31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Luke 22:31-32
Jesus knew what Peter was about to go through but instead of leading him around the storm, He release him towards it. Jesus understood the power of a storm. There had just been an argument about who was the greatest disciple and Jesus told them the greatest is the one who serves. Then He turns to Peter and tells him, Satan wants to destroy you. Jesus knew Peter was a leader but he needed to be shaken to realize what was inside of him.
Though Satan meant to destroy Peter, he became the tool that revealed who Peter truly was. Through being humbled by his adversity he learned to trust God like never before. His faith in God became unshakeable because he was shaken. What was not apart of his destiny was shaken off him and only what was apart of his destiny remained.
When we go through adversity we don't surrender to Satan but to God. We allow God to have his way in our life and He transforms us into His image. When a silversmith is making silver they place it in the fire and the silver remains in the fire until the silversmith sees their reflection in it. When God sees His reflection we are taken out of the fire and put on display. We are refined not simply for our own good but to help others. Our journey strengthens those around us. When we allow God to have his way, our life will inspire others to trust in God. If we have faith in God in spite of the adversity we learn who we are and who God is. Nothing can destroy us because we are in the Master's hands.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Thursday, February 7, 2013
20 Days with Peter: Day 4 - Feed my sheep
15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. John 21: 15-17
Jesus did not need to know if Peter loved him. He knew Peter's heart, this dialogue was for Peter as well as for us. Going to church is not enough. Fulfilling our titles is not enough. God wants us to feed his sheep. He wants our heart to be towards loving others. What Jesus was teaching Peter to express your love for God it is through love your neighbor. By loving other you love God. Peter was not going to be able to rest on his personal relationship with Jesus for Jesus was not going to be there phyiscally for him to follow. He was going to have to love God by loving those God gave him to help.
We can get so catch up in our individual lives that we forget to love others. We don't greet each other in passing because we are too busy tweeting. We have lost sight of what it means to love God. Jesus was not asking Peter to simply do charity work because you can do that without your heart being in it. He wanted to transfer Peter's focus from the Physical Jesus to seeing Jesus in all. If we saw Jesus in others would we not love them?
When we love God there is evidence of it by how we treat others.
16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. John 21: 15-17
Jesus did not need to know if Peter loved him. He knew Peter's heart, this dialogue was for Peter as well as for us. Going to church is not enough. Fulfilling our titles is not enough. God wants us to feed his sheep. He wants our heart to be towards loving others. What Jesus was teaching Peter to express your love for God it is through love your neighbor. By loving other you love God. Peter was not going to be able to rest on his personal relationship with Jesus for Jesus was not going to be there phyiscally for him to follow. He was going to have to love God by loving those God gave him to help.
We can get so catch up in our individual lives that we forget to love others. We don't greet each other in passing because we are too busy tweeting. We have lost sight of what it means to love God. Jesus was not asking Peter to simply do charity work because you can do that without your heart being in it. He wanted to transfer Peter's focus from the Physical Jesus to seeing Jesus in all. If we saw Jesus in others would we not love them?
When we love God there is evidence of it by how we treat others.
If you love Jesus, feed his sheep.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
20 Days with Peter: Day 3 - Launching into the deep
2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.
3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. 4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:
10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him. Luke 5:2-11
Peter had a divine appointment with God. It is amazing how God meets us when we are empty, when what we set out to do fails. Peter was an experienced fisherman but with all his skill and experience he could not catch one fish that night. Peter was empty but as he sat on his boat listening to the teaching of Jesus something ignited within him. This man was no normal man. His words began to fill Peter and when Jesus was done teaching, He turned to Peter to put the words to action. It was time for a demonstration. Even though Peter had worked all night with no results he obeyed the word of Jesus and had the biggest catch of his life.
Peter learned that day that obedience to God’s word pays off. Peter had received the biggest catch of fish but he could not take his eyes off of Jesus. He turned from his profession, followed Jesus. What is amazing is God met Peter where he was. God revealed that his life’s purpose was to draw men into the net of God’s love.
Don’t be afraid to launch into the deep. God has something special to reveal to you. You have a calling on your life that no one else is meant to answer. Surrender to your call. You are more than a worker, you are more than a servant, you are a child of God. God bless you.
