Have you ever felt so lazy that even a shower seems like too much work for you? I mean to the point where you really don't care about the filth you have on you from the day before? Perhaps you're just too comfortable sitting in your PJ's to get up and get in the shower and wash off the remains from the day before. Or maybe it's just really cold in your house and the thought of taking off those warm clothes or getting from under your warm blanket and stepping into the cold air of a shower gives you the chills.
That's how I was feeling this morning. As a matter of fact, that's how I feel a lot of mornings. Rest assured, I take showers every day. But there are moments when I just don't feel like it. I'm far too comfortable in the current position that I'm in, and I'm just not willing to give up that comfort at the moment to hop in the shower. Or it's just really cold in our house, and the thought of having to deal with the cold air--before and after the shower--just does not seem very appealing to me. I choose to stay warm, I choose to stay comfortable. Eventually though, I have to get up and wash the dirt off from the day before. If I did not, I'd just continue to get dirtier and dirtier and people would start to notice.
As I was having this random thought earlier today, God spoke to my heart. I always find it amazing how God can take any situation and use it to better explain Himself to us. He showed me that it's a lot like sin, and living a sin filled life.
To a point, we all have dirt on us, even when we shower. Dirt gets on our skin and it just stays there throughout the day. When we shower over night or the next morning, we're able to remove that dirt by washing it away. If we never shower, that dirt stays on our skin, and more dirt is added to us daily. In the beginning, no one really notices. You don't even notice and it's your body. So you could say that it's somewhat acceptable. Eventually, though, if you continue not to shower, the dirt begins to show up. You start to smell. You, along with other people start to notice it.
Before I knew Jesus, I was knee deep in sin. Much like going without a shower for a day, it started off passable. I couldn't really tell. No one else could tell either. Each day I continued in this sin letting it fester all over my body. It seemed like the more I allowed the sin to stay on me, the more other sins began attaching themselves to my body. Once you have enough on you, it's easier for more to attach itself to you. Too much dirt on you can cause disease. And who wants disease all over their body? Most people with diseases want to be cleansed of them immediately.
If we don't shower for a few days, we're still able to hide the dirt. We're still able to cover up the stink. But eventually, it all comes out. It can come out to the point that people either start gossiping about us, or people come to us with genuine concern for what we're doing. You know what I mean: A wife cheats on her husband. She continues to do so, and it eventually comes out. You become a social drinker or drug user. You continue telling yourself you've got it all under control. Then somewhere down the line, you wake up and discover the drugs or alcohol has control of you. It is inevitable, the sins in your life can and will get out of control to the point that people begin noticing them. You'll start to notice them.
There is, however, a way out...
In Psalm 51:2-3 the psalmist asks God, "Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me." Verse 7 goes on to say, "Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean, wash me, and I will be whiter than snow."
Our sins are like dirt. They are filthy. We all have sin in our lives, some of us just choose to ask for forgiveness for them and to be cleansed of them. When we ask to be cleansed of them, God promises to do so. In Jeremiah 33 He says, "I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me." (Jeremiah 33:8, NIV).
In this chapter, he was talking about the people of Judah and Israel. But this is a promise that He's made for all of us today. He's already given us this promise, it's up to us to stop being lazy and comfortable with our dirt and ask for Him to cleanse us of it.
The best part about it, is God doesn't care how dirty we are. All He cares about is that we acknowledge Him, and ask for His forgiveness for our sins. When we do this, we can rest assured He is faithful and will cleanse us of them. 1 John 1:8-9 (NIV) states, "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
And once we do this...once we decide that we're no longer comfortable sitting in our sin...once we make the decision to stop be lazy and festering in our sin...once we come to Him and let Him take it from us, we can be confident to know that He's wiped our slates clean and removed that sin that once made us so dirty and smelly far from us. Psalm 103:12 states that "as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions (our sins) from us." This is how much He loves us...
PAR
Showing posts with label God is faithful. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God is faithful. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Day 21
My computer has a virus, so I haven't been able to write. My last couple of blogs were written at the library, and I didn't have as much time to put much energy into them...oh well. Christmas was great. God is good, and I have 9 days left in my Prayer of Jabez challenge. It has been a great ride. I'm so thankful to God for all He does. The Operation Shake the Hunger turned out awesome! We ended up having more than enough with what we got.
My Mother in law said yesterday that God won't let His people be embarrassed when we're obedient to Him. My biggest thing was needing to trust Him. He knows what He's doing. He's been around a lot longer than me. It's funny how in my walk with Christ I can be like a rebellious teenager sometimes, always thinking I know more than my parent. God is my Heavenly Father, I sometimes think I know more than He does, but I don't.
Our house mates got us journals for Christmas. When we opened them up, Marcus and I knew instantly which was his and which was mine. His Dad had been telling Him to meditate on Psalm 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want." And one of the journals had that verse on it. Mine was from Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." That's from King James. The NIV translation states, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
I think sometimes, much like a rebellious teenager, I forget that God is not my enemy. He is for me. He's able to see the big picture and everything that He allows to happen is for my good and for His purpose. It may seem like it's a crappy situation, and He's given me a bad hand. But much like the verse states, He knows the plans He has for me. His plans are to prosper me, not hurt me. His plans are to give me hope and a future. God is good all the time. He's got me in the palm of His hand, so I need not worry about anything. I need only trust Him and know that everything will be fine.
I have to remember to see things not for what they are, but ask Him for His eyes to see it. And always remember that as a child of God, I walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
PAR
My Mother in law said yesterday that God won't let His people be embarrassed when we're obedient to Him. My biggest thing was needing to trust Him. He knows what He's doing. He's been around a lot longer than me. It's funny how in my walk with Christ I can be like a rebellious teenager sometimes, always thinking I know more than my parent. God is my Heavenly Father, I sometimes think I know more than He does, but I don't.
