"Though God's love is unchanging, He's ready to help us change."
God's love never changes. He has loved us from the beginning and proves this to us in His word. When Jesus was on the cross, He could have hated us. He could have condemned us. But no, all He did was forgave us. Isn't that crazy!?! I don't understand God's love but I do know that it is unchanging and it is incredible.
Knowing that God loves me unconditionally is a feeling that I can't explain. I can't even comprehend it but I accept it and it makes the relationship I have with God so much deeper. That's all we need to do anyways...accept His love.
Sometimes there are things that we need to change in our own lives before we can fully accept God's love for us. It may be accepting ourselves first. If we don't love ourselves, or we feel "unlovable" how can we understand that someone else can love us? If this is the case, we need to change. We need to accept ourselves first. Forgiveness may also be a factor. If you haven't forgiven someone or accepted forgiveness it may be time to do so. We need to take care of ourselves so that we can fully bathe in God's love.
Jesus wants to be our friend. He longs to have a relationship with us and he hopes that we can accept His unchanging love. I pray that I can at least accept His love and then I can work towards understanding this everlasting love that only He has to offer!
"God is unchanging in His love. He loves you. He has a plan for your life. Don't let the newspaper headlines frighten you. God is still sovereign; He's still on the throne."
Billy Graham
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
In the Midst of the Storm
"Respond to the storms of life with faith and praise Him in the storm."
Recently I have experienced mini storms in my life. Currently I am battling with pain from an accident I had last February, worry from my family's health, and stress from the everyday battles of jobs and life. Mini battles, yes, but still battles.
Today's devotion reminded me that the trials of life are big and small. Many people have encountered great trials and still trusted God throughout them all. Job is a BIG example of this and we all know the story. Paul went through many trials as well and still deeply loved God and had faith in Him. Many other bible characters went through trials and were still able to "praise Him in the storm". My devotion this morning told the story of how the song "It is Well" came about. It is a heart-wrenching story and I won't go into the details, but it touched my heart deeply. The words to this song are amazing and I encourage you to read them or look up the song and listen to it.
In the storms of life it is easy to not see God. It is easy to think that He has forgotten us or He doesn't care. Instead of thinking this way, try praising Him and search for his love in the midst of the storms.
I believe that my car accident showed me God's saving grace and I even got to meet my guarding angel that night! Instead of worrying about my family's health I can depend on God and really trust Him that everything will be okay. And the everyday situations of work, life, and stress - well I am challenged to pray throughout my day!
"Love always involves responsibility, and love always involves sacrifice. And we do not really love Christ unless we are prepared to face His task and take up His cross."
William Barclay
Recently I have experienced mini storms in my life. Currently I am battling with pain from an accident I had last February, worry from my family's health, and stress from the everyday battles of jobs and life. Mini battles, yes, but still battles.
Today's devotion reminded me that the trials of life are big and small. Many people have encountered great trials and still trusted God throughout them all. Job is a BIG example of this and we all know the story. Paul went through many trials as well and still deeply loved God and had faith in Him. Many other bible characters went through trials and were still able to "praise Him in the storm". My devotion this morning told the story of how the song "It is Well" came about. It is a heart-wrenching story and I won't go into the details, but it touched my heart deeply. The words to this song are amazing and I encourage you to read them or look up the song and listen to it.
In the storms of life it is easy to not see God. It is easy to think that He has forgotten us or He doesn't care. Instead of thinking this way, try praising Him and search for his love in the midst of the storms.
I believe that my car accident showed me God's saving grace and I even got to meet my guarding angel that night! Instead of worrying about my family's health I can depend on God and really trust Him that everything will be okay. And the everyday situations of work, life, and stress - well I am challenged to pray throughout my day!
"Love always involves responsibility, and love always involves sacrifice. And we do not really love Christ unless we are prepared to face His task and take up His cross."
William Barclay
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
He Loves Me
"Long for the love of God and prepare to receive it."
Today's devotion was a reminder of how much God loves us and what extent He goes to just to remind us of this love.
My question for God would be "How do you do it?" There is so much hurt in this life of betrayal and rejection and I can't understand the ability of forgiveness time and time again. I have been one to forgive 'too many times' and continue to be hurt by the same people and situation. But God does this continually. I guess it is one of those things we won't be able to understand until we get to heaven and can ask God. I just wonder how deeper our relationships will be in heaven if we are capable of this love.
