Strangers at my Door

If anyone needs an easy, inspiring book to read, I've got one for you!
Strangers at my Door by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove.

Strangers at my Door is a compilation of stories about this man and wife's journey of opening a hospitality house in a poverty stricken, crime infested neighborhood in Durham, North Carolina. Their motivation is to find Jesus in the stranger at their door. They invite people in to eat, to talk, to question, and even to stay and live. They function as a diverse family with responsibilities, fellowship, prayer, and struggles. Drug addictions, criminal activity, abuse, prostitution, homelessness are just some of the realities they face. The stories show us that it isn't always easy to find Jesus in the stranger at the door, but in the end, it is always worth it.
This book really tugged on my heart strings. It opened my eyes to issues I had never seen or heard of before. It broke my heart to read of the struggles that they face. It uplifted me in unexpected ways.

I'll share a few of my favorite quotes from the book, but don't let that take the place of actually reading it as a whole. I'm confident that it will be a blessing in your life to read about this hospitality house.

"To leave the door locked--to close ourselves off from another person in fear--is to reduce our capacity to connect, to love, to be fully human." 

"Welcome everything, and you'll witness miracles." 
Even in the most dirty and intimidating situations, miracles can happen.

"Is it safe? No. But companionship never is. It is drawing close to another person despite our fears. It is an embrace that comes int he midst of conflict, pushing us deep together, not further apart. It is, at its best, a glimpse of glory. But it's never safe."
I feel like this quote rings true for a lot of us. Maybe it's when we see a homeless person on the corner or when we meet a person who was just recently released from prison. Perhaps its when we're looking for neighborhoods to live in. I think this is a great perspective to have, because it's true...companionship (any kind) is never safe since we are imperfect beings. There is always a risk of being hurt by anyone, no matter their circumstances.

"But the dividing line between good and evil does not run between those who've been to prison and those who haven't. It cuts through the center of every soul."

"Those couple of hours int he library each week--they were the only time when I was locked up (in prison) that I felt like a human being."

Because behind the homelessness, the addiction, the abuse, there is a heart. 

A heart that was created in the image of God.

A heart that is loved by God.
A heart that longs to be loved and accepted by others. 

We can't ignore that truth, but we should embrace it.

No one is too far from redemption with God's immense grace.

Finding Jesus in the stranger, can give us all the strength we need to love them past their mistakes.

Check out this book-you won't be disappointed!

Music Monday: Cannot Keep You

Well, I just got back from my LLMD (Lyme Literate Medical Doctor) and had a great appointment! So many of my symptoms are gone and my physical exam was the best yet! He even is letting me stop some of my meds...wohooo!! I'm closer to the finish line than ever before and it feels good :) Please continue to keep me in your prayers.

Anywho, today is Music Monday!

A lot of times I discover songs through Pandora. So I have random pieces of paper laying around the house with different song titles. Today's song was written down probably almost a year ago and I'm finally sharing it with you! Oopsie. 

It's called "Cannot Keep You" by Michael Gungor. One of his most popular songs is, "Beautiful Things" (love, love, LOVE that song), as well as, "White Man" (too cute...you know you want to look it up ;) ,  but "Cannot Keep You" isn't as well known so I figured I'd shine the spotlight on it today. 

Cannot Keep You

"They tried to keep you in a tent

They could not keep you in a temple

Or any of their idols, to see and understand

We cannot keep you in a church

We cannot keep you in a Bible

Or it's just another idol to box you in

They could not keep you in their walls

We cannot keep you in ours either

For you are so much greater

Who is like the Lord?

The maker of the heavens

Who dwells with the poor

He lifts them from the ashes

And He seats them among princess

Who is like the Lord?

We've tried to keep you in our tents

We've tried to keep you in our temples

We've worshiped all our idols

We want all that to end

So we will find you in the streets

And we will find you in the prisons

And even in our Bibles and churches

Who is like the Lord

The maker of the heavens

Who dwells with the poor

He lifts them from the ashes

And He seats them among princes

Who is like the Lord

We cannot contain, cannot contain

The glory of your name

You took me from the ashes

And you healed me from my blindness

Who is like the Lord"

Not to bash the church, because I love the church, but it has to be said...sometimes we (the church) like to keep God all to ourselves. The truth is, God isn't only for the church but He is for all, even those who don't believe in Him. Sometimes we focus on the people in our church more (which they should be cared for). Sometimes we focus on our own ministries more, when instead we should be getting outside of the church walls. That's why I love this song, because it gives us a visual of our God who doesn't dwell only in buildings. 

