College can make or break your faith in God; this can be true for those of you who commute or live on campus. At this point in my college career, I've commuted, taken classes online, and lived on a college campus. No matter where you are, there are battles to face and you have to be prepared to overcome them all. I've developed a number of things to do in your day-to-day schedule that keep your mind focused on Him.
Keep a prayer journal. That's right... When you pray, don't let your mind wander off into thoughts of what you should be studying or how much stress you feel toward one class. Write your prayers down so you can stay focused and you can finish your thoughts. Prayer is very important because it develops your relationship with God. Don't let your prayer life lack. Period. There's never a good enough excuse for that. If you let it slide, you'll find that your anxiety goes up and your hope goes down. Stay close to God in prayer and meditation.
In fact, pray constantly. It's so important, it deserves two paragraphs. Journals are good for down time when you are alone with your mind and your pen. Prayer in your thoughts is best when you're on the move from class-to-class and you have that little bit of time to talk to God. I found myself doing this a lot especially when I was walking to a class that had an exam waiting for me. It's necessary. Stay in contact.
Find a good roommate. If you're a campus dweller, this is crucial. A Christian roommate is preferred so that they can share your feelings and beliefs, but it's not absolutely necessary. If they are not a Christian person, look at it as your opportunity to be a light to them. A good roommate is somebody who encourages you, leaves you sweet notes on your whiteboard, brings you back tasty food, and is basically your best friend on campus. I had a roommate like that and I'll always thank God for her.
Surround yourself with a good crowd. Typically, people will associate you with who you allow yourself to be seen with... This means hang with quality if you want to be seen as quality. It is a lot more important for this crowd to have similar views as you. You can't always dictate who your roommate will be, but you definitely can control who you hang with. Not only will you develop a poor image in the wrong crowd, but your faith will crumble under the pressure to adhere to different ideas. Find the right friends and you'll be sure to have an easy conscience and a good college experience.
Leave yourself Bible verse post-it notes. Note only does this encourage you to study the Bible more frequently, but it's a constant reminder of God's promises. You might even find yourself memorizing a few along the way. They're good to keep on your mind.
Find a Christian fellowship group. This is your mid-week pick-me-up. You'll feel drained every single day of college life, but having that Christian outlet is the biggest relief among the chaos. From my experience, a Christian fellowship is full of God-fearing people who are looking to praise God in every way possible. We had prayer nights, Bible studies, question-and-answer services, and sooooo much group worship. Make time for God and you will be blessed.
Find that one study buddy. This will probably be somebody you share a major with... They will be your motivation, comedian, friend, and teacher. Studying is about getting right down to business for 5+ hours each night and your study buddy will always be right there to help you through it. You both want the grade and each other's company so you make it work. Sometimes this even means you have to put down the textbooks and pick up the Bible.
Study your Bible. Trust me, I know it's difficult and probably by now you're wondering, "Where am I going to find the time for all of this?" I promise it's possible to study your Bible in the midst of college life. I'm not saying you have to dedicate several hours to this point. Simply making a promise to yourself to read and meditate on one verse each day is perfectly acceptable. The point is that you made time for God and it will be enormously beneficial to you.
Don't neglect church. It is incredibly easy to get out of the habit of going to church every weekend when you begin living without a parent's influence. Suddenly you have to set your own alarm and iron your own clothes.... yeah, it's a crazy adult life. I always came home on the weekends and attended my own church, but when I stayed on campus, I tried to find a good substitute. Look around for churches and see what is available to you. You won't regret staying true to your church life. It is your Godly instruction, worship time, and even more talks with Him.
College life is crazy and hectic, but God wants to be with you through it all because He loves you. In the happiest times and in the times when all you can do is break down in tears, remember that He is always there to listen. Doing your best doesn't mean doing it alone.
"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." - Joshua 1:9
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Fish Jar
Say hello to the Fish Jar!
This is one of the most fun and fascinating projects I've ever created. My inspiration came from My Aqua Jar. If you've never seen one of their ads, it looks basically like what I've put together only more professional and thorough. (haha) If you're like me and you're too impatient to order everything and wait on it, then this is the perfect project for you. This would be awesome for workspace and dorm rooms too as long as there is a window available to allow sun to hit the plant.