I know God loves me unconditionally. I want to understand what it means to love unconditionally. Again, in this life there is such a blur over love. We like to think that it is 'unconditional' but there are so many things that we attach to our relationships. I love him "if he doesn't do this". I love her "as long as she is this way". There are so many conditions and 'prices' we put on our love...how wonderful it would be to completely shed those from our lives.
Love is a precious thing. To know that God loves me, and you, unconditionally is awesome! Bask in this love and know that it is the onl true love you can encounter!
"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world."
Bill Wilson
Today's devotion was a reminder of how much God loves us and what extent He goes to just to remind us of this love.
My question for God would be "How do you do it?" There is so much hurt in this life of betrayal and rejection and I can't understand the ability of forgiveness time and time again. I have been one to forgive 'too many times' and continue to be hurt by the same people and situation. But God does this continually. I guess it is one of those things we won't be able to understand until we get to heaven and can ask God. I just wonder how deeper our relationships will be in heaven if we are capable of this love.
I know God loves me unconditionally. I want to understand what it means to love unconditionally. Again, in this life there is such a blur over love. We like to think that it is 'unconditional' but there are so many things that we attach to our relationships. I love him "if he doesn't do this". I love her "as long as she is this way". There are so many conditions and 'prices' we put on our love...how wonderful it would be to completely shed those from our lives.
Love is a precious thing. To know that God loves me, and you, unconditionally is awesome! Bask in this love and know that it is the onl true love you can encounter!
"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world."
Bill Wilson
Monday, June 27, 2011
Captured
"God is the lover of your soul and actively chases you."
Today's chapter discussed God's love for us and how he chases after us. I was lucky to have a father who I can relate God to and in the devotion today they were comparing God to our earthly fathers as well.
We are captured by God's love and this means everything to me. God was, and still is willing, to chase us and capture us in His love. It bring safety and peace and fills our deepest desires. When I think about the words "captured by God's love" my mind pictures an embrace. God holding onto us in the most loving way letting nothing harm us.
Having a dad who was very present in my childhood (and still today) I can see that it is a healthy "capture" when you are loved deeply. It's not a controlling one or a negative, weird way, it's just love. It is pure and amazing.
In this life it is hard to always want to, or desire, to be captured by God. At times, just like when we're young, we want our space from "fathers" but we have to realize that with space comes temptation and harm. So how can we live our lives "captured" by God and long to stay there? I want to start by choosing daily to be captured and hold back on to Jesus and show him that's right where I want to be.
"I'm just a girl standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her."
Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) in Notting Hill
Today's chapter discussed God's love for us and how he chases after us. I was lucky to have a father who I can relate God to and in the devotion today they were comparing God to our earthly fathers as well.
We are captured by God's love and this means everything to me. God was, and still is willing, to chase us and capture us in His love. It bring safety and peace and fills our deepest desires. When I think about the words "captured by God's love" my mind pictures an embrace. God holding onto us in the most loving way letting nothing harm us.
Having a dad who was very present in my childhood (and still today) I can see that it is a healthy "capture" when you are loved deeply. It's not a controlling one or a negative, weird way, it's just love. It is pure and amazing.
In this life it is hard to always want to, or desire, to be captured by God. At times, just like when we're young, we want our space from "fathers" but we have to realize that with space comes temptation and harm. So how can we live our lives "captured" by God and long to stay there? I want to start by choosing daily to be captured and hold back on to Jesus and show him that's right where I want to be.
"I'm just a girl standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her."
Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) in Notting Hill
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Changes and Stages
"God can and will use you in all the ages, stages, and changes of life."
Today's devotional was discussing how God can (and will) use people in every stage of their life. Many people believe they are either too old, to young, too poor, etc. for God to use them. However, this chapter challenges those believes and reassures me that God will use anyone!
Recently, last August to be exact, I was married to my high school sweetheart! Even though we had been dating since 2001, there were still areas that we didn't know yet about each other. One of them being the others' individual walk with God. This never became a "challenge" but it did open up doors for the two of us that we needed to enter. This was a way that God was using me (and my hubby) in another stage of our lives. Now that we're married, we have started a bible study group based around couples. We would not have been able to do so beforehand, but God led us to decided that we should begin a group that focuses on this topic since it is so common!
