I remember my first Women's bible study at Grace Brethren Church. It was titled "John, The Beloved Disciple" by Beth Moore. It was the fall of 2011, and I fell in love with Jesus during that season. He was in the process of wooing me and my heart was ripe for the picking.
Although it was almost four years ago, two things still stand out as if it were yesterday. The first being we were asked to write a letter to Jesus, telling Him our heart's desire. I for one speak to Jesus all the time, but when I had to write Him a letter as if He were going to actually read it, that deeply touched me and my Spirit completely took over.
In my flesh, I thought I would express to Him about the type of "things" I wanted in my future husband. However, the pen began a journey of its own, expressing the things deep within my vulnerable heart that I openly revealed to my Lord and My Lover. I truly wanted more of Jesus. I wanted only the things that He wanted for me and I wanted only to draw nearer to Him with each passing day. I wanted to please Him with my life and I wanted to let Him know that He was indeed my heart's desire.
The other thing that I discovered...now this is going to sound strange, but I'm serious: I discovered that being in control was an absolute illusion. That truth completely burst my bubble and my way of thinking. Being in control was my "claim to fame: and in my mind, it was the only thing that I did right!
So not the case as far as Jesus was concerned. In order for me to trust Him and to have true intimacy, I had to be willing to let go and Let God. That was not only [laugh out loud] funny but it was oh so freeing! #John 8:36 "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
Now seriously, who wouldn't want that?!
I write this particular post because there are many things occurring not only in my family, but in our society and in our Nation that has our flesh in a state of panic. So many people are wrapped up in the things of this world and loosing sight of who is #STILL in control. #HEBREWS 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (NIV)
I know that Satan is the enemy of our souls, and the Prince of the earth, but he does not know our thoughts and he has no power over those that belong to Christ JESUS! #John 10:29 "My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand." (ESV)
We are struggling and failing miserably because we will not relinquish control to the ONLY ONE who CAN! Jesus wants to bear our burdens in exchange for rest and in exchange for peace. #Psalm 55:22 "Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall." (NLT)
He wants you and I to live in a state of contentment, trusting that He will meet every need, no matter how small and no matter how ginormous. We are hamsters on a wheel trying to do it all in our own strength and that only leads to not only major disappointments, but major health concerns: diabetes, strokes, heart attacks, depression and anxiety, just to name a few.
#Matthew 6:27 "And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?" (ESV)
#Philippians 4:12 "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." (NIV)
We are operating on autopilot and we don't even have to. #Matthew 11:30 "For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." (NLT)
We are busy trying to tackle so many of life's issues without the guidance of the Holy Spirit and without wise counsel. #John 16:7 "Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you." (ESV)
We can find that "thing" our heart desire's most when we GIVE it to the Lord. #Psalm 37:4 "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." (KJV)
When we mediate on His truths and precepts and actually believe what we have read about Him and who we are according to His word, we will discover that no matter what our circumstances say and look like, we already have the #victory!
#Romans 8:37 "...No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." (NIV)
We are so loved by Him that nothing will ever separate us: Not even our failures!!!
#Romans 8:3;8 "And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love." (NLT)
Thank you Father that in my own strength, I simply cannot. BUT with You, I can do all things. #Philippians 4:13 "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (NIV)
Yet, another day to praise Him...
Monday, June 29, 2015
Sunday, June 21, 2015
What Do You Expect?
I recently read a devotion from "Our Daily Bread" and it made an interesting reference a person's expectations. I expect certain things and I, even (sad to say) had and still have feelings of entitlement. Lord, Jesus, after reading that devotion last night, help me to see that I only have a right to ...
(pause: a little white butterfly just fluttered by my window)
But like I was saying, I only have a right to stand firm in my faith and proclaim that Jesus is Lord. He is the only way to eternal life. John 14:6 Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." (NLT)
Truly, I'm not entitled to anything here on earth and as selfish as it may sound, I actually thought quite the opposite.
When I read that excerpt about how if we were to lower our expectations, we wouldn't be as hurt, disappointed or shocked for that matter, when they are not met. In fact, some of us get down right pissed when others fail to met them. That really got me to thinking about my own expectations. Big and small; the ones that I held so tightly to in the past and the ones that I still hold today. Some, I'm not so proud of and some you may not agree with.
