If you are like me than you enjoy eating I enjoy eating a
variety of foods, but sweets have a special place in my heart. If I were to
only eat sweets not only would my outer appearance change i.e. I would gain
weight. My inner body would change as well I would be malnourished. Not
providing my body with the nutrition it needs to function properly would lead
to a decreased immune system and ultimately decay.
Similarly, our spirit needs to be fed. The Bible states “…Man
shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that procedeeth out of the
mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4 The word of God was given to us in the Bible. It is
imperative for Christians to read the Bible daily to nourish our spirit just as
we would eat food to nourish our bodies. Without the proper nutrition i.e.
reading God’s word our spirit can not function properly and becomes weak.
When reading my Bible on a consistent basis I feel strong.
The Bible always provides me with exactly what I need to make it through every
situation. Unfortunately, when I go through periods when I am not reading the
Bible consistently I sometimes feel as though God is far away or doubt creeps
in.
Reading the Bible always me to build my relationship with
God and strengthens by spirit. This week set goals to read your Bible on a
consistent basis and see how strong you become!
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
(Isaiah 42:3)
Have you ever felt broken? Like
incomplete? A little lost? Helpless? Defeated?
If you have just know that you’re never alone. I’m not sure why we (I
say we because I too have often felt this way) get like that but I've come to realize it's because the devil sees what lies ahead for us. It has to be great right,
because why else would the devil attack us so hard?
I thought I felt broken when
my father passed. There are times where I feel a little empty inside or even a
little lost. I felt (maybe I still feel this way) that when he left I felt so
vulnerable to the world. I felt like my protector had just up and left me.I felt exposed, and there was nothing that
could change that because he was no longer here. However, once I realized how many blessings came from my father's life (I am blessed to be a part of something so great) I realized that I am not as "broken" as I once believed I was.
This past week I was watching Mary Mary on their reality television show and one of the singers,
Tina, kept exclaiming how “broken” she was
after her husband had cheated on her countless times. As I watched the show I
sympathized with her in the beginning until she kept hollering “broken.” After
awhile I was just like okay enough is enough!
In my opinion she had too much to live for to become defeated by “brokenness.”
She had an adorable clan of children, she has an amazing fan base, she
has nieces and nephews, and family, and so on.
I was just lost as to how "broken" she could have possibly been especially
since her life seems pretty good. But
then I had to think to myself, “Who am I???” Matter of fact who did I think I
was to even comment or have an opinion on her “brokenness???” I had to internally self-check myself because
I just knew I had some audacity. This
woman sacrificed for this man and her family and he violated the sanctity of
their marriage by committing adultery.
At that moment it made sense to feel “broken" I guess.
The most common form of “brokenness”
is having your heart-“broken.”Have you ever felt that kind of pain?It hurts, it burns, it stings in the
beginning, but it eventually those “broken”
pieces heal with time. I remember I thought I had my heart-“broken.”Someone betrayed my trust and did the exact opposite of what they said they were
not going to do.When the entire
situation happened I was shocked, distraught and that sadness eventually turned
to bitterness.We’ve all been there. Well
after harboring on the situation and as time passed, I had to realize that that
was not heart-break. That was the veil being lifted from over my eyes. I was worried about someone else while I was preparing to go off to build my dreams. The situation makes me chuckle now, but that was not until I realized that I had victory all along. When you think of those characters that have
played a part in your “brokenness” you realize
that their situations/lives/issues/dilemmas are not roles that you really wish
to co-star in.
When you think about someone/something who you claim to have
assisted in your “brokenness” remember: (1) “Brokenness” is a mindset; (2) Anything that is for
you will not “break” you AND leave; and (3) God
doesn’t give you anymore than you can bear
(1 Corinthians 10:13).
