It seems as if God is working on something in me. He is re-teaching me about holiness and righteousness, since I have become confused in my learning of this.
I grew up thinking that God forgives our sins, but we need to try our best not to sin. We need to in a way earn our holiness and achieve “perfection.” We can’t slip and fall if we’re really Christians, and maybe we just didn’t get it when we slip and fall again. That was a great stumbling block for me in my walk. I thought that my sins after being saved were worse than my sins before being saved, and that maybe I was never really saved because of what I did.
But that isn’t it. Even as Christians, we fall short when we do things on our own. Yesterday’s devotion was talking about how God makes us righteous and pure, and He does. He has made me pure, His “white rose,” and it has nothing to do with what I have done, but all to do with what He did on the cross. My view of myself has been so warped, and I am (slowly) learning how to love myself and see myself as God sees me.
But this holiness issue has two sides in my heart. And today God worked on how I view other people. I admit that there is a pride that was building up in my heart, and today God told me that it needs to come down. He doesn’t just make me holy and pure, but He makes others holy and pure. And just because some people have only recently become holy and pure doesn’t mean that they aren’t as holy and pure as those who have been made holy and pure for a longer time. God makes us all equal in Him, and we should not measure ourselves by the spirituality of another believer, or even those that do not believe.
The reason this has been so huge to me is because of my calling. I have felt God calling me to ministry for years, and because of that, I have been very careful of who I date or who I like, since I have to think of not only myself, but my future ministry. This person needs to be supportive and helpful to that ministry, or it is better than I am not with them. But it was getting to the point that I was comparing myself to people too much, seeing them as not good enough, and that is not what God wants from me. He wants me to love all of His children, and wait for the one He will bring to me. I should not be so worried about finding someone, because I’m not supposed to find someone. I’m supposed to wait on God.
I’ll admit, none of this is easy. I struggle with the second half even more than I struggled with the first half. But the best part is that I don’t have to do this on my own strength. God gives me the strength to do His will.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Hearing from God Each Morning (July 25)
This blog is about today’s devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today’s devotion talks about prayer assignments. Sometimes God puts in on our hearts to pray for someone or something for an extended period of time (sometimes even years). When God puts it on our hearts to pray for someone, He will also put the will and energy in us to pray for them. Sometimes we may even pray for this person without consciously doing so; we just start praying and they come to mind and we pray for them along with everything else.
I have a person like that in my life. I pray for that person often, and I feel like God has really put it on my heart to pray for him until the prayer is answered. It may be years, or even life, but I know that God wants me to pray for him, so I will.
Today’s devotion talks about prayer assignments. Sometimes God puts in on our hearts to pray for someone or something for an extended period of time (sometimes even years). When God puts it on our hearts to pray for someone, He will also put the will and energy in us to pray for them. Sometimes we may even pray for this person without consciously doing so; we just start praying and they come to mind and we pray for them along with everything else.
I have a person like that in my life. I pray for that person often, and I feel like God has really put it on my heart to pray for him until the prayer is answered. It may be years, or even life, but I know that God wants me to pray for him, so I will.
Introduction to Philippians
I have recently felt God leading me to do a more in depth study of the book of Philippians. Last week, two people I hardly know both gave me the verse Philippians 4:6 because they felt God wanted them to tell me. Then I noticed a friend posted on Facebook that everyone should read Philippians. Last Sunday morning I was talking to another friend who ended the conversation by saying he was going to go read Philippians before church. Then at church the pastor had a verse from Philippians in the sermon notes. After that, my Sunday school lesson was from Philippians 2. Then when Sunday’s devotion on my blog mentioned Philippians, I knew God was telling me something. Several other times during the week, Philippians has come up. So I bought the “Smart Guide to the Bible: Paul and the Prison Epistles”, and I plan to use that as a study guide for Philippians.
The following blog posts will be my thoughts on different parts of Philippians. I will probably be doing a lot more of these. Enjoy!