Our house mates got us journals for Christmas. When we opened them up, Marcus and I knew instantly which was his and which was mine. His Dad had been telling Him to meditate on Psalm 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want." And one of the journals had that verse on it. Mine was from Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." That's from King James. The NIV translation states, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
I think sometimes, much like a rebellious teenager, I forget that God is not my enemy. He is for me. He's able to see the big picture and everything that He allows to happen is for my good and for His purpose. It may seem like it's a crappy situation, and He's given me a bad hand. But much like the verse states, He knows the plans He has for me. His plans are to prosper me, not hurt me. His plans are to give me hope and a future. God is good all the time. He's got me in the palm of His hand, so I need not worry about anything. I need only trust Him and know that everything will be fine.
I have to remember to see things not for what they are, but ask Him for His eyes to see it. And always remember that as a child of God, I walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
PAR
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Day 18
"God is able to do just what he said he would do. And he's going to fulfill every promise to you. Don't give up on God, cause he won't give up on you. He's able." Deitrick Haddon He's Able.
Those lyrics have been blaring in my head all day long. These words ring such truth that they sink to the depths of my heart. In the midst of a storm, it's easy to forget them. God created the Heavens and the Earth. How is He not able to do what He said he would for you?
He will fulfill every promise He made to you. He promised Abraham and Sarah a son. They had Isaac. He promised them they'd be the father and mother of a great nation. Abraham and Sarah are the father and mother of all of us.
In the midst of a struggle, it's so much easier to give up on God and succumb to the pain. But even in our moments of weakness when we do give up and give in, He does not give up on us.
He's able to do anything. "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us" Ephesians 3:20
If we give up on Him, it's like we're saying we don't trust His ability to do what He promised to do for us.
Those lyrics have been blaring in my head all day long. These words ring such truth that they sink to the depths of my heart. In the midst of a storm, it's easy to forget them. God created the Heavens and the Earth. How is He not able to do what He said he would for you?
He will fulfill every promise He made to you. He promised Abraham and Sarah a son. They had Isaac. He promised them they'd be the father and mother of a great nation. Abraham and Sarah are the father and mother of all of us.
In the midst of a struggle, it's so much easier to give up on God and succumb to the pain. But even in our moments of weakness when we do give up and give in, He does not give up on us.
He's able to do anything. "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us" Ephesians 3:20
If we give up on Him, it's like we're saying we don't trust His ability to do what He promised to do for us.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Day 16
"Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him." Job 13:15
Today was the final day for the Operation Shake the Hunger project. We originally prayed for at least 35 packs for December 24. We received 4 packs. I'm thankful for the four packs. I'm thankful to the people and to God.
In one of my previous blogs, I wrote about a blessing indeed of God. I wrote that those kinds of blessings are not to be confused with anything that man (or woman) can do on their own. 4 packs seems like something that we could have done on our own without prayer...
I also said that if this wasn't God's will all would be revealed. Maybe this was His way of showing that it wasn't His will. Maybe it wasn't. I don't really know. I don't really understand. But maybe it's not for me to know or to understand it right now. Or maybe I'm looking at it totally wrong...
In Isaiah 55:8 God said, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.
There's no reason for me to be discouraged or feel like this project was a failure because as God said in Isaiah 55:8, His ways aren't my ways, nor are His thoughts my thoughts. He sees things differently than I see them because He's able to see the bigger picture.
And when I look at it from a different angle, it's really not all that bad. I mean, we wanted at least 35 packs purchased because that would have provided 35 homeless individuals with 10 days worth of meals. We have a total of 120 packs. That will provide four days worth of meals for 30 homeless individuals. That's a definite win.
Deuteronomy 15:7-8, 10 reads, 7 "If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: 8 But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth. 10 Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto."
I'm to give to those that have a need whatever need it is they have. I'm not to be grieved in my heart about giving either. Nor am I supposed to hold on to what I have. I'm to open up my hand (my purse or my wallet) and give. And in my giving, my heart should be filled with joy, not grief. There is no "but" or "unless" or "except" in the verses. It just says to give and be joyful about giving.
My husband said to me earlier that anything we do for God is a blessing. He's right. I want to share some lines from a Smokie Norful song called Don't Quit. These lines have been blaring in my head since yesterday:
Even when the enemy says this is it
I want to encourage you whatever you do (Whatever you do)
Just dont (just dont quit)
Ive got my own set of challenges yeah yeah yeah
And my friendships sometimes they wear a little thin
I even began to wonder if my own family is (out on me)
I'm tryin to make sense of my life
I'm tryin to over come all that's not right yeah
But sometime you know it seem so helpless hopeless (Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh)
Even when things dont go your way
You gotta hold on to your faith (Oh
Just remember that you're not made to be defeated
Even when the enemy says this is it (Oh Oh)
What ever you do (Hey)
Just dont quit (Oh Oh Oh Oh)
Don't quit (the race is not given to the swift neither is it given to the strong)
Don't give in (Cause its already written yeah)
We win in the end (we win in the end)
So hold on (even when the devil says to give up and just through in the towel I came to encourage you)
Whatever you do (just don't)
Just dont quit (Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh)
My Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive me for my negative attitude, that keeps me from staying focused on You and from truly trusting You. Lord, I, like the boy's father in Mark 9:24, say to you with much humility that I do believe; please help my unbelief. I thank You so much that even though I'm not always faithful to You, You are ALWAYS faithful to me. Thank You, Lord for each and every one of Your promises. But most especially I thank You for the ones that say I wasn't made to be defeated, that I have victory in Jesus, that I'm on the winning side. Thank You also, Lord for reminding me in this song, to not quit, even when it seems hopeless. And thank You, Father for the 120 Formula 1 nutrition packs we have to put in the homeless packs this Christmas Eve.
I pray, Lord, that whoever may be reading my blogs will not confuse my moments of discouragement with how awesome You are. Although I don't always understand why things turn out the way they do, I do trust You. Therefore, I will continue to praise and worship You each and every day. Thank You, Lord for Your love, mercy and grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.
PAR
Today was the final day for the Operation Shake the Hunger project. We originally prayed for at least 35 packs for December 24. We received 4 packs. I'm thankful for the four packs. I'm thankful to the people and to God.