In Ecclesiastes 3 God tells us that there is a season for EVERYTHING! (You should read it if you haven't recently). This passages gives me encouragement, hope, patience, many things that are necessary when I'm waiting for God to reveal something. Knowing that there is a specific time for everything, I can rest assured that this even means there is a time when God can reveal is plan for me (and you) and it just may not be now!
My challenge today is a long one...I am looking forward to completing it but need more time. I will post it up for tomorrow's post and I hope that you all will complete the challenge as well. It will consist of a timeline and maybe an understanding for God's timing! I'm excited!
"Be willing to be uncomfortable. Be comfortable being uncomfortable. It may get tough, but it's a small price to pay for living a dream."
Peter McWilliams
Today's devotional was discussing how God can (and will) use people in every stage of their life. Many people believe they are either too old, to young, too poor, etc. for God to use them. However, this chapter challenges those believes and reassures me that God will use anyone!
Recently, last August to be exact, I was married to my high school sweetheart! Even though we had been dating since 2001, there were still areas that we didn't know yet about each other. One of them being the others' individual walk with God. This never became a "challenge" but it did open up doors for the two of us that we needed to enter. This was a way that God was using me (and my hubby) in another stage of our lives. Now that we're married, we have started a bible study group based around couples. We would not have been able to do so beforehand, but God led us to decided that we should begin a group that focuses on this topic since it is so common!
In Ecclesiastes 3 God tells us that there is a season for EVERYTHING! (You should read it if you haven't recently). This passages gives me encouragement, hope, patience, many things that are necessary when I'm waiting for God to reveal something. Knowing that there is a specific time for everything, I can rest assured that this even means there is a time when God can reveal is plan for me (and you) and it just may not be now!
My challenge today is a long one...I am looking forward to completing it but need more time. I will post it up for tomorrow's post and I hope that you all will complete the challenge as well. It will consist of a timeline and maybe an understanding for God's timing! I'm excited!
"Be willing to be uncomfortable. Be comfortable being uncomfortable. It may get tough, but it's a small price to pay for living a dream."
Peter McWilliams
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Know your Strengths
"Choose to focus on what you are good at and use your gifts to further God's kingdom."
Today's devotional was about focusing on the strengths God has given you. It was a lost like yesterday's (looking for your talents and gifts) but strengths aren't necessarily seen all the time as gifts. The chapter discussed focusing on the positive things in life, such as what your strengths are, instead of the negative things -or what you can't do. Once you know you're strengths you will begin to understand what things you can do for God's glory by utilizing the strengths He's given you.
I believe that everyone has many strengths. But when asked what they are, the things you aren't good at come to mind. I'm challenging you, and myself, to think of 3 strengths and then create a way to use each strength to God's glory.
My 3 top strengths:
I have always been a peacemaker and I find this helpful in my everyday life. At work, there are sometimes things that need "settling" and I try and teach my students that there is always a way to work out difficulties. I know that God intended for us to be peacemakers and I try and teach my students that daily.
My friends and family have also said that I'm very influential. I sometimes used this to my advantage when I didn't quite understand the power of influence. Today I know that this is a very powerful tool and can be used to the glory of God in many ways. Teaching Sabbath school, educating children, being a leader. All of these things need someone who is influential to others. Someone that people will listen to and I know that God has given me this strength for a purpose.
This post sounds a little egotistical...but I think that's the problem. The world, the devil, has tried so hard to make us feel like we shouldn't talk about our personal strengths. God, however, wants us to share these things with others so we know who to go to when times get tough or who to ask for help because we know their strengths. I encourage you to create your own list and share it with someone so that they can create their list as well!
"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else."
Judy Garland
Today's devotional was about focusing on the strengths God has given you. It was a lost like yesterday's (looking for your talents and gifts) but strengths aren't necessarily seen all the time as gifts. The chapter discussed focusing on the positive things in life, such as what your strengths are, instead of the negative things -or what you can't do. Once you know you're strengths you will begin to understand what things you can do for God's glory by utilizing the strengths He's given you.
I believe that everyone has many strengths. But when asked what they are, the things you aren't good at come to mind. I'm challenging you, and myself, to think of 3 strengths and then create a way to use each strength to God's glory.
My 3 top strengths:
- Organized
- Peacemaker
- Influential
I have always been a peacemaker and I find this helpful in my everyday life. At work, there are sometimes things that need "settling" and I try and teach my students that there is always a way to work out difficulties. I know that God intended for us to be peacemakers and I try and teach my students that daily.