(1) “Brokenness” Is A
Mindset
To be “broken” means to have
“been fractured or damaged and no longer in one piece or in working
order.”It’s an adjective that we as
flawed humans choose to label ourselves as.We use this label titled “broken” because
we have clearly turned away from God’s understanding and leaned on our own when
the Bible explicitly warns us against that (Proverbs 3:5).When we claim to be “broken”
are we damaged? Are we fractured? Are we no longer working?NOPE!!! Most “broken” people have jobs and
families who depend on them.If you’re a
mother who claims to be “broken” then I know
you’re in working order because children depend 100% on their mother’s
especially.If you’re a teacher claiming
to be “broken” then you too have to change your mindset because you are also in
working order. If you’re a professional and/or any type of leader I just wanted
to let you know that you are NOT “broken”
because you’re responsibilities requires you to be in working order. “Broken”
does not fit into that lifestyle – this lifestyle is just about any lifestyle
you can think of.
Now on the contrary, we may be BRUISED but
we’re not broken.I say bruised because bruises are less
extreme and can occur naturally.
Some quick facts on bruises: -Some people bruise easily than others -Bruises occur when soft tissues are injured under the skin -Bruises go through colorful stages as the body heals -Most bruises disappear after a minimum of 2 weeks (most of
the time it’s sooner than that)
Would you rather be a “broken”
toy or a scratched(bruised) toy? With “broken”
toys you take the risk of never being fixed. "Broken” toys essentially serve no purpose and once
their purpose has been fulfilled they are discarded of.However, scratched (bruised) toys are toys that we keep
around.We keep them around because
they’re flawed but they haven’t lost their purpose.As long as the scratched (bruised) toy can still make
noise, flash its lights, and entertain us, there is no need to discard of that
toy because we NEED that toy.
We have to change our mindset from thinking we’re “broken” to acknowledging that we may actually be BRUISED. We’re BRUISED because we face new challenges everyday and
sometimes we get hurt in the process.
We’re BRUISED and not “broken” because we eventually heal with time. When you think about "broken" bones we are often confronted with the fact that there is a high probability that those bones will never heal properly and/or they will not be as functional as they previously were. Bruises on the other hand, do not face those risks because they heal quicker and do not do as much damage and uncertainty. We are BRUISED
because we have a healing mindset…once we accept the notion of “brokenness” we have accepted defeat. I refuse to be labeled “broken” because, “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my
deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn
of my salvation, and my high tower.” (Psalms 18:2). Change that mindset and speak victory over your life.
(2) Anything That Is For You Will Not “Break” AND Leave You
Think about that person/situation/circumstance that you felt
left you “broken.” Think really hard! Now if that person/situation/circumstance is
no longer in your life, then they have served their purpose. Be grateful.
Maybe it was a lesson. Maybe it
was God revealing to you the power of the strength he equipped you with. Maybe it was God protecting you from
something. Maybe it was God aligning you
with your purpose and that person/situation/circumstance no longer had a front
row seat. Regardless, remember that
whether you are stubborn in believing that you’re “broken”
(even though I just told you that you aren’t!), or you’ve accepted the
possibility that you’re BRUISED, that in both
situations there is a building process.
There are times when God places us in situations that will cause us to
be molded and shaped. Think about a
diamond—diamonds are formed from extreme pressure. We are those diamonds that have to be
susceptible to pressure so that we can shine brightly. Don’t you want to be molded? Shaped into who God wants you to become? Don't you want to shine? Let God mold and shape you. The Bible tells us, “But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are
the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.” (Isaiah 64:8). Anything that is “broken”
or bruised eventually has to be built back up –
bigger and better! Remember, “God
created [us] in his own image.” (Genesis
1:27).
(3) God Doesn’t Give You More Than You Can Bear
Your situation may seem bleak right now but so did your
situation 2 days ago, 2 weeks ago, 2 months ago, and 2 years ago. It’s always cloudy while you’re going through
it but the situation always changes once you’re on your way to your new
trial. Before you become overwhelmed and
claim “brokenness” claim victory over your next
2 trials because trust me when I say they’re well on their way. While you're waiting for your bruises to heal, forgive those who tried or "break" you. God told the waters to be “peace be still”
(Mark 4:39) and so today I challenge you to tell all of those so-called “broken” piece(s) to be still!!!!!
