son, and looked at each one of us instead. He knew what we would be without the chance for redemption, and loved us enough to make the ultimate sacrifice.
John 3:16-17 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Romans 5:8 - But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
The guest pastor on Wednesday talked about this as well. He said "Jesus dying on the cross wasn't a contract between God and sin (or the devil). It was a contract God made with Himself." God's wrath is powerful, and He knew what could happen if we had no chance of redemption, so He sent His Son (the only one without sin) to be our sacrifice. God did this so that we could be safe from His wrath.
I had never looked at it this way before. I guess I had never really thought of the "why" behind God sending His Son beyond "we needed salvation." I had never considered that God might have worried about what He might do to us if we were allowed to continue in sin without a sacrifice. It certainly gave me a lot to think about, and many reasons to be grateful to my Heavenly Father.
John 3:16-17 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Romans 5:8 - But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
The guest pastor on Wednesday talked about this as well. He said "Jesus dying on the cross wasn't a contract between God and sin (or the devil). It was a contract God made with Himself." God's wrath is powerful, and He knew what could happen if we had no chance of redemption, so He sent His Son (the only one without sin) to be our sacrifice. God did this so that we could be safe from His wrath.
I had never looked at it this way before. I guess I had never really thought of the "why" behind God sending His Son beyond "we needed salvation." I had never considered that God might have worried about what He might do to us if we were allowed to continue in sin without a sacrifice. It certainly gave me a lot to think about, and many reasons to be grateful to my Heavenly Father.
Friday, August 29, 2014
God Wants Us to be Full-Time, Not Part-Time
Among other things, the guest pastor on Wednesday said "You can't split your time 50/50 between God and the devil."
It just doesn't work that way. If we serve God, we can't serve the devil, and if we serve the devil, we aren't serving God. If I'd heard the phrase "serve the devil" before this year, or even earlier this year, I would have imagined devil-worshipers and satanic rituals. It doesn't have to be that big though.
We have to make sure that our thoughts, actions, and words line up with God's Word, and that we continually serve Him in everything we do. Any thoughts, words, or actions that do not serve God, serve the flesh, and by proxy, Satan.
The other day I had a revelation about how going to church even on Wednesdays (post to come later) serves God, then another about selfless service (post here).
I'm still learning how to serve God all the time, including in the shows I watch, the books I read, and the words I say. Even my thoughts have changed! It truly is a wondrous feeling serving God with my whole heart and not just part of it.
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"'And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever'" (1 Chronicles 28:9).
It just doesn't work that way. If we serve God, we can't serve the devil, and if we serve the devil, we aren't serving God. If I'd heard the phrase "serve the devil" before this year, or even earlier this year, I would have imagined devil-worshipers and satanic rituals. It doesn't have to be that big though.
We have to make sure that our thoughts, actions, and words line up with God's Word, and that we continually serve Him in everything we do. Any thoughts, words, or actions that do not serve God, serve the flesh, and by proxy, Satan.
The other day I had a revelation about how going to church even on Wednesdays (post to come later) serves God, then another about selfless service (post here).
I'm still learning how to serve God all the time, including in the shows I watch, the books I read, and the words I say. Even my thoughts have changed! It truly is a wondrous feeling serving God with my whole heart and not just part of it.
_______________________________________________________
"'And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever'" (1 Chronicles 28:9).
Thursday, August 28, 2014
A Woman's Heart
This is one of my favorite quotes:
I see this everywhere! It is constantly shared on Facebook, Pinterest, and other sites. That's because it's a good quote. It makes me smile every time I see it. This is the kind of woman I want to be. I want to be so focused on God that a man who isn't focused on Him won't even give me a single glance.
Our focus - despite what the world thinks - should not be on finding a husband. Our focus should be on serving God. A spouse is extra. God isn't cruel. He can and will bring the right person into our lives at the right time. We don't have to suffer while we wait either. Though the single years may be painful and lonely, we can use this time (the only time it's just us and God) to prepare for married life - if that's what we want. If being married is truly a desire of our hearts, and not just something we think we need because of what well-meaning friends and family say, God will make it happen.
We can't be idle. We have to actively prepare by studying God's Word, communing with Him daily, and setting our sight totally on Him. Practical preparation can help too. Maybe you need to learn to cook, or budget. I need to learn to drive.
And these skills won't just help you in marriage. Learning practical things like this can help in other aspects of our lives, and God can use these new skills for His glory as well.
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"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies" (Proverbs 31:10).
Our focus - despite what the world thinks - should not be on finding a husband. Our focus should be on serving God. A spouse is extra. God isn't cruel. He can and will bring the right person into our lives at the right time. We don't have to suffer while we wait either. Though the single years may be painful and lonely, we can use this time (the only time it's just us and God) to prepare for married life - if that's what we want. If being married is truly a desire of our hearts, and not just something we think we need because of what well-meaning friends and family say, God will make it happen.
We can't be idle. We have to actively prepare by studying God's Word, communing with Him daily, and setting our sight totally on Him. Practical preparation can help too. Maybe you need to learn to cook, or budget. I need to learn to drive.
And these skills won't just help you in marriage. Learning practical things like this can help in other aspects of our lives, and God can use these new skills for His glory as well.
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"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies" (Proverbs 31:10).
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
What Can I Do?
"What has God ever done for me?" Have you ever heard that question before? For me, it's a frustrating one. When someone who believes they have cause to ask it looks back over their life, they may not see God at work. How can we explain all that God can do, and will do, if that person would just trust Him?
God is faithful. He will bless those who love and serve Him. We have to trust Him first. We are responsible for that first step. God can lay the road, but we have to choose to walk it.
The purpose of a relationship with God isn't "What can He do for me," but rather "What can I do for Him?" It's an interesting thought, isn't it? What use could the all-powerful Creator of the universe have for someone as weak and insignificant as I am? It's one I often struggled with: Who am I that God would care about what I do with my life?
I'm learning. I'm learning that just because I am so weak, doesn't mean God doesn't have a use - a purpose - for me. I am learning that there are ways I can serve Him daily, even if they aren't "big." We are called to be servants. We serve God first, and then we serve others. That doesn't mean we have to blindly follow what a person tells us. We are meant to be leaders as well. We should serve people to show them God's abundant love, patience, and mercy, while leading them through our actions, words, and lives to God.
Through service, we can have a deeper, more fulfilled relationship with God. I'm reading a book that talks about how our relationship with God must come first, and all of our relationships should be selfless. I'll share more about the book when I finish reading it.
Selfless. That's an interesting word. One that apparently goes against "human nature." I was told once that it's human nature to act in the interest of ourselves. In American society, the individual is particularly promoted. So, what does it mean to be selfless?
It is defined as "having little or no concern for oneself, especially with regard to fame, position, money, etc.; unselfish" (Dictionary).
Unselfish. Selfless. Servant. As children of God, we are meant to serve with all of our being.
Today, I asked myself what I could do to serve. I took out the trash. So far, that's all I could think of doing. I normally clean up the house, but I usually leave the trash for my Mom because I hate taking it out. I can't stand bagging it up. I can't stand taking it out to the smelly dumpster. Today, I did it with a glad heart, knowing that when she gets home from work, she'll be pleasantly surprised, even if I won't be able to see her reaction.
It doesn't have to be a grand gesture, though it can be. Jesus' disciples served by preaching everywhere they went. Others serve by going on mission trips. Maybe it's not possible for you to go on a mission trip. That's okay. Find other ways to serve. How can you serve God in your daily life? God will provide opportunities for selflessness in interactions with others - a kind deed for someone at work, a kind word for someone at the bus stop, a chore done for a family member to make their day easier. There are always opportunities to show God's presence in our lives.
_______________________________________________________
Jesus said, "And whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:44-45).
"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen" (1 Peter 4:10-11).
God is faithful. He will bless those who love and serve Him. We have to trust Him first. We are responsible for that first step. God can lay the road, but we have to choose to walk it.
The purpose of a relationship with God isn't "What can He do for me," but rather "What can I do for Him?" It's an interesting thought, isn't it? What use could the all-powerful Creator of the universe have for someone as weak and insignificant as I am? It's one I often struggled with: Who am I that God would care about what I do with my life?
