This is a repost from the new website I am writing for, http://graceeveryday.org/ I wanted to share it, because this is one of my favorite verses, and I believe in the importance of it's message.
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has
anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the
brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness
for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of
vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve
in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy
instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of
despair.
Isaiah 61:1-3a
As Christians, we have been given a specific 'to do' list in Isaiah 61. We
are told to proclaim the good news to the poor, bind up the brokenhearted,
proclaim freedom for the captives, release prisoners from darkness, proclaim
God's favor, comfort those who mourn, and provide for those who grieve.
When I first read these verses, honestly, I was overwhelmed. How can I do
this? I don't know what this looks like. Is this even possible?
And then, I remembered, Jesus did all of this for me. He
gave me the ultimate good news, the Gospel. He bound up heartaches buried so
deep no else even knew they were there. He set me free from sin, death, my
flesh, the grave, and Hell. He released me from the darkness of this world. He
has poured out so much favor on me, it doesn't even make sense. He has comforted
me in times when life fell apart. He was always there. He gave me grace and
mercy when I didn't deserve it, and could never have earned it.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Father of compassion and the God of all comfort who comforts us in all our
troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we
ourselves have received from God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
The only way to accomplish this seemingly insurmountable task is to remember
what Jesus did for us, and realize we have everything we need to pour it back
out unto others. He has given us the perfect example, and the power to complete
this 'to do' list.
So, what does this look like practically? I don't believe we have all been
called to move to a third world country and start an orphanage, to walk the
streets of Detroit and feed the homeless, or even to be a shoulder to cry on for
every broken heart. God has placed you and me in this exact time and place for a
purpose. There are broken people in every corner of this world, in offices,
schools, homes, streets, hospitals, funeral homes, and even in churches. We are
commanded to love them as Jesus loves them, care for them, and share the good
news.
How can we do this?
-Preach the good news to the poor. How can you share Jesus with someone who
doesn't know Him? Where may it be uncomfortable to share the Good News? Who are
the poor, oppressed, and afflicted in your life, and in the world?
-Bind up the brokenhearted. How can you use your past heartaches and pain to
help heal another? Will this help you realize your brokenness has value?
-Proclaim freedom for the captives. How can you be a voice for those who are
enslaved, captive, and carried away? What can you do to raise awareness for the
captives in our world?
-Release prisoners from darkness. How can you bring light to addicts of all
sorts: body image, alcohol, drugs, eating disorders, pornography, gambling,
etc.? How can you help someone break free from the darkness of depression,
anxiety, bitterness, cynicism, insecurity, worry, self hate, and the lies from
Satan?
-Proclaim God's favor. How does your life show that you have God's favor? Do
you recognize it yourself? Do you share what He has done for you with
others?
-Comfort all who mourn. How can you be available to listen when someone's
life falls apart? In what ways can you be a comfort to someone?
-Provide for those who grieve. What can you do to be a help to someone who is
grieving? How can you make thier life easier in a time of pain? How can you
cultivate joy, beauty, and praise in their lives?
What does this look like today for you?
Have a great day. Love, Michelle
Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Jesus is our Hope
How often do we feel hopeless?
Hopeless marriages, hopeless parenting, hopeless single life, hopeless job, hopeless situatutions, hopeless healthy living, hopeless in school, hopeless money problems, etc. It can be easy to feel weighed down with hopelessness.
We feel like nothing is changing. There must not be a plan. Life is full of uncertainities. We can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, and we doubt that it even exists. We are confused with the way things are playing out, frustrated that it isn't the way we had planned. All of this pain, hurt, and struggle could never bring about anything good. We have no hope.
THOSE ARE LIES.
The enemy wants you to be distracted, distraught, and defeated. He rejoices in your confusion, struggle, and pain. He dances when we feel helpless and hopeless. He is after us to steal our joy, kill our passion, and destroy our purpose.
The good news is, we don't have to live there. The enemy does not have to have the victory. He can be defeated. We do have hope.