My friends and family have also said that I'm very influential. I sometimes used this to my advantage when I didn't quite understand the power of influence. Today I know that this is a very powerful tool and can be used to the glory of God in many ways. Teaching Sabbath school, educating children, being a leader. All of these things need someone who is influential to others. Someone that people will listen to and I know that God has given me this strength for a purpose.
This post sounds a little egotistical...but I think that's the problem. The world, the devil, has tried so hard to make us feel like we shouldn't talk about our personal strengths. God, however, wants us to share these things with others so we know who to go to when times get tough or who to ask for help because we know their strengths. I encourage you to create your own list and share it with someone so that they can create their list as well!
"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else."
Judy Garland
Friday, June 24, 2011
Gifts and Talents
"To capture God's dream for your life, you must recognize and know how to use the special gifts God has blessed you with."
Today's devotional was entitled "Beautiful in His Eyes". The chapter was discussing how we as human beings were perfectly and wonderfully made and God has a purpose for each of us. We were are given gifts to use in this lifetime and it is about time to discover what they are.
I believe that my personal spiritual gifts are teaching, encouraging, leading, singing and nurturing. I believe that God gave me this gifts to use for His glory.
In the past few months I had used these gifts not knowing that I was practicing my talents God gave me. Everyday I use my teaching, leading, nurturing and encouraging gifts at work. I love my job and I get to do exactly what I love to do! Seeing this now is amazing because I can now rest assured that God has placed me here for a reason. My last gift, singing, was utilized on our mission trip just last week! I was able to get up front and sing with the praise band and also share a special music for a woman in the community who needed to hear the message in the song!
My skills may be small in the grand scheme of things, but I know that God can use them for big things!
"The King is enthralled in your beauty."
Psalm 45:11
Today's devotional was entitled "Beautiful in His Eyes". The chapter was discussing how we as human beings were perfectly and wonderfully made and God has a purpose for each of us. We were are given gifts to use in this lifetime and it is about time to discover what they are.
I believe that my personal spiritual gifts are teaching, encouraging, leading, singing and nurturing. I believe that God gave me this gifts to use for His glory.
In the past few months I had used these gifts not knowing that I was practicing my talents God gave me. Everyday I use my teaching, leading, nurturing and encouraging gifts at work. I love my job and I get to do exactly what I love to do! Seeing this now is amazing because I can now rest assured that God has placed me here for a reason. My last gift, singing, was utilized on our mission trip just last week! I was able to get up front and sing with the praise band and also share a special music for a woman in the community who needed to hear the message in the song!
My skills may be small in the grand scheme of things, but I know that God can use them for big things!
"The King is enthralled in your beauty."
Psalm 45:11
Thursday, June 23, 2011
He knows the Plans
"Be faithful in the small things, and God will entrust more to you as you mature and grow in your faith"
Day 2 of my devotional was entitled "Something Bigger". The chapter was about doing what God plans for your life instead of doing what you are planning for yourself. It gave many examples of other people's lives and what God had in mind for them compared to what they believe they should be doing. Of course, God's plan was much greater and fulfilling and they can never imagine going back.
As I think about this, I wonder what God's plan for me is. Am I doing something now in preparation for my future? I have always been led by God. Especially in the past few years. I try to be a planner, but my plans seem to shift around in a divine way. There have been many doors in my past (I believe they were "God" doors) that I just walked through because I knew that I should. Looking back on it now, I hope that by walking through those doors I am on God's path to bigger and better things!
It puts the present into perspective for me...if I'm feeling "not satisfied" I just have to think that God is preparing me for more to come! That way I can do this job to the fullest and know that it is what I need to be doing.
There are a few areas where God is currently calling me to be faithful. Like the quote up top says "be faithful in the small things". I know I need to do this first before He will give me greater things. Of course, there are many small things that call for faithfulness. Right now, I need to strengthen my relationship with Jesus and that is first on my things to be faithful in.
Knowing that God has a plan for my life I feel so energized, excited! I can't wait for Him to reveal to me the things He has called me to do. I will remain faithful. I want to do everything for His power and His glory!
"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies"
Mother Teresa
Day 2 of my devotional was entitled "Something Bigger". The chapter was about doing what God plans for your life instead of doing what you are planning for yourself. It gave many examples of other people's lives and what God had in mind for them compared to what they believe they should be doing. Of course, God's plan was much greater and fulfilling and they can never imagine going back.