Materials you will need:
- Wide mouth mason jar
- Small plant (mint is planted in the picture)
- Marbles (or gravel)
- Plastic fruit cup (Dole Fruit n Gel cup in the picture)
- Beta fish
- Beta fish
Begin by drilling 4 holes into your plastic fruit cup (do this with some TLC so you do not break the plastic). Now you may put your small plant in the fruit cup.
Place enough marbles or gravel to cover the bottom of your mason jar.
Fill the jar 5/6 of the way full (just enough that the bottom of the plant touches the water).
At this point, you can add a very small plant. In my jar, I attached a Beta Bed to the side. These can be found at your local Pet Smart.
Get your fish adjusted to the water by transferring it to a small bag (I used a sandwich bag) and placing it in the jar to the best of your ability. There may be a small amount of overflow so place a towel underneath the jar. After about 5 mins, remove the fish from the bag and put it in the jar. I would suggest administering some stress coat liquid to the jar since they've endured a hard day of moving from place-to-place.
Feed the fish sparingly then place the small plant on top of the jar.
I hope you enjoy your jar of fish!
Sunday, July 17, 2016
The Work Must Go On
I feel like it is unnecessary for me to point out that there has been an enormous amount of tragedy in recent events. Hearing about it has left me sorrowful and righteously vexed at the same time. Each of these stories left me with the feeling as if my safety is constantly in jeopardy. Sometimes I find myself begging God to give me peace while I'm in class or driving down the road. I'm constantly reminded that I'm a child of the King so I never need to doubt that God will protect me. I have no clue what could happen, but no matter what happens I want to be used for the glory of God.
Sometimes God ministers to me using song lyrics. Recently, I was reminded of Do Something by Matthew West, which answers a lot of questions that have been running through every person's mind after so many horrible events... "God, why don't you do something?"
God said, "I did. I created you."
If that's not a slap in the face for many people (including myself), I don't know what would do the job. God calls us all to be His example in the world. People should be able to tell you are a Christian by the way you conduct yourself. Romans 12:1-2 states, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
God sent His son to die for us and he simply asks for our "reasonable service" in return? It would have been so easy for God to send us all to Hell without blinking an eye... but He chose to love us despite our sin. As a people for God, we should be making an effort everyday to be more and more like Jesus, which is the greatest example the world will ever see.
"If not us, then who? If not me and you... Right now, it's time for us to do something. If not now, then when will we see an end to all this pain? It's not enough to do nothing. It's time for us to do something."
Let this song speak volumes to you... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_RjndG0IX8
Another song I've found to be a help is Words by Hawk Nelson. This best applies to the ongoing presidential election (God help us) and it inspired me to pick up the pen once more. I have never seen so many poorly phrased and misinterpreted statements as I've seen in the presidential debates. The selection is poor and our nation is in need of God's mercy after seeing what kind of corruption will be in undeserved power after Election Day.
"Words can build you up. Words can break you down. Start a fire in your heart or put it out."
Our biggest problem is the fact that there are too many words putting out our fires rather than setting in ablaze. Why did our fire go out? Where is our passion? Lord, heal us... a broken people.
The potential leaders of our country are using words and living in ways that are totally immoral and the people are sitting on their hands and saying, "Well, we have no choice."
As long as you are alive, you have a choice. You choose God. You choose to love. You do something. This isn't the end. Don't start begging God to come back because as long as you're on this earth, you have a purpose. God will come when He's ready. Until then, you do your reasonable service.
"Let my words be life. Let my words be truth. I don't wanna say a word unless it points the world back to You."
Enjoy this one as well... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anVweXDcxhA
The beautiful part of doing the work of God is that God's plan is perfect and comes with tremendous rewards. The song I thought that was most fitting for this is Bury the Workman by Unspoken.
"You can bury the workman, but the work will go on. You can silence the voices, but you can't stop the song. When the Spirit's moving, His will will be done."
So much good music... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKw2TDCj0k0
No matter what happens, God's plan will be fulfilled. God's people will have a home with Him in Heaven.
Seek the Lord first, spend time in prayer, and understand your calling as a workman.
As always, I speak to you with a heart full of love and mind full of frantic words that I can't type out fast enough. I'm thankful that the Word of God cannot be silenced. It's truth and it's our only hope. I don't mean to overwhelm anybody. Thankfully, God gives us a peace that is only found in Him.