These things I
have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have
tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. – John 3:16
Prayer:
Dear God,
We thank you for dying on that cross for our sins.We thank you wholeheartedly for the ultimate
sacrifice that you have given us that no man can match.Lord we humbly come before you to ask for
restoration of hearts, minds, attitudes, peace, hope, love, grace, and
mercy.Lord we ask that you continue to
be that glue to mend “brokenness” in our walks
with you, in our homes, in our churches, and in our relationships with
others.We ask that you equip us with
the mindsets to bow before your feet before we think to solve our problems
ourselves.Lord we come against the
spirit of hopelessness, the spirit of despair, the spirit of defeat, the spirit
of loneliness, the spirit of depression.Lord you told us to cast our cares upon you Lord God for the righteous
shall not be moved.Lord we claim
victory in your name because we are no longer “broken.”We may be BRUISED
but we serve a God who is the ultimate healer.Continue to keep us Lord as we go about our days.In your precious name we pray.Amen.
My name is Bryan Haskins and I
bring greeting from The Church of Antioch in Nashville, TN. I would first like
to first say thank you to the Blogging4Jesus2013 Team for allowing me to be a
guest on the daily blog. I believe that this is an opportunity for us to
display our love for Christ and not being ashamed of being Christians. The
topic of this blog is “Joy”.
When I first looked at this topic I
began to think of how I would share this. We all know that in the Nehemiah
8:10, it talks about the …for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” In my own
personal experience, I found Joy in many different ways. Being in the military,
there are many task and objectives that have to be done. One in particular is
the yearly fitness test. It seems that after all the training that I do to
prepare myself for the test; I still get that nervous feeling. I find myself
during the run to give up or think that I don’t have the strength to finish.
Doubt starts to set in and I begin to lose focus the real strength that keeps
me going, the strength that keeps me living for God, the strength that
Philippians 4:13 tells me, “I can do all things”. That strength can only be
given by Joy of the Lord.
You see, that Joy doesn’t just talk
about the strength we need when it comes to taking a physical fitness test or
any physical need, this kind of Joy is needed when our flesh gets weak and our
Faith is under pressure. Let’s take a look at James 1:2, “My bretheren, count
it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3) Knowing this, that the
trying of your faith worketh patience.” In another translation is says, 2-3
Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from
all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the
open and shows its true colors. When we
take on these kinds of temptations and pressures that puts our faith, our walk
with Christ on the line, it is that same strength that keeps us reminded that
we are children of God. Verse 12 tells us that “Anyone who meets a testing
challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such
persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life.”
I’m not the one to say that my walk with
Christ has always been good, I’ve had my shares of disappointments where I let
God down so many time with the decisions that I’ve made. I realize that is
Grace and Mercy is what kept me but His Joy is what sustains me. Psalms 30:5
tells me that “…..weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the
morning.” I don’t know who I may be speaking to, but just know that Gods joy is
new every morning. Instead of thinking of how you are going to get things done
on your own, think about the joy of the Lord. His Joy is the strength that we
need each and every day.
So, it has been very difficult to
write my blog post for today. Usually something just comes to me out of the
blue, when I’m lying in bed, showering, or sitting in front of my computer or
something sparks my interest like a quote on a social network, reading the
Bible or another book or watching TV. I wrote most of my last post at 3am one
night, weeks in advance because I just couldn’t sleep, but this time I got
NOTHING. NOTHING! I’ve been wondering why for the past few days.
Until it just hit me…I’ve been the
problem. I’ve been too busy focusing on what I have wanted to do for the past
few weeks that I haven’t taken the time or energy to really reach for God. I’ve
been so busy with work, hanging out with friends, paying bills, attending church
events, making birthday plans, and watching Scandal that I haven’t opened
myself up to hear him. I’ve been what I think of as “a surface Christian.” I have
felt God’s connection and his warmth, I’ve gone to church, I’ve prayed and I’ve
worshipped him, but I haven’t allowed myself to be fully open and enveloped
with him.
Recently, one friend of mine in
particular has been frustrating me with what I perceive to be selfishness and
indifference, while when I look at it I have been doing the same exact thing
just to a different person— A more important person! I haven’t been vigilant
and focused. Instead I’ve been indifferent in seeking after God. But, I think that now God is questioning my
allegiance to him. He’s watching to see whether I am going to call him only when
I’m in church or in need of something from him, or if I am going to initiate
regular conversation as I should.
