God never said the road would be easy, in fact He predicted that (2 Timothy 3: 12)"everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." A preacher once reminded that we are in the middle of a war, and there is no middle ground. You're either on God's side or you're not. As in all wars, there are casualties. As a result, no one should be shocked that life is hard. Casualties come in all forms, shapes and sizes. It could be the death of a family or a friend, receiving a speeding ticket, losing friendships, experiencing financial problems, depression, struggling with a specific sin. It could also be something as "small" as losing your key, dealing with a cold, etc.
The battle isn't really what you're dealing with, as much as it is how you're handling it. Do you betray your own? Deny God? Give up on life? or do you TRUST and Deal with the situation in faith?
It is no wonder that James 1: 2-4 encourage that we "consider it pure joy, 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."
I am no different than anyone on earth. As I grow older, it is so easy to get upset at God because life "seems to be getting harder and harder". In fact, the past couple years, my relationship with God has had many ups and MANY downnnnsss. (mercy!) There have been and will continue to be tears, heartaches, pains, etc., but deep down inside, I know that I am and will be nothing without God. There is no way I would dare deny Him after what I have seen Him done in my life.
If you feel as if your life is headed down a DEAD END street...if you are struggling to find the meaning or a purpose in your life...if you are finding yourself unable to forgive certain deeds in your life that you have done...if you are dealing with depression, have lost those you thought had your back.......
Always remember, dear friend, that GOD RESTORES. Just take it one day at a time. You have a purpose in life...in His time, with your trust and faith, He will reveal it to you. PRAY WITHOUT CEASING.
This song has been on repeat since the first time I heard it way back when!!
Showing posts with label joy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label joy. Show all posts
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
TRUE LOVE
The summer of 2010 started like a regular summer until the most amazing man (;)) stepped in. Very long story short (one day i'd be UBER GLAD to share it with you, but until then ;)!), we started talking and eventually began dating. Over the course of the year and half plus we have been dating, one thing (to sum it all up) that we have learned is that the key to our relationship is....you guess it! COMMUNICATION. (Please don't underestimate that skill). Learning to excel at this skill as individuals (to God and each other) and as a couple has been the instant glue in our relationship....and believe me, it's been a journey, but one that has been and continues to be an extremely satifying journey.
Through COMMUNICATION, we have learned how much we are different(gender differences, personality differences, worldviews, temparament) as well as how much we are similar! (our needs, our dreams and our hopes). We recognize two important things: 1) only through communicating have we been able to understand how we are different and why, and 2) only through our communication have we been able to recognize how AMAZING GOD IS.
Check this out: Do you REALLY think that the differences between a way a man and a woman think is coincidental? If you do, you have missed the GREATER purpose of relationship as well as the width and depth of God's love.
God is a God of diversity. In all things that He does, He seeks to be glorified. God commands that we love one another as we love ourselves. He knew that He could only show us the extent of His love if He could stretch our minds to learn how to respect and appreciate differences in others. After all, WE are different from God.
WE are humans. HE is God.
WE are mortals. HE is immortal.
WE are sinful. HE is holy.
We are selfish. HE is not.
WE are limited in knowledge. HE is omniscient.
WE are limited in our powers. HE is omnipotent.
Despite our differences (HIM being the perfect ONE), He still loves us UNconditionally. He is patient with us. Yet it's funny that as imperfect beings, WE tend to be the impatient ones. WE think we're the best out there and everyone should be and think like US. We are impatient and disgusted that other people are different, or think differently or act differently. We are easily turned off by OTHERS' sinful nature, yet fail to realize that WE ARE basically on the same boat. We fail to realize that everyone has the same basic needs, thaty they just have a different way of expressing or receiving those needs because of how life has shaped them. If only we had time to communicate with these people we would find out how SIMILAR we are.
What I have learned in my relationship with the most awesome man in my life is that without communication, our relationship would have already ended. Without being patient enought to sift through our differences, we would not have had the amazing opportunity to find those similarities. If we had not found those similarities, we would have given up already because we would've thought we were "incompatible". If we had given up, we would have missed out on the joy and the happiness of experiencing a secure, honest and loving relationship (praise GOD for wisdom and patient!). The fire wasn't easy to go through, but it made it alot feasible knowing that we could communicate to each other and help each other during the chiseling process. We came out lookin' better than ever, feelin' better than eva, and lovin' each other better than ever.
It is the same in our spiritual relationship with God. We are extremely different from God (we think and act differently), but both God and us want to the same thing- the best for us as human beings. But how can we understand each other if we are so different? Our differences are basically that God is "spiritually discerned" and we are not. How can we be spiritually discerned? COMMUNICATION!!!!!! Praying without ceasing.... Even Jesus did it...there's a reason for that. Praying for the Holy SPIRIT who is our comforter and our guide.