I'm learning. I'm learning that just because I am so weak, doesn't mean God doesn't have a use - a purpose - for me. I am learning that there are ways I can serve Him daily, even if they aren't "big." We are called to be servants. We serve God first, and then we serve others. That doesn't mean we have to blindly follow what a person tells us. We are meant to be leaders as well. We should serve people to show them God's abundant love, patience, and mercy, while leading them through our actions, words, and lives to God.
Through service, we can have a deeper, more fulfilled relationship with God. I'm reading a book that talks about how our relationship with God must come first, and all of our relationships should be selfless. I'll share more about the book when I finish reading it.
Selfless. That's an interesting word. One that apparently goes against "human nature." I was told once that it's human nature to act in the interest of ourselves. In American society, the individual is particularly promoted. So, what does it mean to be selfless?
It is defined as "having little or no concern for oneself, especially with regard to fame, position, money, etc.; unselfish" (Dictionary).
Unselfish. Selfless. Servant. As children of God, we are meant to serve with all of our being.
Today, I asked myself what I could do to serve. I took out the trash. So far, that's all I could think of doing. I normally clean up the house, but I usually leave the trash for my Mom because I hate taking it out. I can't stand bagging it up. I can't stand taking it out to the smelly dumpster. Today, I did it with a glad heart, knowing that when she gets home from work, she'll be pleasantly surprised, even if I won't be able to see her reaction.
It doesn't have to be a grand gesture, though it can be. Jesus' disciples served by preaching everywhere they went. Others serve by going on mission trips. Maybe it's not possible for you to go on a mission trip. That's okay. Find other ways to serve. How can you serve God in your daily life? God will provide opportunities for selflessness in interactions with others - a kind deed for someone at work, a kind word for someone at the bus stop, a chore done for a family member to make their day easier. There are always opportunities to show God's presence in our lives.
_______________________________________________________
Jesus said, "And whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:44-45).
"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen" (1 Peter 4:10-11).
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
God Understands
I have always had the misconception that God can't possibly understand temptation or sin because no sin can enter heaven, and because He is without sin. But that isn't true.
God created us, so He knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows why we do things even when we don't understand it. Even though He resisted, Jesus was still tempted. God understands what we are going through when we are tempted.
This came to me the other day, and floored me. I literally stopped what I was doing for a couple minutes.
Temptation is of the flesh, not of God. Though He might allow us to be tempted sometimes, temptation is of our own making. The things we allow ourselves to be exposed to influence the ways in which we are tempted. Once we stop indulging those temptations, and rely on God for strength in our weaknesses, the temptations will be much easier to resist. Eventually, they won't even be able to bother us at all.
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"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it" (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Jesus said "'Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak'" (Matthew 26:41).
God created us, so He knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows why we do things even when we don't understand it. Even though He resisted, Jesus was still tempted. God understands what we are going through when we are tempted.
This came to me the other day, and floored me. I literally stopped what I was doing for a couple minutes.
Temptation is of the flesh, not of God. Though He might allow us to be tempted sometimes, temptation is of our own making. The things we allow ourselves to be exposed to influence the ways in which we are tempted. Once we stop indulging those temptations, and rely on God for strength in our weaknesses, the temptations will be much easier to resist. Eventually, they won't even be able to bother us at all.
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"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it" (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Jesus said "'Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak'" (Matthew 26:41).
Monday, August 25, 2014
Seven Deadly Sins - Sloth
The last of the "seven deadly sins" is sloth.
To me, sloth is laziness. What is the full definition?
It is "habitual disinclination to exertion; indolence; laziness" (Dictionary).
Yep. Laziness. We all have moments of laziness. I certainly do. I don't think it's wrong to have moments where we don't want to do anything. Making it a habit, or a lifestyle, however, would be bad.
What does The Bible say about sloth?
Proverbs 19:15 - Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless go hungry.
Proverbs 12:24 - Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.
If you do the work on your own, you're the one in charge of the work, but if you put it off until the last minute, you no longer have a choice, and the work rules you.
Ecclesiastes 10:18 - Through laziness, the rafters sag; because of idle hands, the house leaks.
So, having moments when we want to be lazy is okay, but it's important to make the work we have to do a priority so that laziness doesn't become a habit. It's a hard one to break.
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So, that's the last post on the Seven Deadly Sins. What did you think? Did you learn something? I sure did!
To me, sloth is laziness. What is the full definition?
It is "habitual disinclination to exertion; indolence; laziness" (Dictionary).
Yep. Laziness. We all have moments of laziness. I certainly do. I don't think it's wrong to have moments where we don't want to do anything. Making it a habit, or a lifestyle, however, would be bad.
What does The Bible say about sloth?
Proverbs 19:15 - Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless go hungry.
Proverbs 12:24 - Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.
If you do the work on your own, you're the one in charge of the work, but if you put it off until the last minute, you no longer have a choice, and the work rules you.
Ecclesiastes 10:18 - Through laziness, the rafters sag; because of idle hands, the house leaks.
So, having moments when we want to be lazy is okay, but it's important to make the work we have to do a priority so that laziness doesn't become a habit. It's a hard one to break.
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So, that's the last post on the Seven Deadly Sins. What did you think? Did you learn something? I sure did!
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Seven Deadly Sins - Envy
The sixth of the "seven deadly sins" is envy.
It has always seemed to me that envy and covetousness are the same things. (You can read my post about Covetousness here.) Then, I wondered. Are they the same thing? What's the difference?
Covetousness is defined as "inordinately or wrongly desirous of wealth or possessions." (Dictionary)
Envy is defined as "a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, or possessions, etc." (Dictionary)
So, they're closely related, but not exactly the same.
What does The Bible say about envy?
Job 5:2 - Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.
Proverbs 14:30 - A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
Ecclesiastes 4:4-6 - And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person's envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Fools fold their hands and ruin themselves. Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.
Mark 7:21-23 - For it is from within, out of a person's heart, that evil thoughts come--sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.
1 Corinthians 13:4 - Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
James 3:14-16 - But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition ,there you find disorder and every evil practice.
Galatians 5:26 - Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
We must be wary of the things we feel toward others. We should not envy someone for what they have, or what they have accomplished. Rather, thank God for all the blessings He has given to us, even if they seem unequal in our minds.
It has always seemed to me that envy and covetousness are the same things. (You can read my post about Covetousness here.) Then, I wondered. Are they the same thing? What's the difference?
Covetousness is defined as "inordinately or wrongly desirous of wealth or possessions." (Dictionary)
Envy is defined as "a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, or possessions, etc." (Dictionary)
So, they're closely related, but not exactly the same.
What does The Bible say about envy?
Job 5:2 - Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.
Proverbs 14:30 - A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
Ecclesiastes 4:4-6 - And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person's envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Fools fold their hands and ruin themselves. Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.
Mark 7:21-23 - For it is from within, out of a person's heart, that evil thoughts come--sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.
1 Corinthians 13:4 - Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
James 3:14-16 - But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition ,there you find disorder and every evil practice.
Galatians 5:26 - Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
We must be wary of the things we feel toward others. We should not envy someone for what they have, or what they have accomplished. Rather, thank God for all the blessings He has given to us, even if they seem unequal in our minds.
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Seven Deadly Sins - Gluttony
The fifth of the "seven deadly sins" is gluttony.
Gluttony is defined as "excessive eating and drinking" (Dictionary).
In my post Everything in Moderation, I spoke about my recent visit to the doctor, and my need to cut back on certain foods. Though I'm certainly not a glutton, I do often consume the wrong types of food.
Proverbs 23:1-3 - When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. Do not crave delicacies, for that food is deceptive.
I'm not going to tell you to stop eating the foods you love. I'm the last person who should be talking about that! I will, however, mention that anything that takes over our lives so that it falls into the category of "excessive," is bad for us, and can take our focus from God. If we think about this thing all the time, then it becomes the focus of our thoughts and desires, and will consume us.
Also, if you are eating and eating, and you don't feel full, maybe it's not physical hunger you are trying to feed. I have done this before. Once I found my way back to God, the unnecessary "hunger" I had felt in my stomach went away. We should crave Him above everything else, and once we truly give ourselves over to His presence, we will be fulfilled in a way that nothing else can accomplish.