In one of my previous blogs, I wrote about a blessing indeed of God. I wrote that those kinds of blessings are not to be confused with anything that man (or woman) can do on their own. 4 packs seems like something that we could have done on our own without prayer...
I also said that if this wasn't God's will all would be revealed. Maybe this was His way of showing that it wasn't His will. Maybe it wasn't. I don't really know. I don't really understand. But maybe it's not for me to know or to understand it right now. Or maybe I'm looking at it totally wrong...
In Isaiah 55:8 God said, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.
There's no reason for me to be discouraged or feel like this project was a failure because as God said in Isaiah 55:8, His ways aren't my ways, nor are His thoughts my thoughts. He sees things differently than I see them because He's able to see the bigger picture.
And when I look at it from a different angle, it's really not all that bad. I mean, we wanted at least 35 packs purchased because that would have provided 35 homeless individuals with 10 days worth of meals. We have a total of 120 packs. That will provide four days worth of meals for 30 homeless individuals. That's a definite win.
Deuteronomy 15:7-8, 10 reads, 7 "If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: 8 But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth. 10 Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto."
I'm to give to those that have a need whatever need it is they have. I'm not to be grieved in my heart about giving either. Nor am I supposed to hold on to what I have. I'm to open up my hand (my purse or my wallet) and give. And in my giving, my heart should be filled with joy, not grief. There is no "but" or "unless" or "except" in the verses. It just says to give and be joyful about giving.
My husband said to me earlier that anything we do for God is a blessing. He's right. I want to share some lines from a Smokie Norful song called Don't Quit. These lines have been blaring in my head since yesterday:
Even when the enemy says this is it
I want to encourage you whatever you do (Whatever you do)
Just dont (just dont quit)
Ive got my own set of challenges yeah yeah yeah
And my friendships sometimes they wear a little thin
I even began to wonder if my own family is (out on me)
I'm tryin to make sense of my life
I'm tryin to over come all that's not right yeah
But sometime you know it seem so helpless hopeless (Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh)
Even when things dont go your way
You gotta hold on to your faith (Oh
Just remember that you're not made to be defeated
Even when the enemy says this is it (Oh Oh)
What ever you do (Hey)
Just dont quit (Oh Oh Oh Oh)
Don't quit (the race is not given to the swift neither is it given to the strong)
Don't give in (Cause its already written yeah)
We win in the end (we win in the end)
So hold on (even when the devil says to give up and just through in the towel I came to encourage you)
Whatever you do (just don't)
Just dont quit (Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh)
My Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive me for my negative attitude, that keeps me from staying focused on You and from truly trusting You. Lord, I, like the boy's father in Mark 9:24, say to you with much humility that I do believe; please help my unbelief. I thank You so much that even though I'm not always faithful to You, You are ALWAYS faithful to me. Thank You, Lord for each and every one of Your promises. But most especially I thank You for the ones that say I wasn't made to be defeated, that I have victory in Jesus, that I'm on the winning side. Thank You also, Lord for reminding me in this song, to not quit, even when it seems hopeless. And thank You, Father for the 120 Formula 1 nutrition packs we have to put in the homeless packs this Christmas Eve.
I pray, Lord, that whoever may be reading my blogs will not confuse my moments of discouragement with how awesome You are. Although I don't always understand why things turn out the way they do, I do trust You. Therefore, I will continue to praise and worship You each and every day. Thank You, Lord for Your love, mercy and grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.
PAR
Monday, December 20, 2010
Day 15
Half way there....Oh Lord hear my prayer:
Oh, Lord that You would bless me, indeed. And enlarge my territories. That Your hand would always be with me. That You would keep me from evil, that I would not cause pain. Amen.
PAR
Oh, Lord that You would bless me, indeed. And enlarge my territories. That Your hand would always be with me. That You would keep me from evil, that I would not cause pain. Amen.
PAR
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Day 12
We've had 2 sales for Operation Shake the Hunger. Praise God for those two sales!! Currently those "attending" the event are 9. Praise God for that, also!!!
All week I've used my Facebook status update to remind people of OSTH. This entire project is taking a great deal of faith. Maybe more than I've ever had to muster up...
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little bit disappointed that we don't have more sales or more people agreeing to "attend" (which is really just agreeing to participate). All I can do is continue praying and asking for God's blessing.
Earlier I was reminded of verses from the book of Esther:
"Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou are come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Esther 4:13-14
Esther's uncle, Mordecai, is asking her to help her people by telling her husband, King Ahasuerus, of a plot to destroy the Jews. This is Mordecai's response to her giving the excuse that she might be put to death by the king if she enters into his presence without permission.
He told her that she shouldn't think that just because she's in the king's house, she'll be able to escape the same fate as her people. Perhaps King Ahasuerus choosing her to be his wife was God's doing. God put her there so she could save her people. Mordecai tells her that if she chooses not to help, God would find another way to rescue His people; but for her disobedience, she and her loved ones would be destroyed.
Of course Esther complied. It took a great deal of FAITH for her to walk into the king's presence unannounced. Although she agreed to go ahead and approach him, there must have still been a small part of her that believed she could possibly be put to death. She must have, because her final response to Mordecai ended with, "...and if I perish, I perish." Esther 4:16 That's faith, and courage...
I know there's a reason those verses came to mind while praying. As I said earlier, everyday this past week, I put reminders on my Facebook status asking people to help us with Operation Shake the Hunger. I'm not saying that people are being disobedient, so please don't misunderstand my words. I think God was trying to tell me that although it may not look like enough people are willing to help us get this project off the ground, anything He sets in motion will happen. I just have to have the faith in Him to believe that it's possible. I also need to have the courage to obey whatever task He sets before me.
If this is truly God's will, He'll make it happen and it will truly be a miracle. While I was talking with my Mother in law over the phone the other day, she mentioned my wording of "prayer of Jabez challenge." She said that it is a challenge; but whatever challenges we do for God, He will bless us abundantly. They won't be the kinds of blessings that are easily confused with the work of men. These blessings are such that no one (not even the doubters) can deny that God had anything to do with them. Sure, the doubters might say something about "a higher power" or "the universe" or whatever. But really, that's nothing but God. The universe isn't powerful enough to do that.