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." - John 14:27
Sometimes God ministers to me using song lyrics. Recently, I was reminded of Do Something by Matthew West, which answers a lot of questions that have been running through every person's mind after so many horrible events... "God, why don't you do something?"
God said, "I did. I created you."
If that's not a slap in the face for many people (including myself), I don't know what would do the job. God calls us all to be His example in the world. People should be able to tell you are a Christian by the way you conduct yourself. Romans 12:1-2 states, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
God sent His son to die for us and he simply asks for our "reasonable service" in return? It would have been so easy for God to send us all to Hell without blinking an eye... but He chose to love us despite our sin. As a people for God, we should be making an effort everyday to be more and more like Jesus, which is the greatest example the world will ever see.
"If not us, then who? If not me and you... Right now, it's time for us to do something. If not now, then when will we see an end to all this pain? It's not enough to do nothing. It's time for us to do something."
Let this song speak volumes to you... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_RjndG0IX8
Another song I've found to be a help is Words by Hawk Nelson. This best applies to the ongoing presidential election (God help us) and it inspired me to pick up the pen once more. I have never seen so many poorly phrased and misinterpreted statements as I've seen in the presidential debates. The selection is poor and our nation is in need of God's mercy after seeing what kind of corruption will be in undeserved power after Election Day.
"Words can build you up. Words can break you down. Start a fire in your heart or put it out."
Our biggest problem is the fact that there are too many words putting out our fires rather than setting in ablaze. Why did our fire go out? Where is our passion? Lord, heal us... a broken people.
The potential leaders of our country are using words and living in ways that are totally immoral and the people are sitting on their hands and saying, "Well, we have no choice."
As long as you are alive, you have a choice. You choose God. You choose to love. You do something. This isn't the end. Don't start begging God to come back because as long as you're on this earth, you have a purpose. God will come when He's ready. Until then, you do your reasonable service.
"Let my words be life. Let my words be truth. I don't wanna say a word unless it points the world back to You."
Enjoy this one as well... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anVweXDcxhA
The beautiful part of doing the work of God is that God's plan is perfect and comes with tremendous rewards. The song I thought that was most fitting for this is Bury the Workman by Unspoken.
"You can bury the workman, but the work will go on. You can silence the voices, but you can't stop the song. When the Spirit's moving, His will will be done."
So much good music... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKw2TDCj0k0
No matter what happens, God's plan will be fulfilled. God's people will have a home with Him in Heaven.
Seek the Lord first, spend time in prayer, and understand your calling as a workman.
As always, I speak to you with a heart full of love and mind full of frantic words that I can't type out fast enough. I'm thankful that the Word of God cannot be silenced. It's truth and it's our only hope. I don't mean to overwhelm anybody. Thankfully, God gives us a peace that is only found in Him.
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." - John 14:27
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Who Am I?
There is peace in knowing where one's heart lies with God. He is the essence of all being. He is the creator of all life. There is no question who I am in this life.
...or is there?
I've found there to be a trend of discontentment among those who seek meaning. It seems to be quite common to use the cliche comment, "I'm still trying to figure out who I am." As individuals, we try to find some sort of worldly fulfillment that will define our being. Sadly, we are forever seeking and searching....and still looking for some kind of answer that confirms we have purpose.
We won't find our meaning in worldly sources.
There's absolutely nothing in the world that will make us feel accepted, loved, assured, or fulfilled. If it does not follow you after your life is over, it cannot give you meaning.
"Let my life be the proof of Your love." - For King and Country
No life can ever be more meaningful than a close walk with God. Isaiah 58:11 says, "And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not." You can have a perfect Savior guiding you through His perfect plan while filling you with His perfect love. How could life be more......perfect?
On a personal side note, I've struggled with this message. I felt called to talk about it several months ago. I began a blog and saved it as a draft many different times. There have been several different versions of this one message that have not satisfied my mind. I cannot simply speak of His glory; that would consume an infinite number of pages that I cannot begin to type. I cannot give you a simple answer to the question, "Who am I?" If you are not a Christian, the answer is short: You're a sinner in need of saving. If you're a Christian, the answer is beautifully complex, yet simple at the same time. You're the child of the King, clay of the Potter, lamb of the Shepherd, patient of the Great Physician, and so much more... But to put it in the most simple terms: You are His. That's all that matters.