Gluttony is defined as "excessive eating and drinking" (Dictionary).
In my post Everything in Moderation, I spoke about my recent visit to the doctor, and my need to cut back on certain foods. Though I'm certainly not a glutton, I do often consume the wrong types of food.
Proverbs 23:1-3 - When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. Do not crave delicacies, for that food is deceptive.
I'm not going to tell you to stop eating the foods you love. I'm the last person who should be talking about that! I will, however, mention that anything that takes over our lives so that it falls into the category of "excessive," is bad for us, and can take our focus from God. If we think about this thing all the time, then it becomes the focus of our thoughts and desires, and will consume us.
Also, if you are eating and eating, and you don't feel full, maybe it's not physical hunger you are trying to feed. I have done this before. Once I found my way back to God, the unnecessary "hunger" I had felt in my stomach went away. We should crave Him above everything else, and once we truly give ourselves over to His presence, we will be fulfilled in a way that nothing else can accomplish.
Friday, August 22, 2014
Seven Deadly Sins - Anger
The fourth of the "seven deadly sins" is anger.
I actually talked about this a bit in my post Let It Go, where I explored Bible verses concerning anger. I don't want to duplicate a post, so I'm only going to pick a couple Bible verses about anger, and post them at the bottom.
I find that I get angry over ridiculous things sometimes. I don't think that's entirely human nature either, anymore. The more I learn about God, and the deeper my relationship with Him becomes, I learn that feelings like anger that might tempt us to sin are superfluous.
That doesn't mean we'll never get angry again. Sometimes we are going to get angry, but I think that as we deepen our relationship with God, it will happen less, or we'll be able to let go of that feeling much faster.
There are some days when I'm on cloud 9 because I've had a wonderful day, and all day long I've been communing with God, and having a jolly time. Then, someone says or does something, and I'm so mad I could spit. My joy is gone. Not because they wanted to take it from me (even if that was the case). Because I let them take it. When we let anger affect us, or influence us, we are letting someone or something else steal from us. It doesn't matter if they did it knowingly or not. It's our choice.
This is a hard concept for me at times. I'm a red-head, and I'm sure you know the stereotype that goes with it. I'm far less hot-headed than I used to be, but sometimes it's a struggle. I don't know how much of that has to do with my hair color, though.
So, we must be watchful and not be prone to anger, so that we don't lose our joy. Hold onto it. There is always a reason for joy, especially if you're walking with God.
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"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires" (James 1:19-20).
"Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret--it only leads to evil" (Psalm 37:8).
I actually talked about this a bit in my post Let It Go, where I explored Bible verses concerning anger. I don't want to duplicate a post, so I'm only going to pick a couple Bible verses about anger, and post them at the bottom.
I find that I get angry over ridiculous things sometimes. I don't think that's entirely human nature either, anymore. The more I learn about God, and the deeper my relationship with Him becomes, I learn that feelings like anger that might tempt us to sin are superfluous.
That doesn't mean we'll never get angry again. Sometimes we are going to get angry, but I think that as we deepen our relationship with God, it will happen less, or we'll be able to let go of that feeling much faster.
There are some days when I'm on cloud 9 because I've had a wonderful day, and all day long I've been communing with God, and having a jolly time. Then, someone says or does something, and I'm so mad I could spit. My joy is gone. Not because they wanted to take it from me (even if that was the case). Because I let them take it. When we let anger affect us, or influence us, we are letting someone or something else steal from us. It doesn't matter if they did it knowingly or not. It's our choice.
This is a hard concept for me at times. I'm a red-head, and I'm sure you know the stereotype that goes with it. I'm far less hot-headed than I used to be, but sometimes it's a struggle. I don't know how much of that has to do with my hair color, though.
So, we must be watchful and not be prone to anger, so that we don't lose our joy. Hold onto it. There is always a reason for joy, especially if you're walking with God.
_______________________________________________________
"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires" (James 1:19-20).
"Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret--it only leads to evil" (Psalm 37:8).
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Seven Deadly Sins - Lust
The third of the "seven deadly sins" is lust.
What does The Bible say about lust?
Proverbs 6:25 - Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes.
Matthew 5:27-28 - "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
Romans 1:26 - Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones.
Colossians 3:5 - Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.
1 Thessalonians 4:3 - It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God.
1 John 2:16 - For everything in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--comes not from the Father but from the world.
Lust isn't just sexual. We can lust after money, possessions, and other gratifications - worldly things. We must take care to make ourselves holy, and not be swayed by this worldly lust.
What does The Bible say about lust?
Proverbs 6:25 - Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes.
Matthew 5:27-28 - "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
Romans 1:26 - Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones.
Colossians 3:5 - Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.
1 Thessalonians 4:3 - It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God.
1 John 2:16 - For everything in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--comes not from the Father but from the world.
Lust isn't just sexual. We can lust after money, possessions, and other gratifications - worldly things. We must take care to make ourselves holy, and not be swayed by this worldly lust.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Seven Deadly Sins - Covetousness
The second of the "seven deadly sins" is covetousness.
What does The Bible say about covetousness?
Exodus 20:17 - "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
Micah 2:2-3 - They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them. They defraud people of their homes, they rob them of their inheritance. Therefore the Lord says: "I am planning disaster against this people, from which you cannot save yourselves. You will no longer walk proudly, for it will be a time of calamity.
James 4:2-3 - You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
We should be thankful for the blessings we have, and ever grateful for everything God chooses to give us. There's a saying: "the grass is always greener on the other side," but grass is still grass. Stuff is still stuff. It's okay to admire the blessings God gives to someone else, as long as we do it with the right hearts. If we find our thoughts turning to complaints - "Why don't I have one of those cars?" - then we need to change our mindsets. It is okay to see someone be blessed, and just say "Thank you Lord, for taking care of your people" if we are genuinely happy for that other person, and not envious of what they have.
What does The Bible say about covetousness?
Exodus 20:17 - "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
Micah 2:2-3 - They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them. They defraud people of their homes, they rob them of their inheritance. Therefore the Lord says: "I am planning disaster against this people, from which you cannot save yourselves. You will no longer walk proudly, for it will be a time of calamity.
James 4:2-3 - You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
We should be thankful for the blessings we have, and ever grateful for everything God chooses to give us. There's a saying: "the grass is always greener on the other side," but grass is still grass. Stuff is still stuff. It's okay to admire the blessings God gives to someone else, as long as we do it with the right hearts. If we find our thoughts turning to complaints - "Why don't I have one of those cars?" - then we need to change our mindsets. It is okay to see someone be blessed, and just say "Thank you Lord, for taking care of your people" if we are genuinely happy for that other person, and not envious of what they have.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Seven Deadly Sins - Pride
The first of the "seven deadly sins" is pride.
What does The Bible say about pride?
Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
Leviticus 26:18-19 - "If after all this you will not listen to me, I will punish you for your sins seven times over. I will break down your stubborn pride and make the sky above you like iron and the ground beneath you like bronze."
2 Chronicles 26:16 - But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God, and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. (It was unlawful for anyone but priests to burn incense to the Lord in those days.)
Psalm 10:4 - In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
Psalm 31:18 - Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous.
Psalm 73:6-7 - Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. From their callous hearts comes iniquity; their evil imaginations have no limits.
Proverbs 11:2 - When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 14:2 - A fool's mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.
Proverbs 29:23 - Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.
Ecclesiastes 7:8 - The end of a matter is better than its beginning and patience is better than pride.
Isaiah 2:11 - The eyes of the arrogant will be humbled and human pride brought low; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.
So, even though the idea of pride being a deadly sin is not in The Bible, there are warnings against being prideful, and the consequences of being prideful. Pride will keep us from God, and from truly serving Him.
What does The Bible say about pride?
Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
Leviticus 26:18-19 - "If after all this you will not listen to me, I will punish you for your sins seven times over. I will break down your stubborn pride and make the sky above you like iron and the ground beneath you like bronze."
2 Chronicles 26:16 - But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God, and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. (It was unlawful for anyone but priests to burn incense to the Lord in those days.)
Psalm 10:4 - In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
Psalm 31:18 - Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous.