So here are some of the things I expected. Note: I was unaware that I was expecting them until years later. Actually, His #gift of Salvation brought so much clarity about the things that I expected and believed that it still amazes me that GOD chose me. :-)
Expectation - "A belief that someone will or should achieve something."
I expected people to be on time.
I expected people to save their money.
I expected people to be neat and organized.
I expected my children to behave.
I expected family to get along.
I expected people to apologize.
I expected people to be polite.
I expected promises to be kept.
I expected good customer service.
I expected people to tell the truth.
I expected men to lead the household.
I expected fathers to be fathers to their children.
I expected someone to mean it when they said that they loved me.
I expected my marriage to last.
#That's just to name a few. No judgment please
And today:
Expectation - "A strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future."
I expect everyone to come to the realization that Jesus is Lord.
I expect everyone to see that GOD is good.
I expect everyone to feel His love for them.
I expect others to share what He's given them.
I expect people to walk away from intentional sin.
I expect people to apologize.
I expect people to help the hungry and the homeless.
I expect people to love reading the bible.
I expect people to keep their word.
I expect people to stop the violence.
I expect people to forgive.
I expect people to count their blessings.
I expect people to believe that God can.
I expect people to stop being selfish.
I expect Christians to stay married.
I expect people to surrender to His will.
I expect people to let go and let God.
I expect people to accept death.
I expect people to put their hope in Jesus.
I expect people to overcome the devil.
I expect people to repent of their sins.
I expect people to deny their flesh.
I expect love to heal everything.
#And that's just to name a few. Again, no judgment please.
As a seven year old Christian, I still have much to learn about myself, about others and about God. The main thing being that this life is not about Me and what I expect. I'm still learning humility!!! If I put My HOPE in The Creator, the One whom everything belongs, then I can relax and rest in who is really in control. Surely not I. Lol
He will reveal to me what it is He wants me to know and do. Having my expectations met is not my heart's desire. However, knowing and growing in Christ's wisdom and knowledge is in deed what I want most. Thank you Lord for revealing yourself to those who love and seek You.
1 Corinthians 1:21 "For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe." (NIV)
The Holy Spirit is still revealing His self to me, #But one thing that I am trying to master is this: Not everyone has faith, but God is faithful. Beth Moore spoke that profound truth in our last bible study of 1 and 2 Thessalonians.
I hold tight to the fact that in the end, JESUS will return for me. Revelation 1:7 "Look, he is coming with the clouds," and "every eye will see him, even those who pierced him"; and all peoples on earth "will mourn because of him." So shall it be! Amen. (NIV)
Because of my weak flesh, I may still hold a lot of unmet expectations deep within. When I order a cup of coffee, I may not get it as hot as I'd like it and when I retire from law enforcement, I may not get the dream job I'm hoping for, but I am not letting go of the #PROMISES of God!
The entire Bible is for His Glory and our Salvation!! Isaiah 55:11 "...so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." (NIV)
He will finish what He started in me!! Praise the Lord that I'm still a work in #progress!
Philippians 1:6 "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." (NLT)
He will bring His wrath and judgment on those who refuse to #believe! Colossians 3:5-6 "Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience,..." (NIV)
Thank You Father for waiting on me!
Yet, another day to praise Him...
(pause: a little white butterfly just fluttered by my window)
But like I was saying, I only have a right to stand firm in my faith and proclaim that Jesus is Lord. He is the only way to eternal life. John 14:6 Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." (NLT)
Truly, I'm not entitled to anything here on earth and as selfish as it may sound, I actually thought quite the opposite.
When I read that excerpt about how if we were to lower our expectations, we wouldn't be as hurt, disappointed or shocked for that matter, when they are not met. In fact, some of us get down right pissed when others fail to met them. That really got me to thinking about my own expectations. Big and small; the ones that I held so tightly to in the past and the ones that I still hold today. Some, I'm not so proud of and some you may not agree with.
So here are some of the things I expected. Note: I was unaware that I was expecting them until years later. Actually, His #gift of Salvation brought so much clarity about the things that I expected and believed that it still amazes me that GOD chose me. :-)
Expectation - "A belief that someone will or should achieve something."
