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Friday, 30 July 2010
Friday, 11 June 2010
Open your eyes and see the wonderful mystery of love ♪
I don't really know what to write today, I just feel like writing. I thought seeing as I had time, and not much else to do, I would write to this. Because we dedicate time to the things we love. And I thought, I should do this more. I love blogging, because I love hearing from God. But then, the less I blog, the less I listen to hear. I feel that I should definitely use this more. God doesn't want anyone to be "lukewarm", and I do tell people that as advice, but I needed to remind myself. It's not that I've ignored Him, or stopped talking to Him, it's just that I know I'm supposed to be doing this, it's something He wants me to do to learn and grow, and I need to do it more often.
John 15:4 - Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
There is no denying that even if I do nothing, I am still a vine. But vines don't grow unless they are watered, so I need to be watered more to grow more!!! :)
John 15:4 - Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
There is no denying that even if I do nothing, I am still a vine. But vines don't grow unless they are watered, so I need to be watered more to grow more!!! :)
Friday, 28 May 2010
Heads or Tails?
I want to show you something revolutionary, something that will (or should) change your life and the way you think. In the word's of Switchfoot "Life is not what I thought it was 24 hours ago ♪"
Mark 9:33-35 - They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?" But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."
When you make an approach to anything, you should think about this. Are you making the choice you are making, or doing what you are doing, knowing that it's going to make someone else come out of it bad, and possibly as well that you will come out of it good?!
Then you're thinking upside-down.I can't judge, we've all done it, I'm just addressing something that I think could change the world if we change the way we think.
I think it's human nature to want to be liked. It's human nature to want people to admire you or say nice things about you. It's human nature to want recognition for things you achieve. But that's not what you should be thinking. Don't think you should have the credit, allow others to take it. Not in a "walk-all-over you" way, but step back and allow the glory to be passed to others :) And be happy for them, and proud of them!
To be the best, you need to put yourself below everyone else. That's not just under a few people, with a few people below you who you "know" are worse people than you are. No, he means everyone.
I believe there are two reasons why God wants us to think like this:
Firstly, you feel better about yourself, and see everyone in a more positive light. You see the best in people, and so get the best out of people, and in return the best is shown in you.
Secondly, you need to practice serving. Serving is not easy, it is inconvenient. If it wasn't it wouldn't be serving it would be entertainment. God rewards those who serve others, and he will reward them in Heaven. That may not seem relevant or good enough for you NOW, at this point in time, but I've noticed a reward the second I do anything so much as compliment someone. I feel a sense of happiness that I've made someone else happy. Not in a boastful way, but in a way where I feel proud of myself that I've been nice to that person :)
There's also a third, but I feel seperate reason. Read this:
Deuteronomy 28:13 - The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.
Ok, so the "commands of the LORD your God" are as the previous passage explains - putting others before yourself. So tick that off. Once you've done that God says He will make you above others. I think he does this as a reward in heaven. Also NOW. People are impatient, especially me! But there are rewards NOW. Think of someone you admire, someone you think a lot of, and think they are a really nice person. Ok, now how do they treat other people? Do they help people? Make nice comments to people? Or do they talk about people behind their backs, or be really horrible to people? I'm guessing they're a lovely and kind person, yes? People admire nice people.
And the person being admired will most likely be very humble too, that comes with the practicing of putting others before yourself.
So, heads or tails - what's it gonna be?
Friday, 14 May 2010
Step It Up and Step Out!
It's all very well saying you have faith, but sometimes there's something you need to do... Step Out.
Sometimes it's hard to step out in faith, because you need to have more faith!
So step it up!
But it's not just about faith. Sometimes I don't think we realise there's more to it than belief. There's a little thing in the way called "acceptance"... you may know it as "willingness"... ring any bells for you?
I hope so, it should.
There are things you don't want to do sometimes. There are things you think "I'm not sure if that's definitely God (even if you are pretty sure it is) so I'll wait". Well I'll tell you something, God has an answer to that one too...
This is what David says in Psalm 119:60
"I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands."
And look what God did for David! If you don't know, then look it up or ask! Because it's amazing how much he did for him!
DON'T think that God will just "pick someone else to do it" because although He can, he is all-knowing, so he has chosen you for a reason. He knows these things:
How it will advance His kingdom for His glory
How it will test you, and allow your relationship with Him to build and grow
How you will benefit from it, and how others will too
He knows your attitudes, how you think, act towards people, and in different situations, and how you will do this job for Him.
He knows you are right for it. So you should know you are right for it too!
He also knows how much faith you have. He will still ask you to do things when you have little faith.
Here are some times He did just that, He doesn't beat about the bush this God! Seriously!
1) Matthew 8:23-26 - Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
He expected them not to be afraid even though he said He knew they had little faith.
2) Matthew 14:30-32 - Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.
He expected Peter to step out of the boat even though he said He knew Peter had little faith that it would work.
Sometimes it's hard to step out in faith, because you need to have more faith!
So step it up!
But it's not just about faith. Sometimes I don't think we realise there's more to it than belief. There's a little thing in the way called "acceptance"... you may know it as "willingness"... ring any bells for you?
I hope so, it should.
There are things you don't want to do sometimes. There are things you think "I'm not sure if that's definitely God (even if you are pretty sure it is) so I'll wait". Well I'll tell you something, God has an answer to that one too...
This is what David says in Psalm 119:60
"I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands."
And look what God did for David! If you don't know, then look it up or ask! Because it's amazing how much he did for him!
DON'T think that God will just "pick someone else to do it" because although He can, he is all-knowing, so he has chosen you for a reason. He knows these things:
How it will advance His kingdom for His glory
How it will test you, and allow your relationship with Him to build and grow
How you will benefit from it, and how others will too
He knows your attitudes, how you think, act towards people, and in different situations, and how you will do this job for Him.
He knows you are right for it. So you should know you are right for it too!
He also knows how much faith you have. He will still ask you to do things when you have little faith.
Here are some times He did just that, He doesn't beat about the bush this God! Seriously!
1) Matthew 8:23-26 - Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
He expected them not to be afraid even though he said He knew they had little faith.
2) Matthew 14:30-32 - Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.
He expected Peter to step out of the boat even though he said He knew Peter had little faith that it would work.
Jesus then says:
Matthew 17:20 - He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
"Now, my son, listen carefully and do what I tell you" ~ God (Genesis 27:8)
Friday, 7 May 2010
We will shout for your glory
I love serving people. I'm still learning, but then again isn't everyone?
But I know that I of all people need to learn to do so more than I am doing already.