3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. 4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:
10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him. Luke 5:2-11
Peter had a divine appointment with God. It is amazing how God meets us when we are empty, when what we set out to do fails. Peter was an experienced fisherman but with all his skill and experience he could not catch one fish that night. Peter was empty but as he sat on his boat listening to the teaching of Jesus something ignited within him. This man was no normal man. His words began to fill Peter and when Jesus was done teaching, He turned to Peter to put the words to action. It was time for a demonstration. Even though Peter had worked all night with no results he obeyed the word of Jesus and had the biggest catch of his life.
Peter learned that day that obedience to God’s word pays off. Peter had received the biggest catch of fish but he could not take his eyes off of Jesus. He turned from his profession, followed Jesus. What is amazing is God met Peter where he was. God revealed that his life’s purpose was to draw men into the net of God’s love.
Don’t be afraid to launch into the deep. God has something special to reveal to you. You have a calling on your life that no one else is meant to answer. Surrender to your call. You are more than a worker, you are more than a servant, you are a child of God. God bless you.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
20 Days with Peter: Day 2 - A little faith
24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? Matthew 14: 24-31
Peter walked on water, something no other person since has done. First things first, imagine being on the ship with the wind going crazy and Jesus is not on the ship with you. The disciples had to have questioned why Jesus told them to get on this boat without Him. Then out of nowhere they see a “spirit” and they know they are in trouble. But to their surprise this “spirit” claims to be the Messiah, telling them to not be afraid. Then Peter has a NOW moment. He sees the “spirit” and wants to come meet on the water. Jesus tells him to Come and Peter does the impossible, he walks on water.
Okay how do you get from that to a little faith? Peter was so bold to step out onto the water, while the other disciples stayed on the ship. He went alone to be with God. That takes great faith, to go against the norm and you have no one support your desires. Peter walked on the water reflecting what Jesus was already doing. But as he was doing the impossible, he allowed the circumstances around him to distract him from his NOW moment. His desire was to walk to Jesus on the water but he was focusing on the wind and fear took root in him. In fear, he could no longer walk by faith.
You see, our walk with God is all by faith. What we see, like the wind is working against where we are going. Jesus has placed us on our journey but we are constantly met with resistance. We want to live by faith but fear keeps knocking at the door. Regardless of the circumstances if we look unto Jesus we will do the impossible. Peter was human, he had doubts and fears. He needed Jesus to save him when he was sinking. We need God to save us when we lose our focus.
Don’t be afraid for God is with you. He is regarding your situation and in spite of all the chaos around you, He has given you access to heaven. Keep your eyes on Christ and your faith will keep you walking on top of life.
Monday, February 4, 2013
20 Days with Peter: Day One - Careless
"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him: for he careth for you." I Peter 5: 6-7
The lesson of humility is one that Peter knew better than most. So many accounts in the bible reveal Peter puffed up only to be humbled. The great thing is by experiencing humility, he learned to master the practice of humility. He discovered his need for God. You see humility requires you understanding your need for God and allowing God the opportunity to meet that need. It is not by our efforts but by His that we prosper.
Each day we are full of cares. We want our children to do well in school. We want our businesses to increase in sales. We want to overcome a sickness. We care about our community and our country. With all the cares we carry we can begin to be weighed down by them. We are trying to carry a burden that is not meant for us. What Peter learned and we need to learn is to give God our cares. To empty ourselves before God that we may live free from cares and burdens. God cares about us. He knows what we have need of. He will give us what we desire if we choose to yield our lives to Him.
verse 5 says "God resists the proud but gives more grace to the humble."
When you surrender your life to God. He gives you more grace. God will not forces you to give Him your cares. You have to want to. Through humility your life is exalted. Why? Because nothing is weighing you down. Give God your cares and live in the freedom of God's grace.
The lesson of humility is one that Peter knew better than most. So many accounts in the bible reveal Peter puffed up only to be humbled. The great thing is by experiencing humility, he learned to master the practice of humility. He discovered his need for God. You see humility requires you understanding your need for God and allowing God the opportunity to meet that need. It is not by our efforts but by His that we prosper.
