War. What is your first thought when you hear that word? Your probably think of fighting. Or poverty. Or guns. Or even death.
A lot of people say war is sinful because it brings strife into this world. But although the things that happen during war are painful and sometimes sinful, it is sometimes a requirement, unfortunately.
A lot of people also think that war is caused by God because shouldn't He do something to stop it? Sin is actually the root of war.
Matthew 15:19 - For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.
Before sin entered the world, there was no war. None. And why would there be? I mean come on! In a perfect world, there wouldn't be war. But when sin entered the world, a darkness entered the human heart and whamo! War! We've got envy, anger, etc. And all of that can lead to war.
Really though, why do people focus so much on the war of this world? Even Christians! And I totally respect how people want to fight for their country and such, but shouldn't we be more focused on the Spiritual battle that rages inside us? Even when every country can be at peace with one another, there'll always be a battle inside. And sometimes its Spiritual war that drives people to fight each other.
I know fighting an inner battle can be a lot harder than fighting an actual physical battle. And we don't need guns and knives to fight this war! We need GOD! He is the ultimate Leader in our war! He commands us to put on the full armor of God!
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints," - Ephesians 6:10-18
Take that to heart! Fight your battle! God has entrusted you with a place in His army. That is an HONOR. Never slack in fighting the Spiritual battle. The enemy will ALWAYS attack the weakest person. Take up your battle weapon and fight like you never have before. STRENGTHEN yourself so that God's army can benefit from your perseverance. Never give up.
Stop fighting your petty wars and start fighting one worth winning! We're only on this earth for a short time, but we're in eternity FOREVER! So pick a side and start fighting.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Trials and Tribulations
Have any of you ever read the Bible passage James 1:2-18? The one where we are supposed to consider it a JOY, PURE JOY, whenever we face trials? How weird is that? Does God really expect us to embrace with joy all of our trials? "Hey, Trial! How I've missed you! Come into my waiting open arms and I'll embrace you with joy!" Yeah... Not gonna happen. At least not if your sane, some might say.
But have you ever really thought about it? Trials and tribulation don't just happen. They don't just jump out of nowhere and after their gone and worked through, go away and leave us unchanged. No, they change us! They make us stronger than before. My trials have in fact made me feel so much stronger than I have ever felt in my entire life. And I have been more hungry for Spiritual things than I was in the beginning before all of them came.
The more trials and tribulations come our way, the stronger our faith becomes!
"Consider it PURE JOY, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces PERSEVERANCE. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
God doesn't send these trials and tribulations to us to torture us or show us who's boss. No, he sends them to us so that we might become stronger with His help. In the midst of my T & T, I thought "Where is God?" And though I thought those were my worst and hardest months emotionally, when I examine it all Spiritually, I realize that I persevered. All those months of T & T payed off! They weren't there for nothing. It wasn't just some random thing that happened. God will never send me more than I can handle. If He brought me to it, He'll bring me through it.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do."
So there it is! TRUST IN THE LORD! DO NOT DOUBT! Where is the faith when you doubt? You become anxious. You become doubtful of God's hand in all this. When going through something, know that IN FAITH, He will bring you through it. Don't doubt! Even if it's not from God, He will turn it into something good. You can never go through something unchanged. You can never go through a hardship, saying, "That's didn't change me." Every hardship, EVERY SINGLE ONE, has changed me. It's changed me emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.
"Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation- since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching hear and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business."
See that first part? Take PRIDE. I'm not sure how else to interpret this. I'll leave that all to you. :)
"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him."
Wait a second now... Did he just say we're BLESSED? He has GOT to be kidding! Do any of you feel blessed when you persevere under T & T? I don't. I feel quite the opposite. Someone told me recently that my testimony is just amazing and that it will be such a blessing to some people when shared with them. And I remember one of my first thoughts being, "Yeah, God just blessed the panties right off me when He stuck me in this mess." But honestly... God must love us a lot to entrust so much on us. It's a compliment actually. It's pretty much GOD telling us that we're strong enough. If that's not a compliment, I don't know what is.
"When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."
Well the words are true and the meaning clear enough. I needn't elaborate on that.
"Don't be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all He created."
That is how we should think of T & T's. Gifts. Their not the kind of gifts we like. It's almost like ordering a fashion magazine in the mail and getting one on healthy eating. Sorry, I couldn't think of a better example. But really, though its not the gift we like, it still rewards us in the end with the gift of perseverance. And thought there isn't always a great reward here on earth, be assured that there is one in Heaven.
But have you ever really thought about it? Trials and tribulation don't just happen. They don't just jump out of nowhere and after their gone and worked through, go away and leave us unchanged. No, they change us! They make us stronger than before. My trials have in fact made me feel so much stronger than I have ever felt in my entire life. And I have been more hungry for Spiritual things than I was in the beginning before all of them came.
The more trials and tribulations come our way, the stronger our faith becomes!
"Consider it PURE JOY, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces PERSEVERANCE. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
God doesn't send these trials and tribulations to us to torture us or show us who's boss. No, he sends them to us so that we might become stronger with His help. In the midst of my T & T, I thought "Where is God?" And though I thought those were my worst and hardest months emotionally, when I examine it all Spiritually, I realize that I persevered. All those months of T & T payed off! They weren't there for nothing. It wasn't just some random thing that happened. God will never send me more than I can handle. If He brought me to it, He'll bring me through it.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do."
