What to do when the nerves set in... that uncontrollable "icky" feeling in the pit of your stomach. You have prayed for peace and you believe in the one who gives peace, yet how do you get rid of the restlessness that refuses to let go?
Philippians 4:6-7
"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
No matter the event in our lives that causes the nerves to "fly," we can have the reassurance that Christ is there when we call. The butterflies might still remain, but there is an underlining peace you just can't find anywhere else.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
"Believing and not doubting..."
James 1:5-6 says;
"If any of you lack wisdom he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to him. But when he ask he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind."
Last week I had some moments when I literally felt like I was drowning at sea. Waves of uncertainty and frustration were smacking against me every time I tried to get my head above water. I have a hard time forgiving myself of past failures sometimes. They come back to haunt me at my weakest moments.
The first chapter of James is one of my favorite chapters in the bible. It talks about the blessings that come when we hang in there. That even when life isn't easy, that our faith can get us through.
However, in verses 5-6 it talks about how doubt can toss us around like "waves at sea." I realize that sometimes the peace will not come my way, because I just will not let go and give it all to God. I'm like Peter, trying to walk on the water with Jesus, but give up before reaching my destination. I am so thankful that the Lord never tires of me and is always there to pull me back out of the raging seas.
Today starts a new work week. We have work, school, sports keeping us busy among the craziness of this world. It is easy to start drowning in busyness and end up tired and feeling hopeless.
My goal this week is to keep my eyes on the Lord. To believe and try my hardest not to doubt. It would be a wonderful feeling to just be able to walk with my Lord, everyday, on top of the waters of life. That would be pure joy.
"If any of you lack wisdom he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to him. But when he ask he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind."
Last week I had some moments when I literally felt like I was drowning at sea. Waves of uncertainty and frustration were smacking against me every time I tried to get my head above water. I have a hard time forgiving myself of past failures sometimes. They come back to haunt me at my weakest moments.
The first chapter of James is one of my favorite chapters in the bible. It talks about the blessings that come when we hang in there. That even when life isn't easy, that our faith can get us through.
However, in verses 5-6 it talks about how doubt can toss us around like "waves at sea." I realize that sometimes the peace will not come my way, because I just will not let go and give it all to God. I'm like Peter, trying to walk on the water with Jesus, but give up before reaching my destination. I am so thankful that the Lord never tires of me and is always there to pull me back out of the raging seas.
Today starts a new work week. We have work, school, sports keeping us busy among the craziness of this world. It is easy to start drowning in busyness and end up tired and feeling hopeless.
My goal this week is to keep my eyes on the Lord. To believe and try my hardest not to doubt. It would be a wonderful feeling to just be able to walk with my Lord, everyday, on top of the waters of life. That would be pure joy.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Rejoicing in the moment...
This has been a hard week for me. Temptations loomed, frustrations beckoned and painful moments brought tears. Life stinks at times. However, nobody ever said living would be easy, especially if you are living for the King!
As the sin of this world surrounds me, as the uncertainty of my world sneaks up in fear, as I struggle to be the wife, mother and friend I need to be, I will remember where my strength comes from. I will remember who holds my joy.
"Thank you, Lord, for not giving up on me, when I wanted to give up. Thank you for helping me let go and forgive my hurts. Thank you for giving me the strength to see the week through...I couldn't have done any of it without your grace."
As the sin of this world surrounds me, as the uncertainty of my world sneaks up in fear, as I struggle to be the wife, mother and friend I need to be, I will remember where my strength comes from. I will remember who holds my joy.
"Thank you, Lord, for not giving up on me, when I wanted to give up. Thank you for helping me let go and forgive my hurts. Thank you for giving me the strength to see the week through...I couldn't have done any of it without your grace."
"I will rejoice in my Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with garments of salvation, he hath covered me with robes of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments and as a bride adorneth herself with jewels." Isaiah 61:10 KJV
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Selfless love...
It is Easter weekend.
It is a weekend of great joy, for it is a time for family, love and celebration. It is a time to worship the one true Savior.