I need to not say things when it is really not necessary to say them - mainly things about people or to people that are forming a negative opinion. I need to get one thing clear, to you but also to myself - putting negative thoughts into words is just putting power behind them. And power behind them forms opinions in my own head and other people's heads that are negative, non-beneficial, and probably not true. God sees everyone in a good light, He chooses to see them at their best rather than pointing out their worst. I seriously need to remember to do this! That's what it's all about. I wonder if I saw some of the things people are going through, would I have the same opinion of them? Well, I know this is true. I have a story about this - ask me about it :)
I would recommened listening to these songs to get a deeper understanding of what I'm babbling on about ;)
Firstly, Beautiful Stranger by Rebecca St James
and With Everything by Hillsong
1 Samuel 12:24 - But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.
But I know that I of all people need to learn to do so more than I am doing already.
I need to not say things when it is really not necessary to say them - mainly things about people or to people that are forming a negative opinion. I need to get one thing clear, to you but also to myself - putting negative thoughts into words is just putting power behind them. And power behind them forms opinions in my own head and other people's heads that are negative, non-beneficial, and probably not true. God sees everyone in a good light, He chooses to see them at their best rather than pointing out their worst. I seriously need to remember to do this! That's what it's all about. I wonder if I saw some of the things people are going through, would I have the same opinion of them? Well, I know this is true. I have a story about this - ask me about it :)
I would recommened listening to these songs to get a deeper understanding of what I'm babbling on about ;)
Firstly, Beautiful Stranger by Rebecca St James
and With Everything by Hillsong
1 Samuel 12:24 - But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.
Tuesday, 20 April 2010
I see the King of Glory... coming on the clouds with fire!
Only a quick blog, but I wanted to say, throw everything at God! And grab all the good things with both hands! Like Paul Field said at Sold Out on Saturday evening, don't mistake leaving everything at the cross as including your sense of humour! Christians aren't boring! If anything we have more reason to be happy and someone to fall back on when we're not! There is of course that verse about leaving your problems at the cross, but it's good not to leave who you are there! God loves you for who you are, so stay how you are! This is something I really love. It says in Exodus 13:21:
By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.
The cloud was to keep them comfortable from the heat during the day when it could cause them to suffer, and lead them in the right direction. The pillar of fire was to show them the way when they could not see it themselves, and to keep them warm and comforted.
See how thoughtful God is! They only had to follow Him! But I don't think I'm lying when I say they didn't have to do anything at all! God didn't mind, He had only offered them the best and safest option for them! Of course they were going to take it! Which is why I wonder sometimes why there are people who see that as a burden, or lack of freedom to choose how to live. God is not a burden, He is the best weapon you will ever have, because He is always right, and He cannot be defeated!
And I would love to share just another thing which has struck me. Re-read the verse from Exodus above, then read this...
Isaiah 30:27 - See, the Name of the LORD comes from afar, with burning anger and dense clouds of smoke; his lips are full of wrath, and his tongue is a consuming fire.
If that isn't proof of God being with them with the cloud, and the fire, then ... I don't even know what to say! Wow, that has really actually struck me there. My goodness me, God is so good :)
By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.
The cloud was to keep them comfortable from the heat during the day when it could cause them to suffer, and lead them in the right direction. The pillar of fire was to show them the way when they could not see it themselves, and to keep them warm and comforted.
See how thoughtful God is! They only had to follow Him! But I don't think I'm lying when I say they didn't have to do anything at all! God didn't mind, He had only offered them the best and safest option for them! Of course they were going to take it! Which is why I wonder sometimes why there are people who see that as a burden, or lack of freedom to choose how to live. God is not a burden, He is the best weapon you will ever have, because He is always right, and He cannot be defeated!
And I would love to share just another thing which has struck me. Re-read the verse from Exodus above, then read this...
Isaiah 30:27 - See, the Name of the LORD comes from afar, with burning anger and dense clouds of smoke; his lips are full of wrath, and his tongue is a consuming fire.
If that isn't proof of God being with them with the cloud, and the fire, then ... I don't even know what to say! Wow, that has really actually struck me there. My goodness me, God is so good :)
Friday, 9 April 2010
It's not about me!
I've had so many lessons on this lately! I think someone is trying to tell me something! I'm not afraid to admit it, it's helping me out by doing this! Here are some verses then I will explain:
Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 15:3
The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
Proverbs 18:12
Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
1 Peter 5:1
Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
Ok, so my point may be obvious. Be humble. I know what it means but I didn't understand. Let me explain. Even putting others higher than myself still left me waiting for recognition. Sometimes you sit there waiting for recognition. But even recognition doesn't last. Thing is, it is much better, and much more rewarding to let others take credit for things you have done (with the exception of being their doormat!). By encouraging others and showing them the good things in themselves in others, you are not only being a nicer person, but becoming a better person.
Like if I send someone a message that speaks to them, I would like them to reply so I know it was from God, and it encourages me. But I've learnt that sometimes I shouldn't get a reply. Sounds silly but it's not, because after a while you begin to subconciously focus on your successes. Even if it's God speaking to me, it's in our DNA to pull out the ME in the situation. Even if you don't mean to. It's just the way the brain works I think. Mine anyway. But if you don't go around being proud of yourself or showing everyone stuff you've done/ said, and let someone else, or let them find out themselves, then you get so much more out of it. You feel truly recognised and genuinely that the person actually cares. And you also let God do what HE wants which is awesome. And you get a real satisfaction out of it too. Trust me, I can think of an example of a situation a few months ago, I can't remember the exact details but I was waiting for recognition for something. But clearly what I had said to someone was satisfying enough for them to not need to say anything back to me. At the time I was like ok. Now I realise that was a lesson in the fact God was speaking through me TO them. He didn't need to reassure me, or give me any credit for it! So thanks to that person... God's noise is breaking through the airwaves!
Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 15:3
The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
Proverbs 18:12
Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
1 Peter 5:1
Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
Ok, so my point may be obvious. Be humble. I know what it means but I didn't understand. Let me explain. Even putting others higher than myself still left me waiting for recognition. Sometimes you sit there waiting for recognition. But even recognition doesn't last. Thing is, it is much better, and much more rewarding to let others take credit for things you have done (with the exception of being their doormat!). By encouraging others and showing them the good things in themselves in others, you are not only being a nicer person, but becoming a better person.
Like if I send someone a message that speaks to them, I would like them to reply so I know it was from God, and it encourages me. But I've learnt that sometimes I shouldn't get a reply. Sounds silly but it's not, because after a while you begin to subconciously focus on your successes. Even if it's God speaking to me, it's in our DNA to pull out the ME in the situation. Even if you don't mean to. It's just the way the brain works I think. Mine anyway. But if you don't go around being proud of yourself or showing everyone stuff you've done/ said, and let someone else, or let them find out themselves, then you get so much more out of it. You feel truly recognised and genuinely that the person actually cares. And you also let God do what HE wants which is awesome. And you get a real satisfaction out of it too. Trust me, I can think of an example of a situation a few months ago, I can't remember the exact details but I was waiting for recognition for something. But clearly what I had said to someone was satisfying enough for them to not need to say anything back to me. At the time I was like ok. Now I realise that was a lesson in the fact God was speaking through me TO them. He didn't need to reassure me, or give me any credit for it! So thanks to that person... God's noise is breaking through the airwaves!