Finally, I overcame the struggle I felt for so long. There is no better way for me to express the purpose He gives me, but through poetry.
Who Am I?
I long to find the person who holds the answer to my query.
I seek this wisdom from wrong sources and I'm starting to grow weary.
After all is said and done...
And this race has yet to be won,
He finds me in the darkness of my despair.
He lifts me up where I can see beyond this wall of doubt and fear.
And before I can even speak...
He gives me the answer for which I seek,
"You are mine."
Lord, You meet me in the sunshine and You meet me in the storm.
Why do You make the time to love me even when I am so truly worn?
You suffered so much pain...
All for just my gain...
I know not what You saw in me when You hung upon that cross.
Who am I in the eyes of the one who gave His life to pay my cost?
When there was no good in me,
You made me worthy.
"You are mine."
My child, I gave My life so you would never wonder who you are on this earth.
My infinite love has defined every moment of your life since before your birth.
You needed me so bad...
And My son was all I had...
Never doubt that your life holds meaning.
I've planned good things since the beginning.
All because He paid...
I will forever say,
"You are mine."
You are His. May He forever be your purpose,
...or is there?
I've found there to be a trend of discontentment among those who seek meaning. It seems to be quite common to use the cliche comment, "I'm still trying to figure out who I am." As individuals, we try to find some sort of worldly fulfillment that will define our being. Sadly, we are forever seeking and searching....and still looking for some kind of answer that confirms we have purpose.
We won't find our meaning in worldly sources.
There's absolutely nothing in the world that will make us feel accepted, loved, assured, or fulfilled. If it does not follow you after your life is over, it cannot give you meaning.
"Let my life be the proof of Your love." - For King and Country
No life can ever be more meaningful than a close walk with God. Isaiah 58:11 says, "And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not." You can have a perfect Savior guiding you through His perfect plan while filling you with His perfect love. How could life be more......perfect?
On a personal side note, I've struggled with this message. I felt called to talk about it several months ago. I began a blog and saved it as a draft many different times. There have been several different versions of this one message that have not satisfied my mind. I cannot simply speak of His glory; that would consume an infinite number of pages that I cannot begin to type. I cannot give you a simple answer to the question, "Who am I?" If you are not a Christian, the answer is short: You're a sinner in need of saving. If you're a Christian, the answer is beautifully complex, yet simple at the same time. You're the child of the King, clay of the Potter, lamb of the Shepherd, patient of the Great Physician, and so much more... But to put it in the most simple terms: You are His. That's all that matters.
Finally, I overcame the struggle I felt for so long. There is no better way for me to express the purpose He gives me, but through poetry.
Who Am I?
I long to find the person who holds the answer to my query.
I seek this wisdom from wrong sources and I'm starting to grow weary.
After all is said and done...
And this race has yet to be won,
He finds me in the darkness of my despair.
He lifts me up where I can see beyond this wall of doubt and fear.
And before I can even speak...
He gives me the answer for which I seek,
"You are mine."
Lord, You meet me in the sunshine and You meet me in the storm.
Why do You make the time to love me even when I am so truly worn?
You suffered so much pain...
All for just my gain...
I know not what You saw in me when You hung upon that cross.
Who am I in the eyes of the one who gave His life to pay my cost?
When there was no good in me,
You made me worthy.
"You are mine."
My child, I gave My life so you would never wonder who you are on this earth.
My infinite love has defined every moment of your life since before your birth.
You needed me so bad...
And My son was all I had...
Never doubt that your life holds meaning.
I've planned good things since the beginning.
All because He paid...
I will forever say,
"You are mine."
You are His. May He forever be your purpose,
Monday, August 24, 2015
Boldness With A Humble Spirit
If there's anything this world needs, it's strength. We need courage to stand up for what is just and righteous. Christians need to break through their shell of fear to find the boldness that comes with accepting God's gift of salvation. Previously, I discussed the cold condition of the heart of society. In order to break the trend of cold-heartedness, Christians NEED to find their inner boldness. Our world is in desperate need of the truth.
We need more people like Paul who wrote, "And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel. (Ephesians 6:19)" Did you hear the way he phrased that? The MYSTERY of the gospel... Many things allude me about the Bible; I learn something new every single time I pick it up, but the fact that the gospel itself is a mystery is what should open our eyes. The Word needs to be delved into and proclaimed.
