This blog is about today’s devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today’s devotion was about developing an intimate friendship with God. Our friendship with God is the most important one we can develop, and being called a friend of God is an amazing thing! But friendships take time and energy. You can’t call yourself a friend of God if you don’t spend time with Him, just like you can’t call yourself someone’s friend just because you know them.
I put so much energy into trying to be friends with everyone and helping them all that sometimes I forget that what I really need to be doing is developing the most important friendship I have. I feel like this next two months, in the middle of the crazy amount of things I need to get done, I need to really work on developing my friendship with God. I’ve been learning just how powerful prayer is and experiencing the wonders of God, but when that happens, sometimes we lose sight of what God intends for us: an intimate friendship with Him. Yes, He wanted me to experience these things I experienced this week (what friend doesn’t want their friend to experience wonderful things?), but He wants me to remember that my purpose is to grow closer to Him in friendship, as well as “spirituality.”
God is the best friend I could ever ask for. And He will never let me down!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Peace
Last night at prayer group, a lot of powerful things happened. Immediately after we began to pray, I could feel the Spirit, and out of nowhere, I had the strongest urgency to pray for the young man who abused me not long ago. So I cried out to God and held nothing in my prayers back. I mentally went through every room in his house and asked God to clean them out and get rid of the body. I prayed that someone would come into his life that he might really know God—not just say he does. After a lot of prayer, I felt a peace on the subject, although I still wonder where God is going to take that prayer and if I’m going to play some part in helping this man to Jesus.
After that I began to pour out my own problem: Where does God want me? I prayed for some kind of clear sign or road map, but God doesn’t work that way. After some time praying, I felt a peace and felt as if God was saying, “This is where I want you to be right now.” I opened my eyes and looked to the skies and saw one star shining bright in the sky. It was peaceful to me. God will lead me a little at a time and I will not lose my way, just like people long ago followed the stars so they wouldn’t get lost. They couldn’t always see far in front of them, but they knew they could find their way.
After that, my heart swelled with praise. I didn’t know how to express it right. I just asked God, “What do you want me to do right now?” and I could feel so strongly in my heart that He replied, “Run!” So I ran. I ran so fast, I spun in circles, and I couldn’t stop! I have never gone that fast. Afterwards Aaron even said for a minute he didn’t know if it was me, I was running so fast!
After running and praising God the entire time, I went a way away from the group and started softly singing praises to God. I felt at peace. Then I felt like God was calling me back to the group. Laura was on the ground praying and crying, and honestly, I had no idea what to do. I said, “God, I don’t know what words to say, but I know you want me to hug her and comfort her.” So I hugged her and held her while she prayed and cried. After she was done, we talked a little, then went for a little walk to talk some more.
When we got back, the rest of the group was done praying, and we started to talk with each other. Aaron and Laura separated from the group a little and started a long chat. Ray, David, Elizabeth and I were chatting and laughing and having fun. Then we noticed Laura praying over Aaron, and we all went to pray over him. While we were praying, I had my hand above his arm and I felt the same tingling feeling I felt when I started to pray that evening. I know the Spirit was there in a strong way during our prayers. I’m still learning and I have no idea what all of this means, but it means something.
The biggest feeling I walked away with that night was peace. God has given me a peace about all of these things in my life that used to worry me so much. I need to hold on to that peace, even as I am headed home soon.
Glory to God forever!
After that I began to pour out my own problem: Where does God want me? I prayed for some kind of clear sign or road map, but God doesn’t work that way. After some time praying, I felt a peace and felt as if God was saying, “This is where I want you to be right now.” I opened my eyes and looked to the skies and saw one star shining bright in the sky. It was peaceful to me. God will lead me a little at a time and I will not lose my way, just like people long ago followed the stars so they wouldn’t get lost. They couldn’t always see far in front of them, but they knew they could find their way.
After that, my heart swelled with praise. I didn’t know how to express it right. I just asked God, “What do you want me to do right now?” and I could feel so strongly in my heart that He replied, “Run!” So I ran. I ran so fast, I spun in circles, and I couldn’t stop! I have never gone that fast. Afterwards Aaron even said for a minute he didn’t know if it was me, I was running so fast!
After running and praising God the entire time, I went a way away from the group and started softly singing praises to God. I felt at peace. Then I felt like God was calling me back to the group. Laura was on the ground praying and crying, and honestly, I had no idea what to do. I said, “God, I don’t know what words to say, but I know you want me to hug her and comfort her.” So I hugged her and held her while she prayed and cried. After she was done, we talked a little, then went for a little walk to talk some more.
When we got back, the rest of the group was done praying, and we started to talk with each other. Aaron and Laura separated from the group a little and started a long chat. Ray, David, Elizabeth and I were chatting and laughing and having fun. Then we noticed Laura praying over Aaron, and we all went to pray over him. While we were praying, I had my hand above his arm and I felt the same tingling feeling I felt when I started to pray that evening. I know the Spirit was there in a strong way during our prayers. I’m still learning and I have no idea what all of this means, but it means something.
The biggest feeling I walked away with that night was peace. God has given me a peace about all of these things in my life that used to worry me so much. I need to hold on to that peace, even as I am headed home soon.
Glory to God forever!
Hearing from God Each Morning (June 29)
This blog is about today’s devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today’s devotion was talking about how God closes and opens doors for us. We need to trust that He will close the doors that need to be closed and open the doors that need to stay open. This is a big thing for me, because last night I was praying that I would know what God’s plan for me is, but I came away with just a peace for where I’m at. God doesn’t want me to know where I’m going or what I’m doing until I pass through that door.
I worry so much that I will make the wrong choice in college or go the wrong direction, but after I felt that burning in my chest while talking to the teacher at the college about my choice in major, I knew that was God saying, “You’re where you’re meant to be.” I just need to feel that one step at a time to know that I am in the center of God’s will.
God will lead me step by step; I don’t need to worry about that. What I need to do is learn how to be content with only knowing part of the plan.
Today’s devotion was talking about how God closes and opens doors for us. We need to trust that He will close the doors that need to be closed and open the doors that need to stay open. This is a big thing for me, because last night I was praying that I would know what God’s plan for me is, but I came away with just a peace for where I’m at. God doesn’t want me to know where I’m going or what I’m doing until I pass through that door.
I worry so much that I will make the wrong choice in college or go the wrong direction, but after I felt that burning in my chest while talking to the teacher at the college about my choice in major, I knew that was God saying, “You’re where you’re meant to be.” I just need to feel that one step at a time to know that I am in the center of God’s will.
God will lead me step by step; I don’t need to worry about that. What I need to do is learn how to be content with only knowing part of the plan.
Hearing from God Each Morning (June 28)
This blog is about today’s devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today’s devotion is about how when we listen for God to speak to us, we shouldn’t limit Him by saying, “I will only let Him speak to me through the Bible, and not dreams or friends.” We need to learn to listen for God in a lot of things. He is constantly speaking to us, and we just need to hear Him.
God has been working on me about that. I often think that because I have so many dreams, God can’t speak to me through them. But sometimes certain dreams stick with me more and often times it’s something God wants me to keep in mind or discover.
For me, God usually speaks through situations or things I see. I’ve gotten so used to that kind of communication that perhaps I look for that more than anything. I’m getting closer to where I should be, but I’m still not there.
Today’s devotion is about how when we listen for God to speak to us, we shouldn’t limit Him by saying, “I will only let Him speak to me through the Bible, and not dreams or friends.” We need to learn to listen for God in a lot of things. He is constantly speaking to us, and we just need to hear Him.
God has been working on me about that. I often think that because I have so many dreams, God can’t speak to me through them. But sometimes certain dreams stick with me more and often times it’s something God wants me to keep in mind or discover.
For me, God usually speaks through situations or things I see. I’ve gotten so used to that kind of communication that perhaps I look for that more than anything. I’m getting closer to where I should be, but I’m still not there.
Hearing from God Each Morning (June 27)
This blog is about today’s devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today Meyer writes that we need to pray boldly for the things we need. We need to pray expecting results and having faith that God will give us what we need, instead of praying and just hoping God will answer our prayers.
She goes on to write that we are not righteous because of the things we do right, but because of what Jesus did on the cross. A lot of times, we don’t feel worthy of the things we ask God for, so we don’t really expect Him to answer our prayers. Up until Thursday, that was me. I didn’t feel like I was good enough to approach God with the things I needed. I felt impure because of both my sins and the things that happened to me last year.
But God makes us clean, and we are His sons and daughters. We can approach Him with our needs (and wants) and expect to get answers from Him. It’s not because of what we do or have done, but because of what He has done on the cross!
O praise Him!
Today Meyer writes that we need to pray boldly for the things we need. We need to pray expecting results and having faith that God will give us what we need, instead of praying and just hoping God will answer our prayers.
She goes on to write that we are not righteous because of the things we do right, but because of what Jesus did on the cross. A lot of times, we don’t feel worthy of the things we ask God for, so we don’t really expect Him to answer our prayers. Up until Thursday, that was me. I didn’t feel like I was good enough to approach God with the things I needed. I felt impure because of both my sins and the things that happened to me last year.
But God makes us clean, and we are His sons and daughters. We can approach Him with our needs (and wants) and expect to get answers from Him. It’s not because of what we do or have done, but because of what He has done on the cross!
O praise Him!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Hearing from God Each Morning (June 26)
This blog is about today’s devotion from the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today’s devotion was about the Holy Spirit as our comforter. When we go to other people for comfort when we should be seeking comfort from God, we will always be disappointed. But when we seek God and His Spirit for our comfort, we will never be disappointed!
I learned this the other night at the prayer group. Not only does the Holy Spirit comfort me, but the Holy Spirit heals me of the wounds I have from the things of my past. I’m free from those now! They are gone. The hurt is gone. The constant reminders in every day life that I used to have are GONE!
O praise Him!
Today’s devotion was about the Holy Spirit as our comforter. When we go to other people for comfort when we should be seeking comfort from God, we will always be disappointed. But when we seek God and His Spirit for our comfort, we will never be disappointed!