"I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name." Revelation 3:8
I believe God did open this door for us. I believe that God is enlarging our territories and blessing us indeed with this project. I'm thankful that God is able to open doors for me that no person can shut.
My prayer is that God would be glorified in this project and that people will see how truly amazing the hand of God is. I also pray that if Marcus and I misunderstood Him about this whole thing, it would be revealed, in Jesus' name. Selah.
PAR
All week I've used my Facebook status update to remind people of OSTH. This entire project is taking a great deal of faith. Maybe more than I've ever had to muster up...
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little bit disappointed that we don't have more sales or more people agreeing to "attend" (which is really just agreeing to participate). All I can do is continue praying and asking for God's blessing.
Earlier I was reminded of verses from the book of Esther:
"Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou are come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Esther 4:13-14
Esther's uncle, Mordecai, is asking her to help her people by telling her husband, King Ahasuerus, of a plot to destroy the Jews. This is Mordecai's response to her giving the excuse that she might be put to death by the king if she enters into his presence without permission.
He told her that she shouldn't think that just because she's in the king's house, she'll be able to escape the same fate as her people. Perhaps King Ahasuerus choosing her to be his wife was God's doing. God put her there so she could save her people. Mordecai tells her that if she chooses not to help, God would find another way to rescue His people; but for her disobedience, she and her loved ones would be destroyed.
Of course Esther complied. It took a great deal of FAITH for her to walk into the king's presence unannounced. Although she agreed to go ahead and approach him, there must have still been a small part of her that believed she could possibly be put to death. She must have, because her final response to Mordecai ended with, "...and if I perish, I perish." Esther 4:16 That's faith, and courage...
I know there's a reason those verses came to mind while praying. As I said earlier, everyday this past week, I put reminders on my Facebook status asking people to help us with Operation Shake the Hunger. I'm not saying that people are being disobedient, so please don't misunderstand my words. I think God was trying to tell me that although it may not look like enough people are willing to help us get this project off the ground, anything He sets in motion will happen. I just have to have the faith in Him to believe that it's possible. I also need to have the courage to obey whatever task He sets before me.
If this is truly God's will, He'll make it happen and it will truly be a miracle. While I was talking with my Mother in law over the phone the other day, she mentioned my wording of "prayer of Jabez challenge." She said that it is a challenge; but whatever challenges we do for God, He will bless us abundantly. They won't be the kinds of blessings that are easily confused with the work of men. These blessings are such that no one (not even the doubters) can deny that God had anything to do with them. Sure, the doubters might say something about "a higher power" or "the universe" or whatever. But really, that's nothing but God. The universe isn't powerful enough to do that.
"I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name." Revelation 3:8
I believe God did open this door for us. I believe that God is enlarging our territories and blessing us indeed with this project. I'm thankful that God is able to open doors for me that no person can shut.
My prayer is that God would be glorified in this project and that people will see how truly amazing the hand of God is. I also pray that if Marcus and I misunderstood Him about this whole thing, it would be revealed, in Jesus' name. Selah.
PAR
Friday, December 17, 2010
Day 11
The day was full of blessings:
Gift of two movie tickets for Hubby and me.
Gift card from Mom
Encouraging words from Mother in law
Nice prayer walk
Nice long walk with Hubby
Second package for Operation Shake the Hunger!
unexpected Christmas card from a friend
Day started off really tough. Phone turned off...no idea how we're going to pay that and the car note. Tried to stay calm, but completely lost it. I finally decided to give it to God in prayer. Got on my knees and prayed and prayed. Then I prayed some more until I finally stopped crying.
Pulled it together enough to take a shower. Started looking for jobs to apply to. Computer started acting all crazy and froze up on me. Decided to go for a walk and do some more praying. While on the walk, I lost it again. Couldn't stop crying. My goal was to go out and find someone that I could encourage. I was so tore up with emotions that I just couldn't look anyone in eye. I was in no shape to do any kind of encouraging. I was the one that needed some encouraging...
Continued walk to a less populated area, praying, asking for God's divine intervention. Speaking God's promises, praying Psalm 23, and speaking over and over again Mark 9:24. "Lord I do believe, help my unbelief."
Wishing there was someone I could call for some encouragement. Wishing there was someone I could call and ask to pray with me for strength. Couldn't make any phone calls...phone disconnected. Sigh...continued on prayer walk, asking for God's strength. Trying to figure out what to do. Since I was in no shape to encourage others, I put my focus on praying for others. Continued speaking God's promises. Started feeling better.
Heard a sound in my pocket. What the? Incoming phone call. It was my Mother in Law on the other end calling to say hello and encourage me about my blog and my Jabez challenge. Wow! God totally rocks!
********************************************************************************
I have always been a "Christian". But I have only been a "follower of Christ" for 2 years. I have lots of friends and acquaintances that think Christians are phony because they're always "Happy, happy! Joy, joy! Never have a care in the world kinds of people." I know lots of people that think Christians are hypocrites because "they're always talking about what's right and wrong, but they never practice what they preach."
I even know some people that get a kick out of Christians that are caught with their pants down in public. If you don't get the reference, I mean these people thrive on the stories about Christians getting caught with minors in inappropriate situations. They love hearing about Christians that are caught stealing money from their congregations. They love it even more when they see stories about Christians arrested for DWI or possession of narcotics...you get my point.
Those kinds of stories hurt my heart; but that's another blog for another day. As a Christian, I've learned that perfection is not an expectation. Sin is sin. We've just become very comfortable with categorizing it to make ourselves feel better....
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Romans 3:23-24
There was a time that I felt the same way. I felt like I could never be as "holy as them" because I just don't know how to control my temper. I don't know how to be nice to everyone, especially those that aren't nice to me. And I just really don't know how to be happy all the time.