Hebrews 13:15 says, “Therefore, let us
offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our
allegiance to his name.” This verse is key! How often do we closely examine our
allegiances? Allegiance is shown not only by profession, but by action. Professing
that you love God means nothing if you’re just going through the motions, missing
out on the action that love truly requires in order to be real.
You may have said the pledge of
allegiance every day in elementary school, but at that point it was repetition.
It was something you were taught that you became accustomed to quoting. You
didn’t fully understand the power behind the words or what it meant to pledge
to a flag that your forefathers fought and many died for through economic, racial,
and social oppression. Continual sacrifice
is the action that acknowledges the fight. It is easy to praise someone when it
is convenient for you, but it’s very difficult to praise them continually, when
you feel like it AND when you don’t. Continual
sacrifice is our offering to Jesus Christ who gave everything for us to
have an opportunity to live lives free from sin and one day meet Him in heaven.
God is pushing us towards a continual
attitude.
Lastly, God reminded me that my
allegiance to him will prove to be beneficial. Psalm 16: 8 says, “I have set the Lord always before me.
Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” When you make God your
right hand man, continually setting
him before everything else, then he will have your back to the point where
nothing can shake you, not even that annoying, selfish friend!
Our purpose on Earth is to bring people to Christ. Jesus said, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" (Matthew 28:19) Sometimes, we lose sight of helping others out in the daily rush of life. I know for myself I am running from place to place doing this, that and the third. And then I miss out on helping someone or really looking to see what's happening.
As wanting to be a teacher, I have always said I will be the one who is there for the students and always helping out. I am there for the students but sad to say there was a short time where I did not think about what is going on behind the closed doors. I just looked at some students as "problem" kids. But God caught me one day and convicted me. Someone even said to me, which was a reminder, about that they might be going through something. And it really got me. Sometimes we go through life and say one thing but don't follow through with it.
We look at things as how they appear not by what they actually are. Our vision is through the outward appearance. That's why we are told to walk by FAITH and NOT BY SIGHT!! Our sight is not the best to go by. We think we see someone or we think we know something because of what we see. But, a lot of times we have NO IDEA what people are going through. Yea, someone may be annoying or someone might do something that erks your nerve. But, you don't know what they're going through. This one video blessed me because a lot of times we are so busy and we get frustrated. What would happen if we took it slow and prayed for people that got on our nerves? Or what if instead of going off on someone think about that they might have had a rough day or their situation is terrible compared to yours? Don't get me wrong, it's not easy!! To put away your flesh is not an easy thing. But this can be done through daily prayer and the continual relationship with God.
What if we had God's eyes? There may be someone that you might be in contact with and they need Jesus. Or people may seem to be okay and on point with their life. But what if this person needs someone to show them love or that someone cares? If we had God's eyes or we were in tuned with God, we would be able to show the love of God. It's time to see things through God's eyes so we can be a blessing to others.
I can encourage you to pray for anyone who gets on your nerves. Or if someone comes to mind, pray for them. You may not know what they're going through and they may need your prayers to help them through their struggles.
Be blessed y'all and let's look through God's eyes!!!
Steven Gable
"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12)
5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Psalm 37:25
King James Version (KJV)
25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO!!!^_^ - >>>> http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6-djMd9ShfA
A year and months had passed
and yet my prayer list is the same. One morning, I woke up and decided I wanted
to please God to gain his attention. God seemed to always reward me for
pleasing him. Longing to see God manifest and intervene once again in my life I
prayed, "How can I please you?”
Then I waited for an answer,
hoping to hear God. But I heard nothing. Dejected I said to myself, I tried.
Before going back to sleep, I decided to read the bible and at least show God I
was serious. I began reading Hebrews casually until, this scripture woke me up.
Hebrews 10:37-39
37 For in just a little while the Coming One will come and not
delay.
38 And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in
anyone who turns away.”
This scripture made me repent immediately, because I had lost my faith. The
reason I was seeking to please God that morning was to avoid confronting that
issue which needed faith. I didn't want to keep praying, keep believing over
the same prayer list, nothing seemed to be availing.
But I was refilled in faith
that morning and prayed over my same prayer list. Except, this time I prayed
with a different confidence and different faith. My journey with God hasn’t
been that long; I consider it four years now. In those four years, it has been
a journey and in that journey God has been faithful to me. So there will be
times when I’m wearied in faith, but as long as I stay connected to God he will
restore my faith. God will help you believe. This story is an example of that.