God's love is the only thing that can bring warmth to many longing hearts. Although nobody is accountable for another person's spiritual condition, it's crucial that God's people work toward exposing the gospel to lost individuals. Acts 28:31 states, "Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding." Confidence in The Lord is the greatest thing a man can have. It's a righteous confidence that never fails.
Do not let confidence become mistaken with pride. The Lord looks for a humble heart in His people. Romans 12:3 says, "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." This verse reminds a person to not get puffed up in what he mistakes as his own glory. For example, if you play a part in leading a person to Christ. That does not mean you did the saving - only God can handle that. Although the role we play is small, it's necessary and it's something we have to do out of love. We don't witness because we expect some kind of payment from it - we do it because we don't want their soul to go to Hell.
The Lord knows that the flesh does get in the way. Even the apostles had troubles such as this. Nobody is perfect. For this reason, The Lord sees fit to put us through trials that not only humble us, but ultimately strengthen our Christian walk of life. It makes us a better witness and gives us the strength to be bold. Romans 5:3-5 states, "(3) And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; (4) And patience, experience; and experience, hope: (5) And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." As Christians, we benefit greatly from tribulation. The beautiful part about these verses is the fact that it warns us we will have difficult times, but we will always overcome through our Savior.
Trials and tribulations seem so complex and hard to understand when they happen in our lives. Prayer is certainly key in such situations. Prayer is important in every situation, but trials seem to broaden our prayer life. It brings us closer to God. 1 Peter 4:16 says, "Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf." If we simply sit down and realize that we are in a trying time that will strengthen us, it becomes easier to praise God through the storm. He knows what's best so what right do we have to panic?
Another thing we must realize is the fact that God knows exactly what we're going through. Not only does He see what happens in our lives, but He had to endure sending His son to earth and watching Jesus suffer. He understands our burden because He's been there. Philippians 2:5-9 says, "(5) Let this mind be in you, which was in Christ Jesus: (6) Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: (7) But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: (8) And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (9) Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:" Here we see Jesus coming down to earth in the lowest form, a servant, to show His humble and loving heart. God exalted Him for never losing faith during this trying time.
As Christians, we should be modeling our life after Christ's. Christ lead a perfect life, but the Bible tells us to strive for perfection. Obviously we can't be 100% perfect because we're not God, but we have the ability to differentiate between right and wrong. 1 Peter says, "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time." Just as Christ did, we are to humble our hearts so the Lord may find it fit to lift us up out of our trial. God wants to see our strength grow and our faith increase.
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded." - James 4:8
Each of us will endure many humbling experiences in life; it's our duty to cling to God and embrace what can be learned from trials. Our testimony will grow as well. This is our time to be bold for God. This means we have the opportunity to help others who may be facing trials or spreading the Word to somebody who may be lost. 1 Corinthians 3:9 states, "For we are laborers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building." Don't miss out on an opportunity to labor for the Lord.
Praise the Lord in the hard times. Praise Him in the easier times. He's still the Savior of your soul no matter what part of life you're experiencing. Be bold in your praise and testimony. Humble yourself before our mighty God. There's nothing more fulfilling in life than a close walk with the Lord.
Thursday, August 6, 2015
The Seed We Sow Is What We Grow
In today's highly independent society, it's very common to hear phrases such as "I'm living for myself" or "As long as I'm happy, that's all that matters." When did we become so self-centered? This kind of attitude is damaging to every kind of relationship and it hardens the hearts of those who embrace the ideology.
What would Jesus do?
Don't get me wrong... I'm certainly not saying you shouldn't do things in your life that make you happy. I'm simply saying that this fake "independence" that is currently trending has made people cold-hearted. Of course, it is necessary that we all grow up and have our own lives; that's normal. Growing up does not mean growing cold. God didn't put us in this world to be alone. He also didn't mean for us to clam up and allow our light to be dimmed. He wants us to have companions and He especially wants us to find happiness through Him.
"No man is an island."
Thank goodness that Jesus didn't have this modern, independent view. It would've been so easy for Him to say, "Meh, dying for them won't make me happy. This is my life and I'll do with it as I please." Suddenly, all of our lives would be hopeless. We'd have nothing to live for or to look forward to in our afterlife. Just let that sink in...