Today was a prime example of that. I was not happy when I found out about the phones. And I was even more unhappy because there really wasn't much I could do about it today.
But my point is this. As a Christian, God doesn't expect me to be happy all the time. He doesn't expect me to be perfect either. When I came to Him two years ago, He knew every little thing about me...every "dirty little secret", every thing wrong I've ever done, including all the tacky thoughts I've ever had about anyone, ever. He knew how far from perfect I was, and He loved me anyway. He forgave me for each and every single thing I ever did. And although as Paul writes, we as Christians aren't supposed to continue in sin because we've been forgiven and redeemed...
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Romans 6:1-4
...we're not expected to be perfect. We're just expected to rely on God to help us live our lives more like Christ.
I say this because I'm sure some people might expect me to be happy all the time just because I'm a Christian. It's important to remember that when God created us, He created us with emotions. Thus, I'll take a guess that He's okay with me feeling sad, or feeling angry. I'll guess that God doesn't get upset with me just because I'm not always happy, or I don't always act like my life is perfect. Jesus wasn't always happy either.
And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought. Saying unto them, It is written, MY HOUSE IS THE HOUSE OF PRAYER: BUT YE HAVE MADE IT A DEN OF THIEVES." Luke 19:45-46.
If you can't tell from the words, Jesus was upset here. He threw people out of the temple for using it to make money and not glorify His Father.
God is okay with us having different emotions; He's not okay with us being ruled by those emotions and feelings.
I'm not perfect, so I don't act like I am. Right now my husband and I are in the midst of a very challenging season. A season that neither one of us has ever been through before. It's tough. I may not always feel like smiling every moment of every day. I might cry sometimes because I'm having a hard day or a rocky moment. I might even get angry and want to scream to the top of my lungs. But that does not mean that God is anything less than TOTALLY AWESOME (and not worthy to be praised--He is and always will be no matter what!).
Cause at the end of the day, at the end of the moment, at the end of my tears, I have Jesus. He gives me the strength to keep on going. He gives me the joy to smile through the pain. He gives me comfort through the storm. He gives me His peace that surpasses my understanding. He does all this because He loves me, and because how I'm feeling matters to Him. That may not be enough for some people, but I've come to realize that is all I need. If I hadn't received any of those blessings on the list at the beginning of the blog, I'd be okay because again, He is all I need. That understanding is a blessing in itself, indeed. Everything else He gives me is just icing on the cake.
PAR
Gift of two movie tickets for Hubby and me.
Gift card from Mom
Encouraging words from Mother in law
Nice prayer walk
Nice long walk with Hubby
Second package for Operation Shake the Hunger!
unexpected Christmas card from a friend
Day started off really tough. Phone turned off...no idea how we're going to pay that and the car note. Tried to stay calm, but completely lost it. I finally decided to give it to God in prayer. Got on my knees and prayed and prayed. Then I prayed some more until I finally stopped crying.
Pulled it together enough to take a shower. Started looking for jobs to apply to. Computer started acting all crazy and froze up on me. Decided to go for a walk and do some more praying. While on the walk, I lost it again. Couldn't stop crying. My goal was to go out and find someone that I could encourage. I was so tore up with emotions that I just couldn't look anyone in eye. I was in no shape to do any kind of encouraging. I was the one that needed some encouraging...
Continued walk to a less populated area, praying, asking for God's divine intervention. Speaking God's promises, praying Psalm 23, and speaking over and over again Mark 9:24. "Lord I do believe, help my unbelief."
Wishing there was someone I could call for some encouragement. Wishing there was someone I could call and ask to pray with me for strength. Couldn't make any phone calls...phone disconnected. Sigh...continued on prayer walk, asking for God's strength. Trying to figure out what to do. Since I was in no shape to encourage others, I put my focus on praying for others. Continued speaking God's promises. Started feeling better.
Heard a sound in my pocket. What the? Incoming phone call. It was my Mother in Law on the other end calling to say hello and encourage me about my blog and my Jabez challenge. Wow! God totally rocks!
********************************************************************************
I have always been a "Christian". But I have only been a "follower of Christ" for 2 years. I have lots of friends and acquaintances that think Christians are phony because they're always "Happy, happy! Joy, joy! Never have a care in the world kinds of people." I know lots of people that think Christians are hypocrites because "they're always talking about what's right and wrong, but they never practice what they preach."
I even know some people that get a kick out of Christians that are caught with their pants down in public. If you don't get the reference, I mean these people thrive on the stories about Christians getting caught with minors in inappropriate situations. They love hearing about Christians that are caught stealing money from their congregations. They love it even more when they see stories about Christians arrested for DWI or possession of narcotics...you get my point.
Those kinds of stories hurt my heart; but that's another blog for another day. As a Christian, I've learned that perfection is not an expectation. Sin is sin. We've just become very comfortable with categorizing it to make ourselves feel better....
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Romans 3:23-24
There was a time that I felt the same way. I felt like I could never be as "holy as them" because I just don't know how to control my temper. I don't know how to be nice to everyone, especially those that aren't nice to me. And I just really don't know how to be happy all the time.
Today was a prime example of that. I was not happy when I found out about the phones. And I was even more unhappy because there really wasn't much I could do about it today.
But my point is this. As a Christian, God doesn't expect me to be happy all the time. He doesn't expect me to be perfect either. When I came to Him two years ago, He knew every little thing about me...every "dirty little secret", every thing wrong I've ever done, including all the tacky thoughts I've ever had about anyone, ever. He knew how far from perfect I was, and He loved me anyway. He forgave me for each and every single thing I ever did. And although as Paul writes, we as Christians aren't supposed to continue in sin because we've been forgiven and redeemed...
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Romans 6:1-4
...we're not expected to be perfect. We're just expected to rely on God to help us live our lives more like Christ.
I say this because I'm sure some people might expect me to be happy all the time just because I'm a Christian. It's important to remember that when God created us, He created us with emotions. Thus, I'll take a guess that He's okay with me feeling sad, or feeling angry. I'll guess that God doesn't get upset with me just because I'm not always happy, or I don't always act like my life is perfect. Jesus wasn't always happy either.