I expected people to be on time.
I expected people to save their money.
I expected people to be neat and organized.
I expected my children to behave.
I expected family to get along.
I expected people to apologize.
I expected people to be polite.
I expected promises to be kept.
I expected good customer service.
I expected people to tell the truth.
I expected men to lead the household.
I expected fathers to be fathers to their children.
I expected someone to mean it when they said that they loved me.
I expected my marriage to last.
#That's just to name a few. No judgment please
And today:
Expectation - "A strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future."
I expect everyone to come to the realization that Jesus is Lord.
I expect everyone to see that GOD is good.
I expect everyone to feel His love for them.
I expect others to share what He's given them.
I expect people to walk away from intentional sin.
I expect people to apologize.
I expect people to help the hungry and the homeless.
I expect people to love reading the bible.
I expect people to keep their word.
I expect people to stop the violence.
I expect people to forgive.
I expect people to count their blessings.
I expect people to believe that God can.
I expect people to stop being selfish.
I expect Christians to stay married.
I expect people to surrender to His will.
I expect people to let go and let God.
I expect people to accept death.
I expect people to put their hope in Jesus.
I expect people to overcome the devil.
I expect people to repent of their sins.
I expect people to deny their flesh.
I expect love to heal everything.
#And that's just to name a few. Again, no judgment please.
As a seven year old Christian, I still have much to learn about myself, about others and about God. The main thing being that this life is not about Me and what I expect. I'm still learning humility!!! If I put My HOPE in The Creator, the One whom everything belongs, then I can relax and rest in who is really in control. Surely not I. Lol
He will reveal to me what it is He wants me to know and do. Having my expectations met is not my heart's desire. However, knowing and growing in Christ's wisdom and knowledge is in deed what I want most. Thank you Lord for revealing yourself to those who love and seek You.
1 Corinthians 1:21 "For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe." (NIV)
The Holy Spirit is still revealing His self to me, #But one thing that I am trying to master is this: Not everyone has faith, but God is faithful. Beth Moore spoke that profound truth in our last bible study of 1 and 2 Thessalonians.
I hold tight to the fact that in the end, JESUS will return for me. Revelation 1:7 "Look, he is coming with the clouds," and "every eye will see him, even those who pierced him"; and all peoples on earth "will mourn because of him." So shall it be! Amen. (NIV)
Because of my weak flesh, I may still hold a lot of unmet expectations deep within. When I order a cup of coffee, I may not get it as hot as I'd like it and when I retire from law enforcement, I may not get the dream job I'm hoping for, but I am not letting go of the #PROMISES of God!
The entire Bible is for His Glory and our Salvation!! Isaiah 55:11 "...so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." (NIV)
He will finish what He started in me!! Praise the Lord that I'm still a work in #progress!
Philippians 1:6 "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." (NLT)
He will bring His wrath and judgment on those who refuse to #believe! Colossians 3:5-6 "Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience,..." (NIV)
Thank You Father for waiting on me!
Yet, another day to praise Him...
Sunday, June 14, 2015
A Dread or A Delight?
Greeting the day...
“How do you feel?”
“Do you oftentimes dread another day?”
Is your demeanor similar to the famous commercial where the parakeet continually repeats after his owner stating, “Not another day…?”
“Is that how you feel too or are you even aware of how you greet the #gift of another day?”
There are so many things, many being necessary, in our day-to-day life that can demand our attention. Starting with our morning routines: “Does yours look anything like this?”
Alarm clock...
Shower...
Breakfast...
Running late...
Traffic...
Drop kids off at school...
Demands in the workplace...
Errands...
Homework...
Dinner...
Chores, grocery, cleaners, doctors…and the list goes on and on (and not to mention the bills…)
“Where is God? Do you include Him or even invite Him into your day?”
“How different would our morning be if we began with Him; if we were to delight in His presence first thing?”
You are not alone. There is Someone willing to walk you through your day beginning at first light. <>< Psalm 148:3 “Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.” (NLT)
Try greeting the day with a #gratefulness, being reminded that many did not wake up at all. There are even some who are in fact bedridden and unable to move about freely. Not only that, I am quite certain that there are some who cannot leave their beds but still manage to delight in His glorious presence.