Psalm 73:6-7 - Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. From their callous hearts comes iniquity; their evil imaginations have no limits.
Proverbs 11:2 - When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 14:2 - A fool's mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.
Proverbs 29:23 - Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.
Ecclesiastes 7:8 - The end of a matter is better than its beginning and patience is better than pride.
Isaiah 2:11 - The eyes of the arrogant will be humbled and human pride brought low; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.
So, even though the idea of pride being a deadly sin is not in The Bible, there are warnings against being prideful, and the consequences of being prideful. Pride will keep us from God, and from truly serving Him.
Monday, August 18, 2014
Seven Deadly Sins - Overview
I want to explore the "seven deadly sins."
First, where did the idea of the 7 deadly sins originate?
The idea of the seven deadly sins did not originate from the Bible. They were established by Pope Gregory the Great in the 6th century. These sins are viewed as the worst by society and are often used in literature. God views all sin equally, except for blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.
What are the seven deadly sins?
The idea of the seven deadly sins did not originate from the Bible. They were established by Pope Gregory the Great in the 6th century. These sins are viewed as the worst by society and are often used in literature. God views all sin equally, except for blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.
What are the seven deadly sins?
- Pride
- Covetousness
- Lust
- Anger
- Gluttony
- Envy
- Sloth
Over this next week, I will be doing posts about each individual sin and what The Bible says about them. Though they may not be "deadly" in the way that has been established with this idea of "the seven deadly sins," The Bible still talks about them. Therefore, I want to explore what society and literature have established about these sins, and then investigate what The Bible teaches us.
___________________________________________
"There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community" (Proverbs 6:16-19).
These three links will give a better overview of the seven deadly sins.
After I cover the 7 deadly sins, I will go more in depth into the 7 things the Lord hates, according to these Proverbs.
___________________________________________
"There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community" (Proverbs 6:16-19).
These three links will give a better overview of the seven deadly sins.
After I cover the 7 deadly sins, I will go more in depth into the 7 things the Lord hates, according to these Proverbs.
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Faith Without Action
It isn't enough to just pray and hope for something. If we truly have faith that God will provide for us, then we have to act as though that is true. Our actions must match our beliefs.
We know that God prepares the paths of the righteous.
Proverbs 16:9 - In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
God already has a plan for our lives. He knows what is in our hearts, and what we were born to do. If there is something we want to do, and it will glorify God, then we have to take the first steps toward doing it. Plan. Prepare. Take action.
James 2:17-20 - In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder. You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?
He then gives Abraham as an example. We have to have faith, but we must also act on our faith. Prayer is important. Yet, it isn't enough to pray if all we are willing to do is whine about it. We have to be prepared to take the first step (and all the other steps) on the path God has prepared for us. We do not truly have faith if we are too afraid to take the first step. Once we truly believe that God will take care of us, we can take that step toward doing what God has called us to do.
We know that God prepares the paths of the righteous.
Proverbs 16:9 - In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
God already has a plan for our lives. He knows what is in our hearts, and what we were born to do. If there is something we want to do, and it will glorify God, then we have to take the first steps toward doing it. Plan. Prepare. Take action.
James 2:17-20 - In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder. You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?
He then gives Abraham as an example. We have to have faith, but we must also act on our faith. Prayer is important. Yet, it isn't enough to pray if all we are willing to do is whine about it. We have to be prepared to take the first step (and all the other steps) on the path God has prepared for us. We do not truly have faith if we are too afraid to take the first step. Once we truly believe that God will take care of us, we can take that step toward doing what God has called us to do.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Hope
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23).
Hold onto hope. Sometimes situations seem really bleak, and it feels as though nothing will ever change. But it will. Maybe not in the time frame you'd wanted, but it will.
God is faithful, and deserving of our trust, and our hope.
Hold onto hope. Sometimes situations seem really bleak, and it feels as though nothing will ever change. But it will. Maybe not in the time frame you'd wanted, but it will.
God is faithful, and deserving of our trust, and our hope.
Friday, August 15, 2014
When Everything Seems to Go Wrong
On days like today when everything seems to go wrong, it can be a little difficult to remember that God has everything handled. Stress comes. It's part of life. There will be times when we're stressed. We just don't have to stay stressed.
From the time I woke up this morning until just a few minutes ago, I was really, really stressed. Even now, I'm still a little stressed.
Here's a list of what went wrong with my day:
From the time I woke up this morning until just a few minutes ago, I was really, really stressed. Even now, I'm still a little stressed.
Here's a list of what went wrong with my day:
- I gave my doctor a medical release form on Monday which he was supposed to send to my dentist; they need it by this afternoon
- Until an hour ago, they hadn't received it.
- I called his office this morning and couldn't get a concrete answer.
- I was expecting a call back about a job interview next week
- I'd have to do it later in the week if I can do it at all
- I'm having my wisdom teeth extracted on Monday (hence the medical release)!
- My computer tried to break.
- Updates were installed that apparently didn't work right, and it quit on me. Twice.
- I don't have all my files backed up.
- I cannot afford a new computer.
So, that's what went wrong with my day. Little things aren't that stressful. Individually. When these things stack up, it can be a little overwhelming.
On days like today, I like to take a moment to breathe. It doesn't matter when, or where. I just take a breath, and remember that God has everything under control, and one day the little stuff won't matter. I also like to force myself to think of reasons why I've had a good day (even if I don't feel like it's true). I can always-always- come up with at least one reason. Today, for example, my good day came in the form of little kittens, and the animal shelter where I volunteer.
It's okay to be stressed sometimes. It's how we handle the stress that counts. We can't take our stress out on others. It's a good idea to mention whatever is stressing us out to God. He does want to hear about it, even if we end up whining a little. Even if He doesn't fix it right away, know that He does care, and that tomorrow will be better.
_______________________________________________________
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Leviathan
What was the Leviathan?
Dictionary: "Bible, a sea monster; any huge marine animal such as the whale; anything of immense size and power."
Job 3:8 - May those who curse days curse that day, those who are ready to rouse Leviathan.
Job 41:1-4 - "Can you pull in Leviathan with a fishhook or tie down its tongue with a rope? Can you put a cord through its nose or pierce its maw with a hook? Will it keep begging you for mercy? Will it speak to you with gentle words? Will it make an agreement with you for you to take it as a slave for life?"
Job 41:12-34 - "I will not fail to speak of Leviathan's limbs, its strength and its graceful form. Who can strip off its outer coat? Who can penetrate its double coat of armor? Who dares open the doors of its mouth, ringed about with fearsome teeth? Its back has rows of shields tightly sealed together; each is so close to the next that no air can pass between. They are joined fast to one another; they cling together and cannot be parted. Its snorting throws out flashes of light; its eyes are like the rays of dawn. Flames stream from its mouth; sparks of fire shoot out. Smoke pours from its nostrils as from a boiling pot over burning reeds. Its breath sets coals ablaze, and flames dart from its mouth. Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. The folds of its flesh are tightly joined; they are firm and immovable. Its chest is hard as rock, hard as a lower millstone. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified; they retreat before its thrashing. The sword that reaches it has no effect, nor does the spear or the dart or the javelin. Iron it treats like straw and bronze like rotten wood. Arrows do not make it flee; slingstones are like chaff to it. A club seems to it but a piece of straw; it laughs at the rattling of the lance. Its undersides are jagged potsherds, leaving a trail in the mud like a threshing sledge. It makes the depths churn like a boiling caldron and stirs up the sea like a pot of ointment. It leaves a glistening wake behind it; one would think the deep had white hair. Nothing on earth is its equal--a creature without fear. It looks down on all that are haughty; it is king over all the proud."
So, Leviathan:
To me, it sounds like a dragon.
When you're done laughing, I'll continue...go ahead. I have time.
This site likens the leviathan to a large sea dinosaur which lived until the waters of the flood receded and it got dropped on dry land.
So, no one today except God knows what the Leviathan was. It existed, as we know from its mention in scriptures. It isn't only mentioned in the book of Job, either. It is also mentioned in the Psalms.
Psalm 74:14 - It was you who crushed the heads of Leviathan and gave it as food to the creatures of the desert.