I learned this the other night at the prayer group. Not only does the Holy Spirit comfort me, but the Holy Spirit heals me of the wounds I have from the things of my past. I’m free from those now! They are gone. The hurt is gone. The constant reminders in every day life that I used to have are GONE!
O praise Him!
A Healing and a Change
Last night at the prayer group, Aaron prayed for healing in my legs, and his dad felt like God was asking him to pray for healing for me as well. Aaron said that when he touched my knees and prayed to God to heal them, he could feel that they were healed.
My faith has grown and I have asked God to take away the unbelief. He has healed me, and there has not been pain ever since last night, at least not in my legs, which were giving me so much trouble.
And I noticed when I look in the mirror, my eyes have changed color. My eyes are lighter now. The darkness that was inside of me is no longer there. God has healed my spirit and part of my body. I know He will heal the rest in His own time.
The thing that I was told would never heal is gone. Everyone said that a piece of my rape/sexual assault would always stick with me, but since last night, it’s no longer a part of me. I feel so amazing. When it was brought up with Aaron today, I didn’t stare into space and darken like I did only two days ago. I talked about it almost as if it was something that happened in a story we both read. I am a testimony to the great healing God can bring to someone who has gone through even this.
O praise Him!
My faith has grown and I have asked God to take away the unbelief. He has healed me, and there has not been pain ever since last night, at least not in my legs, which were giving me so much trouble.
And I noticed when I look in the mirror, my eyes have changed color. My eyes are lighter now. The darkness that was inside of me is no longer there. God has healed my spirit and part of my body. I know He will heal the rest in His own time.
The thing that I was told would never heal is gone. Everyone said that a piece of my rape/sexual assault would always stick with me, but since last night, it’s no longer a part of me. I feel so amazing. When it was brought up with Aaron today, I didn’t stare into space and darken like I did only two days ago. I talked about it almost as if it was something that happened in a story we both read. I am a testimony to the great healing God can bring to someone who has gone through even this.
O praise Him!
Hearing from God Each Morning (June 25)
This blog is about today’s devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
In today’s devotion, Meyer writes about closing our mouths and calming our minds to hear from God. Sometimes I worry so much about how to solve a problem that I don’t slow down long enough to hear from God on what I should do. I like to believe I’m getting better about it, but there’s always room for improvement.
Days when I’m thinking about so little are when God speaks to me the loudest, much like the other day by the creek. I had cleared my mind and was ready to listen to God, and He did not disappoint. Any time that we clear our minds and ask to hear from Him, we will. We just need to be ready to listen.
In today’s devotion, Meyer writes about closing our mouths and calming our minds to hear from God. Sometimes I worry so much about how to solve a problem that I don’t slow down long enough to hear from God on what I should do. I like to believe I’m getting better about it, but there’s always room for improvement.
Days when I’m thinking about so little are when God speaks to me the loudest, much like the other day by the creek. I had cleared my mind and was ready to listen to God, and He did not disappoint. Any time that we clear our minds and ask to hear from Him, we will. We just need to be ready to listen.
The White Rose - My Experience at Prayer Group
I went to a prayer group tonight with Aaron. Heather was there as well, and I met three others. We met up at the chapel, and then we started to walk to find a place to pray. The more we walked, the more the pain in my body grew. I could feel Satan and his demons didn’t want me to be there. As we started to share, then pray, I felt more and more pain. I felt not just the physical pain, but some of the emotional pain as well: the feeling that I am not worthy, that I am not pure.
As we shared stories of things God had done this week, this guy said that he’s been really worried about things and that he knows he needs to just trust God each step of the way. This brought back the verse God showed me yesterday: “The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?” (Proverbs 20:24) I shared this with him, and he smiled so big. Everyone knew it was God who put that verse in my path yesterday to give to this boy today.
After everyone shared their stories, we began to pray. The pain in my body was overwhelming. The reminders of my sins and the things done to me—the violations of my purity—were strong. Satan wanted to hold me back. But then someone (I think it was Laura) stepped forward and put their hand on me and started to pray over me. In no time, everyone was praying over me and I was weeping. Whenever someone mentioned purity and how God makes me pure, I cried harder and harder. Eventually I couldn’t take it and I fell to my knees. Everyone continued to pray over me. Those who had just met me said things that only God could have told them, and I felt surrounded by God.
Then Aaron told me that God gave him a vision about me. What he wrote on the paper I now have in front of me is this: “Beforehand, while getting ready, I received a mental image of us praying over Faith. The word “lamp stand” came to me, along with the Book of Daniel. This then led me to Revelation with the 7 churches, or the 7 lamp stands. Faith, you ARE the Church! You are His BELOVED! (see Deut. Verse that I got you!).
The Laura spoke, and mentioned a white rose. I nearly cried; white roses are my favorite because they represent purity—purity that I long for again. What she wrote on the paper is this: “God gave me a picture of you as a white rose. He sees you as white, pure and cleansed by His blood. And the rose is also beautiful which He also sees you as. He created you beautifully, never forget that! Love!
I have struggled with feeling like God has really cleansed me of the things done to me and the things I have done, and so now with these visions that people have received, I know that I am pure! God has made me pure! I am His beloved! And I know that God is planning to use me to be His church and to do great things throughout the world. I know He wants me to start right here in Mount Vernon. I must tell everyone I can about these great things God has been doing in my life!
Then Aaron’s dad had to give me a ride home. Within minutes of me getting in the car, he told me that around 9:40 PM he felt that God was putting it on his heart to pray for me (this was around the same time everyone else was praying for me). This just confirmed even further that God was really at work tonight and that the spirits that mean to harm me and tell me I’m not worth it are WRONG. THEY HAVE NO POWER OVER ME!
Then after I got to my grandma’s apartment, I had a bite to eat then went into her closet (the only place I could turn on the light and read). I looked at my shirts and was trying to decide what to wear. I saw my green shirt that my aunt gave me, and took a closer look. I had never looked especially close to the shirt, but now I see it clearly: The word “Faith” is across the top. There is a white rose with wings behind it. And below are the words “Trust You.” This was just one more thing that just made this night perfect and I know that it is God working with the things that surround me to make this happen.
I will sleep in the peace of the Holy Spirit tonight. God is so great!!
As we shared stories of things God had done this week, this guy said that he’s been really worried about things and that he knows he needs to just trust God each step of the way. This brought back the verse God showed me yesterday: “The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?” (Proverbs 20:24) I shared this with him, and he smiled so big. Everyone knew it was God who put that verse in my path yesterday to give to this boy today.
After everyone shared their stories, we began to pray. The pain in my body was overwhelming. The reminders of my sins and the things done to me—the violations of my purity—were strong. Satan wanted to hold me back. But then someone (I think it was Laura) stepped forward and put their hand on me and started to pray over me. In no time, everyone was praying over me and I was weeping. Whenever someone mentioned purity and how God makes me pure, I cried harder and harder. Eventually I couldn’t take it and I fell to my knees. Everyone continued to pray over me. Those who had just met me said things that only God could have told them, and I felt surrounded by God.
Then Aaron told me that God gave him a vision about me. What he wrote on the paper I now have in front of me is this: “Beforehand, while getting ready, I received a mental image of us praying over Faith. The word “lamp stand” came to me, along with the Book of Daniel. This then led me to Revelation with the 7 churches, or the 7 lamp stands. Faith, you ARE the Church! You are His BELOVED! (see Deut. Verse that I got you!).
The Laura spoke, and mentioned a white rose. I nearly cried; white roses are my favorite because they represent purity—purity that I long for again. What she wrote on the paper is this: “God gave me a picture of you as a white rose. He sees you as white, pure and cleansed by His blood. And the rose is also beautiful which He also sees you as. He created you beautifully, never forget that! Love!
I have struggled with feeling like God has really cleansed me of the things done to me and the things I have done, and so now with these visions that people have received, I know that I am pure! God has made me pure! I am His beloved! And I know that God is planning to use me to be His church and to do great things throughout the world. I know He wants me to start right here in Mount Vernon. I must tell everyone I can about these great things God has been doing in my life!
Then Aaron’s dad had to give me a ride home. Within minutes of me getting in the car, he told me that around 9:40 PM he felt that God was putting it on his heart to pray for me (this was around the same time everyone else was praying for me). This just confirmed even further that God was really at work tonight and that the spirits that mean to harm me and tell me I’m not worth it are WRONG. THEY HAVE NO POWER OVER ME!
Then after I got to my grandma’s apartment, I had a bite to eat then went into her closet (the only place I could turn on the light and read). I looked at my shirts and was trying to decide what to wear. I saw my green shirt that my aunt gave me, and took a closer look. I had never looked especially close to the shirt, but now I see it clearly: The word “Faith” is across the top. There is a white rose with wings behind it. And below are the words “Trust You.” This was just one more thing that just made this night perfect and I know that it is God working with the things that surround me to make this happen.
I will sleep in the peace of the Holy Spirit tonight. God is so great!!
Hearing from God Each Morning (June 24)
This blog is about today’s devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today’s devotion talks about listening to the Holy Spirit to grow as close as we want with God. Our relationship with God is not limited by God, but by our own minds. If we open our minds and let Him in, we can be as close to Him as we want.
I’ve been learning about that a lot lately. I feel like I have tried to limit God to what is comfortable and what is more legalistic. Lately I’ve been breaking free from the legalistic Christianity and learning about who God is. I have been seeking Him, and He does not disappoint. I have found His voice loud and clear in the Bible as well as in things I go through (just look at my last couple of blogs!).
There is no limit to how close we can get to God. And I intend in getting as close as I can to Him.
Today’s devotion talks about listening to the Holy Spirit to grow as close as we want with God. Our relationship with God is not limited by God, but by our own minds. If we open our minds and let Him in, we can be as close to Him as we want.