When we allow life to get the best of us, we can easily forget that not only do we still have breath, but that we actually still have the ability to read, write, hear, taste, feel, touch, smell, create, choose, explore, dream and so much more; all because we are blessed by the Creator of the Universe and the #giver of all things good. <>< James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (NIV)
In the midst of our daily lives and all that it entails, we have a loving Savior who wants to come along. “How cool is that?” <>< Hebrews 3:5 "... I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Not only do we have so much on our to-do list, but we often have some (people) on that list as well. And, some of those people are difficult and even resistant…but #praise God that Jesus is not. He is so willing to accompany us in our activities, chores and not so pleasant tasks. He will even make the path clear before we begin. <>< Proverbs 3:6 “Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (NLT)
We depend way too much on ourselves, our own strengths and the strengths of others before we fall into complete exhaustion. We allow the monotony and the mundane to run us down to nothing, continuously forgetting that He is our burden bearer. <>< Psalm 55:22 “Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” (NLT)
<>< Matthew 11:29 “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (NIV)
Let's try to put away the DREAD of life and replace it with DELIGHT! He wants to give us our heart’s desire and that includes something as simple as a great cup of coffee or something even much more amazing like that "dream vacation." All things big and small can be gifted to us as we put Him first and make Him our delight!
<>< Matthew 6:33 “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (NLT)
<>< Psalm 37:4 “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (NIV)
I have learned these things over time and looking back at my life and all the times where I desperately struggled to hold it all together, I still burst into laughter. Realizing that I did not have to do it on my own was so foreign to me. Knowing that Jesus wants to accompany me in my daily routine and knowing that He has already made a path for me, that alone gives me reason to #delight in Him. Even if the attendant messes up my coffee order and even if I never get the #dream vacation.
I’ll take the companionship of Jesus hands down!
Yet, another day to praise Him
“How do you feel?”
“Do you oftentimes dread another day?”
Is your demeanor similar to the famous commercial where the parakeet continually repeats after his owner stating, “Not another day…?”
“Is that how you feel too or are you even aware of how you greet the #gift of another day?”
There are so many things, many being necessary, in our day-to-day life that can demand our attention. Starting with our morning routines: “Does yours look anything like this?”
Alarm clock...
Shower...
Breakfast...
Running late...
Traffic...
Drop kids off at school...
Demands in the workplace...
Errands...
Homework...
Dinner...
Chores, grocery, cleaners, doctors…and the list goes on and on (and not to mention the bills…)
“Where is God? Do you include Him or even invite Him into your day?”
“How different would our morning be if we began with Him; if we were to delight in His presence first thing?”
You are not alone. There is Someone willing to walk you through your day beginning at first light. <>< Psalm 148:3 “Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.” (NLT)
Try greeting the day with a #gratefulness, being reminded that many did not wake up at all. There are even some who are in fact bedridden and unable to move about freely. Not only that, I am quite certain that there are some who cannot leave their beds but still manage to delight in His glorious presence.
When we allow life to get the best of us, we can easily forget that not only do we still have breath, but that we actually still have the ability to read, write, hear, taste, feel, touch, smell, create, choose, explore, dream and so much more; all because we are blessed by the Creator of the Universe and the #giver of all things good. <>< James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (NIV)
In the midst of our daily lives and all that it entails, we have a loving Savior who wants to come along. “How cool is that?” <>< Hebrews 3:5 "... I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Not only do we have so much on our to-do list, but we often have some (people) on that list as well. And, some of those people are difficult and even resistant…but #praise God that Jesus is not. He is so willing to accompany us in our activities, chores and not so pleasant tasks. He will even make the path clear before we begin. <>< Proverbs 3:6 “Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (NLT)
We depend way too much on ourselves, our own strengths and the strengths of others before we fall into complete exhaustion. We allow the monotony and the mundane to run us down to nothing, continuously forgetting that He is our burden bearer. <>< Psalm 55:22 “Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” (NLT)
<>< Matthew 11:29 “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (NIV)
Let's try to put away the DREAD of life and replace it with DELIGHT! He wants to give us our heart’s desire and that includes something as simple as a great cup of coffee or something even much more amazing like that "dream vacation." All things big and small can be gifted to us as we put Him first and make Him our delight!