Psalm 104:26 - There the ships go to and fro, and Leviathan which you formed to frolic there.
So, Leviathan was created to play in the seas - to rule them. It was the mightiest creature in the sea. Humans could not kill or tame it. God made Leviathan food for desert creatures (great flood recedes).
One other book of the Bible talks about Leviathan. I think it sums up my research nicely.
Isaiah 27:1 - In that day, the Lord will punish with his sword--his fierce, great and powerful sword--Leviathan the gliding serpent, Leviathan the coiling serpent; he will slay the monster of the sea.
So, Leviathan was a huge, unmatched sea monster created by God to play in the seas. It probably died out after the great flood, at which time it became fossilized like the dinosaurs. It was probably a species of creature, rather than just one single being, since Job and his friends had enough knowledge of it that God could use it for a lesson. As far as we know, there are none living today.
This was just something I had been curious about for a long time. There are still more questions I have about this fearsome creature, but I'm willing to accept that I don't have to know everything.
Dictionary: "Bible, a sea monster; any huge marine animal such as the whale; anything of immense size and power."
Job 3:8 - May those who curse days curse that day, those who are ready to rouse Leviathan.
Job 41:1-4 - "Can you pull in Leviathan with a fishhook or tie down its tongue with a rope? Can you put a cord through its nose or pierce its maw with a hook? Will it keep begging you for mercy? Will it speak to you with gentle words? Will it make an agreement with you for you to take it as a slave for life?"
Job 41:12-34 - "I will not fail to speak of Leviathan's limbs, its strength and its graceful form. Who can strip off its outer coat? Who can penetrate its double coat of armor? Who dares open the doors of its mouth, ringed about with fearsome teeth? Its back has rows of shields tightly sealed together; each is so close to the next that no air can pass between. They are joined fast to one another; they cling together and cannot be parted. Its snorting throws out flashes of light; its eyes are like the rays of dawn. Flames stream from its mouth; sparks of fire shoot out. Smoke pours from its nostrils as from a boiling pot over burning reeds. Its breath sets coals ablaze, and flames dart from its mouth. Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. The folds of its flesh are tightly joined; they are firm and immovable. Its chest is hard as rock, hard as a lower millstone. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified; they retreat before its thrashing. The sword that reaches it has no effect, nor does the spear or the dart or the javelin. Iron it treats like straw and bronze like rotten wood. Arrows do not make it flee; slingstones are like chaff to it. A club seems to it but a piece of straw; it laughs at the rattling of the lance. Its undersides are jagged potsherds, leaving a trail in the mud like a threshing sledge. It makes the depths churn like a boiling caldron and stirs up the sea like a pot of ointment. It leaves a glistening wake behind it; one would think the deep had white hair. Nothing on earth is its equal--a creature without fear. It looks down on all that are haughty; it is king over all the proud."
So, Leviathan:
- Cannot be killed or beaten by men
- Makes large waves in the sea
- It breathes out smoke
- It has a double coat of thick armor
- It has fearsome teeth
- Its body is hard as a rock
- Its hide cannot be pierced
- It snorts out light
- It breathes fire
- Its belly is protected by sharp scales or spikes
- It has eyes the color of the dawn
- It has no earthly equal
- Is not a whale!
To me, it sounds like a dragon.
When you're done laughing, I'll continue...go ahead. I have time.
This site likens the leviathan to a large sea dinosaur which lived until the waters of the flood receded and it got dropped on dry land.
So, no one today except God knows what the Leviathan was. It existed, as we know from its mention in scriptures. It isn't only mentioned in the book of Job, either. It is also mentioned in the Psalms.
Psalm 74:14 - It was you who crushed the heads of Leviathan and gave it as food to the creatures of the desert.
Psalm 104:26 - There the ships go to and fro, and Leviathan which you formed to frolic there.
So, Leviathan was created to play in the seas - to rule them. It was the mightiest creature in the sea. Humans could not kill or tame it. God made Leviathan food for desert creatures (great flood recedes).
One other book of the Bible talks about Leviathan. I think it sums up my research nicely.
Isaiah 27:1 - In that day, the Lord will punish with his sword--his fierce, great and powerful sword--Leviathan the gliding serpent, Leviathan the coiling serpent; he will slay the monster of the sea.
So, Leviathan was a huge, unmatched sea monster created by God to play in the seas. It probably died out after the great flood, at which time it became fossilized like the dinosaurs. It was probably a species of creature, rather than just one single being, since Job and his friends had enough knowledge of it that God could use it for a lesson. As far as we know, there are none living today.
This was just something I had been curious about for a long time. There are still more questions I have about this fearsome creature, but I'm willing to accept that I don't have to know everything.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Dreams
"Cut not the wings of your dreams, for they are the heartbeat and the freedom of your soul." - Flavia
We are taught to tell God our problems, and to always pray for His will.
The song Caught in the Middle by Casting Crowns says "But would we trade our dreams for His, or are we caught in the middle?"
I don't think it has to be one or the other. There will probably be some compromise, but I don't think we have to give up our dreams in order to serve God. We do need to figure out if, and how our dreams can be used to glorify God. If we can't use our dreams to glorify God, or if we know He is calling us to do something else, then we do have to love God more than the dream.
Want to become a teacher? Do it. Want to travel the world? Do it. Want to start your own business? Do it.
Don't know how? Well, I can't exactly give advice on that. I'm still stuck at my own "how stage." But we can't stay there forever. The how stage is an important part of dreams. It helps us to decide if the dream is one we really want to pursue, or if it isn't plausible. However, we shouldn't stay at the how stage because of fear.
Step 1: Decide what your dream is.
Step 2: Tell God about it.
Step 3: Wait a little while and see if the dream comes back to your memory.
Step 4: Plan for your dream - The how stage
If need be, sell all your things to make it happen, but don't neglect your responsibilities. If you have children or pets, don't neglect your responsibility to them for the sake of your dreams. Most importantly, God should come first, no matter what the dream is. We have to serve God first, wholeheartedly, and then He will help us to succeed.
God promises to take care of us. If we want to do something with our lives, we can't just pray for it, and not take action toward it. We have to work toward it. Make the plans, and do the work, and God will help us to succeed, if we first give ourselves up to His will.
_______________________________________________________
"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps" (Proverbs 16:9).
"Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun" (Psalm 37:4-6).
"But seek first his kingdom and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33).
We are taught to tell God our problems, and to always pray for His will.
The song Caught in the Middle by Casting Crowns says "But would we trade our dreams for His, or are we caught in the middle?"
I don't think it has to be one or the other. There will probably be some compromise, but I don't think we have to give up our dreams in order to serve God. We do need to figure out if, and how our dreams can be used to glorify God. If we can't use our dreams to glorify God, or if we know He is calling us to do something else, then we do have to love God more than the dream.
Want to become a teacher? Do it. Want to travel the world? Do it. Want to start your own business? Do it.
Don't know how? Well, I can't exactly give advice on that. I'm still stuck at my own "how stage." But we can't stay there forever. The how stage is an important part of dreams. It helps us to decide if the dream is one we really want to pursue, or if it isn't plausible. However, we shouldn't stay at the how stage because of fear.
Step 1: Decide what your dream is.
Step 2: Tell God about it.
Step 3: Wait a little while and see if the dream comes back to your memory.
Step 4: Plan for your dream - The how stage
If need be, sell all your things to make it happen, but don't neglect your responsibilities. If you have children or pets, don't neglect your responsibility to them for the sake of your dreams. Most importantly, God should come first, no matter what the dream is. We have to serve God first, wholeheartedly, and then He will help us to succeed.
God promises to take care of us. If we want to do something with our lives, we can't just pray for it, and not take action toward it. We have to work toward it. Make the plans, and do the work, and God will help us to succeed, if we first give ourselves up to His will.
_______________________________________________________
"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps" (Proverbs 16:9).
"Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun" (Psalm 37:4-6).
"But seek first his kingdom and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33).
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
We Are Not Our Own
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Once we accept God's salvation and begin to follow Him, we become His. We belong to God. In everything we do, we are meant to honor Him, whether people can see us or not.
Temptations will come. Even Jesus was tempted. But we shouldn't act on those temptations. We should be strong enough to resist. Yet humans are weak. So, how do we resist a temptation that makes us weak?