I’ve been learning about that a lot lately. I feel like I have tried to limit God to what is comfortable and what is more legalistic. Lately I’ve been breaking free from the legalistic Christianity and learning about who God is. I have been seeking Him, and He does not disappoint. I have found His voice loud and clear in the Bible as well as in things I go through (just look at my last couple of blogs!).
There is no limit to how close we can get to God. And I intend in getting as close as I can to Him.
A Dream with Spiritual Implications
Last night I had a dream about my friend Will, who has been growing a lot spiritually. In the dream, we had both won a large amount of money, and mine was significantly larger. I think it was something along the lines of me winning $8000 and him winning $2000. Anyways, we were at church after that, and rejoicing that we had come across that money, since it would be useful for college. But we put the money together and split it evenly, and had the same amount, even though I had won more money.
I feel like maybe this dream was a lot deeper than Will and I just winning money and splitting it. I feel like it is symbolic of our spiritual growth. Even though I have been a Christian for so much longer than he has, and I know a lot more than he does, in a way, we are even in God’s eyes. I also believe that with growth, Will is on the track to becoming at the same spiritual level that I am, because of how great his hunger for God is. This dream was a great encouragement to me about his development, and I feel that it will encourage him, too.
I feel like maybe this dream was a lot deeper than Will and I just winning money and splitting it. I feel like it is symbolic of our spiritual growth. Even though I have been a Christian for so much longer than he has, and I know a lot more than he does, in a way, we are even in God’s eyes. I also believe that with growth, Will is on the track to becoming at the same spiritual level that I am, because of how great his hunger for God is. This dream was a great encouragement to me about his development, and I feel that it will encourage him, too.
God Sighting in Mount Vernon
Today after spending hours talking to a dear friend about spiritual matters (among other things, of course), I had an hour before youth group over at Lakeholm, so I decided to relax and go for a walk.
I was walking and praising God, thanking Him for the wonderful time I had with my friend, and I asked Him to give me something to share with others, and to make Himself very real to me. I wanted something more than just a regular study at youth group. I wanted something deep and amazing.
So as I was walking, I saw a little rabbit sitting on the grass. I smiled and thanked God for the wonderful creatures He has made. I kept walking. I crossed the bridge that went over the creek. As I walked along the path, I saw a place where I could sit on the rock and put my feet in the water, and just enjoy the surroundings. I put my feet in the water and it was nice and cool. I was thinking about how nice it felt when a passage popped into my head about how the Holy Spirit is the living water. I thought that the same way the cool creek water soothed my feet, the Holy Spirit soothes my soul.
After a little while, some young teens came up and were playing by the creek, so I moved on and sat on a bench and pulled out my Bible. I was reading when I saw a gopher, and I prayed, “God, let me see that closer. I want to see more of Your creation.” The gopher moved a little closer to me, then stopped. I said, “Thank you, God, for making me see that.” Then I turned back to my Bible and continued to read. When I paused and looked up, the gopher stood on it’s hind legs and looked right at me. Then it ran across the field. I thanked God again for His wonderful creation.
The whole time I kept thinking, “God loves these creatures, just think how much more I am to Him!”
It came time that I had to walk to church. As I stood to walk, I saw a red bird fly by. Then I saw two squirrels playing in the trees. I arrived at the church smiling and feeling God surround me with His Spirit. I was so thankful for all the beauty around me.
At first, youth group was awkward. I didn’t know many people, and the ones I knew weren’t people that were especially close to me. But I sat down anyways and tried to get as much out of the lesson as I could. When I started to read the passage for that night, John 4, I was shocked. It was the story of Jesus talking to the woman at the well, telling her about the living water (the Holy Spirit!) and how she would never thirst again.
I praised God! I know that He gave me a vision of this passage and sent it to me at just the right time as a comfort, and confirmed His work by having that be the subject matter of the lesson tonight! This woman was a sinner and had made so many mistakes, but Jesus still offered her the living water. I have sinned and made mistakes, but God forgives me. I still can live to my full spiritual potential through the Holy Spirit. God can use me!!
I was walking and praising God, thanking Him for the wonderful time I had with my friend, and I asked Him to give me something to share with others, and to make Himself very real to me. I wanted something more than just a regular study at youth group. I wanted something deep and amazing.
So as I was walking, I saw a little rabbit sitting on the grass. I smiled and thanked God for the wonderful creatures He has made. I kept walking. I crossed the bridge that went over the creek. As I walked along the path, I saw a place where I could sit on the rock and put my feet in the water, and just enjoy the surroundings. I put my feet in the water and it was nice and cool. I was thinking about how nice it felt when a passage popped into my head about how the Holy Spirit is the living water. I thought that the same way the cool creek water soothed my feet, the Holy Spirit soothes my soul.
After a little while, some young teens came up and were playing by the creek, so I moved on and sat on a bench and pulled out my Bible. I was reading when I saw a gopher, and I prayed, “God, let me see that closer. I want to see more of Your creation.” The gopher moved a little closer to me, then stopped. I said, “Thank you, God, for making me see that.” Then I turned back to my Bible and continued to read. When I paused and looked up, the gopher stood on it’s hind legs and looked right at me. Then it ran across the field. I thanked God again for His wonderful creation.
The whole time I kept thinking, “God loves these creatures, just think how much more I am to Him!”
It came time that I had to walk to church. As I stood to walk, I saw a red bird fly by. Then I saw two squirrels playing in the trees. I arrived at the church smiling and feeling God surround me with His Spirit. I was so thankful for all the beauty around me.
At first, youth group was awkward. I didn’t know many people, and the ones I knew weren’t people that were especially close to me. But I sat down anyways and tried to get as much out of the lesson as I could. When I started to read the passage for that night, John 4, I was shocked. It was the story of Jesus talking to the woman at the well, telling her about the living water (the Holy Spirit!) and how she would never thirst again.
I praised God! I know that He gave me a vision of this passage and sent it to me at just the right time as a comfort, and confirmed His work by having that be the subject matter of the lesson tonight! This woman was a sinner and had made so many mistakes, but Jesus still offered her the living water. I have sinned and made mistakes, but God forgives me. I still can live to my full spiritual potential through the Holy Spirit. God can use me!!
Hearing from God Each Morning (June 23)
This blog is about today’s devotion from the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Wow! Today’s devotion was about being thankful in every situation. God gives us things to be thankful about, we just need to look for them. Although I am ill and in pain, God has given me a great peace about so many things. I am thankful that He has given that peace to me, and it helps me to deal with the things that are going on in my life.
God has blessed me with a heart that sees and appreciates the simple things, and I praise Him for the smallest things. Just seeing a creature run across the ground or a butterfly fly past me makes me smile and praise God! If you see nothing to praise God for, you are not looking. There is always something.
Wow! Today’s devotion was about being thankful in every situation. God gives us things to be thankful about, we just need to look for them. Although I am ill and in pain, God has given me a great peace about so many things. I am thankful that He has given that peace to me, and it helps me to deal with the things that are going on in my life.
God has blessed me with a heart that sees and appreciates the simple things, and I praise Him for the smallest things. Just seeing a creature run across the ground or a butterfly fly past me makes me smile and praise God! If you see nothing to praise God for, you are not looking. There is always something.
Hearing from God Each Morning (June 22)
This blog is about today’s devotion from the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today’s devotion was about giving yourself fully to God, and consecrating every part of your life to Him. That’s something I’ve been working on a lot lately. Because I feel called to do missions, I have known for years that it’s not going to be something I can have a middle ground on. I will have to give every part of my life to God to follow Him on this.
The hardest thing for me to let go (and I think I have let go for the most part) is having a family of my own. I will most likely be married and have children, in God’s timing. But the wait is hard, and being patient is harder. I don’t want to get married unless I know it is what God wants, though. And right now, He doesn’t want me to be dating, which is hard for me. I would only date someone that I saw going in the same direction as I am before we start dating. I would not wait for a sudden “change of heart” as I have tried to do so many times. God has someone out there for me. I just have to wait for him.
Today’s devotion was about giving yourself fully to God, and consecrating every part of your life to Him. That’s something I’ve been working on a lot lately. Because I feel called to do missions, I have known for years that it’s not going to be something I can have a middle ground on. I will have to give every part of my life to God to follow Him on this.
The hardest thing for me to let go (and I think I have let go for the most part) is having a family of my own. I will most likely be married and have children, in God’s timing. But the wait is hard, and being patient is harder. I don’t want to get married unless I know it is what God wants, though. And right now, He doesn’t want me to be dating, which is hard for me. I would only date someone that I saw going in the same direction as I am before we start dating. I would not wait for a sudden “change of heart” as I have tried to do so many times. God has someone out there for me. I just have to wait for him.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Hearing from God Each Morning (June 21)
This blog is about today's devotion from the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today's devotion was about how we are called to love each other and serve them. Though we are free in Christ, we are not to be selfish about it. We need to be sensitive to others and serve them with love. When we make others happy, we will be happier ourselves (as long as we are receiving what we need from Christ, which He freely gives, but we need to remember to accept).
There are times when I would say that I give a lot and love a lot. There are times that service is the top thing on my mind, and I give freely. There are other times (and certain people) that I am not so loving and do not serve so freely. I'm sad to think that I'm a conditional lover. But I am because I am human. I need God's help to remember to love everyone and to serve them through the love of Christ.
Today's devotion was about how we are called to love each other and serve them. Though we are free in Christ, we are not to be selfish about it. We need to be sensitive to others and serve them with love. When we make others happy, we will be happier ourselves (as long as we are receiving what we need from Christ, which He freely gives, but we need to remember to accept).
There are times when I would say that I give a lot and love a lot. There are times that service is the top thing on my mind, and I give freely. There are other times (and certain people) that I am not so loving and do not serve so freely. I'm sad to think that I'm a conditional lover. But I am because I am human. I need God's help to remember to love everyone and to serve them through the love of Christ.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Hearing from God Each Morning (June 20)
This blog is about today's devotion in the book Hearing from God each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
As Christians, we have to live together in unity and peace. If we are not getting along, we are divided and not the way God wants us to be. I've seen this in my own church before: one time we were divided on an issue and it hurt a lot of people and never got settled. Another time, however, when one of the people in the church was hurting, we were all in unity to help him, we did great things.
