Forgive because God forgave you. This has been a recurring theme in my life forever, but just recently I have taken notice that the Holy Spirit has been talking to me about it. Pointing it out in every circumstance, season of life, and relationships.
Have you ever thought that forgiving someone can bring about some freedom from guilt and shame. You end up bringing harmony to your life. It is so great.
It was even the topic of the sermon on Sunday on 9/21/14.
Forgiving is letting go of the hurt and relying on God instead. God told me in one instance that I shouldn't keep records of wrongs because that is not what God did. He knew every bad thing I would ever do and he did not hold that against me. Also I was told that if I didn't forgive others, I was basically saying that God's word is a lie, and I don't want to do that. His word is truth.
I have been re-evaluating my friendships and relationships because I have wanted to have harmony with them. Because some relationships I have been holding on to things, that were wrong for me to do. I have been learning that when a person has discord among friendships that causes a disconnect between that person and God. Recognizing and acknowledging that there is a disconnect between yourself and God, pushes you one step in the right direction to mending that broken connection.
So I had some forgiving to do, and not just that but to keep forgiving, because I know the truth, God already forgave me! Do you know how hard it is to forgive someone sometimes? When they truly wrong you? God forgave the crowd of mockers who falsely accused his son and then later crucified him. How humbling is it to think about that moment?
So simply put, God forgave, and so should we.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Monday, September 22, 2014
God's Timing is ALWAYS Perfect
The thought that crossed my mind the other day was that God waits for us to turn back to him. How can we not be patient in situations? He has waited so long, thousands of years in fact. He knew how long it would take us to feel his love and love him back.
Another wise friend in my life, I will call her Pam (she reminds me of Pam from the Office), said, "stop comparing yourself to others, you are where God wants you to be." Such encouraging words, even though I know I have heard these words before. This conversation was in light of my 10 year class reunion, coming up in 2 weeks. I just don't feel like I have accomplished anything, not married or dating anyone, no kids, no real career, and the list could go on. What I have learned from talking to Pam is that I found Jesus and that is the best accomplishment ever. So who cares if I don't have that other stuff. It will come. I have hope that God will one day give me the desires of my heart.
So I have to rest in His plan in my life. Because my plan fails all the time. He knows what is best for me. I just have to trust in that.
God is good and he has given me many blessings. In the waiting I will learn all I can. I will sit at the feet of Jesus, and talk to His Spirit and attempt to acknowledge him in all ways.
He has blessed me with many friends, a wonderful church and church family, family, and steady job, and many other things. He also sent his son to die on the cross for me. He gave me his love.
Just remember in the waiting, there is learning and God's timing is always perfect.
Another wise friend in my life, I will call her Pam (she reminds me of Pam from the Office), said, "stop comparing yourself to others, you are where God wants you to be." Such encouraging words, even though I know I have heard these words before. This conversation was in light of my 10 year class reunion, coming up in 2 weeks. I just don't feel like I have accomplished anything, not married or dating anyone, no kids, no real career, and the list could go on. What I have learned from talking to Pam is that I found Jesus and that is the best accomplishment ever. So who cares if I don't have that other stuff. It will come. I have hope that God will one day give me the desires of my heart.
So I have to rest in His plan in my life. Because my plan fails all the time. He knows what is best for me. I just have to trust in that.
God is good and he has given me many blessings. In the waiting I will learn all I can. I will sit at the feet of Jesus, and talk to His Spirit and attempt to acknowledge him in all ways.
He has blessed me with many friends, a wonderful church and church family, family, and steady job, and many other things. He also sent his son to die on the cross for me. He gave me his love.
Just remember in the waiting, there is learning and God's timing is always perfect.
Monday, September 8, 2014
Feed My Sheep
God gives us plenty of opportunities to share the love of Christ and I was reminded of this lately. Sometimes we fail at doing this, by showing negative attitudes toward others. Like rebelling, like you want it to be your idea first, and not God's. This behavior showed up yesterday when my mom was making lunch and had offered one of my bagels to someone. I was mad. But then I heard this..."feed my sheep." I then just gave it to her...its like I recognized the error of my ways. Even though my mom had said similar things pointing to that exact fact...I did't want to listen until God said something to me.