We are blessed to be able to look back. We can see the beginning, the middle, and the end of the Easter story. We look unto Easter with full knowledge of the events, beacuse it has already happened.
But, think about then. The day between His death and His ressurection must have been dark. The Saviour of the world was dead, He was buried, and all hope was gone. His family, His disciples, and His followers were probably all confused. They may have felt like they wasted their time with Jesus. There was no change to happen, life would stay the way it always had been. They were hopeless, swarmed with uncertainities, and filled with doubt. The awful pain of His death would've been all in vain. Nothing made sense.
EXCEPT
God had a plan. He defeated sin, death, hell, the grave, and the enemy, so we can have hope. Not a distant hope that doesn't change anything, but a real, lively hope. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:3)
God's Word brings us the full, beautiful picture of what Jesus did for us, in love, so we can have hope. For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.(Romans 15:4)
So, when your situation feels dark, and you are without hope, remember, God has a plan. He was sovereign when Jesus was in the grave, and He is still sovereign in your life, today. He is not taken by surprise when something alarming occurs. He is in control. He has a plan. He is working things out for good for those that love Him. He is with you. for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6b) There is no need to fear the uncertainty. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.(Isaiah 41:10)
Jesus is our hope. Without His rising again, and conquering death, sin, hell, and the enemy, we would be hopeless. But, He did. He gave us hope.
So celebrate today. We can remember that the day before He arose, He was fighting for us, to bring us real hope.
Happy Easter.
Celebrate who He is, and what He did for you.
Love, M
Hopeless marriages, hopeless parenting, hopeless single life, hopeless job, hopeless situatutions, hopeless healthy living, hopeless in school, hopeless money problems, etc. It can be easy to feel weighed down with hopelessness.
We feel like nothing is changing. There must not be a plan. Life is full of uncertainities. We can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, and we doubt that it even exists. We are confused with the way things are playing out, frustrated that it isn't the way we had planned. All of this pain, hurt, and struggle could never bring about anything good. We have no hope.
THOSE ARE LIES.
The enemy wants you to be distracted, distraught, and defeated. He rejoices in your confusion, struggle, and pain. He dances when we feel helpless and hopeless. He is after us to steal our joy, kill our passion, and destroy our purpose.
The good news is, we don't have to live there. The enemy does not have to have the victory. He can be defeated. We do have hope.
We are blessed to be able to look back. We can see the beginning, the middle, and the end of the Easter story. We look unto Easter with full knowledge of the events, beacuse it has already happened.
But, think about then. The day between His death and His ressurection must have been dark. The Saviour of the world was dead, He was buried, and all hope was gone. His family, His disciples, and His followers were probably all confused. They may have felt like they wasted their time with Jesus. There was no change to happen, life would stay the way it always had been. They were hopeless, swarmed with uncertainities, and filled with doubt. The awful pain of His death would've been all in vain. Nothing made sense.
EXCEPT
God had a plan. He defeated sin, death, hell, the grave, and the enemy, so we can have hope. Not a distant hope that doesn't change anything, but a real, lively hope. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:3)
God's Word brings us the full, beautiful picture of what Jesus did for us, in love, so we can have hope. For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.(Romans 15:4)
So, when your situation feels dark, and you are without hope, remember, God has a plan. He was sovereign when Jesus was in the grave, and He is still sovereign in your life, today. He is not taken by surprise when something alarming occurs. He is in control. He has a plan. He is working things out for good for those that love Him. He is with you. for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6b) There is no need to fear the uncertainty. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.(Isaiah 41:10)
Jesus is our hope. Without His rising again, and conquering death, sin, hell, and the enemy, we would be hopeless. But, He did. He gave us hope.
So celebrate today. We can remember that the day before He arose, He was fighting for us, to bring us real hope.
Happy Easter.
Celebrate who He is, and what He did for you.
Love, M
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Batteries...
I was looking under the couch, and between the cushions for the remote the other night.