Sunday, 4 April 2010
Is it any wonder...?
I did wonder if God was going to give me an Easter message to share, and I did wonder if it would actually be on Easter Sunday, but it looks as though He has!
Firstly, I feel the need to explain something. Jesus came as a man, lived 30-something years, got flogged until his back was ripped apart, and on the brink of death he dragged himself up that hill, an African man carrying his cross for him as he was too weak, and then he died on a cross, nails though his hands, and a hole in his side where he had been speared, for you.
Christians always tell you he did it to "save you from your sins". Well I'm sorry but I disagree.
Sin is not wrong-doing, a single action. It is not an evil action. It is a barrier we have between us and God. Back in the Garden of Eden, at the beginning of humanity, Adam and Eve sinned. We all know the story, I'm not going to go over it, but we all descended from Adam and Eve. They are our great-great-great-great ... etc. grandparents, so sin is inside our DNA whether we have physically done anything wrong or not. Sin is also thinking wrong of people, or doing things you shouldn't. The Bible tells you about these so I won't go into detail.
Secondly, being a good person does not mean you are not a sinner. As I said above, it is in our DNA. In archery (to my knowledge, whether this is true now, or just in the past) the word "sin" is shouted when the arrow falls short of the target. Our "sin" is us falling short of the target of God. If God is perfect then it isn't possible not to fall short of the target! Therefore we are all sinners.
Finally, just because we were sinners does not mean we are evil. Sin misses the mark, evil doesn't even aim at the target. But nethertheless we need that extra distance to reach the target, and that is where Jesus comes in. He bridges that gap, and therefore we reach the target through him :)
Happy Easter! xx
Firstly, I feel the need to explain something. Jesus came as a man, lived 30-something years, got flogged until his back was ripped apart, and on the brink of death he dragged himself up that hill, an African man carrying his cross for him as he was too weak, and then he died on a cross, nails though his hands, and a hole in his side where he had been speared, for you.
Christians always tell you he did it to "save you from your sins". Well I'm sorry but I disagree.
Sin is not wrong-doing, a single action. It is not an evil action. It is a barrier we have between us and God. Back in the Garden of Eden, at the beginning of humanity, Adam and Eve sinned. We all know the story, I'm not going to go over it, but we all descended from Adam and Eve. They are our great-great-great-great ... etc. grandparents, so sin is inside our DNA whether we have physically done anything wrong or not. Sin is also thinking wrong of people, or doing things you shouldn't. The Bible tells you about these so I won't go into detail.
Secondly, being a good person does not mean you are not a sinner. As I said above, it is in our DNA. In archery (to my knowledge, whether this is true now, or just in the past) the word "sin" is shouted when the arrow falls short of the target. Our "sin" is us falling short of the target of God. If God is perfect then it isn't possible not to fall short of the target! Therefore we are all sinners.
Finally, just because we were sinners does not mean we are evil. Sin misses the mark, evil doesn't even aim at the target. But nethertheless we need that extra distance to reach the target, and that is where Jesus comes in. He bridges that gap, and therefore we reach the target through him :)
Happy Easter! xx
Friday, 2 April 2010
Whatever happened to a promise these days?
These days the world is full of broken promises. But there's one of many that has never been and never will be broken and that is Jesus. In fact, the theme of our youth weekend away this January was Promises. I have to admit, at the time it seemed of little relevance but God has resurfaced it for me. It has been in hibernation throughout this winter, and now it's spring it has come out of hibernation! Anyway, I will get on with this! If it's ok with you I will literally copy some of my notes, expand on them and add to them through whatever God leads me to say! Ok here goes...
Some examples of promises that are subtle are adverts. They are selling hope. There are 2 questions here for you: 1) Do you go looking for this hope? i.e. buy the product and hope it will have the desired effect. Chances are you can think of at least one thing you bought because you thought it looked good on the advert, right? Secondly, Did it like up to it's promise? Chances are even if it lived up to it a little, there was never exactly the same effect as the advert.
It is in our DNA to break promises. Right back at the beginning, Adam and Eve broke the one and only promise they had made to God - not to eat the fruit. But thing is, we don't NEED to make ANY promises to God! Have you ever prayed and asked God to do something for you if you do something first? Because I know I have. The only reason you would do this is to make yourself feel like you actually DESERVE anything in return from God. But you don't! You can never give more than God can! He doesn't ask you to give Him anything! He would rather you didn't make a promise in the first place, than make it and break it. The only thing making us promise things to God is our pride. Lay it down!
Did you know there are 436 promises about Jesus in the Old Testament?! Clever theologists or whatever around the world have worked out (although I have NO IDEA how!!!) that the probablility of a man fulfilling just 8 of these prophecies is 1:100000000000000000! To put this in proportion, this is the same as winning the lottery EVERY WEEK of your life! That's only EIGHT of the 436!!!!! And Jesus fulfilled all of these AND went on to fulfil promises he made of himself! It's amazing to believe that he defied the whole chances of it being practically impossible, and fulfilled ALL of these things! So when he promises to come back, I think that's pretty likely, don't you?!!!!
In John 17, it's Jesus' prayers before he is betrayed. He prays for EVERY ONE of us. Here it is, put your name in where Jesus says "they" or "them". It's long so you can read, skim-read or skip it and pick up afterwards!
"Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
"I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."
Jesus prayed for you before he died. He prayed for all of us. He didn't want to die (who would? especially such a painful death) but God knew that the only way to save you and me was for him to send Jesus to die. Jesus was praying to God, and thinking of you. He realised that he had to go on and die for you. That's where the Easter story comes in, but I will tell you about that soon!
Some examples of promises that are subtle are adverts. They are selling hope. There are 2 questions here for you: 1) Do you go looking for this hope? i.e. buy the product and hope it will have the desired effect. Chances are you can think of at least one thing you bought because you thought it looked good on the advert, right? Secondly, Did it like up to it's promise? Chances are even if it lived up to it a little, there was never exactly the same effect as the advert.
It is in our DNA to break promises. Right back at the beginning, Adam and Eve broke the one and only promise they had made to God - not to eat the fruit. But thing is, we don't NEED to make ANY promises to God! Have you ever prayed and asked God to do something for you if you do something first? Because I know I have. The only reason you would do this is to make yourself feel like you actually DESERVE anything in return from God. But you don't! You can never give more than God can! He doesn't ask you to give Him anything! He would rather you didn't make a promise in the first place, than make it and break it. The only thing making us promise things to God is our pride. Lay it down!