As Christians, we have to live together in unity and peace. If we are not getting along, we are divided and not the way God wants us to be. I've seen this in my own church before: one time we were divided on an issue and it hurt a lot of people and never got settled. Another time, however, when one of the people in the church was hurting, we were all in unity to help him, we did great things.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Hearing from God Each Morning (June 19)
This blog is about today's devotion from the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
We must surrender our lives to God daily. He gave us free will, but He wants us to follow Him by making choices that please Him. Simply praying, "Your will, not mine," is powerful, when you mean it.
And this doesn't mean just don't sin. God calls us to do things, and we may think that by doing another good thing we can replace the thing God wanted us to do, but we can't. For example: Since the time I was seven years old, I have felt God calling me to be a missionary and to do mission work in Africa. However, I thought that if I was a pastor, that I was okay and doing what God wanted me to do. After many months of prayer, talking with friends, and reading my Bible, I knew I had to surrender my other dream to God and go do missions in Africa. Although being a pastor is a good thing, it wasn't a God thing. And by not surrendering my life to God, I wasn't pleasing Him and doing His will.
We must surrender our lives to God daily. He gave us free will, but He wants us to follow Him by making choices that please Him. Simply praying, "Your will, not mine," is powerful, when you mean it.
And this doesn't mean just don't sin. God calls us to do things, and we may think that by doing another good thing we can replace the thing God wanted us to do, but we can't. For example: Since the time I was seven years old, I have felt God calling me to be a missionary and to do mission work in Africa. However, I thought that if I was a pastor, that I was okay and doing what God wanted me to do. After many months of prayer, talking with friends, and reading my Bible, I knew I had to surrender my other dream to God and go do missions in Africa. Although being a pastor is a good thing, it wasn't a God thing. And by not surrendering my life to God, I wasn't pleasing Him and doing His will.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Hearing from God Each Morning (June 18)
This blog is about today's devotion from the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
We need to listen to the voice of God, and ignore the voice of Satan in us. Satan attacks our minds because that is the easiest thing to attack. When we start thinking things, we will eventually act on them, if we don't divert our focus to something God wants us to occupy our minds with.
I know that often I dwell on my anger. I don't stay angry long, but when I am angry, no other thought enters my mind. I have not had an experience where it has led me to sin too greatly (that I can remember), but anger gives the devil a foothold. I need to learn to pray about my anger. I pray when I'm happy, when I'm sad, and when I need help. But I always forget to pray when I'm angry, and Satan likes that.
And if Satan likes it, then I'm not going to do it.
We need to listen to the voice of God, and ignore the voice of Satan in us. Satan attacks our minds because that is the easiest thing to attack. When we start thinking things, we will eventually act on them, if we don't divert our focus to something God wants us to occupy our minds with.
I know that often I dwell on my anger. I don't stay angry long, but when I am angry, no other thought enters my mind. I have not had an experience where it has led me to sin too greatly (that I can remember), but anger gives the devil a foothold. I need to learn to pray about my anger. I pray when I'm happy, when I'm sad, and when I need help. But I always forget to pray when I'm angry, and Satan likes that.
And if Satan likes it, then I'm not going to do it.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Spiritual Warfare - The Serpent's Strategy
This blog is about the third chapter of the Bible study Spiritual Warfare by Jack Kuhatscheck.
1. "Reflecting on this passage, what different thoughts and emotions do you think Eve had throughout?" I think she doubted God's love for her, and maybe felt a little cheated out of the one thing God didn't want her to have.
2. "In verse 1 the serpent asks Eve, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" How does Satan's version compare with what God really said (see 2:16-17)?" Satan's version makes it look like God is saying that they can't eat from any tree, and is being a big mean guy in the sky who just makes rules. But God's words said, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tre of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die." God said she was FREE to eat from any tree (except the one), which was something God had given her as a blessing. Satan focused on the part she couldn't have. It was like the whole "cup half empty vs. cup half full" thing. It was just how Satan made her look at it that made it look incomplete. "From the way he worded the question, what do you think Satan hoped to accomplish?" I think he wanted her to doubt God's goodness and the quality of His blessings for her life. Satan wanted her to focus on the one thing she couldn't have instead of all of the wonderful things she was already blessed with.
3. "Why do you think Satan appears to Eve in the form of a serpent (v. 1) instead of showing himself openly?" If Eve thought he was evil or trying to deceive her, she probably would not have listened to him. He appeared as a creation of God, and it seemed less threatening to her, so she listened.
4. "How does Eve's response reveal that Satan's venom is beginning to affect her thinking about God (vv. 2-3)?" She says "but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree...'" She spent more time talking about how God would not allow her to eat the fruit. When she spoke of what she could eat, she didn't word it the same way God did, and her way made it seem like He was limiting her, and not giving her the freedom to eat from all of the other fruit.
5. "How can doubting God's generosity make us targets for temptation and sin?" When we are focused on all of the things God does not give us instead of the things He blesses us with, we want to use our own means to get them. This leads to sin, and can even lead to not even trying to follow God at all. If we stop believing that God is blessing us, we will stop wanting to follow Him, and we will rebel. We need to remember that God does bless us. It's something I often forget.
6. "Satan's next tactic is to boldly declare, "You will not surely die" (v. 4). Why do you think he lies to Eve about the consequences of sin?" I know that consequences keep most people (me included) from doing things. Parents and teachers say, "If you have sex, you may get pregnant," and it stops a lot of people from doing that. When parents say, "If you sneak out/break rules/etc you will be grounded," and the threat of punishment is enough to make most children stop. The same was with Eve and the fruit. The consequence of death was the last thing keeping her from eating the fruit, and all Satan had to do was tell her, "You will not surely die," and she picked the fruit and ate it. He took the consequences out of the equation and made the sin even more appealing to her.
7. "Why is it tempting to believe that sin has no consequences? (Give examples, if possible.)" When we are about to sin, we try to rationalize and explain away all of the consequences and arguements against whatever desire it is we want. To continue the example of having sex, we may say, "If we use a condom, she won't get pregnant," and then decide to have sex. But the consequences are much deeper than that. God intends sex for marriage because when a person has sex, they create a bond with that person, and outside of a marriage, that bond is broken. It can leave emotional scars on us. We may have explained away many of the consequences to make it easier for us to do that sin, but there are other consequences.
8. "In verse 5 Satan goes a step further: 'For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.' What does this statement imply about both God and sin?" God knows both good and evil. Sin happens when we know about both good and evil and choose to do the latter of the two.
9. "What evidenc do you see today what some people believe God is a 'cosmic killjoy' and sin is really good for them?" Just turn on the TV or look at the magazines at the store, and you will see sex splashed all over the place. We live in a world where we should do whatever feels good, whenever we want it. It's a selfish, "me" generation. When these people who are led to believe you should do what you can to please yourself see religion, they see all of the rules. They don't see the loving God who made these rules to protect His children.
10. "In verse 6 the converstaion between the serpent and the woman breaks off. How is Satan's tactic at this point similar to the one a waiter uses with the dessert tray (see group discussion question)?" Satan just left her to look at the fruit and think about what he said. If he continued to push, she would probably start to wonder why he was pushing so hard to get her to eat the fruit. But he just had a little conversation and waited for her to make the choice. She looked at the fruit, saw that it was good, and the temptation was too much. She ate of the fruit.
11. "The great reformer Martin Luther once said, 'You can't keep the birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from making a nest in your hair.' Why is it dangerous to toy with temptation or to fantasize about it?" When you think about something, taking a step towards us doesn't seem like too much more. Then when you take that step, you think, "One more won't hurt." Eventually you'll find yourself so far in sin that it will take a slap in the face to get you out. I know; I've been there. When I thought and wondered about sex, it wasn't a big deal. Then I started learning more about it. Making jokes. Before I knew it, I was looking at porn and I was obsessed. It took God using His children to bring me back to where I should be. And it all started with just thinking about a sinful thing. "Instead of toying or fantasizing, what should you do when you're tempted?" For me, when I'm tempted to do those things, the only thing that works to keep me from doing them is to pray, read my Bible, or contact my accountability partner.
Closing thoughts: A lot of temptation, for me especially, is more based on curiosity than downright defiance. I don't want to disobey God. But God made us curious beings, and sometimes we take that curiosity too far. We need to be careful not to let Satan have a foothold.
1. "Reflecting on this passage, what different thoughts and emotions do you think Eve had throughout?" I think she doubted God's love for her, and maybe felt a little cheated out of the one thing God didn't want her to have.
2. "In verse 1 the serpent asks Eve, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" How does Satan's version compare with what God really said (see 2:16-17)?" Satan's version makes it look like God is saying that they can't eat from any tree, and is being a big mean guy in the sky who just makes rules. But God's words said, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tre of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die." God said she was FREE to eat from any tree (except the one), which was something God had given her as a blessing. Satan focused on the part she couldn't have. It was like the whole "cup half empty vs. cup half full" thing. It was just how Satan made her look at it that made it look incomplete. "From the way he worded the question, what do you think Satan hoped to accomplish?" I think he wanted her to doubt God's goodness and the quality of His blessings for her life. Satan wanted her to focus on the one thing she couldn't have instead of all of the wonderful things she was already blessed with.
3. "Why do you think Satan appears to Eve in the form of a serpent (v. 1) instead of showing himself openly?" If Eve thought he was evil or trying to deceive her, she probably would not have listened to him. He appeared as a creation of God, and it seemed less threatening to her, so she listened.
4. "How does Eve's response reveal that Satan's venom is beginning to affect her thinking about God (vv. 2-3)?" She says "but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree...'" She spent more time talking about how God would not allow her to eat the fruit. When she spoke of what she could eat, she didn't word it the same way God did, and her way made it seem like He was limiting her, and not giving her the freedom to eat from all of the other fruit.