"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." - John 10:10
Jesus was the most selfless person to walk the face of this earth. He made it possible to be saved. We can be Christians, which means being Christ-like. How can one be Christ-like, yet have a permanently selfish attitude toward life?
Let go and let God.
There's no way to have a cold heart and a warm spirit. When your heart is cold, everything is cold. Ephesians 4:18 says, "Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:" Don't let this attitude distance you from The Lord. Only God can understand the depths of your heart.
"I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." - John 14:18
On a different note, this kind of attitude is particularly evident in feminist views. Women have the desire to be equal to men. In many cases, this has been taken to an extreme. It seems as if women are fighting to be dominant over men. This can't work because each gender has its strengths and weaknesses made for a specific duty in the household.
God created women to be the center of the household, which is incredibly rewarding. We have the honor of giving birth to children. We have the opportunity to be with a man we love and to spoil him to no end (which, in my opinion, is what a good wife should do.) We are helpers. We are motivators. We play a very important role.
"And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him an
help meet for him." - Genesis 2:18
God created men to be the head of the household. I refer back to my favorite movie, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, when I say, "The man is the head, but the woman is the neck and she can turn the head any way she wants." Men are supposed to be the dominant leader of the relationship, but they also have to be caring of their wife's needs. Colossians 3:19 says, "Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them." Men were placed in a very difficult role of taking care of us ladies and our offspring. I say that with the most love in the world.
"For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body." - Ephesians 5:23
With that being said, I believe it is necessary that ladies keep these roles in mind when in a dating relationship. I don't mean you should live together and act like you're married immediately. I'm talking about embracing your significant other as a prize; make them feel special and wanted. There's no room to be selfish or independent in a happy relationship... Especially a relationship founded on God.
In essence, let God in your heart. When we can accept God, we put aside our independence and give it all to Him. It's a new beginning. We can accept others into our hearts with warmth and create lasting, meaningful relationships. We will have children that will want to grow in God because they see how wonderful it is in they're parents' lives. Let your life be a light to all who you encounter.
One must seek God to have a warm heart. One must have a warm heart to be in a healthy, happy relationship.
Let's not embrace cold-hearted independence since that only plants seeds of dysfunction in our relationships. Let us embrace God in the hope of gaining a new heart and a new zeal for life. There's no room for anybody within a cold heart.
Show love, compassion, joy... There's nothing more refreshing than a happy heart that beats for God.
I want a heart for God - a heart that envelopes warmth and happiness.
What would Jesus do?
Don't get me wrong... I'm certainly not saying you shouldn't do things in your life that make you happy. I'm simply saying that this fake "independence" that is currently trending has made people cold-hearted. Of course, it is necessary that we all grow up and have our own lives; that's normal. Growing up does not mean growing cold. God didn't put us in this world to be alone. He also didn't mean for us to clam up and allow our light to be dimmed. He wants us to have companions and He especially wants us to find happiness through Him.
"No man is an island."
Thank goodness that Jesus didn't have this modern, independent view. It would've been so easy for Him to say, "Meh, dying for them won't make me happy. This is my life and I'll do with it as I please." Suddenly, all of our lives would be hopeless. We'd have nothing to live for or to look forward to in our afterlife. Just let that sink in...
"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." - John 10:10
Jesus was the most selfless person to walk the face of this earth. He made it possible to be saved. We can be Christians, which means being Christ-like. How can one be Christ-like, yet have a permanently selfish attitude toward life?
Let go and let God.
There's no way to have a cold heart and a warm spirit. When your heart is cold, everything is cold. Ephesians 4:18 says, "Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:" Don't let this attitude distance you from The Lord. Only God can understand the depths of your heart.
"I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." - John 14:18
On a different note, this kind of attitude is particularly evident in feminist views. Women have the desire to be equal to men. In many cases, this has been taken to an extreme. It seems as if women are fighting to be dominant over men. This can't work because each gender has its strengths and weaknesses made for a specific duty in the household.
God created women to be the center of the household, which is incredibly rewarding. We have the honor of giving birth to children. We have the opportunity to be with a man we love and to spoil him to no end (which, in my opinion, is what a good wife should do.) We are helpers. We are motivators. We play a very important role.