Earlier that morning, I sat down to write my friend a card. She had recently moved away and I wanted to send something to encourage her. I was also prompted by the Holy Spirit to send her a gift card for food. She has yet to find a job, though I am not losing hope that God will place her right where He needs her to be. (If my friend reads this before the mail gets there I have ruined the surprise.)
Then I reviewed some scripture on this topic. All recognition goes to God and the Holy Spirit for leading me to it.
Turn to John 21:15-17 (ESV) or read below.
When reading this, I put myself in Simon Peter's place and imagined Jesus was asking me those questions, about if I loved him and I knew my answer would be yes. I love the fact that I keep learning things about myself and about my relationship with Jesus. But he doesn't just ask us to say yes, he wants us to go a step further and show it. Show others what loving Jesus means to you, whether that be serving others, sending encouragement, visiting friends, and any act of kindness you can think of....
Just wanted to share some of what God has been teaching me lately. Hope you all have a blessed day.
Earlier that morning, I sat down to write my friend a card. She had recently moved away and I wanted to send something to encourage her. I was also prompted by the Holy Spirit to send her a gift card for food. She has yet to find a job, though I am not losing hope that God will place her right where He needs her to be. (If my friend reads this before the mail gets there I have ruined the surprise.)
Then I reviewed some scripture on this topic. All recognition goes to God and the Holy Spirit for leading me to it.
Turn to John 21:15-17 (ESV) or read below.
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." He said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him a third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him a third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep."
When reading this, I put myself in Simon Peter's place and imagined Jesus was asking me those questions, about if I loved him and I knew my answer would be yes. I love the fact that I keep learning things about myself and about my relationship with Jesus. But he doesn't just ask us to say yes, he wants us to go a step further and show it. Show others what loving Jesus means to you, whether that be serving others, sending encouragement, visiting friends, and any act of kindness you can think of....
Just wanted to share some of what God has been teaching me lately. Hope you all have a blessed day.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Talk To Me
I don't know why inspiration escapes me until I am laying in bed, trying to drift off to sleep. I want to share some insight I had yesterday.
I was so bored and was waiting for midnight to come. I kept thinking in my head, "I just wish someone would talk to me." But the voice in my head got louder and louder like almost to the point I was screaming in my head. I almost posted this plea on facebook but didn't. I just sat in the chair and no one said anything to me.
Then this thought crossed my head later that night, what if what I was feeling is how Jesus feels when He wants us to talk to Him. He is screaming at us, wanting us to share our hearts, but we just choose not to. I know He is always there for me, but that night I felt alone.
I have really been being shown how much relationships are so important. It makes me sad how many friendships have gone by the wayside because they just stop connecting or other reasons that come up in life. I know God is in control and that he leads us to certain friendships and takes us out of relationships for a certain reasons too.
If God has the plans, stop trying to drive, He wants to take us there too. It is not a simple process and I am still learning to give him the control of my life. Do you ever try doing things by yourself? Only to realize that it was a huge mistake...God is the only reason life can go smoothly.
These are my thoughts tonight. Hope you all are well. And remember God is good, all the time and All the time God is good.
I was so bored and was waiting for midnight to come. I kept thinking in my head, "I just wish someone would talk to me." But the voice in my head got louder and louder like almost to the point I was screaming in my head. I almost posted this plea on facebook but didn't. I just sat in the chair and no one said anything to me.
Then this thought crossed my head later that night, what if what I was feeling is how Jesus feels when He wants us to talk to Him. He is screaming at us, wanting us to share our hearts, but we just choose not to. I know He is always there for me, but that night I felt alone.
I have really been being shown how much relationships are so important. It makes me sad how many friendships have gone by the wayside because they just stop connecting or other reasons that come up in life. I know God is in control and that he leads us to certain friendships and takes us out of relationships for a certain reasons too.