"So we will find you in the streets and we will find you in the prisons and even in our Bibles and churches. Who is like the Lord?" God is not only pursuing the church goers, but He is pursuing the people on the streets. He is pursuing the people in the prisons. He is pursuing the people in the hospitals. He is pursuing people in America. He is pursuing people in every nation. He cannot be put in a box and if we keep Him there, we are doing a disservice to Him and all of the people who do not know Him. Therefore, if God is pursuing all people, we should pursue all people for "we cannot contain the glory of Your name." 

What lyrics speak to you? 

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Music Monday: Jesus Draw Me Ever Nearer

Normally, Music Monday consists of a contemporary song, but today the song is more of an anthem or sacred prayer. The choir sang this yesterday at church and the lyrics really touched my heart.

I think we can all relate to the lyrics.

Jesus Draw Me Ever Nearer

By James Koerts

"Jesus draw me ever nearer as I labor through the storm.

You have called me to this passage, and I'll follow though I'm worn.

May this journey bring a blessing, may I rise on wings of faith, and at the end of my heart's testing, with your likeness let me wake.

Jesus guide me through the tempest, keep my spirit staid and sure. 

When the midnight meets the morning, let me love You even more.

May this journey bring a blessing, may I rise on wings of faith; and at the end of my heart's testing, with Your likeness let me wake. 

Let the treasures of the trial form within me as I go.

And at the end of this long passage, let me leave them at Your throne.

May this journey bring a blessing, may I rise on wings of faith; and at the end of my heart's testing,

 with Your likeness let me wake. Let me wake."

My favorite lyrics would have to be, 

"Let the treasures of the trial form within me as I go.

And at the end of this long passage, let me leave them at Your throne."

Instead of letting a trial simply be a trial, finding the treasure in it can help us transcend the negative.

Of course, the trial may linger and make it difficult to find hope.

It may bring out raw emotions.

It may seem impossible to find the treasure in it, but I think with God's help, at some point we can find the treasure.

More importantly, instead of holding onto the hurt and trial, we should "leave them at Your throne".

When we do that, we experience the freedom that only Jesus can give.

That can almost be the hardest part, letting go of the hurt and holding onto the anger, but if we don't, we will only walk upon a path of darkness and hopelessness.

What lyrics speak to you?

I'd love to hear from you!

Return to Me

Return to Me...

Oh, how I love that movie.

Have you seen it?

The plot of the movie is about this man, Bob, whose wife suddenly dies, while the other main character, Grace, was waiting for a heart transplant. Because of the death of his wife, Grace receives her heart. Later on, Bob and Grace happen to meet (of course) and they end up falling in love (duh!), but Bob doesn't find out till later that Grace has his wife's heart. The news of the transplant comes as a shock at first, but later its becomes a neat connection between them. In a sense, his deceased wife returned to him through Grace.

What a unique story line, huh?!

This past week we finished reading the whole Bible in a little over a year. We ended in the book of Malachi, in which one repeated phrase stood out to me. Maybe it stood out to you, too.

"Return to me." Not only did this phrase appear in this one book, but also in Joel, Zechariah, Nehemiah, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. Clearly, this has something to say about our God.

1) He is not forceful, because if He were, we would never stray in the first place.

2) He longs to be in relationship with us.

3) He is consistent and doesn't give up on us.

Going back to #1. God is love and with love comes freedom. He allows us to make our own decisions in hopes that we will follow Him. Love is not forceful.

Since He made us in His image, with the intention to be in relationship, of course, He desires that we would want to be in relationship with Him.

Because He is faithful and loving, He doesn't stop pursuing us and the potential relationship we could have, but never forcing us.

The Israelites had an issue with staying in relationship with God. They had a tendency to ignore and stray away from Him. We see throughout the Old Testament how badly that broke His heart. He wanted so badly to be in relationship with Him, but it was like a one-way relationship. You know the friendships that seem to be one-way and not two-way. You may feel like you are doing all the work, but the other person isn't doing anything. It doesn't feel good, huh?

