Today is the last day for me to be blogging about memory verses. It is crazy how fast, and at time slow, it has gone. Thank you to those who have been in this with me. Your love and encouragment was what I needed it to be... accountability. I don't have every scripture memorized word for word, but I'm so thankful for the knowledge I have gained. I know more now than I did 40 days ago. I pray I continue to seek after scripture...for it to run in my blood.
This past week I've thought, 'how am I going to wrap this up?' 'What verse will I end with?' I've memorized verses about God's promises, the Holy Spirit's power, the restoration found in Christ... the list could go on. Then last night we were playing a game with my parents, chit chatting about nonsense fears. Then my Dad mentioned Matthew 6:34...
'Therefor do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.'
After thinking about this verse, this is the last one I want to focus on for this lent season. Yes, it is a simple verse I have heard several times. Though simple, it is so powerful and should drive how I live. In a way it sums up what I've been learning this journey. It's the perfect umbrella verse. Here is a pep talk to myself regarding todays verse and the verses from the past 39 days...
God has given you what you need to get through today. His riches surround you in many forms. Dwell in His faithfulness, goodness and perfect peace. When you woke up this morning you were a new fresh person...just like you are each day. God has a plan for you, today. Be quiet enough to hear the Holy Spirit whisper what direction you should go, today. The Spirit is in you, advocating for you to be the best you can be. Don't be a slave to the world around you. Express love to all you meet. Live today the best you can. Do not worry about tomorrow.
May God bless us as we journey to know Him and make Him known.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
Day #39
Good Friday. On this day we reflect on the power of darkness and evil. Yesterday I was reading the scene of when Jesus was crusified. Scripture tells us it was darkness covered the earth and the earth shook. Can you imagine what it was like? Can you imagine the defeat some may have felt? I love that today is called 'Good Friday.' It reminds me of the goodness and new life we have in Christ.
Revelation 21:5
5 And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, forthese words are faithful and true.”
Today's scripture is such a great promise to me. God makes all things new. Not only does he say it, he tells us to write these words down, because these words are faithful and true. My dear friend has a tattoo that says it. Talk about a daily reminder!
Despite the darkness in our world. We serve a God who has victory over death and darkness. We serve a God who makes ALL things new. What does that mean for you? It brings me to tears. I'm humbled that no matter if I fall... Maybe say something a regret, dont extend grace (even to myelf) or spend time doubting. His mercies are new every morning making all things new and fresh in me.
Praise His name that He overcame darkness.
Today's scripture is such a great promise to me. God makes all things new. Not only does he say it, he tells us to write these words down, because these words are faithful and true. My dear friend has a tattoo that says it. Talk about a daily reminder!
Despite the darkness in our world. We serve a God who has victory over death and darkness. We serve a God who makes ALL things new. What does that mean for you? It brings me to tears. I'm humbled that no matter if I fall... Maybe say something a regret, dont extend grace (even to myelf) or spend time doubting. His mercies are new every morning making all things new and fresh in me.
Praise His name that He overcame darkness.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Day #38
I really love the Easter season. It's such an exciting time as we wait to celebrate. We wait to celebrate what defines us as Christians. It's a shame that so many things can get in our way as stumbling blocks, causing us not to be excited.
I was reading in Matthew today and was reminded that humans, including me, can be stumbling blocks for others. Jesus had stumbling blocks.
Matthew 16:23
Jesus turned to Peter and said, ' Get behind me satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns. '
My prayer is that stumbling blocks would never get in my way. I know I face them daily, but I pray they never deflate my excitement for Jesus. Especially the excitement for the celebration found in Jesus' death and resurrection.
I was reading in Matthew today and was reminded that humans, including me, can be stumbling blocks for others. Jesus had stumbling blocks.
Matthew 16:23
Jesus turned to Peter and said, ' Get behind me satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns. '
My prayer is that stumbling blocks would never get in my way. I know I face them daily, but I pray they never deflate my excitement for Jesus. Especially the excitement for the celebration found in Jesus' death and resurrection.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Day #37
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strength you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Lately I feel like I've been having a lot of conversations about fear. Fear of being alone. Fear of what our world is coming to. Plain and simple, fear of all things bad. The thing is I know the enemy feeds off of fear. In my opinion, Especially in women.
