Life is Fast - You Can Slow Down

God decided to let his people know just how rich and glorious that truth is. That secret truth, which is for all people, is that Christ lives in you, his people. He is our hope for glory. Colossians 1:27

 God is living within us. His presence and spirit is always with us.

This is comforting to me. Especially in the long days when I feel stretched and pulled in every way possible. Even though I feel the tension and frustrations of the world I know that God is with me.

Life is hectic. I'm always wondering when life will "settle down" again for me. I think I've finally realized that that time is never. Life goes on....it continues. And it continues rapidly. Life doesn't wait for us to catch-up. It doesn't slow down for us but that doesn't mean we can't slow down. Stop worrying that you'll miss something....I know I do that all the time. It is in the moments of peace where you will find God and know that He is near.

Look for those moments. Know that He will never leave you - no matter how fast life passes.

Teach them to obey everything that I have told you to do. You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will continue with you until the end of time. Matthew 28:20

The day was Sunday, and that same evening the followers were together. They had the doors locked because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them. He said, “Peace be with you!” John 20:19

 

God's Beauty

Praise the LORD and honor his name! Worship the LORD in all his holy beauty. Psalm 29:2

God's love is all around us. Many of us, myself included, don't recognize the many sign of His glory.

Today I want to recognize those things. I want to see God's face in the unfamiliar. I want to see Him in the beauty that is always present - always around but goes so easily unnoticed.

The angels were calling to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD All-Powerful. His Glory fills the whole earth.” Isaiah 6:3

God is Good

The Lord says, “I will teach you and guide you in the way you should live. I will watch over you and be your guide. Psalm 32:8

Help me follow your commands, because that makes me happy. Psalm 119:35

Today's devotional was exactly what I needed to hear today. I wish I could just re-write it for all of you to see! I find so much comfort in knowing that God has His hand in everything. I just know that He was planning on me reading it this morning and finding comfort in those exact words.

I am so thankful that He is guiding me through life and I can look to Him for comfort, wisdom, strength...

I do need Him today! I need His guidance and I am so grateful that His faithfulness is forever. 

Show me your faithful love this morning. I trust in you. Show me what I should do. I put my life in your hands! Psalm 143:8

God's Voice

My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27

We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him. These are the people God chose, because that was his plan. Romans 8:28

I sure would hope that I am someone who is able to recognize God's voice when He is calling me. I hope that I can be able to identify the difference between God calling me and other worldly things trying to get my attention.

One way to know and understand the difference of God's voice to any other is that we know that God works for good for all people. His way is pure and should be easily identified. His way is also one that will be for the best.

Can you still not determine if it's God or not? Try asking. God promises that when we seek Him with a genuine heart we will find Him. Ask God if this is His will and He will point you in the right direction.

Hope you all have a blessed day. I hope that you remember, as do I, to thank God in everything today. Remember that He is in all things!

You will search for me, and when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me. Jeremiah 29:13

A Thankful Day

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4

A great way to have a fulfilling life it to be thankful for all that is in it!

I found this quote on Pinterest a few weeks ago and it really stood out to me.

 

 It's a pretty strong statement, right? I had to read it a couple times before it really sank in. What if this was true? Do we really thank God enough for the things in our life? Do we thank Him enough for everything He does and is continuing to do for us?

The Bible tells us that a thankful heart is what will get us into the kingdom of God. Being thankful for everything, no matter what, is a must in a life with Christ.

I know that this is a hard thing to do - not everything is easy to be thankful for. I am going to challenge myself today to be thankful in all things. I want to thank God in the good and the bad. I want to thank God all throughout my day no matter what. 

 Will you take this challenge with me today?

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Feelings

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16

Hiding our feelings can lead to bigger problems. Sometimes we feel that if we just hide how we are feeling from someone then the problem will just go away. Instead, the problem worsens and we become bitter and angry - maybe even resentful.

This is the same way with God. When we hide our feelings from Him we build up deeper issues towards Him and our relationship. We must be able to express our emotions to God and know that He will listen and hear them. We don't want them to grow into something more.