If God has the plans, stop trying to drive, He wants to take us there too. It is not a simple process and I am still learning to give him the control of my life. Do you ever try doing things by yourself? Only to realize that it was a huge mistake...God is the only reason life can go smoothly.
These are my thoughts tonight. Hope you all are well. And remember God is good, all the time and All the time God is good.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Three words: I Hear You
After a bit of a hiatus on here. I am ready to put down some thoughts.
I have come into a situation that has recently reared its ugly head again. Its called long distance friendships.
You know how that saying goes, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder," was obviously blinded by love, because absence doesn't make my heart do anything nice.
That saying really does make me laugh. I find no truth in it at all.
The next thing I have learned over the last few months, was that the most important thing, is relationships, relationships, relationships. This means relationship with God, relationships with others, and relationship with yourself. The importance lies in with being in fellowship with others. Its like we as people crave it. I know I do.
Do you ever feel upset or uneasy when you aren't in fellowship with someone? I do. I hate it. It is like living in secrets or always feeling like you are mad at someone. What's worse? The worst thing is that they don't understand what you need. It is simple really. To hear three words..."I HEAR YOU." That would mean the world to me.
I will admit I have a hard time with understanding the other side of a person's perspective. On my defense it is hard to realize when so much time goes without saying anything between the friendship.
Right or wrong, I sent a message to my friend, and more so I have just been feeling ignored. Its not that I was saying our friendship has been less because of the no communication, but it feels like it. It is hard to talk myself into that person and you still having somewhat of a friendship, without talking for four months. All I was looking for was some truth. If I am not supposed to be in your life right now, I'd rather know now, than go on without any hope. It just makes a person go crazy and overall frustrated. I know from experience.
The Response:
She responded with angry words and I can tell she was frustrated. It's funny that the things I am frustrated with are the exact opposite of what she is frustrated with. She doesn't understand why I don't understand and I don't understand why she doesn't understand. The response I was looking for was more understanding, that she would say, "I hear you." Something like, "I can see you are struggling and have been reaching out more..." Overall I just wanted to feel validated and heard. But I didn't get anything like that. It was even threatened that the friendship be terminated. Talking to a friend tonight helped because it was stated that the friend has now handed me terms of the relationship and how far she is willing to go right now, which isn't that much. Now I have to decide what to do.
The Holy Spirit speaks:
Everyone wants to know the solution or figure out why you are frustrated over an issue. There has to be an underlying reason, right? This is what I figured out. 1. We valued our relationship differently and that is why we had a miscommunication over not communicating. Hence the frustration on both of our parts. 2. Relationships are important as stated above. Any way you cut it if you are out of fellowship with someone for any length of time, the friendship or relationship will suffer. It will not go back to the way it was. It just doesn't work like that.
Keep the faith and relying on God, even if it is the hard thing to do.
I have come into a situation that has recently reared its ugly head again. Its called long distance friendships.
You know how that saying goes, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder," was obviously blinded by love, because absence doesn't make my heart do anything nice.
That saying really does make me laugh. I find no truth in it at all.
The next thing I have learned over the last few months, was that the most important thing, is relationships, relationships, relationships. This means relationship with God, relationships with others, and relationship with yourself. The importance lies in with being in fellowship with others. Its like we as people crave it. I know I do.
Do you ever feel upset or uneasy when you aren't in fellowship with someone? I do. I hate it. It is like living in secrets or always feeling like you are mad at someone. What's worse? The worst thing is that they don't understand what you need. It is simple really. To hear three words..."I HEAR YOU." That would mean the world to me.
I will admit I have a hard time with understanding the other side of a person's perspective. On my defense it is hard to realize when so much time goes without saying anything between the friendship.
Right or wrong, I sent a message to my friend, and more so I have just been feeling ignored. Its not that I was saying our friendship has been less because of the no communication, but it feels like it. It is hard to talk myself into that person and you still having somewhat of a friendship, without talking for four months. All I was looking for was some truth. If I am not supposed to be in your life right now, I'd rather know now, than go on without any hope. It just makes a person go crazy and overall frustrated. I know from experience.