God felt that way. He wanted it to be a two-way relationship and He stills wants that for us today. 

Maybe in the past, You felt real close to God. You were reading your Bible everyday. Your prayer life was at an all time high and your heart revolved around His heart, but some where along the way, something changed. Maybe  not intentionally, but maybe for one reason or another, you fell out of your groove.

God says to you and me, "return to Me."

"I have always been here for you and I will never leave you, but please return to Me."

Just like the heart of Bob's wife returned to him through Grace, it's never to late for us to return to God. He made us in His image, to be in relationship together. He wants so badly to be in a two-way relationship instead of a one-way. 

It all changed in a second

Yesterday marked the last day of college football. 

The top 2 teams, Auburn University & Florida State University, ended the season with a nail-biting game.

The favored team, Florida State, won, but Auburn definitely made them fight for it.

I love football. It's my favorite sport to watch. I like the energy, the community, the cheering, and...

the suspense.

It may not be the same as a suspenseful action movie, but since it is a game, there is always the unknown.

We may be able to predict the winner. The statistics might show who is a better team. One coach may have better credentials than the other, but in the end, we all know that anything can happen.

A lot can happen in a second.

One minute a team can be leaving the other team in it's dust, and the next minute, the game could be tied.

The quarterback throws an interception. The kicker's foot lost traction. The receiver fumbles the ball.

None of these players planned on it, but the worst still happened.

I think it's interesting how at the end of a football game during the interviews, the winning team often says things like, "We came here tonight believing we would win" and "We knew from the beginning that this was our victory." I'm pretty sure both teams go into the game feeling that way. Maybe they don't, but I think its a given to go into a game confident, right? 

It makes me think of life.

We practice. We hope. We expect...

and it doesn't come.

We have all the credentials, all the right skills, and all the confidence, yet we're left blindsided by the nonexistent job. 

We have the right amount of money and great real estate agent, yet left without the dream house.

We exercise everyday and eat more than the recommended amount of veggies and fruit, yet left with an ugly diagnosis.

Whether it's a football game, one of the 3 scenarios above or anything else, they all stink!

Sometimes life takes a turn for the worst.

What are we to do?

However tempting it may be to just throw in the towel, we can't.  

We have to keep going.

A football team can't just stop playing after an interception and walk off the field.

The game still goes on.

Although they may walk off the field with their heads hung, they still have the support of their fans and the guidance of their coach. 

They can turn their mistakes into teachable moments. 

They can use it as a motivation to practice harder.

They can rest in the truth that no matter how hard they practice and plan, there is still a possibility of a loss. 

Unfortunately, life can present us these seconds that turn our world upside down.

When this happens, we must turn to God. He is by our side every step or second of the way. 

We must remind ourselves that no matter how much we plan, life can still throw us a curve ball.

At the same time, we should look into the future knowing that even though there may be seconds that turn our world upside down, there are also seconds and moments that can turn it right side up. 

The birth of a child. A new job. Healing. 

There are always going to be game changers in this game of life, but we can rest assured that God is here for us. He is our strength. His mercies are new each morning. He gives us hope even when everything around us looks hopeless. 

This week we'll be reading through the whole book of Daniel, as well as the whole book of Hosea. 

Holding on or letting go?

Well, it's been awhile since I've posted...I hope everyone is doing well!

I'm hoping to get back into more of a routine with posting this year.

A little update on my health:

In the past 2 years, I have had under 5 symptoms for the first time! That's pretty amazing considering I've grown accustomed to about 20 symptoms!

So my doctor decided to stop IVs for right now, but keep my PICC line in just in case we need to go back to IVs.

That means, I'm on oral antibiotics right now to help kill the cystic bacteria and soon I'll be working on the biofilms (those nasty bacteria create a film so it makes it hard for the medicine to kill). Last but not least, this past Saturday I woke up with zero symptoms! Praise God! Project GET BETTER continues! 

While I was reading today, I couldn't help but notice something outside. 

It was a beautiful day today. Light blue sky, few white clouds and a nice breeze, but that's not what caught my attention.

There was a big, red leaf hanging onto a branch of a bare, dead tree. 

It was holding onto the thin branch for dear life.

Tossing, wrestling, flapping, and whirling was the dance of this leaf.

