I found a verse that says what I've been trying to tell everyone the last few days.
1 John 5: 14-15
This is the confidence we have in approaching God:
He will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will.
And if we know he is listening when we make our requests, we can be sure that he will give us what we ask for.
Think about it...and believe.
Friday
Options...
My small group met last night and as usual, somewhere in the middle of the bible study we got a little off course...but that's never a bad thing. Something about what we are studying always leads us to question something else, which always brings us back to the way God works in our lives. And I think that's the point...isn't it? I enjoy chasing these rabbits!! (thank you Mr. Popnoe)
Last night we were discussing the humanity of Jesus and the purpose of him being tempted by Satan. I can tell you right now why I'm not Jesus...I wouldn't have lasted 40 minutes, never mind 40 days. But as we began to talk about Jesus' reaction to the temptations, and compare our own reactions, I was reminded of a verse that I learned a long time ago...
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
He will provide a way out...that's the key.
You see, earlier that day, I had allowed myself to be placed in a situation that I knew would not be good for me. I hadn't actually gone through with it yet, but after small group, I would have to follow through on my commitment and I didn't know what to do about it. So I asked God to provide a way out of the upcoming situation, even though I didn't see how it could possibly happen. But I didn't' worry about the logistics. I chose to believe that he would show himself faithful and I finished the evening with my small group without worrying about what would happen later.
As soon as I left the group, I checked my voicemail. I had a message that the obligation had been cancelled. I wouldn't have to follow through after all. I wish you could have seen the reaction on my face...and my heart.
Believing and expecting are the two things that God has chosen to teach me about this week and I am thankful for that. As you think about the convictions that God has given you and the way that you deal with temptations, just remember that nothing is impossible. It's not up to us to find a way to deal with those things that lead us down the wrong road...that's God's job. Just tell him about it and believe that he hears you and will help you know what to do.
Thank you God for hitting me upside the head with your grace and protection!!
Last night we were discussing the humanity of Jesus and the purpose of him being tempted by Satan. I can tell you right now why I'm not Jesus...I wouldn't have lasted 40 minutes, never mind 40 days. But as we began to talk about Jesus' reaction to the temptations, and compare our own reactions, I was reminded of a verse that I learned a long time ago...
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
He will provide a way out...that's the key.
You see, earlier that day, I had allowed myself to be placed in a situation that I knew would not be good for me. I hadn't actually gone through with it yet, but after small group, I would have to follow through on my commitment and I didn't know what to do about it. So I asked God to provide a way out of the upcoming situation, even though I didn't see how it could possibly happen. But I didn't' worry about the logistics. I chose to believe that he would show himself faithful and I finished the evening with my small group without worrying about what would happen later.
As soon as I left the group, I checked my voicemail. I had a message that the obligation had been cancelled. I wouldn't have to follow through after all. I wish you could have seen the reaction on my face...and my heart.
Believing and expecting are the two things that God has chosen to teach me about this week and I am thankful for that. As you think about the convictions that God has given you and the way that you deal with temptations, just remember that nothing is impossible. It's not up to us to find a way to deal with those things that lead us down the wrong road...that's God's job. Just tell him about it and believe that he hears you and will help you know what to do.
Thank you God for hitting me upside the head with your grace and protection!!
Wednesday
...better than I could have ever imagined.
THANK YOU JESUS...Today I lived!!!
I began the day by falling to my knees, conversing with Christ, and believing that my God would take care of me...and he did...better than I could have ever imagined. I spoke with my Lord and told him what was on my mind. I gave to him my thoughts, my desires, and my sins. I've done this a hundred times before, but something was different today. It wasn't God who had changed, or even the depth of our conversation. It was that I believed and expected that he would show himself faithful...and he did...better than I could have ever imagined.
You see, I understand the importance of giving ourselves over to Christ and asking for him show us his will and purpose for our lives. I've never doubted that this is what we are called to do as Christ followers. The part that until today has been missing for me is in believing and expecting that he would actually do it. I've always known that he COULD, I just never really expected that he WOULD.
Now don't get me wrong...God has shown himself faithful, all my life, IN SPITE of me. The fact that I am who I am today is proof of that. What's different about today is that I chose to realize that he would hear my cry, I expected that no matter what happened today would be from him, and I believed that every thought, encounter, and moment of peace was God speaking to my heart...because that's what I asked for.
So here it is in a nutshell...
1. Just talk to God the way you would anyone else...he already knows your heart and he's big enough for you to ask the hard questions. Tell him what's on your mind...
2. Believe that he is listening, that he will be faithful to speak to you, and that he will show himself in everything that comes your way.
3. Live your life...better than you could have ever imagined.
I began the day by falling to my knees, conversing with Christ, and believing that my God would take care of me...and he did...better than I could have ever imagined. I spoke with my Lord and told him what was on my mind. I gave to him my thoughts, my desires, and my sins. I've done this a hundred times before, but something was different today. It wasn't God who had changed, or even the depth of our conversation. It was that I believed and expected that he would show himself faithful...and he did...better than I could have ever imagined.
You see, I understand the importance of giving ourselves over to Christ and asking for him show us his will and purpose for our lives. I've never doubted that this is what we are called to do as Christ followers. The part that until today has been missing for me is in believing and expecting that he would actually do it. I've always known that he COULD, I just never really expected that he WOULD.