The Response:
She responded with angry words and I can tell she was frustrated. It's funny that the things I am frustrated with are the exact opposite of what she is frustrated with. She doesn't understand why I don't understand and I don't understand why she doesn't understand. The response I was looking for was more understanding, that she would say, "I hear you." Something like, "I can see you are struggling and have been reaching out more..." Overall I just wanted to feel validated and heard. But I didn't get anything like that. It was even threatened that the friendship be terminated. Talking to a friend tonight helped because it was stated that the friend has now handed me terms of the relationship and how far she is willing to go right now, which isn't that much. Now I have to decide what to do.
The Holy Spirit speaks:
Everyone wants to know the solution or figure out why you are frustrated over an issue. There has to be an underlying reason, right? This is what I figured out. 1. We valued our relationship differently and that is why we had a miscommunication over not communicating. Hence the frustration on both of our parts. 2. Relationships are important as stated above. Any way you cut it if you are out of fellowship with someone for any length of time, the friendship or relationship will suffer. It will not go back to the way it was. It just doesn't work like that.
Keep the faith and relying on God, even if it is the hard thing to do.
Friday, August 30, 2013
Life Group...Love...Challenges...Growth
I have been reading a book called, "Waking the Dead: The Glory of a Heart Fully Alive" by John Eldredge throughout the summer along with my life group. There has been a lot of changes this year alone. Changes in leadership. Changes in meeting location. Changes in who God has brought to the group.
God is definitely in the business of teaching lessons and I am definitely in the middle of learning one. I don't know about the rest of my group members, but I hope they have been listening.
I found the last 2 chapters in the book really interesting. Obviously the chapters were written before any of the group stuff had happened, but it seemed to me that it was written about what has been going on the last few months. Crazy how God connects pieces of information and experiences. I just simply love when I can connect the dots as well.
During reading in Chapter 11, titled "Fellowships of the Heart," I found this really interesting especially with the group dynamics currently. The group should offer the stream of Counseling to one another, but we can’t unless we truly know one another and know their stories. This is what I have been searching for, or at least trying to create in a group of people. This is what I would like a fellowship group I want to be in do; hear each other’s stories, discover each other’s glories, learn to walk with God together, pray for each other’s healing, and cover each other’s back. The little fellowships or communities mean sharing life. They also worship together, eat together, pray for one another, go on quests together, and hang out together, in each other’s homes.
When I was reading the last two chapters I found it comical because I have already had to endure some of the things the author was talking about, such as fighting for the community or life group. It talks about, “you’ll fight to get one, and you’ll fight to keep it afloat. But you fight for it as you bail out a life raft during a storm at sea. You want this thing to work, and you need it to work…. Without it you’ll go down. Or back to captivity.” These words hit home. I have been there the last 8 months and I continue to fight for this group. It helps to have conversations with God and friends to encourage me, but I am also finding I cannot be the only one to fight. I need others to say this is important too. Or let’s just get out the life raft….
This girl is frustrated. Still trying to work through the frustration and to better hear on what God wants me to do. I know God still has plans for this group or people in the group. Its not finished or I think I would have less trouble walking away. I have told my group 2 weeks ago that I was taking a break from the leadership responsibilities and find myself struggling to actually take a break. How weird is that? It's hard after being so involved over a long period of time.
I am confused on why I have such a passion for this group, but its apparent that no one else shares this passion. It makes me sad, because I believe that this group will dissolve. So in reality what was the point in fighting? I hope sometime soon, God reveals the turning point in all of this tribulation because I would really like to know why this is happening.
If you are able, please pray for this group of people and for protection against spiritual warfare. I truly believe that satan is at work here and is dividing the group or even causing some people to turn away. God has plans and satan does not want anything good to come out of this group. And pray whatever ends up happening that God's will be done, and that He will be glorified in the end.