Each day we are full of cares. We want our children to do well in school. We want our businesses to increase in sales. We want to overcome a sickness. We care about our community and our country. With all the cares we carry we can begin to be weighed down by them. We are trying to carry a burden that is not meant for us. What Peter learned and we need to learn is to give God our cares. To empty ourselves before God that we may live free from cares and burdens. God cares about us. He knows what we have need of. He will give us what we desire if we choose to yield our lives to Him.
verse 5 says "God resists the proud but gives more grace to the humble."
When you surrender your life to God. He gives you more grace. God will not forces you to give Him your cares. You have to want to. Through humility your life is exalted. Why? Because nothing is weighing you down. Give God your cares and live in the freedom of God's grace.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Strengthened by God's love
“I will love thee, O Lord my strength” Psalm 18:1
God is amazing to care about what I care about. He strengthens me when I want to be weak. God loves me in spite of how I treat Him. I love this verse because it expresses my desire, but also speaks of the necessity of God’s strength to love. I can not love without God’s strength. My love can be conditional. You do good by me and I love you but God sees flaws and still loves. I can’t even love God without His help. With Him I can love. I can forgive and I can heal.
I can love all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Friday, January 4, 2013
The heart of an underdog
I love cheering for an underdog. No matter if it is in sports or in the business world or in life, I want to see the person no one picked be successful. I guess I relate to the underdog in a way. I like when people doubt me. When they overlook my abilities and think I have no chance. It forces me to believe in myself and I discover through faceing my challenges how to be successful.
I am encouraged by Alfred Morris a running back for the Washington Redskins. He was overlooked by NFL scouts and teams because he was too short, too slow, too weak to be a running back in the NFL. But one team took a chance on him and He was the second leading rusher in the NFL for the 2012 season. He did not believe in what others said about him. He believed that he could be successful and through his confidence he achieved great things.
No one can measure the size of your heart. People can try to predict your future but they are only guessing. They don’t know your heart. They don’t know how bad you want it. They don’t know you.
No one picked you, so what. No one believes in your dreams, so what. They don’t matter, you do. Go after your dreams and goals with all your heart and embraces the challenges in front of you. You have great things to accomplish. go get it.
I am encouraged by Alfred Morris a running back for the Washington Redskins. He was overlooked by NFL scouts and teams because he was too short, too slow, too weak to be a running back in the NFL. But one team took a chance on him and He was the second leading rusher in the NFL for the 2012 season. He did not believe in what others said about him. He believed that he could be successful and through his confidence he achieved great things.
No one can measure the size of your heart. People can try to predict your future but they are only guessing. They don’t know your heart. They don’t know how bad you want it. They don’t know you.
No one picked you, so what. No one believes in your dreams, so what. They don’t matter, you do. Go after your dreams and goals with all your heart and embraces the challenges in front of you. You have great things to accomplish. go get it.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Christmas spirit
With Christmas approaching next week, I am excited. People say that Christmas is not about gifts but they are missing the point. Christmas is about gifts. Jesus Christ is the gift God gave to the world. God gave to his family so that we could have life more abundantly, free from guilt and sin.
I desire to have a heart to give that is not based on a calendar but through the inspiration of my heart. I am reflecting on a verse "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another." I John 4: 10-11
I desire to have a heart to give that is not based on a calendar but through the inspiration of my heart. I am reflecting on a verse "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another." I John 4: 10-11
Monday, December 17, 2012
When will I see the promise
When will I see the promise?
I take comfort in knowing that God keeps His promises. It is the waiting for the promise that can be frustrating. You see I know faith is required to endure the waiting process but it is not easy. I am am conditioned to not be patient. I am bombarded with products that are supposed to make my life easier but only make it more confusing. Nothing I do and nothing I have can replace the desire for God's promises. That is why it is frustrating. I trying to work for the promise but God wants to give the promise.
What I am realizing is when I stop looking for the promise I will see the promise. I don't have to work for it but surrender to it. God has great things in store for me and if I keep the faith I will be great. You see as He told Abram I will make you a great nation. I am the promise. When I surrender to what God has spoken over my life. He will make me great, I just follow His lead.
I take comfort in knowing that God keeps His promises. It is the waiting for the promise that can be frustrating. You see I know faith is required to endure the waiting process but it is not easy. I am am conditioned to not be patient. I am bombarded with products that are supposed to make my life easier but only make it more confusing. Nothing I do and nothing I have can replace the desire for God's promises. That is why it is frustrating. I trying to work for the promise but God wants to give the promise.