I wanted to know how I could please God. The answer was keep believing in him,
that pleases him.
Many of you may not know me well
enough to know that doing this is a big step for me. Believe it or not behind
that big personality is a girl who has a hard time stepping out and doing
things that are out of my comfort zone, so I’m very appreciative for being
asked to do this because it presents me with a challenge that will lead to
growth.
When the time came for me to begin
writing, I wasn’t sure what it was that I wanted to write about. I prayed about
it, asked God what it was that He wanted me to say, what He wanted me to tell.
It was then that I heard His voice saying, “tell a story”.
There was once a woman who was
married at a young age. After a year and a half of marriage she gave birth to
her first child. Despite any fears that she had, she continuously lifted up her
unborn child in prayer, always praying that he/she would be born healthy, happy
and thriving. When her child was born she was ecstatic, her little girl was
finally here, but shortly afterwards it was then that she learned that there
was a problem. Her child was born with a birth defect, a defect that would
change her life forever. She was born with one leg shorter than the other, the
top of her right big toe touched the top of her left knee, and she was also
missing a bone in her leg. The mother, however, never let her child’s anomaly
surmount the love she had for her. That mother instantly became very protective
over her child. She, as well, became determined to find answers to what was
going on with her child. At weeks old, she, along with her husband took her
child to DuPont Hospital in Delaware. After a series of x-rays, it was time to
meet the doctor. The doctor came in, took one short look at the x-rays and
uttered one word: AMPUTATION. When the parents asked why, the doctor simply
said that that was the only answer, for the child would never be able to run,
walk, ride a bike, let alone crawl unless her leg was amputated. The parents
refused and left. When they returned home, the mother immediately dropped to
her knees and prayed. She prayed for guidance, she prayed for strength. Shortly
after, through the suggestion of a family friend, the mother was referred to a
doctor at Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia. Before the appointment, the
mother began to pray again. Once at the appointment the doctor said he couldn’t
help her child, but he did know of another doctor who resided in Maryland that
dealt with cases such as her daughter’s. Without hesitation, the parents made
an appointment and drove to Maryland, praying the whole way there that they
would finally receive answers. After reviewing the x-rays, the doctor walked
into the room, looked at the parents and says, “God has blessed you with this
child for a reason. God also sent you here for a reason and I will do
everything in my power to help give your daughter as normal of a life as I
possibly can”. It was then the mother realized that her prayers had been
answered. God heard her prayers. Even though she sometimes felt that He wasn’t
listening, even though she sometimes questioned Him, He had always been there,
He had always been listening. It was then that she made a vow that she would
teach her child the love of God, instill the idea that He will always be there,
He will never give you more than you can bear. She from then on taught her
child to trust in God for “The LORD himself goes
before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do
not be afraid; do not be discouraged (Deuteronomy 31:8)”.
The child in the
story was me. I went on to prove those doctors wrong. I crawled, learned to
walk on my own and was even on the rowing team in high school. Like I said
above, my mom instilled in me the beliefs that I carry with me today. She
always reminded me that God will always be and has always been with me. I
always tell people that I wouldn’t be the person that I am and where I am in my
life today without Him. “I can do all things
through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13)”.
My relationship with
God hasn’t always been a strong one however. There was a time in my life when I
found myself questioning my faith in Him. In high school I suffered from a
serious bought of depression. Things in my life weren’t going well. After
seeking some help I thought things were better. I graduated high school and was
in college. If anyone has dealt with depression, you know that you can
experience a series of ups and downs over time. The spring semester my freshman
year in college I found myself facing my depression once more. I constantly
questioned who I could turn to, when the answer was there all along. Sadly, I
stopped praying, stopped turning to the one I could count on most. How could I
pray when everything in my life seems to be falling apart? How could I pray if
I keep praying for these things to better and they just keep getting worse? How
could I pray if I keep dealing with depression? I prayed for it to never come
back, but it still did. At times God would try to remind me that all I needed
to do was trust and believe. He would try to bring me back to Him but I would
ignore. I always believed that I could handle it on my own. "Trust in
the Lord with all of your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek
his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take (Proverbs
3:5-6)”. I never fully walked away though. I couldn’t find it
within me to do that. Even though I strayed away from Him somewhat, God never
left me and never gave up on me just like He promised. He still had a hold on
my heart and I soon found myself back on my walk with God. Immediately I saw
growth. I started seeking His face a little more. I was eager to read the word.