Did you know there are 436 promises about Jesus in the Old Testament?! Clever theologists or whatever around the world have worked out (although I have NO IDEA how!!!) that the probablility of a man fulfilling just 8 of these prophecies is 1:100000000000000000! To put this in proportion, this is the same as winning the lottery EVERY WEEK of your life! That's only EIGHT of the 436!!!!! And Jesus fulfilled all of these AND went on to fulfil promises he made of himself! It's amazing to believe that he defied the whole chances of it being practically impossible, and fulfilled ALL of these things! So when he promises to come back, I think that's pretty likely, don't you?!!!!
In John 17, it's Jesus' prayers before he is betrayed. He prays for EVERY ONE of us. Here it is, put your name in where Jesus says "they" or "them". It's long so you can read, skim-read or skip it and pick up afterwards!
"Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
"I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."
Jesus prayed for you before he died. He prayed for all of us. He didn't want to die (who would? especially such a painful death) but God knew that the only way to save you and me was for him to send Jesus to die. Jesus was praying to God, and thinking of you. He realised that he had to go on and die for you. That's where the Easter story comes in, but I will tell you about that soon!
Monday, 29 March 2010
Here I am, in that old place again, down on my face again...
"Oh gosh, today has been a long day"
That's how I began to start my blog! This made me laugh because of what I was planning to write my blog on! Last night at our evening meeting e-squared, there were 2 main sections that stuck out for me from Philippians 2. These were:
"Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that noone can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people" v 14-15
Thing is, I tend to moan... A LOT... all the time!
I know it's annoying, and I annoy myself! It's my way of dealing with stresses or breaking an awkward silence. And it's something I hate about myself. Although I don't actually hate myself because God loves me for who I am... but that's another story! Just because God accepts me and loves me for who I am does not mean I am faultless or perfect. He still points out things that need to be changed.
The second thing was:
"Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too." v 3-4
Ok, so we all do it. Well maybe not, maybe you're a better person than me, or just have more self control. But speaking generally, we all gossip. One thing I moan about is OTHER PEOPLE. This is awful. It makes me feel absolutely terrible. I shouldn't do it and I trust that God will help me learn more self-control, because trust me, it will do some good.
So last night I prayed God would help me with both of these. Both of which are really self-control.
Anyway, today was stressful, I moaned all day, more than I usually do! And yes, I gossiped. But on the way home I realised, God had prepared these situations for me, for practice with self control, not to moan, not to gossip. It made me actually laugh out loud! It was hilarious! All day I had been thinking how much I had to moan about yet I missed the thing that was blindingly obvious! God was helping me! He gave me those situations to laugh myself out of not moan about. Sure thing though, I need some practice there! I need some central focus and that is Jesus. Next time I go to moan or gossip I hope I remember that... so God, I'll try harder next time!!!!
That's how I began to start my blog! This made me laugh because of what I was planning to write my blog on! Last night at our evening meeting e-squared, there were 2 main sections that stuck out for me from Philippians 2. These were:
"Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that noone can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people" v 14-15
Thing is, I tend to moan... A LOT... all the time!
I know it's annoying, and I annoy myself! It's my way of dealing with stresses or breaking an awkward silence. And it's something I hate about myself. Although I don't actually hate myself because God loves me for who I am... but that's another story! Just because God accepts me and loves me for who I am does not mean I am faultless or perfect. He still points out things that need to be changed.
The second thing was:
"Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too." v 3-4
Ok, so we all do it. Well maybe not, maybe you're a better person than me, or just have more self control. But speaking generally, we all gossip. One thing I moan about is OTHER PEOPLE. This is awful. It makes me feel absolutely terrible. I shouldn't do it and I trust that God will help me learn more self-control, because trust me, it will do some good.
So last night I prayed God would help me with both of these. Both of which are really self-control.
Anyway, today was stressful, I moaned all day, more than I usually do! And yes, I gossiped. But on the way home I realised, God had prepared these situations for me, for practice with self control, not to moan, not to gossip. It made me actually laugh out loud! It was hilarious! All day I had been thinking how much I had to moan about yet I missed the thing that was blindingly obvious! God was helping me! He gave me those situations to laugh myself out of not moan about. Sure thing though, I need some practice there! I need some central focus and that is Jesus. Next time I go to moan or gossip I hope I remember that... so God, I'll try harder next time!!!!
Friday, 26 March 2010
Life is a rollercoaster... you just gotta ride it!
Psalm 69 is all about David crying out for God's help. It ends with him speaking basically what God is reassuring him of. It says in verses 34-36
Let heaven and earth praise him,
the seas and all that move in them,
for God will save Zion
and rebuild the cities of Judah.
Then people will settle there and possess it;
the children of his servants will inherit it,
and those who love his name will dwell there.
David was one of those men you aspire to be like. He went through so many troubles and hardships, but he got through them. He is easy to relate to. (Like me, he moans ALOT!) He spends his time signing to God, asking for help, accusing God of not helping him, and then having a restoration of faith. His journey is such a rollercoaster, one minute he'll fallen so far down he can't see a way out, and calling out to God. He has to wait a while, but then God brings him flying back up sky high. Okay, so sometimes it chugs back up maybe, this rollercoaster, but there is no denying your patience is tested, but it gets back up! But then again, feeling bad after a massive drop down, flying back up at super speed surely isn't what you need to happen. Or the person behind you, due to the effect it would have! (eww!) What you need is security and gradually being built back up. A lot of the time, once up, you may find you are ready for the next drop, more prepared.
The Lord says to you:
John 14:27 (NIV) - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
That's some of God's Word I wanted to share with you today :)
God bless :)
Let heaven and earth praise him,
the seas and all that move in them,
for God will save Zion
and rebuild the cities of Judah.
Then people will settle there and possess it;
the children of his servants will inherit it,
and those who love his name will dwell there.
David was one of those men you aspire to be like. He went through so many troubles and hardships, but he got through them. He is easy to relate to. (Like me, he moans ALOT!) He spends his time signing to God, asking for help, accusing God of not helping him, and then having a restoration of faith. His journey is such a rollercoaster, one minute he'll fallen so far down he can't see a way out, and calling out to God. He has to wait a while, but then God brings him flying back up sky high. Okay, so sometimes it chugs back up maybe, this rollercoaster, but there is no denying your patience is tested, but it gets back up! But then again, feeling bad after a massive drop down, flying back up at super speed surely isn't what you need to happen. Or the person behind you, due to the effect it would have! (eww!) What you need is security and gradually being built back up. A lot of the time, once up, you may find you are ready for the next drop, more prepared.
The Lord says to you:
John 14:27 (NIV) - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
That's some of God's Word I wanted to share with you today :)
God bless :)
Friday, 19 March 2010
Age to age we stand
There are a few things I want to share with you. So here we go...