And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought. Saying unto them, It is written, MY HOUSE IS THE HOUSE OF PRAYER: BUT YE HAVE MADE IT A DEN OF THIEVES." Luke 19:45-46.
If you can't tell from the words, Jesus was upset here. He threw people out of the temple for using it to make money and not glorify His Father.
God is okay with us having different emotions; He's not okay with us being ruled by those emotions and feelings.
I'm not perfect, so I don't act like I am. Right now my husband and I are in the midst of a very challenging season. A season that neither one of us has ever been through before. It's tough. I may not always feel like smiling every moment of every day. I might cry sometimes because I'm having a hard day or a rocky moment. I might even get angry and want to scream to the top of my lungs. But that does not mean that God is anything less than TOTALLY AWESOME (and not worthy to be praised--He is and always will be no matter what!).
Cause at the end of the day, at the end of the moment, at the end of my tears, I have Jesus. He gives me the strength to keep on going. He gives me the joy to smile through the pain. He gives me comfort through the storm. He gives me His peace that surpasses my understanding. He does all this because He loves me, and because how I'm feeling matters to Him. That may not be enough for some people, but I've come to realize that is all I need. If I hadn't received any of those blessings on the list at the beginning of the blog, I'd be okay because again, He is all I need. That understanding is a blessing in itself, indeed. Everything else He gives me is just icing on the cake.
PAR
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Day 10
Well I just want to take a moment to give glory and honor and praise to my Almighty Father. King of Kings, Lord of Lords. Abba Father! God is so amazing!
Day 10 was definitely full of blessings. God is really working in our lives and expanding our territories. We went to sing Christmas carols tonight. I was really nervous at first. I don't know what I expected. I guess a bunch of closed doors and people turning lights off when they heard us singing. Instead, we were met with tons of smiling faces, "Thank you!"s and "You guys just made my season (my night)."
Praise the Lord! What a blessing to be able to bring a smile to someones' face by singing Christmas music. I never expected Christmas Caroling to be a way of ministering to people, but it totally is. If you're not singing secular songs like Jingle Bells (not that I'm saying there's anything wrong with that song), you can really touch someone with God's love. Songs such as, Go Tell it on the Mountain, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, O Come O Come Emmanuel are truly blessings.
Even though our voices didn't compare to the Mississippi Mass Choir (that would have totally rocked!!), we were really just singing and worshiping Jesus, and I think it came through the music. It was also truly an honor to be able to pray with people on their doorsteps.
Finally, when Marcus and I got home from caroling, we discovered someone had made the first purchase for Operation Shake the Hunger!!!!!! I don't know about Marcus, but I was so excited I wanted to just jump up and down shouting praises to God. "Thank you, Jesus!" How exciting is that?! I'm so excited about seeing God work in this project. We have no idea who it is that did it, but God bless that person abundantly.
Talk about expanding our territories. I'd never ever gone out caroling before. I don't even think I ever would have done it. But I'm so glad that God presented the opportunity. I'm so thankful for being able to go out into the community tonight and be a blessing to the different individuals.
What can I say about Operation Shake the Hunger? God is definitely expanding our territories with this. Neither one of us has ever started anything this big. To know that we're doing something this big for God gives my heart such an overwhelming feeling of joy. I can't do anything but thank Him for giving us the courage to move forward with it. I'm so thankful for the first purchase and I'm so thankful for future purchases for Operation Shake the Hunger.
God is so good. I'm just in awe and amazed by His faithfulness. And I'm so thankful that God's faithfulness has nothing to do with how faithful we are to Him. I look forward to God's hand continuing to work in and through our lives and to His continued blessings indeed.
"It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High: To show forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night...For thou, Lord hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands." Psalm 92:1-2, 4
PAR
Day 10 was definitely full of blessings. God is really working in our lives and expanding our territories. We went to sing Christmas carols tonight. I was really nervous at first. I don't know what I expected. I guess a bunch of closed doors and people turning lights off when they heard us singing. Instead, we were met with tons of smiling faces, "Thank you!"s and "You guys just made my season (my night)."
Praise the Lord! What a blessing to be able to bring a smile to someones' face by singing Christmas music. I never expected Christmas Caroling to be a way of ministering to people, but it totally is. If you're not singing secular songs like Jingle Bells (not that I'm saying there's anything wrong with that song), you can really touch someone with God's love. Songs such as, Go Tell it on the Mountain, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, O Come O Come Emmanuel are truly blessings.
Even though our voices didn't compare to the Mississippi Mass Choir (that would have totally rocked!!), we were really just singing and worshiping Jesus, and I think it came through the music. It was also truly an honor to be able to pray with people on their doorsteps.
Finally, when Marcus and I got home from caroling, we discovered someone had made the first purchase for Operation Shake the Hunger!!!!!! I don't know about Marcus, but I was so excited I wanted to just jump up and down shouting praises to God. "Thank you, Jesus!" How exciting is that?! I'm so excited about seeing God work in this project. We have no idea who it is that did it, but God bless that person abundantly.
Talk about expanding our territories. I'd never ever gone out caroling before. I don't even think I ever would have done it. But I'm so glad that God presented the opportunity. I'm so thankful for being able to go out into the community tonight and be a blessing to the different individuals.
What can I say about Operation Shake the Hunger? God is definitely expanding our territories with this. Neither one of us has ever started anything this big. To know that we're doing something this big for God gives my heart such an overwhelming feeling of joy. I can't do anything but thank Him for giving us the courage to move forward with it. I'm so thankful for the first purchase and I'm so thankful for future purchases for Operation Shake the Hunger.
God is so good. I'm just in awe and amazed by His faithfulness. And I'm so thankful that God's faithfulness has nothing to do with how faithful we are to Him. I look forward to God's hand continuing to work in and through our lives and to His continued blessings indeed.