What I am realizing is when I stop looking for the promise I will see the promise. I don't have to work for it but surrender to it. God has great things in store for me and if I keep the faith I will be great. You see as He told Abram I will make you a great nation. I am the promise. When I surrender to what God has spoken over my life. He will make me great, I just follow His lead.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Get off your butt and get to business!
"In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? 7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. 8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk." John 5:3-8
The thought came to me today. "Get off your butt and get to business." So many times, I can get complacent, waiting for something to inspire me to action. I am not waiting on God, God is waiting on me to act. The man was sitting waiting for a man to come put him in the pool at the right time so that he could be healed. He believed in someone else's ability to help him but did not believe he could help himself. Think about how many people passed this man ignoring him and his situation.
Sometimes I feel likes this man, waiting for someone to notice my situation and be willing to help me overcome my challenges, and no one comes to my rescue. But God does not want me to remain "impotent" he wants me to be whole.
"Get off your butt and get to business."
Instead of concentrating on my issues I will get up and get to work on all that has been placed on my heart. I don't need someone to come rescue me for I have already been rescued. Like the impotent man God has already given me the gift of healing, I just have to accept it and use it. Whatever I desire God has already placed it in my heart and when I get to business my needs are met continually.
So, if you find yourself, stuck, looking for a sign or something to inspire you to action. Realize that you already have what you need, you just have to get off your butt and get to business.
5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? 7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. 8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk." John 5:3-8
The thought came to me today. "Get off your butt and get to business." So many times, I can get complacent, waiting for something to inspire me to action. I am not waiting on God, God is waiting on me to act. The man was sitting waiting for a man to come put him in the pool at the right time so that he could be healed. He believed in someone else's ability to help him but did not believe he could help himself. Think about how many people passed this man ignoring him and his situation.
Sometimes I feel likes this man, waiting for someone to notice my situation and be willing to help me overcome my challenges, and no one comes to my rescue. But God does not want me to remain "impotent" he wants me to be whole.
"Get off your butt and get to business."
Instead of concentrating on my issues I will get up and get to work on all that has been placed on my heart. I don't need someone to come rescue me for I have already been rescued. Like the impotent man God has already given me the gift of healing, I just have to accept it and use it. Whatever I desire God has already placed it in my heart and when I get to business my needs are met continually.
So, if you find yourself, stuck, looking for a sign or something to inspire you to action. Realize that you already have what you need, you just have to get off your butt and get to business.
Monday, August 27, 2012
A handful of peace
"Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit." Ecclesiastes 4:6As I reflect on this passage I think about all the times I have worked so hard to get my "hands full". By the time my hands are full I am too exhausted to enjoy what I obtained. When I study this verse it is not saying you have little but rather you have a handful. One hand is full while the other is free. Which to me means I have more than enough, as well as peace to go along with it.
When my children play with their toys, they gather all their toys in both hands so no one can play with their toys but them. They are so worried about someone taking what they have that they can't play with their toys. I rather have one "toy" and get to play with it and enjoy it than ten "toys" and never get to enjoy them.
Life is meant to be enjoyed.
Today appreciate the "handfuls" that life has to offer and embrace the peace as it comes with it.
Friday, July 13, 2012
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Monday, July 9, 2012
Backed by God
"Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus: and the Syrians became servants to David, and brought gifts. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.
14And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David's servants. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went." 2 Samuel 8: 6, 14
As I read 2 Samuel 8 today, these two scriptures spoke to me. David had been at war with his enemies. He took on all comers and he won. Wherever he decided to go, God preserved him.
In life, we are faced with many obstacles. Some we choice to confront, some that come as a surprise. As David learned, no matter where we find ourselves God is there preserving us. We can face today with full confidence that God has His hands on our life. We don't have to fear the adversity that comes our way. We also don't have to run from any battles that are before us. We can overcome all battles through our faith in God. God has placed greatness in us and when we realize who we are, no enemy stands a chance against us. Walk with confidence, God has your back.
14And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David's servants. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went." 2 Samuel 8: 6, 14
As I read 2 Samuel 8 today, these two scriptures spoke to me. David had been at war with his enemies. He took on all comers and he won. Wherever he decided to go, God preserved him.