It was dark, and I couldn't see. So I opened the hall closet, and grabbed the flash light resting exactly where it should've been, in the top drawer of the storage container.
I turned it on, but there was no light. I shook it a bit, and still, nothing happened. I then opened it up, and realized it was without batteries.
Even though the flashlight was easy to find because it was exactly where it should be, it was useless because of its lack of connection to a power source, the batteries.
Often I get so busy, running everywhere, serving everyone, and being where I'm supposed to be. I forget how important being connected to a power source is.
I don't mean batteries, coffee, or even sleep.
I mean God's Word. It is powerful. It changes lives. It gives hope, peace, purpose, courage, freedom, and another chance. If I bustle around, doing everything, but forget or neglect to be in the Word daily, I am useless.
My works, words, ideas, or goodness can never do anything real for anyone. It's only Jesus, and His Word that can change a life. So even though I show up to serve, if I'm not being filled up with power from the Word before, its just draining an already empty girl.
Remember, the Bible renews, restores, brings rest, rejuvenates, and rights relationships.
What have you been reading this week? How has it changed you?
Love, M
It was dark, and I couldn't see. So I opened the hall closet, and grabbed the flash light resting exactly where it should've been, in the top drawer of the storage container.
I turned it on, but there was no light. I shook it a bit, and still, nothing happened. I then opened it up, and realized it was without batteries.
Even though the flashlight was easy to find because it was exactly where it should be, it was useless because of its lack of connection to a power source, the batteries.
Often I get so busy, running everywhere, serving everyone, and being where I'm supposed to be. I forget how important being connected to a power source is.
I don't mean batteries, coffee, or even sleep.
I mean God's Word. It is powerful. It changes lives. It gives hope, peace, purpose, courage, freedom, and another chance. If I bustle around, doing everything, but forget or neglect to be in the Word daily, I am useless.
My works, words, ideas, or goodness can never do anything real for anyone. It's only Jesus, and His Word that can change a life. So even though I show up to serve, if I'm not being filled up with power from the Word before, its just draining an already empty girl.
Remember, the Bible renews, restores, brings rest, rejuvenates, and rights relationships.
What have you been reading this week? How has it changed you?
Love, M
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Just a reminder.
I was reading in Psalms this morning, and wanted to share a couple gems I read.
Psalm 47:8 God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.
Psalm 48:14 For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.
Psalm 49:5 Why should I fear when evil days come, when wicked deceivers surround me-
Psalm 55:22 Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
Join me in praying for our nation. Pray for healing, peace, and comfort that only Jesus can bring.
Happy Sunday.
Love, M :)
Psalm 47:8 God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.
Psalm 48:14 For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.
Psalm 49:5 Why should I fear when evil days come, when wicked deceivers surround me-
Psalm 55:22 Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
Join me in praying for our nation. Pray for healing, peace, and comfort that only Jesus can bring.
Happy Sunday.
Love, M :)
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Love.
Love is something I thought I was good at. I love everyone. Nothing really upsets my love. Hmmm. I was wrong. The past few days the Holy Spirit and the Bible have been teaching me truths about love, and where I am falling short.
Here in 1 Corinthians 13 is a snap shot of what it really means to love. People think this a beautiful scripture for weddings, but the truth is that its good for everyday, for everyone, and for everywhere.
(I am using the message version today, because it helped me a lot this week.)
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first",
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies.
The one I have really been focused on is, love doesn't keep score...
Wow. That's been a game changed to really remember that.
Which one sticks out to you? Why?
Have a great Sunday. Stay safe on the wintry roads!
Love, M
Here in 1 Corinthians 13 is a snap shot of what it really means to love. People think this a beautiful scripture for weddings, but the truth is that its good for everyday, for everyone, and for everywhere.
(I am using the message version today, because it helped me a lot this week.)
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first",
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies.
The one I have really been focused on is, love doesn't keep score...
Wow. That's been a game changed to really remember that.