5. "How can doubting God's generosity make us targets for temptation and sin?" When we are focused on all of the things God does not give us instead of the things He blesses us with, we want to use our own means to get them. This leads to sin, and can even lead to not even trying to follow God at all. If we stop believing that God is blessing us, we will stop wanting to follow Him, and we will rebel. We need to remember that God does bless us. It's something I often forget.
6. "Satan's next tactic is to boldly declare, "You will not surely die" (v. 4). Why do you think he lies to Eve about the consequences of sin?" I know that consequences keep most people (me included) from doing things. Parents and teachers say, "If you have sex, you may get pregnant," and it stops a lot of people from doing that. When parents say, "If you sneak out/break rules/etc you will be grounded," and the threat of punishment is enough to make most children stop. The same was with Eve and the fruit. The consequence of death was the last thing keeping her from eating the fruit, and all Satan had to do was tell her, "You will not surely die," and she picked the fruit and ate it. He took the consequences out of the equation and made the sin even more appealing to her.
7. "Why is it tempting to believe that sin has no consequences? (Give examples, if possible.)" When we are about to sin, we try to rationalize and explain away all of the consequences and arguements against whatever desire it is we want. To continue the example of having sex, we may say, "If we use a condom, she won't get pregnant," and then decide to have sex. But the consequences are much deeper than that. God intends sex for marriage because when a person has sex, they create a bond with that person, and outside of a marriage, that bond is broken. It can leave emotional scars on us. We may have explained away many of the consequences to make it easier for us to do that sin, but there are other consequences.
8. "In verse 5 Satan goes a step further: 'For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.' What does this statement imply about both God and sin?" God knows both good and evil. Sin happens when we know about both good and evil and choose to do the latter of the two.
9. "What evidenc do you see today what some people believe God is a 'cosmic killjoy' and sin is really good for them?" Just turn on the TV or look at the magazines at the store, and you will see sex splashed all over the place. We live in a world where we should do whatever feels good, whenever we want it. It's a selfish, "me" generation. When these people who are led to believe you should do what you can to please yourself see religion, they see all of the rules. They don't see the loving God who made these rules to protect His children.
10. "In verse 6 the converstaion between the serpent and the woman breaks off. How is Satan's tactic at this point similar to the one a waiter uses with the dessert tray (see group discussion question)?" Satan just left her to look at the fruit and think about what he said. If he continued to push, she would probably start to wonder why he was pushing so hard to get her to eat the fruit. But he just had a little conversation and waited for her to make the choice. She looked at the fruit, saw that it was good, and the temptation was too much. She ate of the fruit.
11. "The great reformer Martin Luther once said, 'You can't keep the birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from making a nest in your hair.' Why is it dangerous to toy with temptation or to fantasize about it?" When you think about something, taking a step towards us doesn't seem like too much more. Then when you take that step, you think, "One more won't hurt." Eventually you'll find yourself so far in sin that it will take a slap in the face to get you out. I know; I've been there. When I thought and wondered about sex, it wasn't a big deal. Then I started learning more about it. Making jokes. Before I knew it, I was looking at porn and I was obsessed. It took God using His children to bring me back to where I should be. And it all started with just thinking about a sinful thing. "Instead of toying or fantasizing, what should you do when you're tempted?" For me, when I'm tempted to do those things, the only thing that works to keep me from doing them is to pray, read my Bible, or contact my accountability partner.
Closing thoughts: A lot of temptation, for me especially, is more based on curiosity than downright defiance. I don't want to disobey God. But God made us curious beings, and sometimes we take that curiosity too far. We need to be careful not to let Satan have a foothold.
Live to Glorify God
This blog is about Chapter 4 of the book 100 Ways to Simplify Your Life by Joyce Meyer.
We are to consecrate every action of every day by giving it to God. We are to be in a constant state of worship and prayer, a fellowship with God. When we try to rush through things in life that seem mundane or less spiritual to get to the things that we see as pleasing to God, we are missing the point. God made us to live, eat, drink, work, sleep, and fellowship with other people. So when we do these things, we need to do them by giving glory to God.
One thing Meyer said that really stuck out to me was that "if any part of my life is not suitable for the Lord, then it is not suitable for me either and should be cut out." There are things that I do that are not considered sin, but they are not what God wants, and they are not giving the glory to Him. I want to start cutting those things out of my life and welcoming God into EVERY activity I take part in.
Life is simple if we are doing everything for God, because God doesn't intend for life to be complicated. He intends for us to enjoy life and worship Him.
I already worship God while doing a lot of things: when I walk, I often use that time to pray. When I knit, I often listen to worship music and sing praises to Him. But there are a lot of times that I am not thinking about God and not making him a part of my life, and I really should be doing that.
We are to consecrate every action of every day by giving it to God. We are to be in a constant state of worship and prayer, a fellowship with God. When we try to rush through things in life that seem mundane or less spiritual to get to the things that we see as pleasing to God, we are missing the point. God made us to live, eat, drink, work, sleep, and fellowship with other people. So when we do these things, we need to do them by giving glory to God.
One thing Meyer said that really stuck out to me was that "if any part of my life is not suitable for the Lord, then it is not suitable for me either and should be cut out." There are things that I do that are not considered sin, but they are not what God wants, and they are not giving the glory to Him. I want to start cutting those things out of my life and welcoming God into EVERY activity I take part in.
Life is simple if we are doing everything for God, because God doesn't intend for life to be complicated. He intends for us to enjoy life and worship Him.
I already worship God while doing a lot of things: when I walk, I often use that time to pray. When I knit, I often listen to worship music and sing praises to Him. But there are a lot of times that I am not thinking about God and not making him a part of my life, and I really should be doing that.
Hearing from God Each Morning (June 17)
This blog is about today's devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today's devotion was about loving God and developing our friendship with because of who He is, and not what He can do for us.
I fear using God as a good luck charm or something to magically make things better. I am trying to learn what I can about him to keep me from doing that, but I'm human. I know that seeking Him for who He is and not what He does will be something I will grow into as I mature as a Christian (and a person, for that matter).
Today's devotion was about loving God and developing our friendship with because of who He is, and not what He can do for us.
I fear using God as a good luck charm or something to magically make things better. I am trying to learn what I can about him to keep me from doing that, but I'm human. I know that seeking Him for who He is and not what He does will be something I will grow into as I mature as a Christian (and a person, for that matter).
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Hearing from God Each Morning (June 16)
This blog is about today's devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today's devotion was about letting God be my strength. I can't do things apart from Him, so I need Him as my strength.
That's so true right now. I need Him more than anything. I'm emotionally and physically spent. I don't feel like getting out of bed or moving or anything. I just want to lay in bed and cry. If I'm going to get out of bed and get anything done, I need God to be my strength.
Anything I do today (and every day) is only because of God's strength, because I have none left.
Today's devotion was about letting God be my strength. I can't do things apart from Him, so I need Him as my strength.
That's so true right now. I need Him more than anything. I'm emotionally and physically spent. I don't feel like getting out of bed or moving or anything. I just want to lay in bed and cry. If I'm going to get out of bed and get anything done, I need God to be my strength.
Anything I do today (and every day) is only because of God's strength, because I have none left.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Spiritual Warfare - Facing Temptation
This blog is about Chapter 2 of the Bible study Spiritual Warfare by Jack Kuhatschek.
Matthew 4:1-11
1. "Looking through these verses, what clues do you have as to what Jesus would have been thinking and feeling?" Verse 2 says He was hungry. The only other verse where I see Jesus feeling anything is in verse 10 when He tells Satan to go away. He seems tired and angry that Satan is trying to lead Him astray.
2. "Verse 1 opens at the beginning of Jesus' earthly ministry. Why do you think the Spirit led Jesus into the desert to be tempted by the devil?" I know from my personal experiences that when I am tempted and resist temptation, I feel the bond grow stronger between God and I. Jesus had to be tempted so He would grow even more with God, and be strengthened and ready for ministry.
3. "If there's nothing wrong with being hungry, and there's nothing wrong with bread, then what was the temptation (vv. 3-4)?" The temptation was to use the abilities God gave Him to do something that was not in tune with God's will, or wasn't what the ability was intended for.
4. "When we fail to trust God, how can we be tempted to meet legitimate needs in illegitimate ways?" Like Abraham in the Bible, we may try to make what God wants to happen in ways other than what God wants. Abraham took his wife's slave and got her pregnant, because God said that his decendents would be as many as the stars. God rejected this way of doing things because it wasn't what He had in mind. Sometimes we want to take short cuts or make things happen instead of waiting for God to do what He has promised us.
5. "In the second temptation (vv. 5-6), was the devil misquoting Scripture, as people often claim? Explain." He didn't misquote it, he quoted it perfectly. But He took it out of context and didn't look at the whole picture. When using Scripture, we need to remember the big picture, and not focus on the words of one little part and let that blind us from the other things God has for us.
6. "Jesus responds in verse 7 by quoting Deuteronomy 6:16. How does testing God differ from trusting God?" When you trust God, you're looking to do His will. When you're testing God, you're making Him prove Himself to you, and you shouldn't have to do that.
7. "What is wrong with demanding 'right now' that God prove his presence, power or care?" If we demand these things, we aren't focusing on His will and His plan, and we're trying to make Him show Himself to us in the way we see Him, which may not always be what He really is. I've found that when God speaks to me, it's through little things when I'm not demanding He prove Himself to me. We need to open our eyes and listen to Him instead of demanding Him to prove Himself to us.
8. "In the third temptation, the devil promises to give Jesus 'all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor' (vv. 8-9). If Jesus would eventually receive all of these kingdoms anyways, then what was tempting about the devil's offer?" The same reasons we sin now are why Jesus would have fallen into that temptation. We want things on our own terms, and that was the appeal of this temptation. Satan was offering those things at that moment. But Jesus resisted temptation and chose to wait for God's timing.