Job 32:9 - It is not only the old who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right.
Just because we are young, does not mean we cannot have just as much impact, if not more impact than, people older than we are. Christians, you have God inside you, and He has the most power and impact EVER, so don't ever doubt that He will shine through you clearly at times.
BUT do not think that you don't have to listen to those older than you either.
Job 32:7 - I thought, 'Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.'
God has placed them there to guide you, and help you. They have more years than you, more life experiences, and probably more "God experiences". Not always, but a lot of the time they may be God's key for guiding you where you should be going.
Isaiah 46:4 - Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Also, God will be with you all the days of your life, constantly, there to pick you up, hold you, carry you :) He does not change, He is the same yesterday, today and forever.
1 Corinthians 2:6 - [ Wisdom From the Spirit ] We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.
Another thing is that we need to pray for our leaders. Group leaders, church leaders, our countries leaders, our WORLD leaders, because a lot of the time, they need God's guidance. They do not always listen, and please the world instead. But nevertheless, they need prayer more than ever.
Finally I want to share with you one of the saddest things I have ever heard. It is true, and that makes me want to actually cry.
2 Corinthians 4:4 - The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
The world is claiming these people, and blinding them to the amazing relationship and love they can have between them and God. I love the way God never lets me down, and I can always rely on Him when all else fails. These people do not have this. I see this especially in young people, in a lot of my friends, and their friends, etc. I don't even know how to describe how sad this makes me feel. It's not even sad, it's worse than sad, far more extreme, upsetting, but much much stronger. God is the creator of the Heaven and the Earth, and ME, and EVERYONE, and it kills me to imagine what my life would be like without Him.
I thank God that he is the Rock of Ages, and He is timeless.
And I pray every day that those who seek Him will find Him, and that He will find those who do not seek Him.
2 Corinthians 4:13-18
It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken."With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Job 32:9 - It is not only the old who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right.
Just because we are young, does not mean we cannot have just as much impact, if not more impact than, people older than we are. Christians, you have God inside you, and He has the most power and impact EVER, so don't ever doubt that He will shine through you clearly at times.
BUT do not think that you don't have to listen to those older than you either.
Job 32:7 - I thought, 'Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.'
God has placed them there to guide you, and help you. They have more years than you, more life experiences, and probably more "God experiences". Not always, but a lot of the time they may be God's key for guiding you where you should be going.
Isaiah 46:4 - Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Also, God will be with you all the days of your life, constantly, there to pick you up, hold you, carry you :) He does not change, He is the same yesterday, today and forever.
1 Corinthians 2:6 - [ Wisdom From the Spirit ] We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.
Another thing is that we need to pray for our leaders. Group leaders, church leaders, our countries leaders, our WORLD leaders, because a lot of the time, they need God's guidance. They do not always listen, and please the world instead. But nevertheless, they need prayer more than ever.
Finally I want to share with you one of the saddest things I have ever heard. It is true, and that makes me want to actually cry.
2 Corinthians 4:4 - The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
The world is claiming these people, and blinding them to the amazing relationship and love they can have between them and God. I love the way God never lets me down, and I can always rely on Him when all else fails. These people do not have this. I see this especially in young people, in a lot of my friends, and their friends, etc. I don't even know how to describe how sad this makes me feel. It's not even sad, it's worse than sad, far more extreme, upsetting, but much much stronger. God is the creator of the Heaven and the Earth, and ME, and EVERYONE, and it kills me to imagine what my life would be like without Him.
I thank God that he is the Rock of Ages, and He is timeless.
And I pray every day that those who seek Him will find Him, and that He will find those who do not seek Him.
2 Corinthians 4:13-18
It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken."With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
Gravity
I think I'll let the song do the talking. These are the lyrics to a fairly old song by band Delirious? called Gravity :)
History sits and she tells her stories
Bitter and twisted without power
Sitting watching feeding her jealous mouth
The future looks back to learn her lessons
Memories fade while experience beckons
I'm caught in the middle which way should I go
Gravity's pulling me, but heaven is calling me and
My head's spinning the world's twisted
My head's twisted the world's spinning
This generation is full of religion
Fed up with a diet of nothing
Give me the real thing flowing through my veins
This is the day, this is the hour
Show me the truth cos I want to be blinded
I wanna run, which way should I go
Gravity's pulling me, but heaven is calling me
My head's spinning, the world's twisted
My head's twisted, the world's spinning round, and round
These are the days that we'll look back upon when we're old
Give me tomorrow cos I cannot wait another day
Here's the link to the song too. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o72MojROHLE
History sits and she tells her stories
Bitter and twisted without power
Sitting watching feeding her jealous mouth
The future looks back to learn her lessons
Memories fade while experience beckons
I'm caught in the middle which way should I go
Gravity's pulling me, but heaven is calling me and
My head's spinning the world's twisted
My head's twisted the world's spinning
This generation is full of religion
Fed up with a diet of nothing
Give me the real thing flowing through my veins
This is the day, this is the hour
Show me the truth cos I want to be blinded
I wanna run, which way should I go
Gravity's pulling me, but heaven is calling me
My head's spinning, the world's twisted
My head's twisted, the world's spinning round, and round
These are the days that we'll look back upon when we're old
Give me tomorrow cos I cannot wait another day
Here's the link to the song too. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o72MojROHLE
Tuesday, 2 March 2010
Pardon my dust
Who am I to judge you?
My last blog was probably a bit harsh. True, I would say, but harsh. It got me thinking, and God saying to me "who are YOU to judge?" I realised of all these misguided and confused people, I knew none of them, none of their situations, none of their struggles, why they wanted advice. Only God knows their deepest thoughts and desires, and confusion. I am nobody to tell them they are wrong to ask advice. God put others there to carry each other's burdens, as it says in Galatians 6:2
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
I stupidly and blindly forgot that although these people should think about their attitude, I definitely need to think about mine.
I can't say that they should be asking God and reading His Word about it, when I am not in that situation. Maybe they have tried those things, or maybe they have other reasons for not going to God, like they are ashamed. WHO AM I TO JUDGE THEM?! Noone is perfect and I can't even think about what they must be going through - some of these people are so troubled. I am not worthy to condemn them for not doing what I think they should do.
Just as God said to me,
Job 4:3-5 - In the past you have encouraged many people; you have strengthened those who were weak. Your words have supported those who were falling; you encouraged those with shaky knees. But now when trouble strikes, you lose heart. You are terrified when it touches you.
These people don't need my advice, they need God's advice, and instead of moaning at them, maybe I should think about not condemning them at the same time. I am not perfect, far from, infact, but I cannot make obvious what I believe the faults to be in others, without highlighting those in myself.