I think I got the answer this morning.
We can't just say "Oh, that's my weakness." If it's something that is causing us to sin against God, we can't make excuses. If we are "weak" against it, I think it's because we don't really want to give it up. We can pray "God, take this from me," or "God help me," and He hears us. But He won't take it from us if we don't want Him to. Because then we would start to resent Him.
Example:
A teenage girl just got her first job. She has been saving up for a designer purse. She is so excited! Every one of her friends has this purse, and she feels left out without it. Her mother knows that the purse will not make her daughter happy, but she can't make the choice for her daughter. Instead, she lets her daughter do what she wants with her money.
The girl finally has enough money, and she buys the purse. For a while, she is happy. Her friends like that she finally got one too. Eventually, the purse isn't enough. The girl now has to spend her money on even more things, each more expensive than the last. She is tired, and she isn't happy, but she doesn't know what to do.
She talks to her mother, who says "You don't need all these things. Get rid of them. Then you can save your money for something better, and you and I can go spend time together."
The daughter is conflicted. It's been so long that she's attached to all the things she spent her time and money on.
She asks her mother to get rid of them for her. Her mother replies, "You have to want to get rid of them. You have to choose to get rid of them. If I do it for you, I'm taking responsibility from you."
The girl is saddened. It would have been so much easier for her mother to throw them out. She knows her mother is right, however, and resolves to throw out all the things that made her unhappy. She feels a lot better after doing so.
Eventually, however, a new temptation comes along. She sees empty holes where the things used to be, and doesn't know how to fill them. Will she return to her old habits or will she earnestly talk with her mother, and listen to her advice on how to stop?
We know when we sin. It might make us happy for a time, but eventually that voice inside of us reminds us why it's wrong. If we are constantly searching for happiness in worldly things (not just things we buy with money) then we need to figure out why we think we need it, and then take it before God. He can help us understand why we feel that we need it, and what to do about it. After that, we have to choose to get rid of it, and make our lives better.
God bought us at the price of His only son's life. Our salvation is free - for us. But for Jesus it was expensive! He loved us enough to think we're worth it, so we need to honor His sacrifice. We need to earnestly clean our lives of things that cause us to sin against God, and then look for ways to keep our lives clean.
Once we accept God's salvation and begin to follow Him, we become His. We belong to God. In everything we do, we are meant to honor Him, whether people can see us or not.
Temptations will come. Even Jesus was tempted. But we shouldn't act on those temptations. We should be strong enough to resist. Yet humans are weak. So, how do we resist a temptation that makes us weak?
I think I got the answer this morning.
We can't just say "Oh, that's my weakness." If it's something that is causing us to sin against God, we can't make excuses. If we are "weak" against it, I think it's because we don't really want to give it up. We can pray "God, take this from me," or "God help me," and He hears us. But He won't take it from us if we don't want Him to. Because then we would start to resent Him.
Example:
A teenage girl just got her first job. She has been saving up for a designer purse. She is so excited! Every one of her friends has this purse, and she feels left out without it. Her mother knows that the purse will not make her daughter happy, but she can't make the choice for her daughter. Instead, she lets her daughter do what she wants with her money.
The girl finally has enough money, and she buys the purse. For a while, she is happy. Her friends like that she finally got one too. Eventually, the purse isn't enough. The girl now has to spend her money on even more things, each more expensive than the last. She is tired, and she isn't happy, but she doesn't know what to do.
She talks to her mother, who says "You don't need all these things. Get rid of them. Then you can save your money for something better, and you and I can go spend time together."
The daughter is conflicted. It's been so long that she's attached to all the things she spent her time and money on.
She asks her mother to get rid of them for her. Her mother replies, "You have to want to get rid of them. You have to choose to get rid of them. If I do it for you, I'm taking responsibility from you."
The girl is saddened. It would have been so much easier for her mother to throw them out. She knows her mother is right, however, and resolves to throw out all the things that made her unhappy. She feels a lot better after doing so.
Eventually, however, a new temptation comes along. She sees empty holes where the things used to be, and doesn't know how to fill them. Will she return to her old habits or will she earnestly talk with her mother, and listen to her advice on how to stop?
We know when we sin. It might make us happy for a time, but eventually that voice inside of us reminds us why it's wrong. If we are constantly searching for happiness in worldly things (not just things we buy with money) then we need to figure out why we think we need it, and then take it before God. He can help us understand why we feel that we need it, and what to do about it. After that, we have to choose to get rid of it, and make our lives better.
God bought us at the price of His only son's life. Our salvation is free - for us. But for Jesus it was expensive! He loved us enough to think we're worth it, so we need to honor His sacrifice. We need to earnestly clean our lives of things that cause us to sin against God, and then look for ways to keep our lives clean.
Monday, August 11, 2014
Getting to Know You - Ruth
Who was Ruth?
- A Moabite woman
- Widow of Mahlon
- Daughter-in-law to Naomi
What did she do?
- Left her people and their gods
- Followed Naomi back to Bethlehem
- Found favor with her kinsman, Boaz
- Married Boaz
Why was she important?
- Her story is an example of loyalty and duty, among other things
- She was the great-grandmother of King David
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"But Ruth replied, 'Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay i will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.'" (Ruth 1:16-17).
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Unexplained Anger
Today was a good day in church, until Pastor got up to the pulpit. I don't know what happened. When he started preaching, a wave of unexpected anger hit me. I still don't know why.
I have been searching my heart, and his words all day. All I can think of is that something he preached on must be warring inside of me with one of my preconceived ideas. Something doesn't sit right...
I'm sure when I eventually figure out what made me so angry, I'll have grown as a person. (I'll probably have a new blog post too.)
He preached on several different ideas, so I'm not sure which one (if it was just one) made me angry. I sat in my seat the whole time, trying to figure out what happened and praying for peace, wisdom, and discernment, and hoping that whatever was happening inside of me didn't make me rail against God. It didn't, though the anger lasted past when I got home.
I finally sat down and really went over what he said in his sermon, and things that happened in the service before that, just in case. Then, I prayed. A lot. I talked to God about everything that was bothering me, not just related to church today. And I finally feel at peace. I'm still a little confused, but I'm no longer angry or worried about it.
I do know that I'm not angry at Pastor. Something he said bothered me, but it's not him personally.
I have to look up a few Bible verses and concepts Pastor introduced today, but I'm going to let them rest for a while. Sometimes it's necessary to immediately start searching for answers, and other times it's best to let the issue rest for a day or two, so that you can come back to it with a fresh mind and heart.
Has this ever happened to you? Has a pastor ever said something that made you unexpectedly angry with no feasible reason? Has it ever happened at other times? How did you deal with it?
_______________________________________________________
"'In your anger do not sin.' Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold" (Ephesians 4:26-7).
"Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit for anger resides in the lap of fools" (Ecclesiastes 7:9).
I have been searching my heart, and his words all day. All I can think of is that something he preached on must be warring inside of me with one of my preconceived ideas. Something doesn't sit right...
I'm sure when I eventually figure out what made me so angry, I'll have grown as a person. (I'll probably have a new blog post too.)
He preached on several different ideas, so I'm not sure which one (if it was just one) made me angry. I sat in my seat the whole time, trying to figure out what happened and praying for peace, wisdom, and discernment, and hoping that whatever was happening inside of me didn't make me rail against God. It didn't, though the anger lasted past when I got home.
I finally sat down and really went over what he said in his sermon, and things that happened in the service before that, just in case. Then, I prayed. A lot. I talked to God about everything that was bothering me, not just related to church today. And I finally feel at peace. I'm still a little confused, but I'm no longer angry or worried about it.
I do know that I'm not angry at Pastor. Something he said bothered me, but it's not him personally.
I have to look up a few Bible verses and concepts Pastor introduced today, but I'm going to let them rest for a while. Sometimes it's necessary to immediately start searching for answers, and other times it's best to let the issue rest for a day or two, so that you can come back to it with a fresh mind and heart.
Has this ever happened to you? Has a pastor ever said something that made you unexpectedly angry with no feasible reason? Has it ever happened at other times? How did you deal with it?