<>< Matthew 6:33 “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (NLT)
<>< Psalm 37:4 “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (NIV)
I have learned these things over time and looking back at my life and all the times where I desperately struggled to hold it all together, I still burst into laughter. Realizing that I did not have to do it on my own was so foreign to me. Knowing that Jesus wants to accompany me in my daily routine and knowing that He has already made a path for me, that alone gives me reason to #delight in Him. Even if the attendant messes up my coffee order and even if I never get the #dream vacation.
I’ll take the companionship of Jesus hands down!
Yet, another day to praise Him
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
What Are You Wearing?
When I think of the word clothe, I remember in my past when I wished
that I had something, anything with a designer label on it. I never quite fit in and in my opinion, if I
wore the right clothes, at least I’d feel like “somebody.” Most of my “friends” wore pretty clothes,
pretty jewelry and some even had a car. I
on the other hand, I had a baby. Yes, I was a
young mother and I had my hands full with that responsibility alone. Not to mention the fact that what I looked
like was of very little importance being as though I was a homebody and an introvert. Still, in my mind, if I had designer labels,
I’m sure I would have at least felt pretty.
Silly to say that before my pregnancy and even years after, I still believed that having the right clothes would define me. I don't know why I adopted that "belief" but I always noticed the “pretty girls” and the styles that were in “season” were never anything that I could afford. Truthfully speaking, I can’t even remember going to the mall much.
Even now that I’m fifty years old, I don’t go to the mall. And the funny part is that now, I can if I wanted to. How ironic that now that I have the money to buy the “designer” label, I no longer desire it? I remember reading a book buy Eckhart Tolle, once referring to fashion, in which he stated, "If everyone could afford [it] we wouldn't want it as much." Knowing my insecurities back then, I still would have wanted them :-)
Anyway, I talk all this talk about "clothes" because whenever I read the following scripture, I’m astonished that what I wore was of no real significance in the eyes of God.
Colossians 3:12 “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (NIV)
Knowing that the One who created me was much more concerned about my “Spiritual disposition” than He was about my outer appearance brings me to a complete rest. Resting in the fact that I can wear something from Wal-mart and be pleasing in His eyes as opposed to having the best and latest fashion with no compassion, no kindness, no humility, no gentleness and on patience.
How incredible and eye-opening is that truth?
All those years of putting on clothes, shoes, jewelry and even a little make-up meant nothing to God if I were not clothe in His righteous. All those years of wanting to impress [others] and wanting to fit in held little significance if my heart was not in alignment with His Word.
1 Samuel 16:7 "... But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height,...The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV)
It is so freeing knowing that I can be me and I can play “dress up” in fashions as simple as Marshalls and Target or something a bit more upscale like Lord and Taylor and #still be pleasing and acceptable not in the eyes of man, but in the eyes of my Father; the One who matters most and the One who has clothe me with His Spirit of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. I know that I am completely incapable of doing any of these without Him and knowing that I can rely on Him brings me to a complete rest in my spirit.
And to go deeper, I have to praise Him that I no longer clothe myself in the things of this world. I am no longer clothe in relationships that are not godly and that are outside His marriage covenant. I must admit that in the beginning, it was a lot easier to clothe myself in "Colossians" than it was to clothe myself in "Romans." Letting go of “someone that I loved” as opposed to letting go of that designer outfit what much more difficult. But, I clearly heard the voice of God saying that it was not only wrong, but it was not my [season] to be in a relationship. Jesus, the #lover of my soul, wanted me all to Himself and how could a girl say no to an invitation like that?!?!
Silly to say that before my pregnancy and even years after, I still believed that having the right clothes would define me. I don't know why I adopted that "belief" but I always noticed the “pretty girls” and the styles that were in “season” were never anything that I could afford. Truthfully speaking, I can’t even remember going to the mall much.
Even now that I’m fifty years old, I don’t go to the mall. And the funny part is that now, I can if I wanted to. How ironic that now that I have the money to buy the “designer” label, I no longer desire it? I remember reading a book buy Eckhart Tolle, once referring to fashion, in which he stated, "If everyone could afford [it] we wouldn't want it as much." Knowing my insecurities back then, I still would have wanted them :-)
Anyway, I talk all this talk about "clothes" because whenever I read the following scripture, I’m astonished that what I wore was of no real significance in the eyes of God.