I strived and longed to be more like Him.
Recently
I have been faced with a few medical scares. I found myself dealing with heart
issues, tumor scares, etc. I knew the only thing I could do in this situation
in pray, it’s been instilled in me since day one. Sadly, it took for these
scares for me to realize that I can’t just pray and not put all of my faith in
God. No, I have to believe that He will do it. Just as my mom had to when I was
born. I gave it all to Him. I put all of my faith in Him and all things worked
in my favor. Every test that I had to go through so far have come back
negative.
With that
being said. Let me be an example to you all. I was born with a birth defect,
faced with possible amputation. My parents could have given up and given in but
they didn’t. They lifted me up in prayer and believed…knew that God would
answer their prayers. Remember, no matter what you are going through don’t
doubt, don’t worry, and turn to God. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4: 6-7).
When you pray, have faith and know He will answer.
God bless
What has God promised you? What dream has God placed in your
heart? Does it seem impossible or far fetched? Do you feel like there is no way
it can happen or that you made too many mistakes and there are just too many
obstacles in the way.Don’t let these
negative thoughts or feelings get in your way of claiming what God has for you.
There are tons of examples of overcoming insurmountable odds and receiving
God’s promises by believing in faith and obeying his word.
God promised Abraham he would be the father of many nations
and he and Sarah would have a child. They were both very old, Abraham almost 100,
so in his mind there is NO WAY they could have a child. But with God all things
are possible and if God made the promise it will come to pass. Abraham and
Sarah had a son named Isaac.
God promised David that his descendants would always be on
the throne and that he would have a lasting dynasty. Talk about seeming
impossible, at the time David was merely a shepherd boy tending his father’s
sheep, no royal bone in his body. He became king.
Joseph was able to interpret dreams and he had a dream he would one
day rule over his family and they would bow down to him. His brothers weren’t
too fond of that dream, so they sold Joseph and told their father he died.
Joseph was sold into slavery to Potiphar, then put in jail for a crime he didn't commit. Circumstances do
not get much more depressing than that. But Joseph believed in the dream the
Lord placed in him. He eventually was released from prison and rose to 2nd
in command to the Pharaoh.
Do not let the enemy discourage you. If God gave
you a promise, no matter how bleak your situation may look, claim it and
believe in faith it will come to pass. Continue to praise him and give him the glory for he is worthy.
Wow! Asked to be a guest
blogger – not only is it a compliment but it is a blessing!!! I love speaking
on my testimonies. Through lifes ups and downs, ins and outs, its always good
to reflect on what God has done for, to me, and continues to grow in me! I was
interested in speaking on something I feel passionate about… increasing my
territory. It reminds me of the song by Israel and New Breed “no
limits.. no boundaries.. I see increase all around me… stretch forth, break
forth… release me… enlarge my territory”. To increase ones knowledge and
spiritual connection with God is a wonderful life experience – it is a journey
– that NEVER
ends.. and once you start it you see life
in a whole new world, in ways brand new.
I have always had a
relationship with God – but I must admit – in the past two to three years the
relationship has gone into a deeper love – something intangible. I have truly felt
what it feels to be in love with someone… deeply in love, drowning in a
spiritual relationship that I do not want to get out of. It is like I yearn
Him. I yearn God – I want Him to have all of me… I want to be soaked in His
spirit. Crazy feeling… that I love.
“You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek You; I
thirst You, my whole being longs for You, in a dry and parched land where there
is no water. I have seen You in the
sanctuary and beheld Your power and Your glory. Because Your love is better
than life, my lips will glorify You. I will praise You as long as I live, and
in Your name I will lift up my hands.