The following blog posts will be my thoughts on different parts of Philippians. I will probably be doing a lot more of these. Enjoy!
Hearing from God Each Morning (July 24)
This blog is about today’s devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today Meyer talks about how we can’t be more righteous than God makes us. We need to stop trying to do things on our own accord and learn to accept the righteousness that God gives us. Over time, our deeds will be better, but not because we are doing something, but because God is doing something in our hearts and through us. We need to learn to love ourselves because God created us in His own hand.
That’s something I used to struggle with more than anything. I used to hate myself for all of the mistakes I made… and even some things that were out of my control. Only recently have I begun to learn to love myself. I’ve learned to just put what I’ve done behind me and to see myself as pure (the “white rose”), which is how God sees me.
Sometimes, though, I forget. I’m human. I lay in bed and I’m half asleep and I’ll think about the past couple of years and start to feel that poison set in and Satan whisper in my ear that I’m not good enough. I’m often reminded of the mistakes I’ve made, and they are many. But when that starts to happen, I take myself back into God’s Word, which tells me who I am in Christ. It’s not what I have done, but what He did on the cross.
O praise Him!
Today Meyer talks about how we can’t be more righteous than God makes us. We need to stop trying to do things on our own accord and learn to accept the righteousness that God gives us. Over time, our deeds will be better, but not because we are doing something, but because God is doing something in our hearts and through us. We need to learn to love ourselves because God created us in His own hand.
That’s something I used to struggle with more than anything. I used to hate myself for all of the mistakes I made… and even some things that were out of my control. Only recently have I begun to learn to love myself. I’ve learned to just put what I’ve done behind me and to see myself as pure (the “white rose”), which is how God sees me.
Sometimes, though, I forget. I’m human. I lay in bed and I’m half asleep and I’ll think about the past couple of years and start to feel that poison set in and Satan whisper in my ear that I’m not good enough. I’m often reminded of the mistakes I’ve made, and they are many. But when that starts to happen, I take myself back into God’s Word, which tells me who I am in Christ. It’s not what I have done, but what He did on the cross.
O praise Him!
Hearing from God Each Morning (July 23)
This blog is about today’s devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today’s devotion is about keeping God first in your life and making sure nothing is put above Him. Sometimes we say that God is number one but inside there are things that take His place: money, friends, family, achievements, and sometimes even the church. But none of these things will always be there for us; they all fail. Even the most loyal and wonderful friend will let you down. You have to keep God number one; He will never let you down.
I have a friend that I’ve looked up to for a long time now, especially this past four months or so, since I’ve seen him really grow up. And I’ll admit that at times I went to him instead of God with problems. Then recently he said something that was really hurtful to me, and I felt so let down by that. But that’s what I needed to realize that I have been wrong the whole time. Instead of going to my friend with my problems, I should go to God (Who can actually help with them). Although my friend usually redirected my path and told me to pray about it, I should have been going to God first, then talking to my friend about it.
But God shouldn’t be number one just because He is always there. As we mature on our spiritual walks, we will find that after a while we are following God because of who He is, and not what He gives us. When we become completely focused on God, all other things aren’t as important to us anymore. Things that used to be huge become so small.
I’ll close with a line from a David Crowder Band song that states it all so well: “And all of a sudden I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by Glory.”
Today’s devotion is about keeping God first in your life and making sure nothing is put above Him. Sometimes we say that God is number one but inside there are things that take His place: money, friends, family, achievements, and sometimes even the church. But none of these things will always be there for us; they all fail. Even the most loyal and wonderful friend will let you down. You have to keep God number one; He will never let you down.
I have a friend that I’ve looked up to for a long time now, especially this past four months or so, since I’ve seen him really grow up. And I’ll admit that at times I went to him instead of God with problems. Then recently he said something that was really hurtful to me, and I felt so let down by that. But that’s what I needed to realize that I have been wrong the whole time. Instead of going to my friend with my problems, I should go to God (Who can actually help with them). Although my friend usually redirected my path and told me to pray about it, I should have been going to God first, then talking to my friend about it.