GOD IS RELATIONAL. and ultimately, if we are seeking TRUE LOVE (which is Him), we must seek Him first and through Him, find our perfect earthly one. I did ;)
BE BLESSED.!
Through COMMUNICATION, we have learned how much we are different(gender differences, personality differences, worldviews, temparament) as well as how much we are similar! (our needs, our dreams and our hopes). We recognize two important things: 1) only through communicating have we been able to understand how we are different and why, and 2) only through our communication have we been able to recognize how AMAZING GOD IS.
Check this out: Do you REALLY think that the differences between a way a man and a woman think is coincidental? If you do, you have missed the GREATER purpose of relationship as well as the width and depth of God's love.
God is a God of diversity. In all things that He does, He seeks to be glorified. God commands that we love one another as we love ourselves. He knew that He could only show us the extent of His love if He could stretch our minds to learn how to respect and appreciate differences in others. After all, WE are different from God.
WE are humans. HE is God.
WE are mortals. HE is immortal.
WE are sinful. HE is holy.
We are selfish. HE is not.
WE are limited in knowledge. HE is omniscient.
WE are limited in our powers. HE is omnipotent.
Despite our differences (HIM being the perfect ONE), He still loves us UNconditionally. He is patient with us. Yet it's funny that as imperfect beings, WE tend to be the impatient ones. WE think we're the best out there and everyone should be and think like US. We are impatient and disgusted that other people are different, or think differently or act differently. We are easily turned off by OTHERS' sinful nature, yet fail to realize that WE ARE basically on the same boat. We fail to realize that everyone has the same basic needs, thaty they just have a different way of expressing or receiving those needs because of how life has shaped them. If only we had time to communicate with these people we would find out how SIMILAR we are.
What I have learned in my relationship with the most awesome man in my life is that without communication, our relationship would have already ended. Without being patient enought to sift through our differences, we would not have had the amazing opportunity to find those similarities. If we had not found those similarities, we would have given up already because we would've thought we were "incompatible". If we had given up, we would have missed out on the joy and the happiness of experiencing a secure, honest and loving relationship (praise GOD for wisdom and patient!). The fire wasn't easy to go through, but it made it alot feasible knowing that we could communicate to each other and help each other during the chiseling process. We came out lookin' better than ever, feelin' better than eva, and lovin' each other better than ever.
It is the same in our spiritual relationship with God. We are extremely different from God (we think and act differently), but both God and us want to the same thing- the best for us as human beings. But how can we understand each other if we are so different? Our differences are basically that God is "spiritually discerned" and we are not. How can we be spiritually discerned? COMMUNICATION!!!!!! Praying without ceasing.... Even Jesus did it...there's a reason for that. Praying for the Holy SPIRIT who is our comforter and our guide.
GOD IS RELATIONAL. and ultimately, if we are seeking TRUE LOVE (which is Him), we must seek Him first and through Him, find our perfect earthly one. I did ;)
BE BLESSED.!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Do you WANT to Hear God?
This year, specifically, God has been revealing Himself in ways that I never thought were possible. He has put me through FYRE...and today I can testify that my faith and character have strengthened...again, in ways that I never thought were possible.
Testimonies are too much for me to share, and I don't even know where to start. The past couple of weeks though, (beginning of April), I have been participating in this April Fast with a young group of people, which requires me to do two things: spend more time in His word, and one day a week together- to fast for 12 hours.
Long story short, the more I started to lengthen my time with God, the more I wanted to spend time in His presence. The more I spent time in His presence, the more peace I experienced. The more peace I experienced and am still experiencing, THE MORE I BEGAN/am beginning TO HEAR HIS VOICE. and the more I hear(d) His voice, THE STRONGER MY FAITH.
----> I remember a couple of months ago, it was a struggle to wake up in the morning because I was overwhelmed by the daily 'required' tasks. I would be so tired, and would rush through my devotion (it's so funny because my previous experiences already have testified that it is when I was the most busy, that I needed to spend the MOST time with God!) but hey, isn't it easier to "blow off God" since we can't see Him and focus on our job requirements since we have to say our bosses, for example?
I struggled to wake up..and today, God woke me up at 4:30am....and I have been spending time with Him for at least an hour, and I really don't want to stop.
{MY DEVOTION TODAY: Acts 10 ---> noticed that both characters were praying and because they were praying, they were able to hear God, which led to a reunion, which led to the Holy Spirit's presence in their midst. As a result, souls were saved!!!!). You can't blow off PRAYER!!!!