I wanted to scream out to the leaf, "Just let go! I can tell you're struggling, just let go!' 

It made me think of this past year and the new year that is among us. 

Just like the pretty red leaf that caught my attention, we often hold on to things in life. 

Some things are better to hold onto than others.

We should hold onto our loved ones, memories, and values, but a lot of times we hold onto things that make life harder to live. 

Just like the leaf, I know that I've struggled to let go of things that only weigh me down. 

Holding onto things like regrets, hardships, unhealthy relationships can exhaust us. They can make us weary and bitter, in turn stealing the joy from life. I think it's interesting how hard it can be to 'let go' sometimes.

Why is it that our fists clench tighter and our hearts grow colder to the things that make us miserable?

I'm not really sure why it works that way at times. Maybe it's because we are emotional beings. 

We feel things so easy. We hurt so easy. We hold on so easy. 

 We often get wrapped up into the emotions of it all. 

The feelings seem to take over and we get caught up, forgetting the possibility of freedom and hope that can come from releasing our tight clenched fists and turning them over to God. 

So this year I challenge you (and myself), to let go of  the hurt from 2013 and years past. 

Let them fly away just like the struggling red leaf and look up to God in thankfulness for freedom from burdens and new beginnings!

"Every man should be born again on the first day of January. Start with a fresh page. Take up one hole more in the buckle if necessary, or let down one, according to circumstances; but on the first of January let every man gird himself once more, with his face to the front, and take no interest in the things that were and are past."
- Henry Ward Beecher

Please never leave me

As I've been journeying through the Bible, I've noticed several reoccurring themes such as love, grace, redemption and others.

The theme that I've noticed throughout both the Old & New Testament that has offered me such an abundance of hope during my treatment of Lyme Disease, has been the truth that God has never left my side, never will and I say that with confidence!

 

Many people say, "never say never!", but I have confidence that I can use "never" in this situation.

 

God will never leave me.

God will never leave you.

 

I know I have talked about this several times in other posts (God was with me, Fear of Separation, Clueless, Overwhelmed & Excited), but I feel like we need to be reminded of this truth often. Today, maybe you need to be reminded that God is with you...right now...and He'll never leave you.

 

If you have been joining me on the journey-through-the-Bible in a year plan,

you read in 1 Chronicles 28:20-21 that King David was encouraging Solomon by saying...

"Take charge! Take heart! Don't be anxious or get discouraged. God, my God, is with you in this, he won't walk off and leave you in the lurch. He's at your side until every last detail is completed for conducting the worship of God." (The Message translation)

 

This isn't the only place in the Bible where we are reminded that God is always by our side. Many people wrote to us exclaiming, "God is with you!" They were all in different situations and different places, but God was still with them.

 

You may be in a place where you feel lonely and abandoned, but you aren't...

God is with you.

You may be in a place where you're distracted & far away from God, but you aren't...

God is with you.

You may be in a place where you doubt God because of your circumstances, but you aren't...

God is with you.

 

We all are in different places and situations, yet we all share something...

God is with us.

Isn't that amazing?!

He wants us to realize that He is here for us, no matter what.

No matter where you are, God is there for you.

He's reaching His hand out to you, waiting for you to grab hold.

 

I hope this brought encouragement to you.

This morning, God was telling me, "Chelsea, I'm here for you...pay attention to me." We can get caught up in our busy lives and miss out on the most important thing...our relationship with God.

 

Check out this song...it's one of my favorites :]

 

Don't forget to pray for the unreached people group of the day!

 

 

I like a challenge

Going to new places and seeing new things is always fun for me. Driving through a new town, seeing the sights creates an excitement in me and a motivation to explore!

Seeing the landscape, learning about the history of the town, and {probably} getting lost along on the way, keeps me on my toes and gives me a challenge.

{I like a challenge!}

It doesn't always stay that way...new places turn into old places, the unfamiliar turn into familiar, and the uncomfortable becomes comfortable.

 

The day my family started looking for places to move, we drove to this country town (my hometown now) and kept our eyes peeled of our surroundings. We were checking out the houses, schools, stores, land and more. We didn't want to miss a thing. Our eyes were wide open to make sure that this was the place we wanted to live.

 

15 years later and I no longer pay close attention to the small details of my hometown. 

 You know why?

I'm comfortable.