"It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High: To show forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night...For thou, Lord hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands." Psalm 92:1-2, 4
PAR
Monday, December 13, 2010
Day 8
Prayer of Jabez 30 Day Challenge
Day 8
Prayer of Jabez
And Jabez was more honorable than his brothers: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with much sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested. (1 Chronicles 4:9-10)
7 weeks ago, our Woodland Hills church campus began a spiritual boot camp. One of the things as a church we were encouraged to do was pray about how we could be more intentional for Christ and for God's kingdom.
Each week, we were encouraged to make sacrifices. The first week, we were all challenged to give up eating out. The second week, we were challenged to give up drinking sodas, coffee, etc. while dining out. During week 5, we were challenged to pray for a revelation of our own sacrifice.
Marcus and I prayed and prayed...and weren't sure what we were supposed to do. Finally, one day Marcus brought up the idea of using one of our businesses to be a blessing to others. We are independent distributors for Herbalife. We both have a passion for health and wellness, not only for ourselves, but for all people.
After we talked about what that would look like, we got on our knees and began praying about it even more. For me, at times, it seemed like we were praying to no avail. I still had no clue how the idea would look once put into action.
One of the outreach programs at Shepherd of the Hills Woodland Hills is a Christmas Eve dinner and service. It is the biggest event that our campus puts on each year. Dinner is at 5:30pm, followed by a service. All people are invited. The church members are encouraged to invite friends, family and strangers. We are also encouraged to invite homeless individuals.
A few weeks ago, we were asked to bring items to contribute to homeless packs. In addition to feeding homeless individuals physically and spiritually, the church desires to send them away with useful items (ie. combs, brushes, toothbrushes, toothpaste....)
At this point, we still hadn't figured out how to use our business to be more of a blessing to individuals. I was beginning to get antsy. But continued trusting God would, faithfully, answer in His perfect timing. After church that day, while discussing our possible contribution to the packs, Marcus suggested we use the money we make from Herbalife to purchase the products.
I said something to him like, "That's a great idea. I'd like it even more if we were consistently making money from Herbalife right now."
We continued praying. He then suggested we ask our friends and family to purchase products for themselves, and let them know that the monies would go toward purchasing items for the homeless packs. After that conversation, we didn't go any further with it. A negative voice in my head reminded me of how sceptical some of the people we know can be. I further thought, several people have purchased the products and don't use them. As I stated earlier, I am very passionate about health and wellness. I love being healthy, and want for all people to take the initiative to lead more healthy lifestyles. I"ll admit, I enjoy making money. But the last thing I want to do is sell products to people that won't use them. I'd rather not make money from people if the products, only, sit on their shelf.
With that, we continued in prayer, not sure if we were supposed to do anything...no actions taking place. Finally, last Friday, Marcus saw a Facebook post from a mutual friend. She and her Husband bought a couple of burgers for a homeless guy. As they were walking away from him, they noticed a homeless woman approaching that wasn't with him. She said there's got to be something more we can do for the homeless population, and talked about an article that suggested providing homeless individuals with healthy nutrition shakes.
Marcus shared this information with me sometime Friday night; but it kind of floated into the back of my mind. Yesterday, he brought it up again, and even showed it to me. He then shared the idea with his Mom, who said we've been thinking about what to do and our minds and hearts began going in that direction. The post from our friend was God's way of telling us we need to go ahead and do it.
My Mother in law further said that sometimes God will give us our answer. Rather than reacting to His response, we spend time pondering His answer and whether or not we heard Him correctly.
Last night, we made the decision to go ahead and put it into action. We prayed about it. This morning when I woke up, I had a nervous feeling. Part of me didn't want to do it. That negative voice in my head told me that it was a dumb idea and no one would ever go for it. I was then reminded that "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." Luke 18:27. God can do anything, if He wants to. I just have to put my trust in Him.
I prayed about it once more: that God would bless our idea and give me the courage to put action behind our plans. I finally got on Facebook and updated my status with the information. I put the information in a note. I created an event inviting everyone on my friend list to participate in it. Finally, I sent an email out to friends and family members that are not on Facebook. Talk about getting completely out of my comfort zone.
Upon checking out the response thus far, there were 5 "No", 1 "Maybe" and 2 "Yes". Both yes responses were from me and Marcus. I began to get discouraged. "Oh my gosh! How embarrassing! I put myself out there, and I get rejected..." Proverbs 18:21 states that "Death and life are in the power of the tongue..."
Additionally, God made this promise to each of His children, "Ask and it shall be given you....for everyone that asketh receiveth..." Matthew 7:7-8, so I changed my attitude. I reminded myself to trust God.
The Prayer of Jabez not only asks for God's "blessing indeed". It also asks for God to "enlarge my territories". Expanding your territory is not always comfortable. Enlarging of territory requires some growth. With growth, there are growing pains. Stepping out of my comfort zone is definitely a growing pain.
The thing is, I asked. I made my request known before God. I don't believe my request for God to expand my territory was made with impure intentions. I believe my request was made out of the desire to see how God could be glorified in my life if I put my trust in Him and let Him do His work. Jeff Olsen wrote in The Slight Edge, "Time will either promote you or expose you." So may God expose me and my true motives if my heart's desire isn't for Him to be glorified in all this...
In the mean time, "...faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1, so I can't allow my feelings and what I see with my carnal eyes to effect my faith in my belief of what God can do.
God is so much bigger than all the negative thoughts I've been experiencing. If I allow my mind to focus on the negative thoughts, I'm basically saying I think those thoughts are bigger than God. If this is truly God breathed, and there's a way for Him to be glorified in all this, it will happen. It will come to pass and it will be a blessing "indeed".
PAR
Day 8
Prayer of Jabez
And Jabez was more honorable than his brothers: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with much sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested. (1 Chronicles 4:9-10)
7 weeks ago, our Woodland Hills church campus began a spiritual boot camp. One of the things as a church we were encouraged to do was pray about how we could be more intentional for Christ and for God's kingdom.
Each week, we were encouraged to make sacrifices. The first week, we were all challenged to give up eating out. The second week, we were challenged to give up drinking sodas, coffee, etc. while dining out. During week 5, we were challenged to pray for a revelation of our own sacrifice.