Thank you!
Thursday, July 18, 2013
The Light: Let it SHINE!
I have been thinking about being the light a lot. God has been giving me several images of being the light and what it does. It was helpful that in a time of darkness God reminded me that I was letting satan hide my brightness. Last week I went through a time of high stress and where everything bothered me. I was on the verge of tears and showing signs of stress. It came to a peak on Friday where everything was just bad. So much on my mind, and I was anticipating things in the next coming weeks. I am working a lot of hours to cover some people at my work taking vacation. I am finding the less that I initiate conversations with my friends, the less they try and communicate with me. The whole situation makes me very sad.
A lot of other things are going on too. But I don't feel like sharing it right now. Overall God has been good. I cried that Friday night, and as my mom says, "let some stress out by crying."
So back to the light. I have been trying to figure out how to put the images into words. Last week I felt like I was being consumed by the darkness, with my light slowly fading. Then God pops this image into my head about Matthew 5:14-15, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand and it gives light to all in the house." I see this that God makes us a light not to shine with other lights but to shine where it counts in the dark.
What is stronger? What burns brighter? If there is one light among many lights, can you really see the power of that one light? No, you can't because it can be outshone by the other lights. What if the light stands alone and there is no other light around it, can it be seen alone in all of its glory? It was made for that job. It was made to be the light of the world. How glorifying is that? Such an awesome sight.
Matthew 5:16, states, "In the same way let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."
In other words, we as Christians need to work hard at realizing the schemes of the devil. He tries to smudge our light out and make us weak. He tells us lies and puts out fires in our hearts. He spreads rumors about our friends, and kills all of our support. Telling us we have nothing to live for or even nothing to help us out of the hole. He isolates and he laughs at us when we feel down. God comes in and shows us what we can't see. That satan was wrong. I see God as a father figure. He doesn't laugh and is always there for us. As in the words of my friend Marjorie, "the Lord is strong and mighty."
As Christians we also need to work hard at being a light. We need to shine bright. In the darkness especially. It is so easy to be a beacon with others, and not see the real importance of shedding light into the dark corners of the world.
So in ending this post, I have realized the importance of how being a light can be glorifying. God loves to see us shine. He doesn't want us to be downtrodden. He loves us and ultimately wants to see others find their light so He can be glorified.
A lot of other things are going on too. But I don't feel like sharing it right now. Overall God has been good. I cried that Friday night, and as my mom says, "let some stress out by crying."
So back to the light. I have been trying to figure out how to put the images into words. Last week I felt like I was being consumed by the darkness, with my light slowly fading. Then God pops this image into my head about Matthew 5:14-15, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand and it gives light to all in the house." I see this that God makes us a light not to shine with other lights but to shine where it counts in the dark.
What is stronger? What burns brighter? If there is one light among many lights, can you really see the power of that one light? No, you can't because it can be outshone by the other lights. What if the light stands alone and there is no other light around it, can it be seen alone in all of its glory? It was made for that job. It was made to be the light of the world. How glorifying is that? Such an awesome sight.
Matthew 5:16, states, "In the same way let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."
In other words, we as Christians need to work hard at realizing the schemes of the devil. He tries to smudge our light out and make us weak. He tells us lies and puts out fires in our hearts. He spreads rumors about our friends, and kills all of our support. Telling us we have nothing to live for or even nothing to help us out of the hole. He isolates and he laughs at us when we feel down. God comes in and shows us what we can't see. That satan was wrong. I see God as a father figure. He doesn't laugh and is always there for us. As in the words of my friend Marjorie, "the Lord is strong and mighty."
As Christians we also need to work hard at being a light. We need to shine bright. In the darkness especially. It is so easy to be a beacon with others, and not see the real importance of shedding light into the dark corners of the world.
So in ending this post, I have realized the importance of how being a light can be glorifying. God loves to see us shine. He doesn't want us to be downtrodden. He loves us and ultimately wants to see others find their light so He can be glorified.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)