But God shouldn’t be number one just because He is always there. As we mature on our spiritual walks, we will find that after a while we are following God because of who He is, and not what He gives us. When we become completely focused on God, all other things aren’t as important to us anymore. Things that used to be huge become so small.
I’ll close with a line from a David Crowder Band song that states it all so well: “And all of a sudden I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by Glory.”
Hearing from God Each Morning (July 22)
This blog is about today’s devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today’s devotion was about approaching God’s throne with boldness. This is something that I often forget to do. I feel unworthy of whatever it is I ask, or I’m hesitant to ask because I wonder if it’s really God’s will to give me what I ask for.
Lately that thing I ask for is healing. I wonder if it is what God wants for me, and my hesitancy results in weak prayers with no expectation of answers. It’s sad and not what God wants for me. He wants me to approach His throne with boldness and ask Him for what I need, fully expecting results.
Unfortunately, I still struggle with that concept. I need to remind myself of the promises God gives us in His Word. As I remember these promises, I will be empowered in my prayers.
Today’s devotion was about approaching God’s throne with boldness. This is something that I often forget to do. I feel unworthy of whatever it is I ask, or I’m hesitant to ask because I wonder if it’s really God’s will to give me what I ask for.
Lately that thing I ask for is healing. I wonder if it is what God wants for me, and my hesitancy results in weak prayers with no expectation of answers. It’s sad and not what God wants for me. He wants me to approach His throne with boldness and ask Him for what I need, fully expecting results.
Unfortunately, I still struggle with that concept. I need to remind myself of the promises God gives us in His Word. As I remember these promises, I will be empowered in my prayers.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Hearing from God Each Morning (July 21)
This blog is about today’s devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today’s devotion was a great encouragement to me. Meyer talks about how Jesus intercedes and prays for us. Right now I’m only a few hours away from leaving to move over two thousand miles from home. I’ve been stressed and nervous, and it seems like all of the people I usually go to with prayer requests have dropped off the face of the earth.
I need prayer, and knowing that Jesus is praying for me has encouraged me greatly!
Today’s devotion was a great encouragement to me. Meyer talks about how Jesus intercedes and prays for us. Right now I’m only a few hours away from leaving to move over two thousand miles from home. I’ve been stressed and nervous, and it seems like all of the people I usually go to with prayer requests have dropped off the face of the earth.
I need prayer, and knowing that Jesus is praying for me has encouraged me greatly!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Hearing from God Each Morning (July 20)
This blog is about today’s devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today’s devotion is about how God has better plans for us than the things we desire, and that when our desires are not met, it’s because He has better things in store for us. It also mentioned giving every desire to God, and making sure that every desire was placed before Him for Him to give to us or take away.
One time I was in love. That isn’t unusual for a teenaged girl. I was so convinced that he was the one for me, and from what he said, he felt the same way about me. But then circumstances out of our control took him out of my life. I prayed to God, “God, if it’s Your will to bring him back, thank You. If it isn’t, I know you have a better idea and a better person in mind.”
I still pray that sort of prayer whenever I don’t get something I wanted. I realize that God knows the big picture, and even if it hurts right now, this will all someday work together for my good.
It isn’t always easy to give all of our desires to God, but when we do, it is the most rewarding thing!
Today’s devotion is about how God has better plans for us than the things we desire, and that when our desires are not met, it’s because He has better things in store for us. It also mentioned giving every desire to God, and making sure that every desire was placed before Him for Him to give to us or take away.
One time I was in love. That isn’t unusual for a teenaged girl. I was so convinced that he was the one for me, and from what he said, he felt the same way about me. But then circumstances out of our control took him out of my life. I prayed to God, “God, if it’s Your will to bring him back, thank You. If it isn’t, I know you have a better idea and a better person in mind.”