Which one sticks out to you? Why?
Have a great Sunday. Stay safe on the wintry roads!
Love, M
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Jesus is still King.
Politics make people act crazy.
Please be aware and remember that whoever is president of our great nation will fail us. For he is a man, and he is a politician. If we put our faith and hope in him, we will be let down.
So, remember that whatever happens, Jesus is still King. He is in His throne. He is not unaware of happenings here. He is sovereign. He is good. He is in control. He is in charge.
The Bible specifically talks about how God gives authority to leaders.
Daniel 2:21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:
Romans 13:1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
So, regardless of whoever is in power, be of good hope. Jesus is our only hope. He brings freedom. He conquered sin, death, hell, the grave, and Satan. He brings peace. He renews, restores, and refreshes. He came to give us abundant life. We have a home in heaven, only because of Him. He alone is good, and worthy of praise.
Don't get caught up in men's empty promises. Trust in Jesus. His words are tried and true.
Be praying for our nation and its leaders as we face our future.
Get some sleep tonight.
Love, M.
Please be aware and remember that whoever is president of our great nation will fail us. For he is a man, and he is a politician. If we put our faith and hope in him, we will be let down.
So, remember that whatever happens, Jesus is still King. He is in His throne. He is not unaware of happenings here. He is sovereign. He is good. He is in control. He is in charge.
The Bible specifically talks about how God gives authority to leaders.
Daniel 2:21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:
Romans 13:1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
So, regardless of whoever is in power, be of good hope. Jesus is our only hope. He brings freedom. He conquered sin, death, hell, the grave, and Satan. He brings peace. He renews, restores, and refreshes. He came to give us abundant life. We have a home in heaven, only because of Him. He alone is good, and worthy of praise.
Don't get caught up in men's empty promises. Trust in Jesus. His words are tried and true.
Be praying for our nation and its leaders as we face our future.
Get some sleep tonight.
Love, M.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
He is faithful.
There are times in my life where I can actually feel the presence of God. There are times when I know He is faithful, because the mountains keep on moving. I know He is real with everything in me. I talk to Him, and I know He listens.
But then there are these moments in life, where I don't feel it. I am overwhelmed, and I don't see His faithfulness.
This is when faith must step in. If faith is only active when life is beautiful, and God feels near, then it is a weak faith. But if I dig in my heels, and remember that this is just a dry period, and that's okay.
So, what about this slump I'm in? I have realized something in my own life lately, and last night in Bible study realized it all over again. I need to declare His faithfulness. Declaring His faithfulness helps me be faithful. It refocuses me. It reminds me that just last month, He was faithful in huge ways. Which means, He is faithful, today, when I just want to throw in the towel and take a nap, He's still faithful. It helps silence the enemy. When I am praising God, it stops Satan's lies about how God gave up on me. Satan wants more than anything, my faith to falter.
So, bear with me, as I remind myself of His faithfulness. I challenge you to do the same. Because there is beauty in realizing this truth.
God, You are still faithful when: life doesn't make sense, I'm tired, bills need to be paid, I'm in a mood, the power is out, I'm still tired, when death steals what we love, when cars don't start, when friends leave, days are long, no one else is there, I have been praying for something for years and don't see it any closer, people hurt my feelings, there isn't hot water, I feel rejected, I feel awkward, I am overwhelmed, I get sick, I cry all the time, I have been a bridesmaid 7 times, and I don't understand. God, you are always good. You are always faithful. My circumstances and emotions never change who You are, and that You are in control.
Psalm 18:25a To the faithful you show yourself faithful,
Psalm 33:4 For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.
Psalm 36:5 Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.
Psalm 89:1 I will sing of the Lord's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.
Psalm 89:8 O Lord God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O Lord, and your faithfulness surrounds you.
Hosea 6:3 Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.
Happy Wednesday.
Love, M
Get ready for a huge month long challenge starting tomorrow morning!
But then there are these moments in life, where I don't feel it. I am overwhelmed, and I don't see His faithfulness.