9. "The devil offers us shortcuts in contrast to what Eugene Peterson, quoting a phrase from Friedrich Nietzche, has called 'a long obedience in the same direction.' Why are these shortcuts really spiritual shortcuts?" When we take shortcuts, we aren't seeing everything God wants us to see. It's like choosing between the beautiful back roads around town or the highway: God wants us to take the backroads and see all of the beautiful things along the way, but we want to just take the highway and get right to what we view as the end. It isn't the end result that God cares about as much as what we learn. "How do these shortcuts tempt us to bow the knee to Satan--even when that's not our intention?" Satan offers the fast road and the fast results that we sometimes look for. We may not intend to bow the knee to Satan, but when we don't take the road God has put us on, that is exactly what we're doing. If we aren't seeing the things God wants us to see and learning what He wants us to learn, we are more likely to bend that knee to Satan.
10. "Throughout this passage, Jesus demonstrates trust, obedience and true worship. How can we make these our ultimate weapons against the devil's temptations?" When we trust God, we know that our needs are being met, so we don't chase after the things of the world. When we aren't chasing after the things of the world, we are obeying God. And when we truly worship Him, we have our eyes on Him, and nothing else, which is what He wants from us.
Closing thoughts: I have been trying to reach some of my legitimate needs in illegitimate ways, and I need to just let God and His timing happen. I've been trying to hurry up and get to the end goal (in my mind), which is missions in Africa. But I have SEVEN YEARS of school ahead of me. God wants me to take that time to grow closer to Him, and become the woman He wants me to be. I need to slow down and enjoy where I am now.
Matthew 4:1-11
1. "Looking through these verses, what clues do you have as to what Jesus would have been thinking and feeling?" Verse 2 says He was hungry. The only other verse where I see Jesus feeling anything is in verse 10 when He tells Satan to go away. He seems tired and angry that Satan is trying to lead Him astray.
2. "Verse 1 opens at the beginning of Jesus' earthly ministry. Why do you think the Spirit led Jesus into the desert to be tempted by the devil?" I know from my personal experiences that when I am tempted and resist temptation, I feel the bond grow stronger between God and I. Jesus had to be tempted so He would grow even more with God, and be strengthened and ready for ministry.
3. "If there's nothing wrong with being hungry, and there's nothing wrong with bread, then what was the temptation (vv. 3-4)?" The temptation was to use the abilities God gave Him to do something that was not in tune with God's will, or wasn't what the ability was intended for.
4. "When we fail to trust God, how can we be tempted to meet legitimate needs in illegitimate ways?" Like Abraham in the Bible, we may try to make what God wants to happen in ways other than what God wants. Abraham took his wife's slave and got her pregnant, because God said that his decendents would be as many as the stars. God rejected this way of doing things because it wasn't what He had in mind. Sometimes we want to take short cuts or make things happen instead of waiting for God to do what He has promised us.
5. "In the second temptation (vv. 5-6), was the devil misquoting Scripture, as people often claim? Explain." He didn't misquote it, he quoted it perfectly. But He took it out of context and didn't look at the whole picture. When using Scripture, we need to remember the big picture, and not focus on the words of one little part and let that blind us from the other things God has for us.
6. "Jesus responds in verse 7 by quoting Deuteronomy 6:16. How does testing God differ from trusting God?" When you trust God, you're looking to do His will. When you're testing God, you're making Him prove Himself to you, and you shouldn't have to do that.
7. "What is wrong with demanding 'right now' that God prove his presence, power or care?" If we demand these things, we aren't focusing on His will and His plan, and we're trying to make Him show Himself to us in the way we see Him, which may not always be what He really is. I've found that when God speaks to me, it's through little things when I'm not demanding He prove Himself to me. We need to open our eyes and listen to Him instead of demanding Him to prove Himself to us.
8. "In the third temptation, the devil promises to give Jesus 'all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor' (vv. 8-9). If Jesus would eventually receive all of these kingdoms anyways, then what was tempting about the devil's offer?" The same reasons we sin now are why Jesus would have fallen into that temptation. We want things on our own terms, and that was the appeal of this temptation. Satan was offering those things at that moment. But Jesus resisted temptation and chose to wait for God's timing.
9. "The devil offers us shortcuts in contrast to what Eugene Peterson, quoting a phrase from Friedrich Nietzche, has called 'a long obedience in the same direction.' Why are these shortcuts really spiritual shortcuts?" When we take shortcuts, we aren't seeing everything God wants us to see. It's like choosing between the beautiful back roads around town or the highway: God wants us to take the backroads and see all of the beautiful things along the way, but we want to just take the highway and get right to what we view as the end. It isn't the end result that God cares about as much as what we learn. "How do these shortcuts tempt us to bow the knee to Satan--even when that's not our intention?" Satan offers the fast road and the fast results that we sometimes look for. We may not intend to bow the knee to Satan, but when we don't take the road God has put us on, that is exactly what we're doing. If we aren't seeing the things God wants us to see and learning what He wants us to learn, we are more likely to bend that knee to Satan.
10. "Throughout this passage, Jesus demonstrates trust, obedience and true worship. How can we make these our ultimate weapons against the devil's temptations?" When we trust God, we know that our needs are being met, so we don't chase after the things of the world. When we aren't chasing after the things of the world, we are obeying God. And when we truly worship Him, we have our eyes on Him, and nothing else, which is what He wants from us.
Closing thoughts: I have been trying to reach some of my legitimate needs in illegitimate ways, and I need to just let God and His timing happen. I've been trying to hurry up and get to the end goal (in my mind), which is missions in Africa. But I have SEVEN YEARS of school ahead of me. God wants me to take that time to grow closer to Him, and become the woman He wants me to be. I need to slow down and enjoy where I am now.
Hearing from God Each Morning (June 15)
This blog is about today's devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
The Holy Spirit intercedes for us in prayer. This way, no matter what we pray, the Holy Spirit helps our prayers to be in tune with the will of God.
Also, when we don't know what to pray, the Holy Spirit helps the right words reach God. Right now I'm dealing with something and I'm hurting so deeply. I don't really know what to pray. But I know that the Holy Spirit is my partner in prayer, and the right words will be prayed over me.
The Holy Spirit intercedes for us in prayer. This way, no matter what we pray, the Holy Spirit helps our prayers to be in tune with the will of God.
Also, when we don't know what to pray, the Holy Spirit helps the right words reach God. Right now I'm dealing with something and I'm hurting so deeply. I don't really know what to pray. But I know that the Holy Spirit is my partner in prayer, and the right words will be prayed over me.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Hearing from God Each Morning (June 14)
This blog is about today's devotion from the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today's devotion talked about speaking well of God, and how God records the good things we say about Him. Joyce Meyer writes about two scenerios: one where the children are talking about how great their parents are (and this pleases their parents), and one where the children are grumbling about their parents (this saddens their parents). God is no different. He likes to hear His children speak well of Him.
This is easy when things are going alright, and we have everything to be thankful for. I know that for me, I often praise Him and tell others how great He is when I'm going through an easy time in my life. It's when I'm going through the tough things in life that I really need to work on remembering that God is faithful. I want to learn to praise Him, even when everything is falling apart.
Today's devotion talked about speaking well of God, and how God records the good things we say about Him. Joyce Meyer writes about two scenerios: one where the children are talking about how great their parents are (and this pleases their parents), and one where the children are grumbling about their parents (this saddens their parents). God is no different. He likes to hear His children speak well of Him.
This is easy when things are going alright, and we have everything to be thankful for. I know that for me, I often praise Him and tell others how great He is when I'm going through an easy time in my life. It's when I'm going through the tough things in life that I really need to work on remembering that God is faithful. I want to learn to praise Him, even when everything is falling apart.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Hearing from God Each Morning (June 13)
This blog is about today's devotions in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today's devotions were about not comparing yourself and your spiritual growth to the spiritual walk and growth of others.
I must confess that lately I am guity of doing just that with a close friend of mine. I've seen him grow so much spiritually lately, and at times I think "I want to be like that," which is partially good because it makes me work to better myself. But I can see where it is also causing me to be discontent with where I am with God.
Where I am in my spiritual life and where others are compared to me is not important. Yes, I should continue to grow, but I shouldn't be upset when I see that someone is growing and I am not. I, of all people, should know that there are times of rapid growth and times where it seems like I am just going through the motions or I'm not growing. It's part of relationships in general.
Today's devotions were about not comparing yourself and your spiritual growth to the spiritual walk and growth of others.
I must confess that lately I am guity of doing just that with a close friend of mine. I've seen him grow so much spiritually lately, and at times I think "I want to be like that," which is partially good because it makes me work to better myself. But I can see where it is also causing me to be discontent with where I am with God.
Where I am in my spiritual life and where others are compared to me is not important. Yes, I should continue to grow, but I shouldn't be upset when I see that someone is growing and I am not. I, of all people, should know that there are times of rapid growth and times where it seems like I am just going through the motions or I'm not growing. It's part of relationships in general.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Keep God First
This blog is about Chapter 3 of the book 100 Ways to Simplify Your Life by Joyce Meyer.
Having money and possessions is not a problem in itself, but how we use it is. We can't just hoard our money or let it control us. To live simply, we must use the blessings God has given us to bless others.
I don't have millions of dollars, or even thousands. But I can use what I have to be a blessing to others. I have school and bills to worry about, but I believe that God will help me take care of those. I shouldn't worry as much. God calls me to be generous and to help those I see that have need.
It's something I need to work on. Lately I've been running into people who ask for a dollar and I've felt God tugging at me and saying "You have plenty" and so I give them what they ask for. I feel weird about carrying no money, and a debit card instead, so I try to keep a few dollars on me at all times, for moments like that.
Having money and possessions is not a problem in itself, but how we use it is. We can't just hoard our money or let it control us. To live simply, we must use the blessings God has given us to bless others.
I don't have millions of dollars, or even thousands. But I can use what I have to be a blessing to others. I have school and bills to worry about, but I believe that God will help me take care of those. I shouldn't worry as much. God calls me to be generous and to help those I see that have need.