I still pray that sort of prayer whenever I don’t get something I wanted. I realize that God knows the big picture, and even if it hurts right now, this will all someday work together for my good.
It isn’t always easy to give all of our desires to God, but when we do, it is the most rewarding thing!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Hearing from God Each Morning (July 19)
This blog is about today’s devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today’s devotion really struck me. It was about how Satan can use our desires against us if we feel we cannot be happy without something that is not God. When we are lusting after anything (even a good thing) that is not God so much that we feel like we will be miserable without it, Satan uses that. God wants us to seek Him above all things, and everything else will be added on later. Our highest priority needs to be seeking God and His righteousness, peace, and joy.
I’ve been learning to worry less and seek God more. I have been worried about making money for tuition. I gave it up completely to God a week or so ago, and since then God has provided ALL of my tuition money.
I’ve come to the point where I have desires, but I’m learning to trust God with them. When I find myself wanting something so bad, I just give it to God. Right now I’m at an age where I’ll be dating and possibly finding the person I will spend the rest of my life with. I really want to meet them. I want to be with them, whoever they may be, and I want to just get to that part of my life. But God is showing me that I need to wait and depend fully on Him before I can have that person in my life in that way. It’s not easy, but I don’t have to do it on my own, either. God is with me every step of the way.
As I seek Him, everything else will fall into place.
Today’s devotion really struck me. It was about how Satan can use our desires against us if we feel we cannot be happy without something that is not God. When we are lusting after anything (even a good thing) that is not God so much that we feel like we will be miserable without it, Satan uses that. God wants us to seek Him above all things, and everything else will be added on later. Our highest priority needs to be seeking God and His righteousness, peace, and joy.
I’ve been learning to worry less and seek God more. I have been worried about making money for tuition. I gave it up completely to God a week or so ago, and since then God has provided ALL of my tuition money.
I’ve come to the point where I have desires, but I’m learning to trust God with them. When I find myself wanting something so bad, I just give it to God. Right now I’m at an age where I’ll be dating and possibly finding the person I will spend the rest of my life with. I really want to meet them. I want to be with them, whoever they may be, and I want to just get to that part of my life. But God is showing me that I need to wait and depend fully on Him before I can have that person in my life in that way. It’s not easy, but I don’t have to do it on my own, either. God is with me every step of the way.
As I seek Him, everything else will fall into place.
Hearing from God Each Morning (July 18)
This blog is about today’s devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today’s devotion talks about asking God for things in prayer. Matthew 7:7 says, “Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you.” When we ask God for things, He will answer our prayers. He may not give us the answer we are expecting, but that doesn’t mean He doesn’t answer us.
Meyer warns us that we need to be sure that our petitions to God do not ever outweigh our praises and thanksgiving to Him. We need to keep things in perspective while praying to God. That’s why when I am in a group of people and we plan to pray, I like to start off by going around and talking about all the great things God has been doing in our lives. It helps put the prayer requests into perspective so we are spending that time sharing and praying for the most important things, and not praying for ever second cousin and their dog just for the sake of filling up time in prayer.
I would rather spend my time praising God; wouldn’t you?
Today’s devotion talks about asking God for things in prayer. Matthew 7:7 says, “Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you.” When we ask God for things, He will answer our prayers. He may not give us the answer we are expecting, but that doesn’t mean He doesn’t answer us.
Meyer warns us that we need to be sure that our petitions to God do not ever outweigh our praises and thanksgiving to Him. We need to keep things in perspective while praying to God. That’s why when I am in a group of people and we plan to pray, I like to start off by going around and talking about all the great things God has been doing in our lives. It helps put the prayer requests into perspective so we are spending that time sharing and praying for the most important things, and not praying for ever second cousin and their dog just for the sake of filling up time in prayer.
I would rather spend my time praising God; wouldn’t you?
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