_______________________________________________________
"'In your anger do not sin.' Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold" (Ephesians 4:26-7).
"Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit for anger resides in the lap of fools" (Ecclesiastes 7:9).
Saturday, August 9, 2014
So Many Voices - Well-Meaning Advice
When we are going through tough times, we may seek advice from those closest to us. They may offer their advice on their own. Sometimes this advice can include numerous "solutions" to our problems. This advice is not always helpful or wanted.
I think it's still important to listen to this advice patiently, and to think about what our helpful "advisers" have said. Sometimes, this thought process can include a new list of goals, a carton of ice cream, or even tears. There's nothing wrong with that.
But we need to remember that there are two voices we need to listen to above all others: God's and our own. We need to put listening to God's voice at the top of our priority list. Then, we need to listen to our own inner voice. And yes, God's voice should always come first.
When we are in doubt about problems, or even well-meaning advice, we need to take it to God in prayer, and figure out how we feel about it. Sometimes, I figure out how I feel about something only after talking to God about it. Other times, in order to take my problem before God, I have to sort it out inside of myself.
There has never been a time that I didn't feel better about something after talking to God about it, even if I didn't get immediate clarification about what I should do about my problem. The Holy Spirit that's inside of us, the inner voice that tells us right from wrong, can also show us what we need to do, or even help us to understand why we're fighting against doing something that could help us later in life (my personal situation last night). So, listen to advice, but in the end, remember that God's voice is the most important. He will never lie, or lead you astray.
I just felt like I needed to talk about this today. To sum up:
I think it's still important to listen to this advice patiently, and to think about what our helpful "advisers" have said. Sometimes, this thought process can include a new list of goals, a carton of ice cream, or even tears. There's nothing wrong with that.
But we need to remember that there are two voices we need to listen to above all others: God's and our own. We need to put listening to God's voice at the top of our priority list. Then, we need to listen to our own inner voice. And yes, God's voice should always come first.
When we are in doubt about problems, or even well-meaning advice, we need to take it to God in prayer, and figure out how we feel about it. Sometimes, I figure out how I feel about something only after talking to God about it. Other times, in order to take my problem before God, I have to sort it out inside of myself.
There has never been a time that I didn't feel better about something after talking to God about it, even if I didn't get immediate clarification about what I should do about my problem. The Holy Spirit that's inside of us, the inner voice that tells us right from wrong, can also show us what we need to do, or even help us to understand why we're fighting against doing something that could help us later in life (my personal situation last night). So, listen to advice, but in the end, remember that God's voice is the most important. He will never lie, or lead you astray.
I just felt like I needed to talk about this today. To sum up:
- Listen to all well-meaning advice with grace
- Sort out how you feel about the problem
- Take the problem (and all possible solutions) to God in prayer
- Listen to what God tells you and act on it
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"Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise" (Proverbs 19:20).
Friday, August 8, 2014
Unfiltered Thoughts
"Sometimes the thoughts in my head get so bored they go out for a stroll through my mouth. This is rarely a good thing." - Scott Westerfield
This quote was in one of our church bulletins. I couldn't find the picture they used, though I wish I had. It had a cute frog on it!
This happens to me sometimes. I immediately know when an unfiltered thought has gotten through because of the embarrassment I feel. My inner self does a face-palm. Or it does the mental equivalent of banging its head against the wall. It depends on the severity of the unfiltered thought.
I've done a lot of posts recently on being careful of the words we speak. I guess that's really been on my mind lately, so that's what I've been writing about.
I think it's true of our thoughts too. We have to be careful with our thoughts - the ones that stay inside, and the ones that become speech. The thoughts inside our heads, could become words, and then become actions, and then they could become habits. When we change our thoughts, we could change our lives.
So, we should be careful not only of the thoughts that trickle through our filters, but also the ones that stay hidden inside.
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"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24).
Thursday, August 7, 2014
More Mistakes
"I've learned so much from my mistakes...I'm thinking of making a few more."
This was included in my church's bulletin one week. I disagreed strongly with this statement the first time I read it. "We aren't supposed to try to make mistakes," my mind shouted. But we are. I mean, not sin mistakes. We should avoid those to the best of our ability! But other mistakes? Yes. Absolutely. Try something new. Fail. Try again, and succeed.
I don't like to fail, so sometimes I let opportunities pass by me. I'm learning to embrace every opportunity I can, and say "yes," more than I say "no." Sometimes this is still difficult for me, but I am getting better.
Don't be afraid to try just because you might make a mistake. Just be sure to acknowledge your mistake and learn from it. Then, try again.
Ask yourself:
I know it's easy to say and hard to do. I have to keep reminding myself that the people who have accomplished great things took risks, and tried their best. I'm in the process of setting new goals for myself. It's scary. The process for reaching some of those goals is scary, because taking risks and stepping out of my comfort zone makes me extremely uncomfortable. But I can never succeed if I never try.
______________________________________________________
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans" (Proverbs 16:3).
I don't like to fail, so sometimes I let opportunities pass by me. I'm learning to embrace every opportunity I can, and say "yes," more than I say "no." Sometimes this is still difficult for me, but I am getting better.
Don't be afraid to try just because you might make a mistake. Just be sure to acknowledge your mistake and learn from it. Then, try again.
Ask yourself:
- Where did I make a mistake?
- What could I have done better?
- Is this still something at which I want to succeed?
- What will I change if I do this again?
I know it's easy to say and hard to do. I have to keep reminding myself that the people who have accomplished great things took risks, and tried their best. I'm in the process of setting new goals for myself. It's scary. The process for reaching some of those goals is scary, because taking risks and stepping out of my comfort zone makes me extremely uncomfortable. But I can never succeed if I never try.
______________________________________________________
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans" (Proverbs 16:3).
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
A Walk of Faith
Sometimes it's difficult to know what to do when you don't know God's plan for your life. I'm at that stage. Don't be discouraged if you don't know what to do with your life, or if you feel restless or unhappy where you are. Seek God for peace and guidance. It's important to remember that we aren't mean to know the big picture. We can do little things though.
- Get involved with our churches
- Get involved in our communities
- Meet new people
- Try new things
- Visit interesting places near your town
- Do our best at our daily tasks
- Learn a new skill
- Take up a new hobby
I guess the hobby sounds more self-indulgent. But remember, interests that don't cause us to sin, can lead us to God's plan for our lives. So, we just have to keep our eyes on Him, pray, and earnestly listen for His direction. We have to walk by faith, and not by sight, trusting that even though we can't see it, He does have a plan for our lives.
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"For we live by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7).
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Getting to Know You: Jesus' Disciples
Today I'm watching Son of God, and I'm currently reading the book of Matthew. So, I'm inspired to make a list of Jesus' 12 disciples.
- Simon - called Peter
- a fisherman
- Andrew
- Peter's brother
- a fisherman
- James
- son of Zebedee
- brother of John
- a fisherman
- John
- son of Zebedee
- brother of James
- a fisherman
- Matthew
- a tax collector
- Philip
- Bartholomew
- Thomas
- James
- son of Alphaeus
- Thaddaeus
- Simon
- the Zealot
- Judas Iscariot
- the one who betrayed Jesus
Matthew 19:28 - Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
Monday, August 4, 2014
Even an Ounce of Courage Can Make a Difference
I recently watched this movie, and I loved it!
I started watching it with a lot of trepidation. The synopsis on the back does not make it sound very interesting. I figured I would watch it for 10 minutes, give it a poor rating and be done with it. After all, it's about saving Christmas! I have never been so glad to be wrong!
It can be a little cheesy in places, but it's well worth sticking with it. It's set in a time when Bibles aren't allowed in school, and Christmas is rejected in favor of a "winter holiday" theme. This is one man's stand to bring Christmas (still a national holiday) back to his small town in spite of heavy persecution and bullying from a government representative.
A lot of people who rated this movie online didn't like this movie, and I can understand why. It can be written off as "religious fanaticism" because it seems hard to fathom that such a basic freedom would be taken away. In the movie, the government official cites other religious holidays as a reason to remove Christmas - fear of offending someone. The main character replies that you can still celebrate what Christmas stands for, or what it originally stood for, whatever you believe.