It's something I need to work on. Lately I've been running into people who ask for a dollar and I've felt God tugging at me and saying "You have plenty" and so I give them what they ask for. I feel weird about carrying no money, and a debit card instead, so I try to keep a few dollars on me at all times, for moments like that.
Spiritual Warfare - Detecting the Deceiver
This blog is about the first chapter of the Bible study book, Spiritual Warfare, by Jack Kuhatschek.
2 Corinthians 11:1-15
1. "In this passage how does Paul compare himself to and contrast himself with the 'false apostles' in Corinth (vv. 1-15)?" He says that he is not in the least inferior to those "super-apostles" and that though he is not a trained speaker, he does have knowledge. He says that they are deceitful (he is not), and that he loves them (they do not).
2. "How are the dangers the Corinthians faced similar to those Eve faced when she first met the serpent (vv. 1-3)?" They are being deceived by someone pretending to be offering something that God is not, or something that would not be sinful. The serpent offered Eve the fruit, which was pleasing to the eye. The Corinthians were being offered new ideas that seemed like they were good, but they were being led astray and away from God and His will.
3. "Why is it more effective for deceivers to distort the gospel than to deny it altogether, or to preach a different Jesus rather than no Jesus at all (v. 4)?" The best lies are based on truth. I've heard that phrase so many times, and it's true. We are on the lookout for things that are outright lies so we can shoot them down. So if someone preaches no Jesus, we know outright that what they say is a lie, and we do not listen to them. But when someone preaches a different Jesus, or distorts the truth, we see the truth in what they say, and begin to believe that the rest is true as well. These half-truths are the most dangerous, because we can't say outright that it is all a lie.
4. "Evidently, false apostles had infiltrated the Corinthian church. In what ways did these 'super-apostles' seem far superior to Paul (vv. 5-12; see also 10:1, 10)?" They were better speakers than he was. He was timid, and not a trained speaker. These 'super-apostles' were trained speakers and bold in person.
5. "How does biblical knowledge (v. 6) protect you from eloquent speakers who are trying to deceive you?" If you know God's Word and the ideas in it, it will be easier to see the parts of the distorted truths that are not true, so you will see that these "truths" are in fact lies. By studying the Bible and praying, we learn what God's will is in our lives, so when we hear things from eloquent speakers that mean to deceive (and even those that are just mislead), we will know what the truth is. I forget where it is in the Bible, but somewhere it says that the people would go home and study the Word to see that what they were taught was true. I believe that we should do this, even with our pastors that we trust not to deceive us--they are human, and may not know that what they are saying is mislead.
6. "In contrast to the false apostles, Paul didn't charge people for his ministry (vv. 7-12). Why do you think the Corinthians viewed this practice as a weakness rather than a strength?" They could have viewed his not charging them as him not being good enough to charge them for his ministry. They could view it as a "you get what you pay for" type of thing. "How does Paul defend himself in this matter?" He tells them that he received the resources he needed from the other churches, and when he needed something he was not a burden to anyone, and the brothers who came from Macedonia came and supplied what he needed.
7. "How can we discern the difference between those who preach merely for money and prestige and those who have godly motives?" I believe it is something that would take time to figure out. We can't just look at someone and say "this is their motive" and act accordingly. It's something that would take a lot of watching and prayer. If the person begins teaching things that are not supported by God's Word, then we know they have other motives. Those who are from God will not care as much about the money or prestige as they will care for those that belong to God. Honestly, this is a tough question for me. It would be something that I would need a lot of help from God (and the trusted friends He gave me) to figure out.
8. "Why do you think Satan masquerades as an angel of light rather than appearing as a demon of darkness (v. 14)?" We are all looking for demons to stop. When we see something dark and evil, we know it is dark and evil, and don't listen to it. But if something that comes along and looks good, we are more likely to stop and listen. Satan uses this. In our eagerness to please God, we may fall into a trap or be mislead by someone else we choose to listen to. That's why we need to make sure that all ideas we hear from our pastors, leaders, books, and friends are supported by the Bible.
9. "Why might Satan's servants also find it effective to masquerade as 'ministers of righteousness' (v. 15)?" It is for the same reason that Satan finds it effective. People are more likely to stop and listen if what they are listening to sounds good. They won't stop and listen if something seems obviously evil.
10. "What are some of the pious disguises that Satan's servants use to deceive people today?" They use half-true religions to lead people away enough that they are no longer in God's will. There are many religions that preach that Jesus was the Savior, Son of God, but also preach many things that are not from God. They have their other books, their other prophets, and teach things that even oppose parts of God's Word. Yet people still follow these religions and believe that God is still in it. It breaks my heart to know that some of my friends are under these belief systems.
11. "Throughout history the Christian 'army' has been notorious for shooting its own soldiers. As we seek to unmask deceivers in our midst, how can we keep from falsely accusing true servants of righteousness?" We need to see a clear sign that what they are doing opposes what God teaches us in the Bible. We also need to pray about what we see. We can't accuse someone of trying to deceive just because we don't like what they teach. We need to dig into God's Word and find evidence there that what is being taught is not right. We shouldn't jump the gun when accusing someone of trying to deceive, especially if that person comes from our own church.
12. "Paul concludes this passage by saying, 'Their end will be what their actions deserve.' What types of actions might reveal that a 'minister of righteousness' is really working for the enemy?" If we are asked to do something that we know from the Bible God does not agree to, we know that the person is not from God. If they permit something that the Lord detests, we know they are trying to deceive us or lead us astray. Churches that are tolerant may seem like they are great for converting people, but in the end, who are they really hurting? They are saying it is alright to do these sinful things, but that is not what God says is okay. I'm not saying I don't believe in looking past peoples' faults and finding forgiveness, but tolerating repeated sin and even saying that it is okay is one of the ways a lot of Christians deceive themselves and each other.
2 Corinthians 11:1-15
1. "In this passage how does Paul compare himself to and contrast himself with the 'false apostles' in Corinth (vv. 1-15)?" He says that he is not in the least inferior to those "super-apostles" and that though he is not a trained speaker, he does have knowledge. He says that they are deceitful (he is not), and that he loves them (they do not).
2. "How are the dangers the Corinthians faced similar to those Eve faced when she first met the serpent (vv. 1-3)?" They are being deceived by someone pretending to be offering something that God is not, or something that would not be sinful. The serpent offered Eve the fruit, which was pleasing to the eye. The Corinthians were being offered new ideas that seemed like they were good, but they were being led astray and away from God and His will.
3. "Why is it more effective for deceivers to distort the gospel than to deny it altogether, or to preach a different Jesus rather than no Jesus at all (v. 4)?" The best lies are based on truth. I've heard that phrase so many times, and it's true. We are on the lookout for things that are outright lies so we can shoot them down. So if someone preaches no Jesus, we know outright that what they say is a lie, and we do not listen to them. But when someone preaches a different Jesus, or distorts the truth, we see the truth in what they say, and begin to believe that the rest is true as well. These half-truths are the most dangerous, because we can't say outright that it is all a lie.
4. "Evidently, false apostles had infiltrated the Corinthian church. In what ways did these 'super-apostles' seem far superior to Paul (vv. 5-12; see also 10:1, 10)?" They were better speakers than he was. He was timid, and not a trained speaker. These 'super-apostles' were trained speakers and bold in person.
5. "How does biblical knowledge (v. 6) protect you from eloquent speakers who are trying to deceive you?" If you know God's Word and the ideas in it, it will be easier to see the parts of the distorted truths that are not true, so you will see that these "truths" are in fact lies. By studying the Bible and praying, we learn what God's will is in our lives, so when we hear things from eloquent speakers that mean to deceive (and even those that are just mislead), we will know what the truth is. I forget where it is in the Bible, but somewhere it says that the people would go home and study the Word to see that what they were taught was true. I believe that we should do this, even with our pastors that we trust not to deceive us--they are human, and may not know that what they are saying is mislead.
6. "In contrast to the false apostles, Paul didn't charge people for his ministry (vv. 7-12). Why do you think the Corinthians viewed this practice as a weakness rather than a strength?" They could have viewed his not charging them as him not being good enough to charge them for his ministry. They could view it as a "you get what you pay for" type of thing. "How does Paul defend himself in this matter?" He tells them that he received the resources he needed from the other churches, and when he needed something he was not a burden to anyone, and the brothers who came from Macedonia came and supplied what he needed.
7. "How can we discern the difference between those who preach merely for money and prestige and those who have godly motives?" I believe it is something that would take time to figure out. We can't just look at someone and say "this is their motive" and act accordingly. It's something that would take a lot of watching and prayer. If the person begins teaching things that are not supported by God's Word, then we know they have other motives. Those who are from God will not care as much about the money or prestige as they will care for those that belong to God. Honestly, this is a tough question for me. It would be something that I would need a lot of help from God (and the trusted friends He gave me) to figure out.
8. "Why do you think Satan masquerades as an angel of light rather than appearing as a demon of darkness (v. 14)?" We are all looking for demons to stop. When we see something dark and evil, we know it is dark and evil, and don't listen to it. But if something that comes along and looks good, we are more likely to stop and listen. Satan uses this. In our eagerness to please God, we may fall into a trap or be mislead by someone else we choose to listen to. That's why we need to make sure that all ideas we hear from our pastors, leaders, books, and friends are supported by the Bible.
9. "Why might Satan's servants also find it effective to masquerade as 'ministers of righteousness' (v. 15)?" It is for the same reason that Satan finds it effective. People are more likely to stop and listen if what they are listening to sounds good. They won't stop and listen if something seems obviously evil.
10. "What are some of the pious disguises that Satan's servants use to deceive people today?" They use half-true religions to lead people away enough that they are no longer in God's will. There are many religions that preach that Jesus was the Savior, Son of God, but also preach many things that are not from God. They have their other books, their other prophets, and teach things that even oppose parts of God's Word. Yet people still follow these religions and believe that God is still in it. It breaks my heart to know that some of my friends are under these belief systems.