In life, we are faced with many obstacles. Some we choice to confront, some that come as a surprise. As David learned, no matter where we find ourselves God is there preserving us. We can face today with full confidence that God has His hands on our life. We don't have to fear the adversity that comes our way. We also don't have to run from any battles that are before us. We can overcome all battles through our faith in God. God has placed greatness in us and when we realize who we are, no enemy stands a chance against us. Walk with confidence, God has your back.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
You Qualify
There is nothing wrong with you.
In this world we are told who we are is not good enough. We look for someone to identify with but everywhere we turn our "flaws" are magnified. If you go to church people look at you crazy. If you go around your family, they want to flood you with advices on how to be more like them. The news and media tells us to worry about things that we were not thinking about until they mentioned it. Doctors tell us to take medication, friends tell us to take a vacation, parents tell us everything else. Through the process of many influences we live with many voices in our mind telling us what is in our heart to do is wrong.
We hide behind an image that we hate yet accept. We live stressed, depressed, and frustrated. Then we wonder why we abuse ourselves with food, drinks, medications, relationships looking for an outlet to distract us from our tired lives.
Jesus Christ came into a world much like this one. Where people were existing but not living. They were sick, depressed, afraid, alone, hungry and know what He healed them all. If He could do that for them why can He not do it for you now? If you are lost, you qualify. If you are sick, you qualify. If you are heartbroken, you qualify.
Jesus said "The Kingdom of Heaven is within you" You don't have to look beyond what is in you to receive what you need. Through Jesus Christ you have full access to His Kingdom. Turn from all the voices that have kept you from your happiness and peace and hear the voice of God within you.
In this world we are told who we are is not good enough. We look for someone to identify with but everywhere we turn our "flaws" are magnified. If you go to church people look at you crazy. If you go around your family, they want to flood you with advices on how to be more like them. The news and media tells us to worry about things that we were not thinking about until they mentioned it. Doctors tell us to take medication, friends tell us to take a vacation, parents tell us everything else. Through the process of many influences we live with many voices in our mind telling us what is in our heart to do is wrong.
We hide behind an image that we hate yet accept. We live stressed, depressed, and frustrated. Then we wonder why we abuse ourselves with food, drinks, medications, relationships looking for an outlet to distract us from our tired lives.
Jesus Christ came into a world much like this one. Where people were existing but not living. They were sick, depressed, afraid, alone, hungry and know what He healed them all. If He could do that for them why can He not do it for you now? If you are lost, you qualify. If you are sick, you qualify. If you are heartbroken, you qualify.
Jesus said "The Kingdom of Heaven is within you" You don't have to look beyond what is in you to receive what you need. Through Jesus Christ you have full access to His Kingdom. Turn from all the voices that have kept you from your happiness and peace and hear the voice of God within you.
What do you do? When it does not happen.
God can I be real for a moment. I believe in you but yet I suffer. It does not make sense to live expecting for you to move in my life and I don't see it realized. I am backed up against a wall here.
Do you see me? What do you expect me to do? Should I keep working, writing, teaching what do you want from me? Really this is pitful and I hate pity. I know pride is not good but being humble hurts too much. Every time I let down my guard and start expecting the impossible I am left still expecting. I feel like a blind man yearning to see can you please give me direction?
I am just a man but what does that really mean? Why must I suffer? Why must I be hurt? I know I am suppose to be grateful but I have to be honest. I can not live without you hearing all of me. Maybe I should not be blogging this. Maybe this is too personal and people may take this the wrong way. I don't care. I must be honest with you. For in my honesty you receive me. You don't judge or condemn me but love me.
I see now that what I go through is not for me but for others. It is so that I can taste what they taste and feel what they feel. It is so that my heart can be filled with compassion understanding their struggle and life. That is what you show me. That is why I write. You transform my negatively and create a new perspective. You take my darkness and give me a path full of light. Thank you God for listening to me and embracing me. Confession truly does lead to Salvation. :)
Okay back to the question What do you do? Be honest and confess to God only He truly understands your situation. I felt bad, frustrated, discouraged before this blog but now I leave hopeful, happy, and loved. God is good. Don't allow anyone to make you think you are unworthy of a relationship with Him. Wherever you are right now you have the opportunity to speak to Him for yourself.