"And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him an
help meet for him." - Genesis 2:18
God created men to be the head of the household. I refer back to my favorite movie, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, when I say, "The man is the head, but the woman is the neck and she can turn the head any way she wants." Men are supposed to be the dominant leader of the relationship, but they also have to be caring of their wife's needs. Colossians 3:19 says, "Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them." Men were placed in a very difficult role of taking care of us ladies and our offspring. I say that with the most love in the world.
"For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body." - Ephesians 5:23
With that being said, I believe it is necessary that ladies keep these roles in mind when in a dating relationship. I don't mean you should live together and act like you're married immediately. I'm talking about embracing your significant other as a prize; make them feel special and wanted. There's no room to be selfish or independent in a happy relationship... Especially a relationship founded on God.
In essence, let God in your heart. When we can accept God, we put aside our independence and give it all to Him. It's a new beginning. We can accept others into our hearts with warmth and create lasting, meaningful relationships. We will have children that will want to grow in God because they see how wonderful it is in they're parents' lives. Let your life be a light to all who you encounter.
One must seek God to have a warm heart. One must have a warm heart to be in a healthy, happy relationship.
Let's not embrace cold-hearted independence since that only plants seeds of dysfunction in our relationships. Let us embrace God in the hope of gaining a new heart and a new zeal for life. There's no room for anybody within a cold heart.
Show love, compassion, joy... There's nothing more refreshing than a happy heart that beats for God.
I want a heart for God - a heart that envelopes warmth and happiness.
Friday, June 26, 2015
Living in a Luke 23:34 World.
When I look at the world today, I ask myself, "What happened?" I've never heard so many stories about chaos, heartache, and tragedy. We are falling apart. We're a nation that is losing our vision.
We've lost our eyes that only sought out God.
"Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." - Luke 23:34
When Jesus walked the earth, he faced an incredible amount of persecution. Individuals openly denied Him to His face. People whom He created, loved, and came to save were calling Him a liar and trying to find wrong in Him. They compromised the Word of God and His house. They quit following His law. They were submerged so far in sin that they couldn't even see what they were doing was wrong.
Is this sounding familiar?
We are living in a world of Luke 23:34. "...they know not what they do..." These words are the essence of our current existence.
Jesus is a man of patience. I want to take a moment to admire His plea to The Father. When Jesus spoke these words, He was hanging on a cross before people who despised Him and hurt Him deeply - physically and emotionally. It would have been so easy to lash out at the people who surrounded Him. Jesus didn't start a riot, cuss everybody out, or hide in fear. He talked to His Father.
As a Christian, we are supposed to be as much like Christ as possible. Obviously, as humans, we can't be perfect, but we are supposed to strive for perfection. I believe a good place to start is crying out to The Father. We see the chaos and corruption everywhere. We should be praying without ceasing. We should be begging God to open the eyes of our nation. Do as Jesus did.... Let our first thought be of The Father.
Jesus is a man full of mercy. Not only did Jesus go straight to The Father, He asked forgiveness on our behalf. I can't even comprehend that level of selfless love. To have compassion on a people who were so eager to turn their backs on Him...... It's beyond me. Jesus has the most beautiful form of compassion - not only while He was on the cross, but even to this day.
Only The Lord can ask forgiveness on another person's behalf. Because this is the case, Christian's can't ask forgiveness for anybody, but themselves. We were not the ones to die for all humanity. Also, as humans, we can't express that kind of compassion for EVERYBODY. Thank God that this duty is left to Him. What Christians can do is pray for those who need forgiveness. We can also analyze our own lives and ask God to mold us into the Christian people He wants us to be. We need to be asking God to use us as a light in our world of darkness.
Jesus is a man who understands. While Jesus was on earth, he was 100% man and a 100% God at the same time. He knew the heart of every person He ever encountered. He understood that the people killing Him were fulfilling His purpose. He came to die for our sins and He did exactly what He set out to do. This is why He said, "They know not what they do." These people were so blind to the truth. In fact, they resented the truth, which is very similar to the people we encounter today.
We weren't meant to understand everything in life. If we did, we wouldn't need God. This is why I can't stress prayer enough. We don't know everything so we need to talk to the One who does. We aren't meant to be alone. If we were, Jesus wouldn't have died. We have a friend in Jesus so we need to talk to Him.