As I think about this, I wonder what God's plan for me is. Am I doing something now in preparation for my future? I have always been led by God. Especially in the past few years. I try to be a planner, but my plans seem to shift around in a divine way. There have been many doors in my past (I believe they were "God" doors) that I just walked through because I knew that I should. Looking back on it now, I hope that by walking through those doors I am on God's path to bigger and better things!
It puts the present into perspective for me...if I'm feeling "not satisfied" I just have to think that God is preparing me for more to come! That way I can do this job to the fullest and know that it is what I need to be doing.
There are a few areas where God is currently calling me to be faithful. Like the quote up top says "be faithful in the small things". I know I need to do this first before He will give me greater things. Of course, there are many small things that call for faithfulness. Right now, I need to strengthen my relationship with Jesus and that is first on my things to be faithful in.
Knowing that God has a plan for my life I feel so energized, excited! I can't wait for Him to reveal to me the things He has called me to do. I will remain faithful. I want to do everything for His power and His glory!
"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies"
Mother Teresa
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Day 1 - Livng out my Dreams
"Extraordinary women decide to hold onto and live their dreams regardless of their circumstances"
When I was a little girl I dreamed of being so many things. My earliest memory of what I dreamed of becoming was what my grandpa called a "super singing beauty star". As I got older, my dreams changed and continued to change. As I think about "what I want to be" many things come to mind, but one things has always stayed same. I have always longed to be a mother and a wife. I want to nurture and take care of someone else and to simply love with all my heart. This dream has never changed and I still want this today. My dream has half-way come true. I am in love with the man of my dreams and we are happy! I know that he is the one that will be the father to my children and I certainly love him with all of my heart. One day, I will get to experience the other part of my dream. I can't wait for that day, but I know that God has His plans in store for us.
I have other dreams...ones that wouldn't be detrimental to myself if I didn't reach them. However, they are still dreams and I'm not sure why I haven't set out to reach them yet. Fear? Maybe so. A big dream of mine is to become an Event Planner. Weddings, parties, or any type of celebration. I think the only obstacle in my way is myself. I need to realize that God is in control and He will lead me where I need to go. I am choosing today that I can hold onto my dream, live it out, regardless of my circumstances!
"Dream as if you'll live forever; live as if you'll die today."
James Dean
When I was a little girl I dreamed of being so many things. My earliest memory of what I dreamed of becoming was what my grandpa called a "super singing beauty star". As I got older, my dreams changed and continued to change. As I think about "what I want to be" many things come to mind, but one things has always stayed same. I have always longed to be a mother and a wife. I want to nurture and take care of someone else and to simply love with all my heart. This dream has never changed and I still want this today. My dream has half-way come true. I am in love with the man of my dreams and we are happy! I know that he is the one that will be the father to my children and I certainly love him with all of my heart. One day, I will get to experience the other part of my dream. I can't wait for that day, but I know that God has His plans in store for us.
I have other dreams...ones that wouldn't be detrimental to myself if I didn't reach them. However, they are still dreams and I'm not sure why I haven't set out to reach them yet. Fear? Maybe so. A big dream of mine is to become an Event Planner. Weddings, parties, or any type of celebration. I think the only obstacle in my way is myself. I need to realize that God is in control and He will lead me where I need to go. I am choosing today that I can hold onto my dream, live it out, regardless of my circumstances!
"Dream as if you'll live forever; live as if you'll die today."
James Dean
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Walking with God
I decided to begin a separate blog that deals with my thoughts, inspirations and my personal walk with God. Each day I will blog about my daily devotions and put my thoughts and feelings out there. This is a way that I can talk and discuss what I am learning so that it will be more engraved in my heart. I'm challenging myself. This is not only to strengthen my walk with Jesus, but to also challenge those of you reading as well.
Feel free to question, comment, or answer anything you feel the desire to do.
To start off, I am beginning to read the devotional "Extraordinary Women". Each reading offers a few journal prompts that I will discuss and I hope to experience a deeper understanding of God's love through this book.
Stay tuned...
Feel free to question, comment, or answer anything you feel the desire to do.
To start off, I am beginning to read the devotional "Extraordinary Women". Each reading offers a few journal prompts that I will discuss and I hope to experience a deeper understanding of God's love through this book.
Stay tuned...
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