Now don't get me wrong...God has shown himself faithful, all my life, IN SPITE of me. The fact that I am who I am today is proof of that. What's different about today is that I chose to realize that he would hear my cry, I expected that no matter what happened today would be from him, and I believed that every thought, encounter, and moment of peace was God speaking to my heart...because that's what I asked for.
So here it is in a nutshell...
1. Just talk to God the way you would anyone else...he already knows your heart and he's big enough for you to ask the hard questions. Tell him what's on your mind...
2. Believe that he is listening, that he will be faithful to speak to you, and that he will show himself in everything that comes your way.
3. Live your life...better than you could have ever imagined.
Over time you’ve healed so much in me
And I am living proof
That although my darkest hour had come
Your light could still shine through
And though at times it’s just enough to cast
A shadow on the wall
Well, I am grateful that you shine your light on me at all
And I am living proof
That although my darkest hour had come
Your light could still shine through
And though at times it’s just enough to cast
A shadow on the wall
Well, I am grateful that you shine your light on me at all
Who am I that you would love me so gently?
Who am I that you would recognize my name?
Lord, who am I that you would speak to me so softly
Conversation with the love most high
Who am I?
Who am I that you would recognize my name?
Lord, who am I that you would speak to me so softly
Conversation with the love most high
Who am I?
Well, amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind, but now I see
And the more I sing that sweet old song the more I understand
That I do not comprehend this love that’s coming from your hand
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind, but now I see
And the more I sing that sweet old song the more I understand
That I do not comprehend this love that’s coming from your hand
Who am I that you would love me so gently?
Who am I that you would recognize my name?
Lord, who am I that you would speak to me so softly
Conversation with the love most high
Who am I?
Who am I that you would recognize my name?
Lord, who am I that you would speak to me so softly
Conversation with the love most high
Who am I?
Grace, grace, God’s grace
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within
Grace, grace, God’s grace
Grace that is greater than all our sin
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within
Grace, grace, God’s grace
Grace that is greater than all our sin
Who am I that you would love me so gently?
Who am I that you would recognize my name?
Lord, who am I that you would speak to me so softly
Conversation with the love most high
Who am I?
Who am I that you would recognize my name?
Lord, who am I that you would speak to me so softly
Conversation with the love most high
Who am I?
(Watermark )
...we don't need no education!
Tomorrow I turn 37. It's not particularly a milestone year so I'm not sure how I feel about it at this point. There is no question that my 30's have been the best decade of my life, but I'm a little melancholy lately about getting closer to 40.
It's not that I'm scared, more like excited with just a "smidge" of apprehension. You see, there were always things that I thought I would have learned by the time I was 40...like how hard it is to own your own business, how being in love can make you want to be a better person, and how having kids can actually make you one.
I'm not giving up on these lessons just yet, but for now let me tell you what I have learned...
There are things that I can't change...
It's not that I'm scared, more like excited with just a "smidge" of apprehension. You see, there were always things that I thought I would have learned by the time I was 40...like how hard it is to own your own business, how being in love can make you want to be a better person, and how having kids can actually make you one.
I'm not giving up on these lessons just yet, but for now let me tell you what I have learned...
There are things that I can't change...
- I can't make people like me, that's their decision to make. And if they choose to not like me for who I am, then the best I can do is to respect them for who they are and go on with my life.
- I can't make things better for others if I can't help myself first. God is the only one who can change me from within, but I have to be the one to do the asking.
- I can't change the fact that our governor is an egotistical, self-centered, homophobic, hypocritical, bigot. I can only pray for him, our state, and my own state of mind.
- I can't change the past. No matter what has come before, I ask God to show me the grace in it and to help me use it to make myself a better man.
There are things that I can change...
- I can realize that perception does not equal reality. Just because I feel a certain way about something does not make it right. Feelings come and go but the way I deal with them is up to me.
- I can be bold. II Timothy 1:7 tells me that I have power over fear. Whether or not I choose to use it, is up to me. I like people to be straightforward and upfront with me, so I should show them the same respect. If I want something, I will pray about it...go after it...and not give up until God tells me otherwise.
- I can change those around me by living the example that Christ set for me. I don't have to be perfect, I just have to do my best in all things.
- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. It doesn't say "some things" or even "most things." All means ALL!! If I can remember that, I can change the outcome of an event before it even begins.
There are things that I won't change...
- I won't change who I am just because it makes someone uncomfortable. "It's better to be hated for who you are, than loved for who you are not." (Unknown) I can be respectful of others and even try to help them understand me, but I'm proud of who I am, what I've accomplished, and where I've come from.
- I won't change the fact that I fall in love too easily. Corinthians tells me that by the grace of God, I am who I am. To me that means that I believe in true love, compassion, and the fullness of grace. I may get hurt, but for me, the pain is worth the risk.
I have learned that God has a plan for my life and that I may not know exactly what that is until I see him face to face. I've learned not to give up on my dreams, and not to be so foolish as to think that those dreams will never change. I've also learned that my dreams do not have to be accomplished in the next 3 years. But most importantly, I've learned to pray that God would continue to bless me with the wisdom to see things for what they truly are...and that we would continue to learn together!!
Happy Birthday to me!!
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