Finally, Jesus is a man who gives. The ending of Luke 23:34 is the saddest of all. These people completely ignore Jesus's mercy, forgiveness, and understanding. They took what they thought were Jesus's last earthly possessions and divided them among themselves. While they were taking from Jesus, Jesus was giving to them. Because Jesus died, everybody could be washed clean in His blood.
As Christians, we can give people the Word of God. We can spread His name. This is our job. We are meant to be His messengers - happy and unashamed. Let the way we conduct ourselves differ from that of the world. Let our Christian countenance speak volumes that words can't say. The power of corruption is strong, but the faith of a Christian is stronger.
We have a God who is patient, merciful, compassionate, giving, and understanding. We have no reason to be afraid. This is our time to stand for Him. Let's be a nation on our knees.
"The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?" - Psalms 118:6
Let's not live in a Luke 23:34 world. We have God on our side.
We've lost our eyes that only sought out God.
"Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." - Luke 23:34
When Jesus walked the earth, he faced an incredible amount of persecution. Individuals openly denied Him to His face. People whom He created, loved, and came to save were calling Him a liar and trying to find wrong in Him. They compromised the Word of God and His house. They quit following His law. They were submerged so far in sin that they couldn't even see what they were doing was wrong.
Is this sounding familiar?
We are living in a world of Luke 23:34. "...they know not what they do..." These words are the essence of our current existence.
Jesus is a man of patience. I want to take a moment to admire His plea to The Father. When Jesus spoke these words, He was hanging on a cross before people who despised Him and hurt Him deeply - physically and emotionally. It would have been so easy to lash out at the people who surrounded Him. Jesus didn't start a riot, cuss everybody out, or hide in fear. He talked to His Father.
As a Christian, we are supposed to be as much like Christ as possible. Obviously, as humans, we can't be perfect, but we are supposed to strive for perfection. I believe a good place to start is crying out to The Father. We see the chaos and corruption everywhere. We should be praying without ceasing. We should be begging God to open the eyes of our nation. Do as Jesus did.... Let our first thought be of The Father.
Jesus is a man full of mercy. Not only did Jesus go straight to The Father, He asked forgiveness on our behalf. I can't even comprehend that level of selfless love. To have compassion on a people who were so eager to turn their backs on Him...... It's beyond me. Jesus has the most beautiful form of compassion - not only while He was on the cross, but even to this day.
Only The Lord can ask forgiveness on another person's behalf. Because this is the case, Christian's can't ask forgiveness for anybody, but themselves. We were not the ones to die for all humanity. Also, as humans, we can't express that kind of compassion for EVERYBODY. Thank God that this duty is left to Him. What Christians can do is pray for those who need forgiveness. We can also analyze our own lives and ask God to mold us into the Christian people He wants us to be. We need to be asking God to use us as a light in our world of darkness.
Jesus is a man who understands. While Jesus was on earth, he was 100% man and a 100% God at the same time. He knew the heart of every person He ever encountered. He understood that the people killing Him were fulfilling His purpose. He came to die for our sins and He did exactly what He set out to do. This is why He said, "They know not what they do." These people were so blind to the truth. In fact, they resented the truth, which is very similar to the people we encounter today.
We weren't meant to understand everything in life. If we did, we wouldn't need God. This is why I can't stress prayer enough. We don't know everything so we need to talk to the One who does. We aren't meant to be alone. If we were, Jesus wouldn't have died. We have a friend in Jesus so we need to talk to Him.
Finally, Jesus is a man who gives. The ending of Luke 23:34 is the saddest of all. These people completely ignore Jesus's mercy, forgiveness, and understanding. They took what they thought were Jesus's last earthly possessions and divided them among themselves. While they were taking from Jesus, Jesus was giving to them. Because Jesus died, everybody could be washed clean in His blood.
As Christians, we can give people the Word of God. We can spread His name. This is our job. We are meant to be His messengers - happy and unashamed. Let the way we conduct ourselves differ from that of the world. Let our Christian countenance speak volumes that words can't say. The power of corruption is strong, but the faith of a Christian is stronger.
We have a God who is patient, merciful, compassionate, giving, and understanding. We have no reason to be afraid. This is our time to stand for Him. Let's be a nation on our knees.
"The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?" - Psalms 118:6
Let's not live in a Luke 23:34 world. We have God on our side.
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