----> I also remember not feeling the aspect of "fasting" because it was just too much. But I have always asked the Lord for the experience of hearing His voice...and to make a long story short, if you want to hear God's voice...FAST!!!! and PRAY. you will be so hungry that you won't even have the energy to worry, and because you won't have energy to worry, you will be able to hear the Holy Spirit.
What's up with this whole Holy Spirit talk?
Well, check this out: if the Holy Spirit is supposedly your Comforter, and Your Guide...then doesn't it make sense to PRAY for Him so that He can help you make better decisions in your daily life? (duuuuhhhhh. :)
Anyways, this month has been A BLESSING x10. Things are being revealed to me (about myself first and most), and I can not stop being amazed at what God has done, is doing, and will do.
Trust HIM!!!
Testimonies are too much for me to share, and I don't even know where to start. The past couple of weeks though, (beginning of April), I have been participating in this April Fast with a young group of people, which requires me to do two things: spend more time in His word, and one day a week together- to fast for 12 hours.
Long story short, the more I started to lengthen my time with God, the more I wanted to spend time in His presence. The more I spent time in His presence, the more peace I experienced. The more peace I experienced and am still experiencing, THE MORE I BEGAN/am beginning TO HEAR HIS VOICE. and the more I hear(d) His voice, THE STRONGER MY FAITH.
----> I remember a couple of months ago, it was a struggle to wake up in the morning because I was overwhelmed by the daily 'required' tasks. I would be so tired, and would rush through my devotion (it's so funny because my previous experiences already have testified that it is when I was the most busy, that I needed to spend the MOST time with God!) but hey, isn't it easier to "blow off God" since we can't see Him and focus on our job requirements since we have to say our bosses, for example?
I struggled to wake up..and today, God woke me up at 4:30am....and I have been spending time with Him for at least an hour, and I really don't want to stop.
{MY DEVOTION TODAY: Acts 10 ---> noticed that both characters were praying and because they were praying, they were able to hear God, which led to a reunion, which led to the Holy Spirit's presence in their midst. As a result, souls were saved!!!!). You can't blow off PRAYER!!!!
----> I also remember not feeling the aspect of "fasting" because it was just too much. But I have always asked the Lord for the experience of hearing His voice...and to make a long story short, if you want to hear God's voice...FAST!!!! and PRAY. you will be so hungry that you won't even have the energy to worry, and because you won't have energy to worry, you will be able to hear the Holy Spirit.
What's up with this whole Holy Spirit talk?
Well, check this out: if the Holy Spirit is supposedly your Comforter, and Your Guide...then doesn't it make sense to PRAY for Him so that He can help you make better decisions in your daily life? (duuuuhhhhh. :)
Anyways, this month has been A BLESSING x10. Things are being revealed to me (about myself first and most), and I can not stop being amazed at what God has done, is doing, and will do.
Trust HIM!!!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
John 16:33
Last night, as is my usual habit, when I logged back on my computer, one of the first things I glanced through was cnn.com. Actually, no. It was during class, I received a text informing me about the 7.0 quake that hit the "(half) island" Haiti. When I checked cnn.com, (don't really LISTEN to the news), I spent a good half an hour just trying to figure out the situation down there so far. At some point in time, after forwarding the text I received, I decided to close my computer...13 chapters to read + 2 articles + a journal entry due today for one class were all good reasons to muster up my concentration and try to do it finish it all by today's end.
Nonetheless, my texts back and forth with a couple of friends induced a mixed feeling of disturbance, and melancholy...."WHY!?'.
I went to bed early this morning, still not completely done with my assignments. It's Week 2 and I am barely swimming.
So this morning, as I am currently doing my devotion (Adult Quarterly Sabbath School)...the first verse that is featured says the following:
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."- John 16: 33.
Refreshing reminder.
Joyful emotions.
Appeased mind.
Worryless faith.
Peace that passeth all understanding.
In the middle of my devotion, I thought it beneficial to blog it. And in the middle of my blog, I switched my text messages signature line. It now reads: John 16:33. I could not be any happier to be reminded that My GOD has ALREADY OVERCOME this world.
Nonetheless, my texts back and forth with a couple of friends induced a mixed feeling of disturbance, and melancholy...."WHY!?'.
I went to bed early this morning, still not completely done with my assignments. It's Week 2 and I am barely swimming.
So this morning, as I am currently doing my devotion (Adult Quarterly Sabbath School)...the first verse that is featured says the following:
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."- John 16: 33.
Refreshing reminder.
Joyful emotions.
Appeased mind.
Worryless faith.
Peace that passeth all understanding.
In the middle of my devotion, I thought it beneficial to blog it. And in the middle of my blog, I switched my text messages signature line. It now reads: John 16:33. I could not be any happier to be reminded that My GOD has ALREADY OVERCOME this world.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)