I can tell you all the short cuts, which roads lead to what cities, and of course, where you can find the best sno-cones in town ;)

The familiar can be rather comfortable (and that's okay!),

BUT when we start to get comfortable and familiar, we stop exploring.

We stop finding new routes or meeting new people and we stay in our comfort zone, afraid to become unfamiliar.

 

This reminds me of how our faith can become. We often get comfortable with what we learned from our parents and church, which keeps us barricaded in our own comfort zone.

Now, I'm NOT saying rebel from your parents and picket the church, but I AM saying, don't be afraid to move the barricades and set out on an unknown road. We stop reading our Bibles. We stop asking questions. We stop hearing different perspectives and we wonder why we aren't getting anywhere. We're stagnant, comfortable, and familiar.

There's nothing wrong with believing what your parents or church believes, but don't be afraid to challenge yourself by thinking outside of your comfort zone.

 

Study the Bible for yourself and not for anyone else.

Read articles/books.

Talk and listen to people with different perspectives.

Find someone who will challenge you.

Keep an open mind.

Don't be afraid to get uncomfortable.

It's important to never let your faith get familiar.

Have a heart that is always wanting to learn and grow.

Maybe you aren't ready to get out of your comfort zone and I totally understand.

That's okay!

Come to God and ask that He gives you a heart that is ready to embark on a journey of growing closer to Him, even if it's uncomfortable.

I've definitely had my fair share of familiarity, but thankfully God brought someone into my life that has challenged me to ask the tough questions. Someone who isn't going to judge me and tell me what to believe, but to simply challenge me to seek out the nature of God.

 

I hope and pray that you can be challenged the same way! Feel free to email me if you are unable to find someone who can challenge you-I'd love to talk :)

Don't forget to pray for the unreached people group of the day! 

 

This week's Bible reading plan:

Monday: 1 Chronicle 1-2

Tuesday: 1 Chronicle 3-5

Wednesday: 1 Chronicle 6

Thursday: 1 Chronicle 7-8

Friday: 1 Chronicle 9-11

Saturday: 1 Chronicle 12-14

 

 

 

 

Which way should I go?

 

I don't know about you, but I am directionally challenged.

I turn right instead of left. I miss the exit. I get on the wrong highway.

Finding my way around unknown places often creates problems for me.

Not knowing where you are or really where you are going, is not a good feeling.

If you don't know your way, how can you expect to get to the place where you need to be?

 

Side-note: this past weekend I went on a mini road trip and guess what?

I did NOT get lost AND I didn't even use GPS!

(That was really exciting for me.)

That hardly ever happens though. I digress.

 

Anyway, finding the right way, staying on the right track, and ending up at your final destination can cause some anxiety (at least for me it does).

This reminds me of scripture.

 

In 1 Kings, we read a lot about God's ways versus our ways, as well as many other places in the Bible.

1 Kings 11:33 - "...They have not walked in My ways, doing what is right in My sight and observing My statutes and My ordinances..."

 

It is clear that as humans, we can often ignore God and trek out on our own ways. Where does that lead us though?

If we turn away from God's will and escape from His presence, I think it's safe to say that we will embark on a long, dark road.

 

Earlier in 1 Kings chapter 11, we read that Solomon turned away from God.

1 Kings 11:6 - "Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and did not follow the Lord fully, as David his father had done."

He started to turn to other things to make him happy instead of earnestly seeking God and His will.

 

God doesn't want us to ignore His ways. However, He is not a puppet master. He gives us freedom to make choices. Of course, He wants us to trust Him because when we do, we bring glory to His name by the way we live.

1 Kings 11:9-10 "Now the Lord was angry with Solomon because his heart was turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice, and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods, but he did not observe what the Lord had commanded."

 

As we live life, it can be hard to stay on God's path because of all the distractions around us. Things like money, jobs, relationships, can distract us from staying in God's direction. Thankfully, God knows that there will be times when we make a wrong turn away from Him, but He forgives us. He is always there waiting for us to direct our lives toward Him.

Isaiah 55:7-9 "Let the wicked forsake his way And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to the LORD, And He will have compassion on him, And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts."

 

So what do we do? Do we continue on our way? Or do we stop and redirect our lives toward God?

