This past weekend has literally been life changing for me! Especially the sermon in church yesterday, where our pastor taught about life. And it made me realize that some people don't have that same chance to live life. Their life is over before they get that chance.
Just hearing that makes me reevaluate my life. Am I living every day and making it count? I've been given life and that's a gift from God! That's something precious! So why aren't I living life? Why aren't I being enthusiastic about it. I mean, come on! LIFE! Just saying that word gives me goosebumps.
I don't think we understand the importance of life. Life is so much more than just living everyday! It's so much more than just waking up in the morning and going to bed. When you hear the word life what do you think? When I hear it, I think of vibrancy, energy, and just being full of love for living.
It's so hard to put it into words, but life is so much more than we sometimes think of it.
Oftentimes though, we start thinking that life sucks or is dull or is no longer exciting. And often we stop thinking of it as a blessing and more as a curse. But life isn't a curse at all! It's a blessing.
The devil gets in our heads so much and tells us that life isn't really worth living because it's full of pain. But that's not true because Jesus DIED to GIVE us LIFE! And for that we need to be thankful!
John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the fullest.
Never forget those words.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
On Christ The Solid Rock I Stand
You know what's amazing? And sometimes a blessing? When people around me tell me that they admire how strong my faith has been through all the pain and suffering. But it's also a bit strange. Because all this time I've thought to myself, "I don't have faith. I don't even think this'll work out. If this is what being a Christian is all about... I don't think I can do it anymore." I've had those moments, but it amazes me how people don't see that. Even though I set up a front about how much I trust God with all this and sometimes when I was told, "You must really be leaning on God right now," most of the time I was thinking, "God? What's He got to do with this? I don't see Him helping anywhere."
So you see, it hasn't all been me standing firm on the solid rock. Actually I see it as Satan pouring water on it and making me slip and slide while I'm trying to maintain a proper balance. And it's strange, but after being through that and being complimented on my strength, I realize that the people who I look up to, who I see as my role models because of how strong they've been, well it hasn't been that way for them either. It hasn't been "Oh yippee! Look at me! I get to go through something tough and practice my faith in God. This is totally the best thing ever!" On the contrary, it's been more of, "Oh crap. Look at all this crap. This crap makes my life seem... Crappy."
But it's such a blessing to be told that I still let my light shine when I didn't feel a light inside. And that everything I went through, and still am going through, did have a purpose! Honestly, that's my favorite thing about this all. Probably the only good thing that could come through all this.
And it's totally true about you! Whatever your going through, people will see you as a light! Their gonna see you as someone strong and courageous and their going to look up to YOU for that for the rest of their lives. Doesn't that make you feel awesome inside?
Although, even though my faith did slip and slide a lot, in the long run, it's made me so much more thankful to have a Saviour who I can look to in my darkest hour. And it's helped me deepen my faith so much more. And made me realize that even if I gave everything up and lost everything, I would still have my faith and that's more than I could ever want.
Someone recently said that they love how strong I am and how I am one of their role models because of how I've pulled through things and how I've remained strong. And that made my day. Knowing that even in my darkest hour full of hurt and pain, I gave someone else the courage to pull through what their struggling with.
Just knowing that they look up to me for that makes me wanna shout at the top of my lungs, "BRING IT ON!"
This came to me today when I was talking about this with my Mom: Struggles are a way of setting an example and showing those around you that you can stand through it all, no matter what comes your way.
Isaiah 58:11
The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your need and will strengthen your frame.
So you see, it hasn't all been me standing firm on the solid rock. Actually I see it as Satan pouring water on it and making me slip and slide while I'm trying to maintain a proper balance. And it's strange, but after being through that and being complimented on my strength, I realize that the people who I look up to, who I see as my role models because of how strong they've been, well it hasn't been that way for them either. It hasn't been "Oh yippee! Look at me! I get to go through something tough and practice my faith in God. This is totally the best thing ever!" On the contrary, it's been more of, "Oh crap. Look at all this crap. This crap makes my life seem... Crappy."