This is when faith must step in. If faith is only active when life is beautiful, and God feels near, then it is a weak faith. But if I dig in my heels, and remember that this is just a dry period, and that's okay.
So, what about this slump I'm in? I have realized something in my own life lately, and last night in Bible study realized it all over again. I need to declare His faithfulness. Declaring His faithfulness helps me be faithful. It refocuses me. It reminds me that just last month, He was faithful in huge ways. Which means, He is faithful, today, when I just want to throw in the towel and take a nap, He's still faithful. It helps silence the enemy. When I am praising God, it stops Satan's lies about how God gave up on me. Satan wants more than anything, my faith to falter.
So, bear with me, as I remind myself of His faithfulness. I challenge you to do the same. Because there is beauty in realizing this truth.
God, You are still faithful when: life doesn't make sense, I'm tired, bills need to be paid, I'm in a mood, the power is out, I'm still tired, when death steals what we love, when cars don't start, when friends leave, days are long, no one else is there, I have been praying for something for years and don't see it any closer, people hurt my feelings, there isn't hot water, I feel rejected, I feel awkward, I am overwhelmed, I get sick, I cry all the time, I have been a bridesmaid 7 times, and I don't understand. God, you are always good. You are always faithful. My circumstances and emotions never change who You are, and that You are in control.
Psalm 18:25a To the faithful you show yourself faithful,
Psalm 33:4 For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.
Psalm 36:5 Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.
Psalm 89:1 I will sing of the Lord's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.
Psalm 89:8 O Lord God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O Lord, and your faithfulness surrounds you.
Hosea 6:3 Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.
Happy Wednesday.
Love, M
Get ready for a huge month long challenge starting tomorrow morning!
Monday, October 29, 2012
Good things to do.
There are so many "good things to do" in my life:
-drink eight glasses of water a day
-sleep eight hours a night
-wash bed sheets frequently
-run
-balance the checkbook
-be kind
-eat enough fruits and vegetables
-clean out the fridge
-wear sunscreen
-return phone calls
-send letters
-moisturize daily
-always take off make up before bed
-clean the toilet
-get oil in car changed every few months
-take vitamins
-exercise more
-fold and put away laundry
-wear deodorant
-read bible and spend time with Jesus
Somehow in the hustle and bustle of life, spending time in God's word gets thrown on the list of "good things to do". It slips from being a priority, to suddenly being something that gets done only if life slows down.
Well, I'm no expert, but life doesn't appear to be slowing down. So how does this all work?
Spending time with Jesus and being in His Word needs to be priority number one. Nothing is as important than sitting at His feet, even for a moment. I know if I make time to read the Bible in the morning, life may still be hard, but I have this strength to get through it, that I only get from spending time with Jesus.
Reading the Word isn't just a thing to check off of to do list for the day. Life doesn't make sense without it. I crave it. And when my desire slips, I beg for it to come back. There is so much value in reading the Bible, prayer, and just sitting at Jesus' feet.
I challenge you to really make it a priority. If you struggle with reading or wanting to read, ask God for the desire and help to do it. The words in that book are literally life changing. It is powerful.
Good night.
Love, M.
Also, please join me in praying for the east coast of the US, as they deal with this hurricane.
-drink eight glasses of water a day
-sleep eight hours a night
-wash bed sheets frequently
-run
-balance the checkbook
-be kind
-eat enough fruits and vegetables
-clean out the fridge
-wear sunscreen
-return phone calls
-send letters
-moisturize daily
-always take off make up before bed
-clean the toilet
-get oil in car changed every few months
-take vitamins
-exercise more
-fold and put away laundry
-wear deodorant
-read bible and spend time with Jesus
Somehow in the hustle and bustle of life, spending time in God's word gets thrown on the list of "good things to do". It slips from being a priority, to suddenly being something that gets done only if life slows down.
Well, I'm no expert, but life doesn't appear to be slowing down. So how does this all work?