Try talking to God today about your feelings. Whether they are anger, fear, anxiety, joy, or any other feeling that may be going on inside you. Don't let them get in the way of your relationships - with God or others.

This, in essence, is the message we heard from Christ and are passing on to you: God is light, pure light; there's not a trace of darkness in him.If we claim that we experience a shared life with him and continue to stumble around in the dark, we're obviously lying through our teeth—we're not living what we claim. But if we walk in the light, God himself being the light, we also experience a shared life with one another, as the sacrificed blood of Jesus, God's Son, purges all our sin. 1 John 1:5-7

"Yes, indeed—God is my salvation. I trust, I won't be afraid. God—yes God!—is my strength and song, best of all, my salvation!" Isaiah 12:2 

God is All

We could seek after God, and not just grope around in the dark but actually find him. He doesn't play hide-and-seek with us. He's not remote; he's near. We live and move in him, can't get away from him! Acts 17:27-28

We know we can't see God. This is where faith comes in to our relationship with Him. It has to start with faith. Most relationships begin with recognizing the other person. We can picture them in our mind and we begin to trust them upon their appearance.

We don't see God - we just learn to trust Him. Faith comes into play right away.

We are what we are, who we are, because God exists. We can not be if God was not moving us, shaping us, and being us. We need His existence to have our own. This is a scary, but awesome, way to look at life. Knowing that we our important to His plan and that He has given us life to live out a specific purpose is a very strong and powerful idea.

Know that you are here today, yesterday, since the beginning of you, for a reason. God is working through you because He needs you in this life. He is working through you and you owe Him everything. Trust Him. Know that He loves you and is near to you always.

The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see. Acts 11:1 

Your Name

Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one. Acts 4:12

God's third commandment tells us to never take the Lord's name in vain.

"No using the name of God, your God, in curses or silly banter; God won't put up with the irreverent use of his name." Exodus 20:7

So many times, day after day, I hear people using God's name in vain. Whether it's "God", "Jesus", "Christ", "Lord", I hear it often. This morning's devotional really got me thinking about this. It seems as if I hear more slander with God's name then I do in holy reverence.

I can't imaging how God feels when He hears His name being used in these ways. I know that this was not the way He intended it to be and I want to make it a conscious effort that I will not be using His name like this - and I hope you do too!

****

As I sat here and blogged this morning I couldn't help but think of one of my favorite songs by "Addison Road". The song is called "What do I know of Holy?". I think that this is a perfect fit for today's post. I hope you enjoy it! 

Click here to listen! 

I made You promises a thousand times
I tried to hear from Heaven
But I talked the whole time
I think I made You too small
I never feared You at all, no
If You touched my face would I know You
Looked into my eyes could I behold You

What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean
Are You fire, are You fury
Are You sacred, are You beautiful
What do I know, what do I know of Holy

I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/a/addison_road/what_do_i_know_of_holy.html ]
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean
Are You fire, are You fury
Are You sacred, are You beautiful
So what do I know, what do I know of Holy

What do I know of Holy
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame
And a God who gave life it's name
What do I know of Holy
Of the One who the angels praise
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love

What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean
Are You fire, are You fury
Are You sacred, are You beautiful
What do I know, what do I know of Holy
What do I know of Holy
What do I know of Holy

Ask in my name, according to my will, and he'll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks! John 16:24 

Idols - Too Many

No carved gods of any size, shape, or form of anything whatever, whether of things that fly or walk or swim. Don't bow down to them and don't serve them because I am God, your God, and I'm a most jealous God, punishing the children for any sins their parents pass on to them to the third, and yes, even to the fourth generation of those who hate me. Exodus 20:4-5

God told us in His first commandments to us that we should not bow down to idols. We have known this command and have done our best to abide by it...or have we?

There are many types of idols in this world. They aren't as obvious today as they were back when the commandments were written, but are very much still around. We have the idol of TV, media, people, riches, pride, honor, etc. There are hundreds of things that can go on this list...