But it's such a blessing to be told that I still let my light shine when I didn't feel a light inside. And that everything I went through, and still am going through, did have a purpose! Honestly, that's my favorite thing about this all. Probably the only good thing that could come through all this.
And it's totally true about you! Whatever your going through, people will see you as a light! Their gonna see you as someone strong and courageous and their going to look up to YOU for that for the rest of their lives. Doesn't that make you feel awesome inside?
Although, even though my faith did slip and slide a lot, in the long run, it's made me so much more thankful to have a Saviour who I can look to in my darkest hour. And it's helped me deepen my faith so much more. And made me realize that even if I gave everything up and lost everything, I would still have my faith and that's more than I could ever want.
Someone recently said that they love how strong I am and how I am one of their role models because of how I've pulled through things and how I've remained strong. And that made my day. Knowing that even in my darkest hour full of hurt and pain, I gave someone else the courage to pull through what their struggling with.
Just knowing that they look up to me for that makes me wanna shout at the top of my lungs, "BRING IT ON!"
This came to me today when I was talking about this with my Mom: Struggles are a way of setting an example and showing those around you that you can stand through it all, no matter what comes your way.
Isaiah 58:11
The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your need and will strengthen your frame.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Love Your Enemies!
Just to let you know! This isn't for my Route 66 project, but God put something on my heart and I would like to share it very much.
Lately, there have been some things going on in my life. Such as learning that some people don't always say nice things about others. Now, I knew that in life, some gossip about others, it's common knowledge! And when I was younger (Around 12 or so), I figured, well what would it hurt to do that same thing? Don't worry, I know better now, but it took me about a year to find out how gossip truly can hurt someone.
Some things you should know:
1. First off I was totally wrong. Totally, completely wrong in thinking in that way. And no offense, but so are you if that's the way you think. Isn't that going against everything God teaches? He teaches us to love our enemies and bless them that persecute us. Also meaning those who spread rumors and tend to expand the truth for the sake of our downfall.
Mark 12:31 says,
"The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
2. By doing the same thing your hurting someone else. A living being who could very well be going through some things that are already bringing strife and pain in their lives. Do you want to be the reason they hate living? Do you want to be the reason they dread waking up in the morning? If that's your true goal, you need a life!
3. How does this benefit you? Do you really think jumping in the same boat will benefit you? Because even if it does even for one minute, it's short lived, trust me.
Luke 6:29 says,
"If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also..."
Matthew 5:39 says,
"But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."
Sounds pretty painful, doesn't it? But that's what God requests of us. And if that's what He wants, then goodness gracious, I'm gonna do just that!
4. Aren't you giving them a reason to dislike you? By playing their game, your doing exactly what they want you to be doing. By being kind to them, your giving them no excuse to dislike you, whatsoever. In fact, your giving them reasons to love you. And your showing God's light through you.
Romans 12:20 says,
"On the contrary: If your enemy is hungry, feed them; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."
5. WWJD. Jesus would DEFINITELY NOT hurt people in any way, including this one. So why would any of us? Think about it.
Romans 12:17-19 says,
"Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord."
Matthew 5:44-46 says,
"But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. "For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax-gatherers do the same?"
Proverbs 15:1 says,
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger."
Proverbs 16:7 says,
"When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him."
I could go on, but I think you get the point.
Blessings! (On your AND your enemies!)
Lately, there have been some things going on in my life. Such as learning that some people don't always say nice things about others. Now, I knew that in life, some gossip about others, it's common knowledge! And when I was younger (Around 12 or so), I figured, well what would it hurt to do that same thing? Don't worry, I know better now, but it took me about a year to find out how gossip truly can hurt someone.
Some things you should know:
1. First off I was totally wrong. Totally, completely wrong in thinking in that way. And no offense, but so are you if that's the way you think. Isn't that going against everything God teaches? He teaches us to love our enemies and bless them that persecute us. Also meaning those who spread rumors and tend to expand the truth for the sake of our downfall.