For me, I would say the latter. I know that I can mess up and make wrong decisions that can lead me down a path that I definitely don't want to go down. I want my life to be aligned with God because when my path is aligned with His path, I know that His glory will be revealed.

 

If you feel like you are going down the wrong path, ask God to align your life with His will. Pray for discernment and read the Bible to guide you in God's ways.

1 Kings 12:24 "...So they listened to the word of the Lord, and returned and went their way according to the word of the Lord."

 

If you are following along in the year long Bible reading plan, here is the schedule for this week:

Today: 1 Kings 15-17

Tuesday: 1 Kings 18-20

Wednesday: 1 Kings 21-22

Thursday: 2 Kings 1-3

Friday: 2 Kings 4-5

Saturday: 2 Kings 6-8

 

Don't forget to pray for the unreached people group of the day!

 

 

 

he's on the prowl

I'm not gonna lie, but I've been dealing with major writer's block lately.

I don't know what's going on, but I do know, my brain hasn't been connecting to my fingers to type out a post for all you wonderful people.

I sincerely apologize.

 

It's been an interesting few days. I haven't felt good at all physically.

Something happened on Sunday that got me down and I'm trying my best for it not to keep me down (prayers are very much appreciated :).

 

Good news though, I know God is using it all for His glory.

I know that it will pass, but right now I just have to cling to God and take one step at a time.

 

One thing that I've really noticed lately is that Satan definitely likes to use our vulnerabilities.

He uses every inch that he can take and he's always on the prowl for more.

1 Peter 5:8 says, "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

He's a sneaky little thing that's for sure.

John 10:10 says,

 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I (Jesus) came that they may have life and have it abundantly."

 

I guess what I'm trying to say is...

don't let Satan use your weaknesses.

Let God use your weaknesses, because when we are weak, He is strong.

Constantly, give it all over to God, because...

Romans 16:20 says, "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet."

Since we are of sinful nature, it is easy to fall into Satan's trap, but thankfully with God on our side, Satan is always defeated.



*Oh yeah, God is awesome!!*

 

Reading plan for this week:

Yesterday: Judges 3-5

Today: Judges 6-7

Tomorrow: Judges 8-9

Thursday: Judges 10-12

Friday: Judges 13-15

Saturday: Judges 16-18

 

Don't forget to pray for the unreached people group of the day!

"I am the worst..."

 

Do you ever beat yourself up? No, I don't mean do ever throw a punch at yourself, that would not be cool, but what I mean is, are you ever negative toward yourself? Maybe you feel like you can never do anything right or maybe you're constantly doubting your abilities. Maybe you simply just don't like who you are.

I've been there.
I think everyone has been there at some point in their lives.
Where negativity looms and doubt fills in- that's the place where Satan likes to creep in. He fills the spaces of our vulnerabilities with lies that only make ourselves question our existence and purpose.
It's not a good valley to be in.

So today in Sunday School, we were reading 1 Timothy and this passage (1 Timothy 12:16) stood out to me...

"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life."

 

Here the apostle Paul is writing to Timothy to instruct him in church leadership. Notice that Paul calls himself "the worst sinner".

Talk about beating yourself up! I'm sure he didn't know every single person along with every single sin committed, but he really believed he was the worst.

Guess what?

Although he committed many evil sins, including killing Christians, God still used him.

 

Instead of listening to Satan and all the lies he had up his sleeve,

Paul chose to listen to God and His call on his life.

For someone to believe he was the worst of sinners and was later transformed into one of God's most faithful servant, proves that God can use anyone for His glory.

In order to live out God's call in our lives, we must find our identity in Christ.

 

2 Corinthians 5:21 says, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

 

In the sermon, he broke it down into parts and here are my notes:

 

"God made him who had no sin,,,

-Jesus was sinless, yet tempted in every way just like you and me.

-God isn't surprised when we sin. That's why He sent Jesus.

-Jesus was the "friend of sinners". Sin didn't keep Jesus from loving the sinner.

 

to be sin for us...

-All other religions are about what people must "do" to get to heaven, but Christianity says it's already "done". Eternal life is a gift through grace by faith.

-When Jesus died on the cross, He said "It is finished". He was the ransom for our sin.

 

so that in Him...

-John 14:6, "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

-Jesus creates the way for us to spend eternity in Heaven.