If you argue your case with a neighbor, do not betray another man's confidence, or he who hears it may shame you and you will never lose your bad reputation ~ Proverbs 25:9-10
Gossip is a big downfall for me, and I'm not afraid to admit it. I'm getting better, I don't tend to stir things up, I just like to know what's going on. To put it plainly, I am a nosey person! But I'm learning with God helping me to only approach those who need help with the hug they need, and not ask questions. After all, like I said, only God knows their true and deepest needs. I don't so there is no point in me knowing. It is teaching me to have better genuine concern for people rather that the situation, and I see the difference already. Last night really refreshed me, and God showed me I was straying from His help. Thank God for those who he has put in place to help me. Mike, this verse is for you :)
2 Timothy 4:2 - Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
You have done this and God wants to say thanks to His faithful servant, as do I! So thank you!
Proverbs 10:17 - He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.
Back to serve my actual purpose I go, losing myself totally in God. It is not me who I need to keep hold of, it is the one who is always right and that's Jesus.
1 Corinthians 15:10 - But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYrNJuzfPqU :)
My last blog was probably a bit harsh. True, I would say, but harsh. It got me thinking, and God saying to me "who are YOU to judge?" I realised of all these misguided and confused people, I knew none of them, none of their situations, none of their struggles, why they wanted advice. Only God knows their deepest thoughts and desires, and confusion. I am nobody to tell them they are wrong to ask advice. God put others there to carry each other's burdens, as it says in Galatians 6:2
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
I stupidly and blindly forgot that although these people should think about their attitude, I definitely need to think about mine.
I can't say that they should be asking God and reading His Word about it, when I am not in that situation. Maybe they have tried those things, or maybe they have other reasons for not going to God, like they are ashamed. WHO AM I TO JUDGE THEM?! Noone is perfect and I can't even think about what they must be going through - some of these people are so troubled. I am not worthy to condemn them for not doing what I think they should do.
Just as God said to me,
Job 4:3-5 - In the past you have encouraged many people; you have strengthened those who were weak. Your words have supported those who were falling; you encouraged those with shaky knees. But now when trouble strikes, you lose heart. You are terrified when it touches you.
These people don't need my advice, they need God's advice, and instead of moaning at them, maybe I should think about not condemning them at the same time. I am not perfect, far from, infact, but I cannot make obvious what I believe the faults to be in others, without highlighting those in myself.
If you argue your case with a neighbor, do not betray another man's confidence, or he who hears it may shame you and you will never lose your bad reputation ~ Proverbs 25:9-10
Gossip is a big downfall for me, and I'm not afraid to admit it. I'm getting better, I don't tend to stir things up, I just like to know what's going on. To put it plainly, I am a nosey person! But I'm learning with God helping me to only approach those who need help with the hug they need, and not ask questions. After all, like I said, only God knows their true and deepest needs. I don't so there is no point in me knowing. It is teaching me to have better genuine concern for people rather that the situation, and I see the difference already. Last night really refreshed me, and God showed me I was straying from His help. Thank God for those who he has put in place to help me. Mike, this verse is for you :)
2 Timothy 4:2 - Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
You have done this and God wants to say thanks to His faithful servant, as do I! So thank you!
Proverbs 10:17 - He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.
Back to serve my actual purpose I go, losing myself totally in God. It is not me who I need to keep hold of, it is the one who is always right and that's Jesus.
1 Corinthians 15:10 - But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYrNJuzfPqU :)
Monday, 1 March 2010
One Way... Jesus!
After visiting a Facebook group with many discussion boards for Christians asking questions and sharing their issues, I have realised just how many people have such an incorrect outlook on life!
Call me harsh, but all these people with "problems" (putting it harshly) have clearly not read the Word of God! The Bible is our handbook, our instruction manual, our guide. It is not to be our "rulebook" but shows us how to build our life, so that it will not fall apart, and it will work to it's full potential - just as you follow the instructions to building something!
The attitude these people have is wrong.
Instead of thinking "How Holy can I be in this situation?" they are asking "How much can I get away with?"
1 Chronicles 28:9 says:
“And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever."
The WHOLE BIBLE speaks of God looking at the heart of people, their "heart-attitude" rather than their outward appearance or even their actions!
Don't you just want to scream it at the world?!!!!!
Examine your heart and purposes, and repent.
Call me harsh, but all these people with "problems" (putting it harshly) have clearly not read the Word of God! The Bible is our handbook, our instruction manual, our guide. It is not to be our "rulebook" but shows us how to build our life, so that it will not fall apart, and it will work to it's full potential - just as you follow the instructions to building something!
The attitude these people have is wrong.
Instead of thinking "How Holy can I be in this situation?" they are asking "How much can I get away with?"
1 Chronicles 28:9 says:
“And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever."
The WHOLE BIBLE speaks of God looking at the heart of people, their "heart-attitude" rather than their outward appearance or even their actions!
Don't you just want to scream it at the world?!!!!!
Examine your heart and purposes, and repent.
Monday, 22 February 2010
Because... you're worth it!
What's your favourite slogan or catchphrase from an advert?
How about...
"Because you're worth it" ~ L'Oreal
...?
At first hearing it you think someone out there cares about you, then you realise that they only want to sell their product, the people on their advert are airbrushed, and basically it's all fake. It makes you think you should be like them. I'm not speaking from my experience - personally I'm happy as I am! But there are so many people out there looking for acceptance, and that's where Jesus should come in. As a fifteen year old girl, I see my friends searching for that inner acceptance, and cannot understand why they won't give Jesus a try. They don't realise that they don't have to actually DO ANYTHING! They think as a Christian, you have to go to church, pray, read the Bible, blah blah blah but really Christianity is the opposite. It's about God loving you for exactly who you are and what you are and not caring about all these things! Of course, these build you up in the long term, you make friends and encourage each other, and grow with God but it's not obligation, it's fun! Praying is having a chat with my best friend not kneeling in front of a little wooden cross in a stone cold church building somewhere with a choir singing! I walk and chat and have a good time!
I love the song "More Beautiful You" by Jonny Diaz, because he sings about life as it is...
Little girl fourteen flipping through a magazine
Says she wants to look that way
But her hair isn't straight her body isn't fake
And she's always felt overweight
Well little girl fourteen I wish that you could see
That beauty is within your heart
And you were made with such care your skin your body and your hair
Are perfect just the way they are
(CHORUS)
There could never be a more beautiful you
Don't buy the lies disguises and hoops they make you jump through
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do
So there could never be a more beautiful you
Little girl twenty-one the things that you've already done
Anything to get ahead
And you say you've got a man but he's got another plan
Only wants what you'll do instead
Well little girl twenty-one you never thought that this would come
You starve yourself to play the part
But I can promise you there's a man whose love is true
And he'll treat you like the jewel you are
(CHORUS)
So turn around you're not too far
To back away be who you are
To change your path go another way
It's not too late you can be saved
If you feel depressed with past regrets
The shameful nights hope to forget
Can disappear they can all be washed away
By the one who's strong can right your wrongs
Can rid your fears dry all your tears
And change the way you look at this big world
He will take your dark distorted view
And with His light He will show you truth
And again you'll see through the eyes of a little girl
(CHORUS)
There could never be a more beautiful you
YOU ARE PERFECT JUST THE WAY YOU ARE. Don't strive to be anyone else, you are God's amazing creation! If anyone tells you otherwise, they are lying, so don't believe them. Ask God to put a cover round your heart.