Spending time with Jesus and being in His Word needs to be priority number one. Nothing is as important than sitting at His feet, even for a moment. I know if I make time to read the Bible in the morning, life may still be hard, but I have this strength to get through it, that I only get from spending time with Jesus.
Reading the Word isn't just a thing to check off of to do list for the day. Life doesn't make sense without it. I crave it. And when my desire slips, I beg for it to come back. There is so much value in reading the Bible, prayer, and just sitting at Jesus' feet.
I challenge you to really make it a priority. If you struggle with reading or wanting to read, ask God for the desire and help to do it. The words in that book are literally life changing. It is powerful.
Good night.
Love, M.
Also, please join me in praying for the east coast of the US, as they deal with this hurricane.
Monday, October 22, 2012
It's a battle
Romans 7:19-20 For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do - this I keep doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
If you're like me, you reread that trying to make sense of what is being said.
I want to do good, but I don't. I don't want to do evil, but I do. All because of my sinful nature.
How often do we have good intentions and we fall into evil?
We never wake up in the morning thinking we want to hurt feelings, be bitter, be greedy, cheat, lie, be rude, or be a jerk. But it is our sinful nature. That's the way we are naturally bent, to be jerks.
So, what do we do? Throw in the towel and be jerks, since that's the way we are naturally? I hope not!
There is an antidote to our jerky, selfish, sinful self. It's Jesus. He alone can make us into new creatures.
1 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Don't forget this life is a battle. Fight. Don't give up so easily.
Fight to be a better person than you were yesterday. Make changes so you are not in situations where you will give into doing what you don't want to do.
\
Be in the Word.
There is nothing like the Bible. It refreshes, reconnects, renews, restores, convicts and changes us. No other book has the power to change us like God's word. Be diligent with your time, and make time to sit at the feet of Jesus, everyday.
Spend time talking to Jesus in prayer. The more you are with Him, the more you will be like Him.
We have a fighting chance. Be intentional as you start your week. Keep changing. Don't be a jerk.
Happy Monday. Love, M
If you're like me, you reread that trying to make sense of what is being said.
I want to do good, but I don't. I don't want to do evil, but I do. All because of my sinful nature.
How often do we have good intentions and we fall into evil?
We never wake up in the morning thinking we want to hurt feelings, be bitter, be greedy, cheat, lie, be rude, or be a jerk. But it is our sinful nature. That's the way we are naturally bent, to be jerks.
So, what do we do? Throw in the towel and be jerks, since that's the way we are naturally? I hope not!
There is an antidote to our jerky, selfish, sinful self. It's Jesus. He alone can make us into new creatures.
1 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Don't forget this life is a battle. Fight. Don't give up so easily.
Fight to be a better person than you were yesterday. Make changes so you are not in situations where you will give into doing what you don't want to do.
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Be in the Word.
There is nothing like the Bible. It refreshes, reconnects, renews, restores, convicts and changes us. No other book has the power to change us like God's word. Be diligent with your time, and make time to sit at the feet of Jesus, everyday.
Spend time talking to Jesus in prayer. The more you are with Him, the more you will be like Him.
We have a fighting chance. Be intentional as you start your week. Keep changing. Don't be a jerk.
Happy Monday. Love, M
Friday, October 12, 2012
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Psalm 34:11 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 31:14-15a But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, "You are my God." My times are in your hands.
Psalm 46:10a Be still, and know that I am God;
Psalm 62:8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Love, M
Psalm 31:14-15a But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, "You are my God." My times are in your hands.
Psalm 46:10a Be still, and know that I am God;
Psalm 62:8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Love, M
Thursday, June 21, 2012
He is faithful.
Tonight I was driving home. I was tired, frustrated, and exhausted. I was praying to a real God, who at the moment didn't feel very real. I was telling Him, "I know you are faithful. It just doesn't feel like it. I feels like You forgot about me. I know You love me, but I don't feel it."
And then, I saw it.