I am in awe of Christ's selfless love.
He is the true example for living. Yet, I'm left humbled, for I am selfish. I am a child of this world. I want things my way. I want things NOW! I want control always.
Yet, where is the joy in all of that?
They say Christmas is the holiday for giving, but I think that honor should really go to Easter. A man named Jesus, God's son, gave his life for me. He gave it all.
He is my joy! He is the reason why we celebrate!
He is risen and I'm forgiven! AMEN!
Happy Easter!
It is a weekend of great joy, for it is a time for family, love and celebration. It is a time to worship the one true Savior.
I am in awe of Christ's selfless love.
He is the true example for living. Yet, I'm left humbled, for I am selfish. I am a child of this world. I want things my way. I want things NOW! I want control always.
Yet, where is the joy in all of that?
They say Christmas is the holiday for giving, but I think that honor should really go to Easter. A man named Jesus, God's son, gave his life for me. He gave it all.
He is my joy! He is the reason why we celebrate!
He is risen and I'm forgiven! AMEN!
Happy Easter!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Opinions matter...
Yes, they certainly matter. We can't even begin to pretend they don't. In this crazy world we live, half our problems stem back to wanting approval, to be noticed, to be appreciated or peer pressure. Yep! We care what our neighbor thinks (too much sometimes!).
I struggle with this constantly. I am such a people pleaser. I can't stand the thought that someone is mad at me or just plain doesn't like me. Unfortunately, I realize that I'm living for the approval of others. I should be more concerned with what my Lord thinks of me then someone else's opinion.
How can we even begin to have joy, if we are constantly worried about pleasing someone else?!
This is something I have been convicted to work on. I am going to try my best, to live for my Savior, not for a stranger or a friend who should love me anyway (if they are truly a friend!).
"Lord, help me not let the opinions of others bog me down. Help me put you first and be strong in those choices...Amen."
I struggle with this constantly. I am such a people pleaser. I can't stand the thought that someone is mad at me or just plain doesn't like me. Unfortunately, I realize that I'm living for the approval of others. I should be more concerned with what my Lord thinks of me then someone else's opinion.
How can we even begin to have joy, if we are constantly worried about pleasing someone else?!
This is something I have been convicted to work on. I am going to try my best, to live for my Savior, not for a stranger or a friend who should love me anyway (if they are truly a friend!).
"Lord, help me not let the opinions of others bog me down. Help me put you first and be strong in those choices...Amen."
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
No record of wrongs...
To think that my Savior loves me so much He doesn't keep a record of my wrongs...with repentance, comes forgiveness and that means a clean slate.
I have a choice...I can continue doing what is wrong over and over and have no peace OR I can trust in my Savior to give me the strength and "know how" to make some changes. It is a process. A daily choice.
Matthew 6:21 reads, " For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be..."
I have to ask myself what is my "treasure?" Where does my heart live right now? I would like to think "with my Christ!" Yet, I am human and unfortunately have made many wrong choices in this journey I call life. However, all is not lost... I can choose daily to walk with my Lord.
He loves me no matter what! What an awesome thought! "No record of wrongs..." Now if only I can live by His perfect example.
"Lord, today I want to shine for you. May I too love unconditionally, with a forgiving heart. Help me have peace, when it seems none can be found. I want my treasure to be YOU! Amen."
I have a choice...I can continue doing what is wrong over and over and have no peace OR I can trust in my Savior to give me the strength and "know how" to make some changes. It is a process. A daily choice.
Matthew 6:21 reads, " For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be..."
I have to ask myself what is my "treasure?" Where does my heart live right now? I would like to think "with my Christ!" Yet, I am human and unfortunately have made many wrong choices in this journey I call life. However, all is not lost... I can choose daily to walk with my Lord.
He loves me no matter what! What an awesome thought! "No record of wrongs..." Now if only I can live by His perfect example.
"Lord, today I want to shine for you. May I too love unconditionally, with a forgiving heart. Help me have peace, when it seems none can be found. I want my treasure to be YOU! Amen."
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