Because God thinks you're worth it... and so do I!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ks3R2BwyO0&feature=related <--- Jonny Diaz - More Beautiful You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psqOp8pcY0o <--- The Story Behind the Song :)
How about...
"Because you're worth it" ~ L'Oreal
...?
At first hearing it you think someone out there cares about you, then you realise that they only want to sell their product, the people on their advert are airbrushed, and basically it's all fake. It makes you think you should be like them. I'm not speaking from my experience - personally I'm happy as I am! But there are so many people out there looking for acceptance, and that's where Jesus should come in. As a fifteen year old girl, I see my friends searching for that inner acceptance, and cannot understand why they won't give Jesus a try. They don't realise that they don't have to actually DO ANYTHING! They think as a Christian, you have to go to church, pray, read the Bible, blah blah blah but really Christianity is the opposite. It's about God loving you for exactly who you are and what you are and not caring about all these things! Of course, these build you up in the long term, you make friends and encourage each other, and grow with God but it's not obligation, it's fun! Praying is having a chat with my best friend not kneeling in front of a little wooden cross in a stone cold church building somewhere with a choir singing! I walk and chat and have a good time!
I love the song "More Beautiful You" by Jonny Diaz, because he sings about life as it is...
Little girl fourteen flipping through a magazine
Says she wants to look that way
But her hair isn't straight her body isn't fake
And she's always felt overweight
Well little girl fourteen I wish that you could see
That beauty is within your heart
And you were made with such care your skin your body and your hair
Are perfect just the way they are
(CHORUS)
There could never be a more beautiful you
Don't buy the lies disguises and hoops they make you jump through
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do
So there could never be a more beautiful you
Little girl twenty-one the things that you've already done
Anything to get ahead
And you say you've got a man but he's got another plan
Only wants what you'll do instead
Well little girl twenty-one you never thought that this would come
You starve yourself to play the part
But I can promise you there's a man whose love is true
And he'll treat you like the jewel you are
(CHORUS)
So turn around you're not too far
To back away be who you are
To change your path go another way
It's not too late you can be saved
If you feel depressed with past regrets
The shameful nights hope to forget
Can disappear they can all be washed away
By the one who's strong can right your wrongs
Can rid your fears dry all your tears
And change the way you look at this big world
He will take your dark distorted view
And with His light He will show you truth
And again you'll see through the eyes of a little girl
(CHORUS)
There could never be a more beautiful you
YOU ARE PERFECT JUST THE WAY YOU ARE. Don't strive to be anyone else, you are God's amazing creation! If anyone tells you otherwise, they are lying, so don't believe them. Ask God to put a cover round your heart.
Because God thinks you're worth it... and so do I!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ks3R2BwyO0&feature=related <--- Jonny Diaz - More Beautiful You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psqOp8pcY0o <--- The Story Behind the Song :)
Thursday, 18 February 2010
Follow the Yellow Brick Road
Well, I haven't written to my blog in a while now, but today my entry is about life. Sometimes we don't know where we are going, or even know where we WANT to be going. But it's all laid out there and all we have to do is let God direct us. Close your eyes and imagine someone leading you. Sometimes we are blind to where we are going, but totally trust that that person with their hands on our shoulders is guiding us to the best place possible. We sometimes have no way of seeing where we are going, but a lot of the time we haven't got a blindfold, we are simply just not opening our eyes. God says many times in the Bible that we should not worry because He is taking us on the best journey we can ever have. That is one with Him :)
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer - Proverbs 16:1
It's refreshing to know these things. It brings a smile to my face, and a warm fuzzy feeling to my stomach, and yes... I am sitting here like a numpty grinning at my computer screen! But do you know what, I don't even care!
I can't remember what the verse was now, I didn't get a chance to write it down, but at my baptism I got given a verse by someone about God leading my pathway, and me bringing others along too. It was so encouraging, I just wish I had written it down!
Even though God has this pathway for us, we still have a choice. There are many different pathways leading other ways, or that God has given us other pathways always leading back to the straight and narrow one. And if there's such a thing as heart strings, which reading my other blogs entries you may think I definitely believe they exist, then I think they are attached to us like safety ropes, when we fall off the pathway, they tug us back in. I believe this because God has chosen us to follow His way. He asks nothing in return, and we get a life plan ahead of us. Sure, there are hills, and pits we fall into and struggle to climb, but we'll get there in the end :)
God bless xxxxxxxx
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer - Proverbs 16:1
It's refreshing to know these things. It brings a smile to my face, and a warm fuzzy feeling to my stomach, and yes... I am sitting here like a numpty grinning at my computer screen! But do you know what, I don't even care!
I can't remember what the verse was now, I didn't get a chance to write it down, but at my baptism I got given a verse by someone about God leading my pathway, and me bringing others along too. It was so encouraging, I just wish I had written it down!
Even though God has this pathway for us, we still have a choice. There are many different pathways leading other ways, or that God has given us other pathways always leading back to the straight and narrow one. And if there's such a thing as heart strings, which reading my other blogs entries you may think I definitely believe they exist, then I think they are attached to us like safety ropes, when we fall off the pathway, they tug us back in. I believe this because God has chosen us to follow His way. He asks nothing in return, and we get a life plan ahead of us. Sure, there are hills, and pits we fall into and struggle to climb, but we'll get there in the end :)
God bless xxxxxxxx
Monday, 1 February 2010
A New Chapter
On youth camp this weekend, I have learnt a lot about things.
For one, I think I managed not to gossip, and it felt so good. I am a gossip sometimes, and that's something I don't like about myself.
Secondly, God doesn't need to be loud to be there.
I knew this before but the worship at the weekend away was a bit less "joyful" than I expected. I missed the fact that the atmosphere was just the same. God was there. He saw people's hearts, unlike I, who saw less effort. But the atmosphere was the same because God was there, and it's a shame to think I almost missed that.
Also I got to know everyone much better and see a different side to the people I already knew, which was a great opportunity, and to meet new people.
With some exciting, and some sad things coming up, it's always good to realise that God's beginning a new chapter for ALL of us, just as he did on that cross many many years ago.
For one, I think I managed not to gossip, and it felt so good. I am a gossip sometimes, and that's something I don't like about myself.