The prettiest rainbow in the world. It was a full, across the road, double rainbow. The clearest and largest rainbow I have ever seen. Ever.
At the exact second I needed to be reminded of His faithfulness. He showed Himself to be faithful.
The rainbow in the Bible represents God's faithfulness, His love, and His promises.
Genesis 9:8-17 (amplified version)
8 Then God spoke to Noah and to his sons with him, saying,
9 Behold, I establish My covenant or pledge with you and with your descendants after you
10 And with every living creature that is with you —whether the birds, the livestock, or the wild beasts of the earth along with you, as many as came out of the ark—every animal of the earth.
11 I will establish My covenant or pledge with you: Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood; neither shall there ever again be a flood to destroy the earth and make it corrupt.
12 And God said, This is the token of the covenant (solemn pledge) which I am making between Me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations:
13 I set My bow [rainbow] in the cloud, and it shall be a token or sign of a covenant or solemn pledge between Me and the earth.
14 And it shall be that when I bring clouds over the earth and the bow [rainbow] is seen in the clouds,
15 I will [earnestly] remember My covenant or solemn pledge which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters will no more become a flood to destroy and make all flesh corrupt.
16 When the bow [rainbow] is in the clouds and I look upon it, I will [earnestly] remember the everlasting covenant or pledge between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.
17 And God said to Noah, This [rainbow] is the token or sign of the covenant or solemn pledge which I have established between Me and all flesh
That was my rainbow. It was for me. God reminded me right in my exact moment of need to show up.
He is faithful.
He is love.
He is truth.
He is real.
He is overwhelmingly everything I don't understand or ever could.
He cares about me.
He is faithful. So faithful.
I pulled over in a parking lot to take pictures. I stood, crying, worshiping a real God.
He is worthy.
He thinks of me dearly.
Great is thy faithfulness.
His thoughts toward me are precious and many.
Psalms 139:17-18a How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;
Blessed. Loved. Daughter of the King.
Love, M
And then, I saw it.
The prettiest rainbow in the world. It was a full, across the road, double rainbow. The clearest and largest rainbow I have ever seen. Ever.
At the exact second I needed to be reminded of His faithfulness. He showed Himself to be faithful.
The rainbow in the Bible represents God's faithfulness, His love, and His promises.
Genesis 9:8-17 (amplified version)
8 Then God spoke to Noah and to his sons with him, saying,
9 Behold, I establish My covenant or pledge with you and with your descendants after you
10 And with every living creature that is with you —whether the birds, the livestock, or the wild beasts of the earth along with you, as many as came out of the ark—every animal of the earth.
11 I will establish My covenant or pledge with you: Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood; neither shall there ever again be a flood to destroy the earth and make it corrupt.
12 And God said, This is the token of the covenant (solemn pledge) which I am making between Me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations:
13 I set My bow [rainbow] in the cloud, and it shall be a token or sign of a covenant or solemn pledge between Me and the earth.
14 And it shall be that when I bring clouds over the earth and the bow [rainbow] is seen in the clouds,
15 I will [earnestly] remember My covenant or solemn pledge which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters will no more become a flood to destroy and make all flesh corrupt.
16 When the bow [rainbow] is in the clouds and I look upon it, I will [earnestly] remember the everlasting covenant or pledge between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.
17 And God said to Noah, This [rainbow] is the token or sign of the covenant or solemn pledge which I have established between Me and all flesh
That was my rainbow. It was for me. God reminded me right in my exact moment of need to show up.
He is faithful.
He is love.
He is truth.
He is real.
He is overwhelmingly everything I don't understand or ever could.
He cares about me.
He is faithful. So faithful.
I pulled over in a parking lot to take pictures. I stood, crying, worshiping a real God.
He is worthy.
He thinks of me dearly.
Great is thy faithfulness.
His thoughts toward me are precious and many.
Psalms 139:17-18a How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;
Blessed. Loved. Daughter of the King.
Love, M
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