 

We might become the righteousness of God."

- We gain forgiveness of sins, even though we do not deserve it, but it is because God loves us.

-God views us through Jesus.

 

With that being said, we need to find our identity in Christ.

It is because of what Jesus has done for us that we shouldn't beat ourselves up.

Beating ourselves up over our sins and letting Satan's lies penetrate our lives can be offensive to what Jesus died for us.

 

He didn't die for us to bury our head in our pillow everytime we mess up, but He died so that we would be able to pick ourselves up after we mess up and seek God's help to live the way He wants us to live without the dark cloud of guilt hovering over us.

 

Find your identity in Jesus Christ. Let Him be the center.

Check out this awesome video!

 

 

 

This week's reading plan:

Monday - Numbers 28-30

Tuesday - Numbers 31-32

Wednesday - Numbers 33-34

Thursday - Numbers 35-36

Friday - Deuteronomy 1-2

Saturday - Deuteronomy 3-4 

 

 

Sometimes I just gotta shut my mouth & listen

 

I don't know about you, but I like to talk. I like to listen too, don't get me wrong. In fact, a lot of people tell me that I'm a good listener.

I've always enjoyed being a shoulder to lean on and a listening ear for my friends.

Sometimes it's just best to listen, rather than speaking.

Sometimes, however, I forget that truth, more so when it comes to my conversations with God.

 

I talk to God a lot.  I talk to Him in the morning when I wake up. I talk to Him when I'm driving. I talk to Him when I'm getting ready for the day. I talk to Him when I'm at church. I talk to Him at night time when I'm in bed.

So it's clear that I don't have a problem with talking. That's not a bad thing, BUT there's something that I don't do as much...listen.

 

Instead of listening, I tell Him my concerns, requests, thankfulness, praise, apologies. You name it- I tell Him. In fact, it reminds me of the different prayers I taught the campers while I was a Day Camp Director.

Prayer of adoration - praising God for who He is

Prayer of thankfulness - thanking God for all that He has done for you

Prayer of confession - telling God sorry for all the mistakes you've made

Prayer of supplication - asking God for help

 

All of these prayers are great and important, but part of being in conversation with God is to listen. It's not a one way conversation, because, well, it wouldn't be a conversation. God wants to talk to me, just like I want to talk to Him.

 

In the year long reading plan, today we started the book of Revelation. There is definitely some repetition especially at the end of each letter to the churches... for instance, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" (Rev. 3:22). Although this is talking about the churches listening to what God has to say to them, it also tells us that we need to listen too. When I read this, I got this sense that God was telling me, "I'm definitely glad that you talk to me, but I want you to hear me. I have things to tell you, but you're talking too much to hear me." Needless to say, I'm going to pay attention to that.

 

Sometimes we just have to stop rambling on and on to God about our dreams and desires and listen to what He has to say. I think we can get ourselves in a lot of trouble when we don't wait on God to figure out what He is calling us to do. It may not be an audible voice, it may be a sense of peace or a gut feeling. Whatever it is, God wants to talk to you. You have to stop first though (which I know can be hard). Remove yourself from distractions because the devil definitely likes to do whatever it takes to distract us. Listen with an open heart and mind.

 

Sometimes I just gotta shut my mouth and listen.

Do you struggle with this too?

 

Today's scripture for the read-your-Bible-in-a-year plan is Revelation 1-3.

at your service

 

Today I was reading my devotional book for the year (My Utmost for His Highest) and I had to share it with you.

 

When you think of a king what do you think of?

Well, I picture a throne, a man with a crown and many people waiting on him hand and foot. I picture a man that people bow down to. I picture a man who rules the land.  

 

As Christians, we serve a King...Jesus Christ. He is the one and only true King. He's not like the earthly kings, that's for sure. He performed miracles. He was crucified. He was resurrected. He lives forever. No king can compare. Another thing that separates Christ the King from all the rest is His character.

 

Earthly kings expect people to serve them. They expect to have their feet rubbed. They expect to have the finest of jewels. They expect all of their desires to be given to them without moving a finger. Jesus didn't work that way. Let me tell you why...

 

Matthew 20:28 says, "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve." Sit with that for a bit.

Jesus Christ didn't come expecting to be served, but came expecting to serve others.