In my life fear goes up and down. I can testify how The Lord has given me strength. Just like he promises in today's verse. Fear has taken on many forms in my life. Most recently I thought my history of working in a children's hospital would feed my fear of noelle getting hurt or sick. However, it hasn't consumed me like I thought it would. God has given me strength to not fear and to trust.
I'm grateful for the other areas he has give this scaredy pants strength. I'm so grateful. I pray that I will call in Gods strength daily and that I would not live in fear.
So do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strength you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Lately I feel like I've been having a lot of conversations about fear. Fear of being alone. Fear of what our world is coming to. Plain and simple, fear of all things bad. The thing is I know the enemy feeds off of fear. In my opinion, Especially in women.
In my life fear goes up and down. I can testify how The Lord has given me strength. Just like he promises in today's verse. Fear has taken on many forms in my life. Most recently I thought my history of working in a children's hospital would feed my fear of noelle getting hurt or sick. However, it hasn't consumed me like I thought it would. God has given me strength to not fear and to trust.
I'm grateful for the other areas he has give this scaredy pants strength. I'm so grateful. I pray that I will call in Gods strength daily and that I would not live in fear.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Day #36
Colossians 3:15-17
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
It's my last day to focus on this passage. The last verse has come at a great time for me. One of those moments of sunshine God has matched up for me. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
In no way do I want to sound like I'm being boastful by sharing this little story. Actually, it's quite humbling because I think stories like this should be taking place daily in my life...and they don't. I wont go into a lot of details. I was in conversation with someone and they expressed a fear they had in my judgement regarding actions in their life. I was able to share that I am a Christ follower, I take forgiveness and unconditional love seriously. I ellaborated a little more, and her eyes filled with tears.
It was amazing because she claims to not believe in God. But, me telling her I don't judge her... in the name of Jesus, she was obviously moved!
So... whatever you do today. Whether it be buy groceries or feed the poor. Do it all in the name of Jesus.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
It's my last day to focus on this passage. The last verse has come at a great time for me. One of those moments of sunshine God has matched up for me. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
In no way do I want to sound like I'm being boastful by sharing this little story. Actually, it's quite humbling because I think stories like this should be taking place daily in my life...and they don't. I wont go into a lot of details. I was in conversation with someone and they expressed a fear they had in my judgement regarding actions in their life. I was able to share that I am a Christ follower, I take forgiveness and unconditional love seriously. I ellaborated a little more, and her eyes filled with tears.
It was amazing because she claims to not believe in God. But, me telling her I don't judge her... in the name of Jesus, she was obviously moved!
So... whatever you do today. Whether it be buy groceries or feed the poor. Do it all in the name of Jesus.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Day #35
Colossians 3:15-17
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
On Friday I wrote about peace ruling our hearts. Today I want to pick up talking about the message of Christ dwelling among us, in different forms. I love this verse, mainly because I love music. Music has played a powerful role in my life. I grew up in a home where my father's profession was music. I can hear a song and be right back in a memory. While I love all forms of music, I really love Christian music. Honestly, some is a little cheesy for me. But, a lot of it moves me to tears!
I've discovered that music can change my attitude. It's crazy it can play such a powerful role. I can't help but think Christ likes it when His message dwells in us through music. Especially when we sing to God with gratitude in our hearts. I pray I fill my head with songs of praise. May those lyrics be stuck in my mind, continuing to praise Him all day.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Day #34
Colossians 3:15-17
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Today I want to focus on verse 15. Monday I will focus on the rest.
The other day Andy and I were discussing a situation and he pointed out he wasn't sure if that person had peace. His comment stopped me in my thoughts. So often I think people, even members of the body of Christ, don't have a peace in their hearts. And that is why they allow life to keep them in bondage.
I know in my life my I can pick out chapters where peace filled my heart, despite hardship. But I can just as easily pick out chapters in my life where something other than peace filled my heart. Why do you think this happens? Jealousy, bitterness, darkness have a sneaky way of ruling our hearts. Often, I don't even notice when it's happening.
I think this verse helps answer that question for me. The sentence, and be thankful. When I stop being thankful, ugliness can take over. I’m not sure I'm articulating that very well. Let me try again... When I have peace in my heart (even in hard times) I'm much more aware of extending my gratitude to the Lord. When I stop offering my thankfulness to God, my connection, my relationship, my peace with God is not the center of my heart. This is the perfect opportunity for the enemy to be sly and let ugly thoughts fill my heart. Gross! I don't want that. God, may I always be thankful and always have your peace fill my heart.
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