Colossians 3:12 “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (NIV)
Knowing that the One who created me was much more concerned about my “Spiritual disposition” than He was about my outer appearance brings me to a complete rest. Resting in the fact that I can wear something from Wal-mart and be pleasing in His eyes as opposed to having the best and latest fashion with no compassion, no kindness, no humility, no gentleness and on patience.
How incredible and eye-opening is that truth?
All those years of putting on clothes, shoes, jewelry and even a little make-up meant nothing to God if I were not clothe in His righteous. All those years of wanting to impress [others] and wanting to fit in held little significance if my heart was not in alignment with His Word.
1 Samuel 16:7 "... But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height,...The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV)
It is so freeing knowing that I can be me and I can play “dress up” in fashions as simple as Marshalls and Target or something a bit more upscale like Lord and Taylor and #still be pleasing and acceptable not in the eyes of man, but in the eyes of my Father; the One who matters most and the One who has clothe me with His Spirit of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. I know that I am completely incapable of doing any of these without Him and knowing that I can rely on Him brings me to a complete rest in my spirit.
And to go deeper, I have to praise Him that I no longer clothe myself in the things of this world. I am no longer clothe in relationships that are not godly and that are outside His marriage covenant. I must admit that in the beginning, it was a lot easier to clothe myself in "Colossians" than it was to clothe myself in "Romans." Letting go of “someone that I loved” as opposed to letting go of that designer outfit what much more difficult. But, I clearly heard the voice of God saying that it was not only wrong, but it was not my [season] to be in a relationship. Jesus, the #lover of my soul, wanted me all to Himself and how could a girl say no to an invitation like that?!?!
Romans 13:14 “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus
Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” (NIV)
-Yet, another day to praise Him...
Monday, June 8, 2015
A New Life
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (KJV)
I love this version of 2 Corinthians 5:17 because it includes the word [all].
With a promise like that, how could I not love Him?
My past was a complete mess. I was all dressed up with my business suit, stilettos, and famous smile, but underneath it all, I was broken, exhausted and afraid that someone would eventually find out.
What amazes me about my journey with Jesus is that He knew. Nothing that I did was ever hidden from Him. "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." Hebrews 4:13 (NIV)
There goes that word [all] again. Nothing I ever did was in secret. Even when I mustered up the strength to make it through another day, reached the threshold of my door and collapsed into my deep rooted insecurities, He was there.
This blog is my way of expressing my love to Him and also in hopes that at least one other person feels the way that I did and still sometimes do. He has indeed given me a new life and as a result of that precious gift, the enemy of my soul wants to continually remind me of who I used to be.
I draw daily from the strength that He has promised to see me through this journey to completion. "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 (NLT)
I have been His beloved daughter since May 4, 2008, and He has not failed me yet. And, now that I type that very sentence, I am reminded by His Holy Spirit that He has always been there. "You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed." Psalm 139:16 (NLT)
-Yet another day to praise Him...
I love this version of 2 Corinthians 5:17 because it includes the word [all].
With a promise like that, how could I not love Him?
My past was a complete mess. I was all dressed up with my business suit, stilettos, and famous smile, but underneath it all, I was broken, exhausted and afraid that someone would eventually find out.
What amazes me about my journey with Jesus is that He knew. Nothing that I did was ever hidden from Him. "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." Hebrews 4:13 (NIV)
There goes that word [all] again. Nothing I ever did was in secret. Even when I mustered up the strength to make it through another day, reached the threshold of my door and collapsed into my deep rooted insecurities, He was there.
This blog is my way of expressing my love to Him and also in hopes that at least one other person feels the way that I did and still sometimes do. He has indeed given me a new life and as a result of that precious gift, the enemy of my soul wants to continually remind me of who I used to be.
I draw daily from the strength that He has promised to see me through this journey to completion. "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 (NLT)
I have been His beloved daughter since May 4, 2008, and He has not failed me yet. And, now that I type that very sentence, I am reminded by His Holy Spirit that He has always been there. "You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed." Psalm 139:16 (NLT)
-Yet another day to praise Him...
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