11. "Throughout history the Christian 'army' has been notorious for shooting its own soldiers. As we seek to unmask deceivers in our midst, how can we keep from falsely accusing true servants of righteousness?" We need to see a clear sign that what they are doing opposes what God teaches us in the Bible. We also need to pray about what we see. We can't accuse someone of trying to deceive just because we don't like what they teach. We need to dig into God's Word and find evidence there that what is being taught is not right. We shouldn't jump the gun when accusing someone of trying to deceive, especially if that person comes from our own church.
12. "Paul concludes this passage by saying, 'Their end will be what their actions deserve.' What types of actions might reveal that a 'minister of righteousness' is really working for the enemy?" If we are asked to do something that we know from the Bible God does not agree to, we know that the person is not from God. If they permit something that the Lord detests, we know they are trying to deceive us or lead us astray. Churches that are tolerant may seem like they are great for converting people, but in the end, who are they really hurting? They are saying it is alright to do these sinful things, but that is not what God says is okay. I'm not saying I don't believe in looking past peoples' faults and finding forgiveness, but tolerating repeated sin and even saying that it is okay is one of the ways a lot of Christians deceive themselves and each other.
Hearing from God Each Morning (June 12)
This blog is about today's devotion from the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today's devotion was about praising God while waiting for His promises to be fulfilled. It talked about how Abraham and Sarah were promised an heir, but at the ages of ninety and one hundred, they still did not have a child and it was no longer naturally possible. Still, God chose this as the time to give them a child.
I don't know if God has promised me children and a family, but it is something I have wanted since a young age. I know that if it is His will to have them, I will. I must wait patiently for God to bring them to me, because if I try to rush into things, I may miss what God wants me to see.
Last night I had a dream that I had several daughters. I have not had dreams about my children in so long. When I woke up I just thought, "Someday, God, right?" When I saw what today's devotions were about, I was so shocked.
God wants me to wait patiently and praise Him. When I do this, He will take care of the other things in life. I think of one of my favorite verses, Exodus 14:14, which says, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." I need to be still right now, and wait for Him to bring these things I desire (provided that it is His will).
Today's devotion was about praising God while waiting for His promises to be fulfilled. It talked about how Abraham and Sarah were promised an heir, but at the ages of ninety and one hundred, they still did not have a child and it was no longer naturally possible. Still, God chose this as the time to give them a child.
I don't know if God has promised me children and a family, but it is something I have wanted since a young age. I know that if it is His will to have them, I will. I must wait patiently for God to bring them to me, because if I try to rush into things, I may miss what God wants me to see.
Last night I had a dream that I had several daughters. I have not had dreams about my children in so long. When I woke up I just thought, "Someday, God, right?" When I saw what today's devotions were about, I was so shocked.
God wants me to wait patiently and praise Him. When I do this, He will take care of the other things in life. I think of one of my favorite verses, Exodus 14:14, which says, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." I need to be still right now, and wait for Him to bring these things I desire (provided that it is His will).
Friday, June 11, 2010
Be Satisfied with What You Have
This blog is about Chapter 2 of 100 Ways to Simplify Your Life by Joyce Meyer.
I all too often find myself trying too hard to get the things I want that I forget what I already have. When I get new things, I am happy and excited for a while, but then I think about the next thing I think I must have.
This chapter explained that we need to learn how to be content with what we have, because when we are happy with what we have, life is so much more simple (not to mention we have less clutter in our rooms/homes!).
As I write this blog, I'm looking around my room and seeing just how much I have. A lot of my things I can't take with me when I move, and I have come to realize that I really do have too much. This past few months, since I've been getting ready to move, I've been learning to loosen my grip on the possessions I have.
I guess I ought to pray to God that He help me learn to be content with the things I have, and to let go of the things that are no longer useful to me.
I all too often find myself trying too hard to get the things I want that I forget what I already have. When I get new things, I am happy and excited for a while, but then I think about the next thing I think I must have.
This chapter explained that we need to learn how to be content with what we have, because when we are happy with what we have, life is so much more simple (not to mention we have less clutter in our rooms/homes!).
As I write this blog, I'm looking around my room and seeing just how much I have. A lot of my things I can't take with me when I move, and I have come to realize that I really do have too much. This past few months, since I've been getting ready to move, I've been learning to loosen my grip on the possessions I have.
I guess I ought to pray to God that He help me learn to be content with the things I have, and to let go of the things that are no longer useful to me.
Hearing from God Each Morning (June 11)
The following is about the devotional, Hearing from God Each Morning, by Joyce Meyer.
Today's devotions focused on trusting God and praying for the little things, as well as the big things. If we learn to trust God and ask Him for help with the big things, we will also know how to ask Him for help on the big things. And when we find that He is faithful and answers prayer on the little things, we will see how much more He will answer our prayer on the big things!
I know in my life, especially lately, I've been praying about everything! The other day when I had an event I was working, I not only prayed for the event as a whole (which I was really worried about), but my attitude in dealing with someone that I have a hard time being around. God was faithful and helped me keep my cool the entire time. At the end of the day, I also found Him faithful in helping the event to be a succss for me. Success or not, I knew God cared, though.
I'm still not perfect at going to God for everything, though. I have a lot of practice and learning to do. But I know that He cares and will listen to me when I need help.
Today's devotions focused on trusting God and praying for the little things, as well as the big things. If we learn to trust God and ask Him for help with the big things, we will also know how to ask Him for help on the big things. And when we find that He is faithful and answers prayer on the little things, we will see how much more He will answer our prayer on the big things!
I know in my life, especially lately, I've been praying about everything! The other day when I had an event I was working, I not only prayed for the event as a whole (which I was really worried about), but my attitude in dealing with someone that I have a hard time being around. God was faithful and helped me keep my cool the entire time. At the end of the day, I also found Him faithful in helping the event to be a succss for me. Success or not, I knew God cared, though.
I'm still not perfect at going to God for everything, though. I have a lot of practice and learning to do. But I know that He cares and will listen to me when I need help.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Hearing from God Each Morning (June 10)
The following is about the devotional, Hearing from God Each Morning, by Joyce Meyer.
In today's devotion, Joyce writes that we need to make sure that our good ideas are sent from God, and not just what we think is what we should be doing. Sometimes our good ideas are our worst enemies, because they distract from God's best ideas and His will for our lives.
I know that for a while in my life, I thought that by being a pastor I was doing something good and that God would be happy about what I was doing. The problem is, He has been calling me to missions for eleven years, and by saying I would be a pastor instead, I was actually going against what I know to be His will for my life! Although being a pastor would be a good thing, it was the wrong thing for me, since God has been leading my life to go in a different direction.
I need to remember to keep my focus on Him throughout college. Just because something is good or okay doesn't mean that it is what God wants. It's something I really struggle with, and will need to pray about often.
In today's devotion, Joyce writes that we need to make sure that our good ideas are sent from God, and not just what we think is what we should be doing. Sometimes our good ideas are our worst enemies, because they distract from God's best ideas and His will for our lives.
I know that for a while in my life, I thought that by being a pastor I was doing something good and that God would be happy about what I was doing. The problem is, He has been calling me to missions for eleven years, and by saying I would be a pastor instead, I was actually going against what I know to be His will for my life! Although being a pastor would be a good thing, it was the wrong thing for me, since God has been leading my life to go in a different direction.
I need to remember to keep my focus on Him throughout college. Just because something is good or okay doesn't mean that it is what God wants. It's something I really struggle with, and will need to pray about often.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Do One Thing at a Time
This blog is about my thoughts on Chapter 1 of 100 Ways to Simplify Your Life by Joyce Meyer.
This chapter explained that when we are focused on one thing while doing another, we aren't able to put as much thought into the task at hand (or enjoy it nearly as much), and the quality of our work is also decreased. Meyer suggests that we "practice living one day at a time; give [ourselves]--[our] thoughts, [our] conversation, [our] energies, every part of [us]--to the day at hand." By doing this, we will enjoy the things we do much more because we aren't worrying about what we have to do later today, tomorrow, or next week.
This is something I really need to work on. I have a "to do" list that's a mile long. And although that isn't bad, I'm setting unreasonable goals for myself, trying to multitask, then I don't enjoy any of what I'm doing. I find myself trying to finish a project while talking to someone on the internet, while trying to cram in some time with family, while texting, while standing on my head and doing crunches. Okay, so that's a little exaggerated, but that's what it seems like sometimes.
I'm going to make my "to do" lists much more reasonable, and focus on the things that are most important. This will be especially important once I get to college. Maybe I'll have to give up being in plays (something I really enjoy) so that I can have more time to study and relax (something I really need).
Also, my "need" to constantly communicate with the people I know seems to be holding me back. I need to just turn off the computer, put my phone on the shelf, and spend my afternoons buckling down and getting what I need to get done completed. I will likely find myself much less stressed if I put this to practice.
This chapter explained that when we are focused on one thing while doing another, we aren't able to put as much thought into the task at hand (or enjoy it nearly as much), and the quality of our work is also decreased. Meyer suggests that we "practice living one day at a time; give [ourselves]--[our] thoughts, [our] conversation, [our] energies, every part of [us]--to the day at hand." By doing this, we will enjoy the things we do much more because we aren't worrying about what we have to do later today, tomorrow, or next week.
This is something I really need to work on. I have a "to do" list that's a mile long. And although that isn't bad, I'm setting unreasonable goals for myself, trying to multitask, then I don't enjoy any of what I'm doing. I find myself trying to finish a project while talking to someone on the internet, while trying to cram in some time with family, while texting, while standing on my head and doing crunches. Okay, so that's a little exaggerated, but that's what it seems like sometimes.
I'm going to make my "to do" lists much more reasonable, and focus on the things that are most important. This will be especially important once I get to college. Maybe I'll have to give up being in plays (something I really enjoy) so that I can have more time to study and relax (something I really need).
Also, my "need" to constantly communicate with the people I know seems to be holding me back. I need to just turn off the computer, put my phone on the shelf, and spend my afternoons buckling down and getting what I need to get done completed. I will likely find myself much less stressed if I put this to practice.
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