So there it is! TRUST IN THE LORD! DO NOT DOUBT! Where is the faith when you doubt? You become anxious. You become doubtful of God's hand in all this. When going through something, know that IN FAITH, He will bring you through it. Don't doubt! Even if it's not from God, He will turn it into something good. You can never go through something unchanged. You can never go through a hardship, saying, "That's didn't change me." Every hardship, EVERY SINGLE ONE, has changed me. It's changed me emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.
"Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation- since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching hear and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business."
See that first part? Take PRIDE. I'm not sure how else to interpret this. I'll leave that all to you. :)
"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him."
Wait a second now... Did he just say we're BLESSED? He has GOT to be kidding! Do any of you feel blessed when you persevere under T & T? I don't. I feel quite the opposite. Someone told me recently that my testimony is just amazing and that it will be such a blessing to some people when shared with them. And I remember one of my first thoughts being, "Yeah, God just blessed the panties right off me when He stuck me in this mess." But honestly... God must love us a lot to entrust so much on us. It's a compliment actually. It's pretty much GOD telling us that we're strong enough. If that's not a compliment, I don't know what is.
"When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."
Well the words are true and the meaning clear enough. I needn't elaborate on that.
"Don't be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all He created."
That is how we should think of T & T's. Gifts. Their not the kind of gifts we like. It's almost like ordering a fashion magazine in the mail and getting one on healthy eating. Sorry, I couldn't think of a better example. But really, though its not the gift we like, it still rewards us in the end with the gift of perseverance. And thought there isn't always a great reward here on earth, be assured that there is one in Heaven.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Not My Will, Thine Be Done
Will. What is will?
I looked up the definition of will and this is what I found: "Intend, desire, or wish to happen."
And to me, that's only partially right. To me it's more of something I do with a submissive heart. That makes little sense to some, I know.
To me, it used to be some kind of excuse for me not to get my own way. Like I would tell people what I wanted to do with my life and they would respond, "Yes, but is that God's will for you," and at that moment, I'd block the rest out because for me it seemed like an excuse. Looking back though, I realize that's a selfish way of thinking! (No duh!)
In the past few weeks, I've been learning a lot of will. And God's will for my life. But it's not just realizing it that I've learned. It's so much deeper than that. Everyone can know the words, "Let Thy will be done," but few can actually follow them. That's how it's been for me. All my life, I've heard those words, but it's just lately that I've realized the power behind them.
At first I thought, "Oh great! Is God's will for me going to send me to some random place in Asia to do missions work!" But then it struck me: Why would God's will for me be to do something I wouldn't have the passion to do?! He puts passions in each of our hearts and it's those passions that He wants us to follow.
Do you really think God would send me somewhere that He knew I would have no joy to be? I wouldn't be a good missionary or whatever if I was joyless, would I? No. That's for dang sure!
So I've finally embraced the importance of God's will. And about a month ago, I fully submitted myself to His will. No questions asked. No more hesitation. Whatever He calls me to do, I will do. Because I know He'll call me to do something I have a passion for. And if I don't have the passion for it now, I know for sure and for certain, that He'll plant that passion in my heart.
"’Neath the old olive trees,
’Neath the old olive trees,
Went the Savior alone on His knees:
“Not My will, Thine be done,”
cried the Father’s own Son,
As He knelt ’neath the old olive trees."
If Jesus can say those words and truly believe them, then so can I.
I looked up the definition of will and this is what I found: "Intend, desire, or wish to happen."
And to me, that's only partially right. To me it's more of something I do with a submissive heart. That makes little sense to some, I know.
To me, it used to be some kind of excuse for me not to get my own way. Like I would tell people what I wanted to do with my life and they would respond, "Yes, but is that God's will for you," and at that moment, I'd block the rest out because for me it seemed like an excuse. Looking back though, I realize that's a selfish way of thinking! (No duh!)
In the past few weeks, I've been learning a lot of will. And God's will for my life. But it's not just realizing it that I've learned. It's so much deeper than that. Everyone can know the words, "Let Thy will be done," but few can actually follow them. That's how it's been for me. All my life, I've heard those words, but it's just lately that I've realized the power behind them.
At first I thought, "Oh great! Is God's will for me going to send me to some random place in Asia to do missions work!" But then it struck me: Why would God's will for me be to do something I wouldn't have the passion to do?! He puts passions in each of our hearts and it's those passions that He wants us to follow.
Do you really think God would send me somewhere that He knew I would have no joy to be? I wouldn't be a good missionary or whatever if I was joyless, would I? No. That's for dang sure!
So I've finally embraced the importance of God's will. And about a month ago, I fully submitted myself to His will. No questions asked. No more hesitation. Whatever He calls me to do, I will do. Because I know He'll call me to do something I have a passion for. And if I don't have the passion for it now, I know for sure and for certain, that He'll plant that passion in my heart.
"’Neath the old olive trees,
’Neath the old olive trees,
Went the Savior alone on His knees:
“Not My will, Thine be done,”
cried the Father’s own Son,
As He knelt ’neath the old olive trees."
If Jesus can say those words and truly believe them, then so can I.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Life!
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.
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.
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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