That's huge, if you ask me. No king has ever lowered himself to serve others, but our King...the one, true King has.

 

Jesus wants to serve us. He is the King of kindness, humility, and love (along with many other things...check out my In Him We Find series). Because He shows us what a servant's heart looks like, we should in turn serve others. It is when we serve others that God's heart of service is shared.

 

We should never think we are too good to serve others. We should never place ourselves higher than others, with our nose in the air, because the only person who has a right to do that, never did. He lowered himself in order to serve, instead of expecting to be served.

 

Oswald Chambers writes, "Once we realize that Jesus has served us even to the depths of our meagerness, our selfishness, and our sin, nothing we encounter from others will be able to exhaust our determination to serve others for His sake."

 

Because He has served us, we should serve others for the sake of serving Him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mini series - The Cast of Christmas - Day 4

 

The past 3 Christmas story members that we've learned from shared a few things in common...one being, who God sent to them (other than Jesus)... the angel(s).

 

I would ask you to imagine to be the angel who visited Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds, but that's really hard to do. If you know what I mean.

 

I know there is a reason God used an angel as a messenger. He didn't have to use an angel, but He did. I mean, He's God, He can do anything.

I can't tell you why God did it this way (because I'm not God, duh), but I'll take a guess. I could be wrong or maybe I'm right, but here it goes...

He wanted to make a statement.

Jesus deserved a grand entrance and who better than an angel sent from God. Someone who would grab Mary, Joseph and the shepherds' attention and hold it.

Someone so magnificent, so big, maybe even terrifying to prove that he was sent from God.

Someone who would prove that this was serious, lifesaving business that required such obedience and commitment.  

 

Not only did God send one angel to tell Mary and Joseph, He also sent a multitude of angels to the shepherds the day of Jesus' birth. I know for a fact, that this was for a reason.

Jesus, even though He was a baby, deserved a multitude of praise by heavenly host to give God the glory of this wonderful gift of salvation and to proclaim the peace which He would bring.

Luke 2:13-14 says, "And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.'"

 

So what can we learn from the angel(s)?

Although we aren't angels, God can use us as His messengers of His love just like He sent the angels. We can be bold, loving messengers of the wonderful news of Jesus' birth, crucifixion, and resurrection that brings salvation for all who believe.

As the shepherds left the manger scene praising God and as the heavenly host praised God the day of Jesus' birth, we should also praise God and in all we do bring glory to His name.

Check out this Christmas song from the angel's perspective!

"Good News" by Avalon

 

 

 

Clear & to the point

Today I was reading Romans 11-13 for the Bible reading plan I've been following and I really enjoyed chapter 12. You wanna know why? It is so clear and to the point. It's basically a list of do's and don'ts. For instance, verses 10-11 says, "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." I can go through this chapter and check off the ones I do and circle the ones I need to work on. Not all scripture, however, is this clear and to the point. Other places in the Bible require you to read it multiple times and maybe even push you to ask your pastor about what it truly means.  I think God did this on purpose. 

The past few months I've been focusing on this type of scripture. I've wanted to figure out why this one chapter says this and why the other chapter says that. I've had a lot of questions and I've studied different translations and even the Hebrew and Greek origins, hoping I would figure out what God is saying. These questions have really instilled a hunger to read and learn more of God's word...which is great! On the other hand, I realized that I came to the point where it wasn't a healthy hunger, but it was more of an obsessive search to know all the answers.

Thankfully, God reminded me that I'm not training to be Him and to know all the answers. I don't need to know all the answers. Yes, the Bible is truth, but I realized that maybe I'm not supposed to completely understand this topic at this point in my life and maybe I never will. I was reminded that this is where faith comes in. Maybe I don't know every answer to every theological question, but that's okay because I have faith in God. Questions are great because they can create a healthy hunger in us, but there comes a point where we have to say, "Okay, God, I don't really need to know all the answers. All I really need to know is that you sent your son, Jesus, to die for my sins and that my purpose of living is to serve and praise You." 

Do you struggle with this? 

So I'm thankful for the scripture that is clear and to the point, but I'm also thankful for the scripture that forces me to practice my faith in God.

Today's scripture was Romans 11-13 and tomorrow's scripture is Romans 14-16.

Please don't forget to pray for Alisa, Jaime, and baby London! If you don't know their story, check it out here.