I know that I am at fault of worshipping idols. I know that at times other "things" of this world are more appealing to me then spending some time with God or with the things of Him. I want to fully set my eyes on Jesus and know that He is above all else in my life and in the lives are those closest to me.

Suddenly, God, your light floods my path, God drives out the darkness. 2 Samuel 22:29  

A Friend

They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings —and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers. Revelation 17:14

God is a friend. When you are in His presence it should feel as if you are in the presence of a friend - comfortable, non-showy, relaxed. Getting to this point may take awhile...you don't make best friend's over night. It takes time to get to know someone and to get to that place of comfort. But once you're there it is irreplaceable.

God wants this for our relationship with Him. It is something that we should always strive for and want for ourselves as well. Being in a close relationship with God is important and should be top priority.

Try treating your relationship with God like a good friends. No pressures, just a time to relax and unwind. This will deepen your relationship and strengthen it all at the same time!

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:13-15

Clear Mind

And that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Deuteronomy 30:20

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

Happy Monday! I am so thankful that I'm awake today and that I was able to sleep well last  night. Normally, come Sunday night, I'm used to going to be late due to the weekend and I can't fall asleep. Last night was a different story and I'm feeling refreshed today!

Today's devotion was about worry. It seems like this is a theme in my book...a much needed one. I tend to worry too much and am thankful when I can be reminded that I don't need to worry-it's taken care of.

But today's devotional was a little different than the others that deal with worry. Today's devotional reminded me that if my mind isn't clear and open for God's calling then I will end up confused. If our minds are constantly anxious about anything then how are we supposed to determine God's voice and calling for us? So today I am focusing on clearing my mind and being open for God's way and His leading.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

No Plan from Me

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

"You will never be in control of the circumstances in your life" (Jesus Calling).

This quote stuck out to me more than ever while reading today's devotional. I know that I am not in control of my life, nor my circumstances, but to put it so straight forward it really eye-opening.

I have talked many times about the control I like to have over my situations and life happenings. I try to plan everything (and that's not an exaggeration). If I can plan it I will find a way to do so. Hearing that I have no control over anything is quite disturbing but in a way relieving. The only reason why I plan is to make sure things go smoothly and I don't have to face unwanted problems. However, if the plan is already set, ad I feel comfortable with the planner, I feel just as good.

So, when hearing that God is in control and He has everything planned and worked out, I am at ease. I know that God has a crazy, awesome life in store for me - now all I need to do is sit back and enjoy the ride!

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise - in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:3-4

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19

 
 

Casual Judging

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day —and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8

 Today's devotional was a bit of a wake-up call to me. There are so many times during the day when I casually judge others. I say "casually" because while I'm doing it I don't think about it and I'm doing it in a round-about way. Sometimes it's jokingly, sometimes it's in conversation with others. It's sad though, when I think about my conversations ans ideas I'm realizing that I do it more often than not.

Even though I'm doing it "casually", and maybe in a joking way, it is still judging. God feels very strongly about this issue. He commands us to not judge others, or condemn them. He also tells us the direct consequence of judging others - and it's one that I would like to avoid!

I was reminded this morning that God saved us all! We are all being crowned with righteousness and we have all received His blessings through His mercy. There is no need for judging - Jesus has paid the price for all of our transgressions and shortcomings!

He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

Vital Time

Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love.Psalm 48:9 

I just now realized that I read the wrong devotional this morning. I was convinced that it was July 1st and to my surprise my calendar at work said July 2nd. I'm not sure how I lost a day, but I am very happy that it's July and that the year keeps chugging along...

This morning I read about not skimping on time with God. A lot of times it is the last thing we feel we must do in the morning (or evening). We tend to push it aside or delay it if other things arise when in reality it is what we need the most.

I have found that my times spent in devotion are not only much needed, but I end feeling refreshed and re-energized for the day. I try to let it be a time where I don't have to worry about time or other things that are needing to by done. I just let it be a time without worry. We need those times in our life.

“Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders." Deuteronomy 33:12

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4