Fear of offending someone. That's a big deal. There is so much fear that someone will sue us, or take offense at what we do, that we don't consider what backing off might do. One day, it might not be safe to celebrate Christmas. In the movie, the main character's son goes off to fight in the middle east, where Christmas is already a crime.
There's a lot to this movie, but it's mostly about taking a stand for our freedoms. In fact, America was founded on freedom of religion. Many people fled their home countries, and sought sanctuary in America from religious persecution. Some still do. It's an important thing to remember. If we don't speak up, if we don't take action, our freedoms can - will - disappear one by one.
Satan is just waiting for us to worry a little too much about offending someone with our beliefs. He is just waiting for the moment when we choose to back down. That thought scares me. A lot.
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"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile" (Romans 1:16).
"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand" (Ephesians 6:13).
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Distractions
So, today in church I learned that the peace sign is a cross with broken arms - symbolizing peace without Jesus. This, of course, is bad.
There are some people, like me, who learn this, and then tell their friends (and various people following their blogs) so that they can then make an informed decision about whether or not to have that symbol in their lives. There are others who would hear the information as a call to action, and then lead a long, grueling, and potentially ineffective crusade against companies that manufacture and sell peace signs.
The latter, to me, is a distraction. Instead of just spreading the word to friends, family, and coworkers, who would then (hopefully) take the information to heart and tell people they know, a person who started the crusade would be wasting time, resources, and energy on a pointless task. Thus being distracted from using their energy on another calling.
I think the peace signs are harmless if people don't know this meaning. However, that doesn't mean we can't speak up about it. I think the important thing is to get the information out there, rather than holding it inside of ourselves. People will make their own choices (for good or bad) but we have to do all we can to tell them the truth, and pray that God will move in their hearts.
It seems to me that a crusade against peace signs would just have many non-believers shaking their heads and moving farther and farther away from coming to God. Our behavior matters. How we handle situations matters. That doesn't mean we can't take this kind of action if God moves us, but I think we should start in our own lives first. With the convenience of social media and blogging sites, Christians can reach lots of people with just one status or post.
So, if you come across a situation like that, and you feel that you need to speak up, pray about it. Seek God about how you should handle it so that you aren't wasting time or energy on something that isn't on His agenda. Remember that God moves in His time, not ours.
Be wary of distractions.
_______________________________________________________
"Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen" (2 Peter 3:17-18).
There are some people, like me, who learn this, and then tell their friends (and various people following their blogs) so that they can then make an informed decision about whether or not to have that symbol in their lives. There are others who would hear the information as a call to action, and then lead a long, grueling, and potentially ineffective crusade against companies that manufacture and sell peace signs.
The latter, to me, is a distraction. Instead of just spreading the word to friends, family, and coworkers, who would then (hopefully) take the information to heart and tell people they know, a person who started the crusade would be wasting time, resources, and energy on a pointless task. Thus being distracted from using their energy on another calling.
I think the peace signs are harmless if people don't know this meaning. However, that doesn't mean we can't speak up about it. I think the important thing is to get the information out there, rather than holding it inside of ourselves. People will make their own choices (for good or bad) but we have to do all we can to tell them the truth, and pray that God will move in their hearts.
It seems to me that a crusade against peace signs would just have many non-believers shaking their heads and moving farther and farther away from coming to God. Our behavior matters. How we handle situations matters. That doesn't mean we can't take this kind of action if God moves us, but I think we should start in our own lives first. With the convenience of social media and blogging sites, Christians can reach lots of people with just one status or post.
So, if you come across a situation like that, and you feel that you need to speak up, pray about it. Seek God about how you should handle it so that you aren't wasting time or energy on something that isn't on His agenda. Remember that God moves in His time, not ours.
Be wary of distractions.
_______________________________________________________
"Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen" (2 Peter 3:17-18).
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Gather Together
Today I attended a women's ministry conference with some of the ladies from my church. It was amazing! We ate breakfast, talked, laughed, sang songs, worshiped God, listened to a sermon, had an altar call, felt the presence of God come down, and just generally had an awesome time!
So, today's post is about fellowship. Now, just about every Christian would agree that going to church every week is important. But today I realized how truly amazing it is to be around so many people who truly have their hearts set on God; I am so blessed to be at a church with so many strong women of faith! Today I just wanted to mention that it's important to attend other church functions in addition to going to church every week.
I have a bad habit of rushing home after church even if there's something planned, because I don't always do well in social situations. Recently, however, I have realized how important it is to get involved with your church. Don't just go to church on Sunday and sit in the back pew and rush out right after the sermon. Now, if you really do have to get home, or you don't feel comfortable loitering about after service, then don't feel pressured to stay. But do look for other church activities. Help out with a church fundraiser. Attend a revival with some members of your church. Sign up to go to a conference with the women's ministry.
If you're still new at your church, and too shy to agree to any of these things yet, look for smaller activities - join a Sunday school class, or attend a church luncheon. Take it one step at a time. Look for opportunities to get to know the members of your church without stepping out of your comfort zone too fast. Do eventually step out of it, though. You'll be amazed at what can happen!
One last thing: if you really, really want to say yes to a church activity, but are afraid, that's okay. Be nervous all you want, but do say yes. You won't even have to talk much if you don't feel comfortable. You'll be glad you did once you see what you would have missed otherwise, and by getting to know members of your congregation, you'll eventually be less nervous.
______________________________________________________
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the day approaching" (Hebrews 10:24-25).
So, today's post is about fellowship. Now, just about every Christian would agree that going to church every week is important. But today I realized how truly amazing it is to be around so many people who truly have their hearts set on God; I am so blessed to be at a church with so many strong women of faith! Today I just wanted to mention that it's important to attend other church functions in addition to going to church every week.
I have a bad habit of rushing home after church even if there's something planned, because I don't always do well in social situations. Recently, however, I have realized how important it is to get involved with your church. Don't just go to church on Sunday and sit in the back pew and rush out right after the sermon. Now, if you really do have to get home, or you don't feel comfortable loitering about after service, then don't feel pressured to stay. But do look for other church activities. Help out with a church fundraiser. Attend a revival with some members of your church. Sign up to go to a conference with the women's ministry.
If you're still new at your church, and too shy to agree to any of these things yet, look for smaller activities - join a Sunday school class, or attend a church luncheon. Take it one step at a time. Look for opportunities to get to know the members of your church without stepping out of your comfort zone too fast. Do eventually step out of it, though. You'll be amazed at what can happen!
One last thing: if you really, really want to say yes to a church activity, but are afraid, that's okay. Be nervous all you want, but do say yes. You won't even have to talk much if you don't feel comfortable. You'll be glad you did once you see what you would have missed otherwise, and by getting to know members of your congregation, you'll eventually be less nervous.
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"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the day approaching" (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Friday, August 1, 2014
What is, Has Been...What Has Been, Will Be
Ecclesiastes 3:15 - Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account.
I stumbled upon this verse the other day, and thought it was very interesting. I'm not sure I completely understand the verse, but it stuck with me anyway.
So, let's back up a verse.
Ecclesiastes 3:14 - I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.
And the next verse:
Ecclesiastes 3:16 - And I saw something else under the sun: In the place of judgment--wickedness was there, in the place of justice--wickedness was there.
I had to go back and read the whole chapter to get a better idea of this.
Basically, everything that is happening, and will happen, has happened before. There is a time for everything that happens. We live, and we die. Wickedness will have its time, but God will also destroy wickedness, in His time.
That's what I got out of this chapter. If anyone has a different interpretation, or more to add, please feel free to do so!
I stumbled upon this verse the other day, and thought it was very interesting. I'm not sure I completely understand the verse, but it stuck with me anyway.
So, let's back up a verse.
Ecclesiastes 3:14 - I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.
And the next verse:
Ecclesiastes 3:16 - And I saw something else under the sun: In the place of judgment--wickedness was there, in the place of justice--wickedness was there.
I had to go back and read the whole chapter to get a better idea of this.
Basically, everything that is happening, and will happen, has happened before. There is a time for everything that happens. We live, and we die. Wickedness will have its time, but God will also destroy wickedness, in His time.
That's what I got out of this chapter. If anyone has a different interpretation, or more to add, please feel free to do so!
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