Secondly, God doesn't need to be loud to be there.
I knew this before but the worship at the weekend away was a bit less "joyful" than I expected. I missed the fact that the atmosphere was just the same. God was there. He saw people's hearts, unlike I, who saw less effort. But the atmosphere was the same because God was there, and it's a shame to think I almost missed that.
Also I got to know everyone much better and see a different side to the people I already knew, which was a great opportunity, and to meet new people.
With some exciting, and some sad things coming up, it's always good to realise that God's beginning a new chapter for ALL of us, just as he did on that cross many many years ago.
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Forgiveness
This may appear blunt, but this is what I feel God wants to tell you.
Forgiveness is not forgetting what happened, it's just letting go of the other person's throat...
allowing God to deal with them.
God has righteous anger, as in He KNOWS eaxctly what people deserve.
We do not have the right to decide that because someone has made us suffer, we must make them suffer to.
That is GOD's right.
It leaves the burden off of us, and we are free from the suffering they have caused us.
Unforgiveness can cause your own sickness, and pain as it creates a hold over you. If you hang onto it, it wil hang onto you.
So forgive, and let God take your burden.
<3
Forgiveness is not forgetting what happened, it's just letting go of the other person's throat...
allowing God to deal with them.
God has righteous anger, as in He KNOWS eaxctly what people deserve.
We do not have the right to decide that because someone has made us suffer, we must make them suffer to.
That is GOD's right.
It leaves the burden off of us, and we are free from the suffering they have caused us.
Unforgiveness can cause your own sickness, and pain as it creates a hold over you. If you hang onto it, it wil hang onto you.
So forgive, and let God take your burden.
<3
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
He's in a whisper, yeah.
I can feel this God song rising up in me. <-- single-handedly the best song line ever.
This is because it gives me faith that God is going to save the person this reminds me of.
Not by power, not by might, but my my Spirit says the Lord.
That was what came to me at last night's p&p meeting, repeatedly until Keith asked for an interpretation of his speaking in tongues, when I felt prompted to share this line of the song.
Not sure of whether it was what he was expecting to hear, it seemed a little short, but that was what I kept getting.
It's times when I don't seem to hear from God that this happens. It's like God's saying "whoops! careful there, you almost slipped over but I've got you, keep going :)" Including the smile at the end! Because He's happy to have me, and I'm happy to have Him!
Also before I left for p&p, I was on my facebook homepage with no other tabs or programs open, when the whole of Bluetree's song Life's Noise played on and off until the end of the song. This confused me slightly, but the song goes:
We'll drown out life's noise with the praises of His name,
We'll drown out life's noise with the praises of His name,
God's noise is breaking through the airwaves,
it's breaking through, it's breaking through.
He wasn't in the fire,
He wasn't in the 'quake,
He wasn't in the wind,
He's in a whisper, yeah.
This comes from the passage on 1 Kings where Elijah is waiting to hear from God. He stands expectant of some huge display, a booming voice, from an old man with a white beard.
This is what he gets:
The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the prescence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart, and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind.
After the wind, there was an earthquake. But the LORD was not in the earthquake.
After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire.
And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
And so it goes on...
Elijah knew it was God speaking to Him. All these other things he could have expected God to speak through, loud and clear, except in his heart he knew it wasn't God. He knew it was God at the gentle whisper. During none of these things did Elijah venture out of the cave in expectance of meeting God, only once there was a gentle whisper. He recognised the voice of God.
Although you may not always hear Him talking to you, he's in a gentle whisper. You are not supposed to hear a shouting voice in your ears shouting instructions. God works in a more sensitive way than that. No human, excluding a really exceptional person with meticulous self-control skills, would take kindly to being screamed at. God knows that, because He knows us so He speaks to us in a way we can understand. Heart beats, a funny tummy feeling, a thought which we feel prompted to share.
If you can't find God, you can't hear Him, then you're looking in the wrong place.
Maybe you're looking in an earthquake, or a fire, or a mighty wind, or you're looking for these things to show you God is there.
But you're looking in the wrong place.
Have open ears and listen for a gentle whisper, a thought from God. You will recognise is, just as Elijah did. You can't see a gentle whisper, so don't be looking for things to happen. Be listening with an open heart and open ears.
<3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXZz5djt_mQ
This is because it gives me faith that God is going to save the person this reminds me of.
Not by power, not by might, but my my Spirit says the Lord.
That was what came to me at last night's p&p meeting, repeatedly until Keith asked for an interpretation of his speaking in tongues, when I felt prompted to share this line of the song.
Not sure of whether it was what he was expecting to hear, it seemed a little short, but that was what I kept getting.
It's times when I don't seem to hear from God that this happens. It's like God's saying "whoops! careful there, you almost slipped over but I've got you, keep going :)" Including the smile at the end! Because He's happy to have me, and I'm happy to have Him!
Also before I left for p&p, I was on my facebook homepage with no other tabs or programs open, when the whole of Bluetree's song Life's Noise played on and off until the end of the song. This confused me slightly, but the song goes:
We'll drown out life's noise with the praises of His name,
We'll drown out life's noise with the praises of His name,
God's noise is breaking through the airwaves,
it's breaking through, it's breaking through.
He wasn't in the fire,
He wasn't in the 'quake,
He wasn't in the wind,
He's in a whisper, yeah.
This comes from the passage on 1 Kings where Elijah is waiting to hear from God. He stands expectant of some huge display, a booming voice, from an old man with a white beard.
This is what he gets:
The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the prescence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart, and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind.
After the wind, there was an earthquake. But the LORD was not in the earthquake.
After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire.
And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
And so it goes on...
Elijah knew it was God speaking to Him. All these other things he could have expected God to speak through, loud and clear, except in his heart he knew it wasn't God. He knew it was God at the gentle whisper. During none of these things did Elijah venture out of the cave in expectance of meeting God, only once there was a gentle whisper. He recognised the voice of God.
Although you may not always hear Him talking to you, he's in a gentle whisper. You are not supposed to hear a shouting voice in your ears shouting instructions. God works in a more sensitive way than that. No human, excluding a really exceptional person with meticulous self-control skills, would take kindly to being screamed at. God knows that, because He knows us so He speaks to us in a way we can understand. Heart beats, a funny tummy feeling, a thought which we feel prompted to share.
If you can't find God, you can't hear Him, then you're looking in the wrong place.
Maybe you're looking in an earthquake, or a fire, or a mighty wind, or you're looking for these things to show you God is there.
But you're looking in the wrong place.
Have open ears and listen for a gentle whisper, a thought from God. You will recognise is, just as Elijah did. You can't see a gentle whisper, so don't be looking for things to happen. Be listening with an open heart and open ears.
<3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXZz5djt_mQ
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