Mark 12:31 says,
"The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
2. By doing the same thing your hurting someone else. A living being who could very well be going through some things that are already bringing strife and pain in their lives. Do you want to be the reason they hate living? Do you want to be the reason they dread waking up in the morning? If that's your true goal, you need a life!
3. How does this benefit you? Do you really think jumping in the same boat will benefit you? Because even if it does even for one minute, it's short lived, trust me.
Luke 6:29 says,
"If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also..."
Matthew 5:39 says,
"But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."
Sounds pretty painful, doesn't it? But that's what God requests of us. And if that's what He wants, then goodness gracious, I'm gonna do just that!
4. Aren't you giving them a reason to dislike you? By playing their game, your doing exactly what they want you to be doing. By being kind to them, your giving them no excuse to dislike you, whatsoever. In fact, your giving them reasons to love you. And your showing God's light through you.
Romans 12:20 says,
"On the contrary: If your enemy is hungry, feed them; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."
5. WWJD. Jesus would DEFINITELY NOT hurt people in any way, including this one. So why would any of us? Think about it.
Romans 12:17-19 says,
"Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord."
Matthew 5:44-46 says,
"But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. "For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax-gatherers do the same?"
Proverbs 15:1 says,
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger."
Proverbs 16:7 says,
"When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him."
I could go on, but I think you get the point.
Blessings! (On your AND your enemies!)
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Thanks!
Everybody goes through a phase in life when they feel like they don't amount to much. Or when they think that they don't have any affect on anyone. Or when they just don't feel useful or needed. A lot of times, we feel as though what we're doing just isn't enough. And I've often felt that way concerning furthering God's kingdom.
Where do I fit in in His big picture? Where can I help? Who can I minister to and who's life can I affect? Or who's life do I affect? It's easy to get mixed up about things like that. And often we don't even know what affect we have on God's kingdom. Anyways! Enough about me!
Quite a few of my friends have had a big affect on me encouragement wise. And most of them don't even know it. After a few months of encouraging me to take bigger steps of faith, one of my friends admitted to me that they just didn't feel needed. Or didn't see where they fit in in the kingdom of God. I was shocked when they confessed this, because I had thought that they knew how badly I needed them in my life.
But its things like that that make me realize how little we appreciate everything everyone does for one another. Even the small things should be rewarded. And I've decided to dedicate this post to all those people who have encouraged me throughout these past few months of struggle. I'm not to good at putting my emotions and thoughts into words, but I know I should at least make a failed attempt, if any.
So thank you all so much for being here for me and encouraging me to just keep going on with life and continue to help in God's ministry. You have no idea how much you have helped me in my journey and its all of you who have kept me going and have kept my faith in God strong. Thanks! <3
-Naomi
Where do I fit in in His big picture? Where can I help? Who can I minister to and who's life can I affect? Or who's life do I affect? It's easy to get mixed up about things like that. And often we don't even know what affect we have on God's kingdom. Anyways! Enough about me!
Quite a few of my friends have had a big affect on me encouragement wise. And most of them don't even know it. After a few months of encouraging me to take bigger steps of faith, one of my friends admitted to me that they just didn't feel needed. Or didn't see where they fit in in the kingdom of God. I was shocked when they confessed this, because I had thought that they knew how badly I needed them in my life.
But its things like that that make me realize how little we appreciate everything everyone does for one another. Even the small things should be rewarded. And I've decided to dedicate this post to all those people who have encouraged me throughout these past few months of struggle. I'm not to good at putting my emotions and thoughts into words, but I know I should at least make a failed attempt, if any.
So thank you all so much for being here for me and encouraging me to just keep going on with life and continue to help in God's ministry. You have no idea how much you have helped me in my journey and its all of you who have kept me going and have kept my faith in God strong. Thanks! <3
-Naomi
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