I will be fully satisfied as with the richest
of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise You.” (Psalm 63:1-5 NIV)
In my generation of young adults it has become
harder. It is so challenging in the world we live in. Between everyday life, it
has become a challenge in relating to others – unless they can relate to me on
a spiritual level. The closer I got/am getting to God, I find it difficult to
keep on to old relationships, and even at times to find new ones. There were
relationships in my life I knew were toxic to my spiritual health – but I tried
to hold on. For the sake of MY happiness (my flesh satisfaction) – and not for
the sake of what spiritual influence it had. But as I prayed on it – I prayed for no
boundaries for my relationship with God–
for increasing. As I prayed on it I watched as changes took place around me.
Things no longer entertained me – I no longer received satisfaction of living
life in ways that are satisfying the flesh. At first it was scary. I had to ask
myself, why aren’t these things entertaining me anymore? Why are these
conversations that were so great so lifeless and dull?
It
is because God wants to increase me. He wants me to be His worker on a fulltime
basis. I cannot direct where my life is going or what is next – I have to focus
on my relationship with God. And then I wondered how do I do that? How do I
increase a relationship with the God that I already know?
READ THE WORD– I
have to acknowledge my weaknesses. One being not fully indulging myself into
the bible. I knew that it was the one way to hear Gods word – to read it. But I
feared it. I did not UNDERSTAND it. So what did I do? Started going to bible study.
While also enrolling in a at home bible study where I receive one on one study
sessions on His word. I realized I couldn’t do it alone. Sometimes we think
increasing our relationship with God is something we can do by ourselves. But
it is not always like that. The support system – the spiritual team around you
– is in your life for a reason. To encourage you – feed your spiritual growth
together. I couldn’t do this alone. I tried and I failed. Now I have friends
who send me text messages randomly – of scriptures – or emails – or inviting me
to their churches or bible studies. It helps. It keeps me FOCUSED. I
needed help from Gods workers here on earth. And what a blessing it has been.
PRAY PRAY PRAY – TALK TO HIM–
Yes, I pray at night. A long and lengthy prayer. But guess what? Prayer has no
time. So many times I am at work, in a situation where I just have to close my
eyes and pray – even for 30 seconds.
Sometimes it’s the little things – a phone call, a text, “viewing
something” on a social network – that can turn your emotions upside down. I
have learned to pray and talk to Him – no matter the time location or
situation. Trust me – a 10 second prayer can refresh you in ways no advice from
a friend or family member can.
And lastly – I SURRENDER ALL – I have to give it all to Him.
I cannot question Gods actions in my life. In order to expand – to grow – to
fulfill my relationship with Christ I must allow Him to take complete control.
When it comes to doubting myself, when it comes to insecurities, stagnant
friendships, the hardships in dating and finding a lifelong partner, the doubts
in my career, the influence of society, the lack in confidence, the answers
that are not right in my face, the challenge of walking by faith and not sight
– all that I have to give to HIM. I can’t do it alone. I am WEAK, I have
understood and accepted it. I am weak I need saving and I need strength.
That’s where my soul comes in – my soul brings me to God. And as I get closer
to Him I must say this has been the greatest times of my life. He is mine and I
am His!
“For
none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone.
If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So
whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord” (Romans 14:7-8 NIV)
Everyday I pray that I
continue to grow closer and closer to my King. Because without Him, I am
NOTHING. “I see increase all around me” J
“As
a prisoner for the Lord then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling
you have received” (Ephesians 4:1 NIV)
Webster's, definition of worry is, "to think about problems or fears : to feel or show fear and concern because you think that something bad has happened or could happen." Worry causes stress, panic attacks, and can lead to depression. The adverse effects of worrying can take years off of one's life. With such harsh effects why do so many people take part in worrying? God has given us the promise that he will take care of ALL OF OUR NEEDS. As a result, of this promise we can live a life free from worry.
During stressful situations and in times when circumstances were out of my control I use to worry. I would become agitated, frustrated, upset, and rude. On some of the worse situations I can remember my heart racing to the point I would have to take deep breaths in order to calm myself down. Now when faced with challenges I give my burdens to God. He has enabled me to cast my cares upon him. He has taken my worries away. When the feeling of worry creeps up I remember that God is in control. God's Got It!
Matthew 6:25-34 is God's promise to take care of our needs. This promise allows us to live a worry free life. If you are someone who worries I encourage you to read the verses below and let God take control of your life.
25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