Marcus and I prayed and prayed...and weren't sure what we were supposed to do. Finally, one day Marcus brought up the idea of using one of our businesses to be a blessing to others. We are independent distributors for Herbalife. We both have a passion for health and wellness, not only for ourselves, but for all people.
After we talked about what that would look like, we got on our knees and began praying about it even more. For me, at times, it seemed like we were praying to no avail. I still had no clue how the idea would look once put into action.
One of the outreach programs at Shepherd of the Hills Woodland Hills is a Christmas Eve dinner and service. It is the biggest event that our campus puts on each year. Dinner is at 5:30pm, followed by a service. All people are invited. The church members are encouraged to invite friends, family and strangers. We are also encouraged to invite homeless individuals.
A few weeks ago, we were asked to bring items to contribute to homeless packs. In addition to feeding homeless individuals physically and spiritually, the church desires to send them away with useful items (ie. combs, brushes, toothbrushes, toothpaste....)
At this point, we still hadn't figured out how to use our business to be more of a blessing to individuals. I was beginning to get antsy. But continued trusting God would, faithfully, answer in His perfect timing. After church that day, while discussing our possible contribution to the packs, Marcus suggested we use the money we make from Herbalife to purchase the products.
I said something to him like, "That's a great idea. I'd like it even more if we were consistently making money from Herbalife right now."
We continued praying. He then suggested we ask our friends and family to purchase products for themselves, and let them know that the monies would go toward purchasing items for the homeless packs. After that conversation, we didn't go any further with it. A negative voice in my head reminded me of how sceptical some of the people we know can be. I further thought, several people have purchased the products and don't use them. As I stated earlier, I am very passionate about health and wellness. I love being healthy, and want for all people to take the initiative to lead more healthy lifestyles. I"ll admit, I enjoy making money. But the last thing I want to do is sell products to people that won't use them. I'd rather not make money from people if the products, only, sit on their shelf.
With that, we continued in prayer, not sure if we were supposed to do anything...no actions taking place. Finally, last Friday, Marcus saw a Facebook post from a mutual friend. She and her Husband bought a couple of burgers for a homeless guy. As they were walking away from him, they noticed a homeless woman approaching that wasn't with him. She said there's got to be something more we can do for the homeless population, and talked about an article that suggested providing homeless individuals with healthy nutrition shakes.
Marcus shared this information with me sometime Friday night; but it kind of floated into the back of my mind. Yesterday, he brought it up again, and even showed it to me. He then shared the idea with his Mom, who said we've been thinking about what to do and our minds and hearts began going in that direction. The post from our friend was God's way of telling us we need to go ahead and do it.
My Mother in law further said that sometimes God will give us our answer. Rather than reacting to His response, we spend time pondering His answer and whether or not we heard Him correctly.
Last night, we made the decision to go ahead and put it into action. We prayed about it. This morning when I woke up, I had a nervous feeling. Part of me didn't want to do it. That negative voice in my head told me that it was a dumb idea and no one would ever go for it. I was then reminded that "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." Luke 18:27. God can do anything, if He wants to. I just have to put my trust in Him.
I prayed about it once more: that God would bless our idea and give me the courage to put action behind our plans. I finally got on Facebook and updated my status with the information. I put the information in a note. I created an event inviting everyone on my friend list to participate in it. Finally, I sent an email out to friends and family members that are not on Facebook. Talk about getting completely out of my comfort zone.
Upon checking out the response thus far, there were 5 "No", 1 "Maybe" and 2 "Yes". Both yes responses were from me and Marcus. I began to get discouraged. "Oh my gosh! How embarrassing! I put myself out there, and I get rejected..." Proverbs 18:21 states that "Death and life are in the power of the tongue..."
Additionally, God made this promise to each of His children, "Ask and it shall be given you....for everyone that asketh receiveth..." Matthew 7:7-8, so I changed my attitude. I reminded myself to trust God.
The Prayer of Jabez not only asks for God's "blessing indeed". It also asks for God to "enlarge my territories". Expanding your territory is not always comfortable. Enlarging of territory requires some growth. With growth, there are growing pains. Stepping out of my comfort zone is definitely a growing pain.
The thing is, I asked. I made my request known before God. I don't believe my request for God to expand my territory was made with impure intentions. I believe my request was made out of the desire to see how God could be glorified in my life if I put my trust in Him and let Him do His work. Jeff Olsen wrote in The Slight Edge, "Time will either promote you or expose you." So may God expose me and my true motives if my heart's desire isn't for Him to be glorified in all this...
In the mean time, "...faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1, so I can't allow my feelings and what I see with my carnal eyes to effect my faith in my belief of what God can do.
God is so much bigger than all the negative thoughts I've been experiencing. If I allow my mind to focus on the negative thoughts, I'm basically saying I think those thoughts are bigger than God. If this is truly God breathed, and there's a way for Him to be glorified in all this, it will happen. It will come to pass and it will be a blessing "indeed".
PAR
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Day 3
I struggled. It's only day 3 and I struggled. But such is life. And it's okay, I'm standing on God's promises and I'll continue to fight the good fight of faith. That's really all I can do.
I did get some great referral information from a friend today. (Thanks, D!) That was definitely a blessing. And I got to catch up with some folks from my past. That too, is always a blessing.
On one of his audio sermons, Jentezen Franklin talks about how we often struggle most when we're about to birth a blessing. So although I struggled today, I kept fighting the urge to murmur and complain. I continued to submit to God, trusting that my blessing "indeed" is right around the corner.
I did get some great referral information from a friend today. (Thanks, D!) That was definitely a blessing. And I got to catch up with some folks from my past. That too, is always a blessing.
On one of his audio sermons, Jentezen Franklin talks about how we often struggle most when we're about to birth a blessing. So although I struggled today, I kept fighting the urge to murmur and complain. I continued to submit to God, trusting that my blessing "indeed" is right around the corner.
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