01/18/12
Do you see me? What do you expect me to do? Should I keep working, writing, teaching what do you want from me? Really this is pitful and I hate pity. I know pride is not good but being humble hurts too much. Every time I let down my guard and start expecting the impossible I am left still expecting. I feel like a blind man yearning to see can you please give me direction?
I am just a man but what does that really mean? Why must I suffer? Why must I be hurt? I know I am suppose to be grateful but I have to be honest. I can not live without you hearing all of me. Maybe I should not be blogging this. Maybe this is too personal and people may take this the wrong way. I don't care. I must be honest with you. For in my honesty you receive me. You don't judge or condemn me but love me.
I see now that what I go through is not for me but for others. It is so that I can taste what they taste and feel what they feel. It is so that my heart can be filled with compassion understanding their struggle and life. That is what you show me. That is why I write. You transform my negatively and create a new perspective. You take my darkness and give me a path full of light. Thank you God for listening to me and embracing me. Confession truly does lead to Salvation. :)
Okay back to the question What do you do? Be honest and confess to God only He truly understands your situation. I felt bad, frustrated, discouraged before this blog but now I leave hopeful, happy, and loved. God is good. Don't allow anyone to make you think you are unworthy of a relationship with Him. Wherever you are right now you have the opportunity to speak to Him for yourself.
01/18/12
God's love is amazing
I am learning that in spite of my ignorance and pride, God still love me. In my flaws I am still in the midst of His love. Because of His love I now can see the world in a new way. If I am worthy of God's love so is everyone else. When you know you are loved. It does something to you. It changes you. No matter where I am, God's love is with me.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
I am loved
What inspires me is the knowledge that I am loved. Wherever I am, God loves is present with me. That is what makes life worth living.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Thoughts on God
I find comfort in knowing that God regards every detail of my life. There is nothing that goes unseen. I don't have to put on a show for God, for I am known. I am accepted and loved and because of this I can learn.
A great teacher can pull students out of their shell so that they can learn. When a student does not feel loved and safe they don't open up. God accepts us as we are, which allows us to learn who we are created to be.
I have to keep my focus on God, receiving grace so I can live life to its fullest.
A great teacher can pull students out of their shell so that they can learn. When a student does not feel loved and safe they don't open up. God accepts us as we are, which allows us to learn who we are created to be.
I have to keep my focus on God, receiving grace so I can live life to its fullest.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Scripture Bullies
I am tired of hearing "Christians" quote scriptures with no understanding or wisdom. I love the bible but it is upsetting to see people use it as a weapon of hate against people that don't live according to their beliefs. All they are doing is turning people away from wanting to get to know God better. No one likes being around a bully and more than anything it shows a lack of relationship with God.
Jesus Christ came not to establish a religious order but give life to all men. No matter what your background is, you are able to come to Him as you are. He accepts everyone with open arms and does not need "bouncers" controlling who gets into the club. Love conquers all, don't be a stumblingblock to someone getting what they need from God. It is not about what we say or do, it all about what Jesus Christ as already done. What is He has done is the gospel and the gospel is what we all need.
Jesus Christ came not to establish a religious order but give life to all men. No matter what your background is, you are able to come to Him as you are. He accepts everyone with open arms and does not need "bouncers" controlling who gets into the club. Love conquers all, don't be a stumblingblock to someone getting what they need from God. It is not about what we say or do, it all about what Jesus Christ as already done. What is He has done is the gospel and the gospel is what we all need.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Simply Pray
Sometimes I just need to pray. I get so caught up in chaos of my day that I don't make communicating with God a priority. I spend more time on social media sites, sharing what I am doing, that I lose sight of what is important to me. Trying to squeeze in time for God does not work for me. For it is not quality time. I am still thinking about what I need to do next and when I am done praying, I don't feel any more confident or at peace than I did before I prayed. I don't want to just pray out of habit like I am checking an email.
When I make it my priority. Prayer/Mediation allows me to unload my thoughts and find my way again. Prayer gives me what I need to live in this crazy world. No matter where I am, God has made me His priority and through seeking Him first I receive peace and love that stays with me throughout my day.
Have a great day and don't forget to pray :)
When I make it my priority. Prayer/Mediation allows me to unload my thoughts and find my way again. Prayer gives me what I need to live in this crazy world. No matter where I am, God has made me His priority and through seeking Him first I receive peace and love that stays with me throughout my day.
Have a great day and don't forget to pray :)
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