Day 30 In Him we find...

 

Wow- I can't believe it's been 30 days already!! Thank you so much for following along with me in my first series! I hope it has been a blessing for you, as much as it has been for me! I had been praying about this series a few months before I decided to do it and I even wrote out the 30 topics before hand. Guess what?! I didn't even use all the topics I had planned. God revealed to me so much more. That's how awesome He is!

 

Before I reveal to you the last topic, I figured I would do our last, final recap of what we've found in Him:

faithfulness

healing

freedom

holiness

grace

confidence

endurance

Heavenly Father

sacrifice

rest

conviction

repentance

refreshment

lovingkindness

power

everlasting love

wise counsel

transformation

refuge

joy

abundance

provision

fellowship

boldness

glory

truth

stability

comfort

purpose

 

Last, but not least...

*drum roll please*

 

In Him we find eternal life when we believe in the truth that He sent His one and only perfect son, Jesus Christ, to suffer and die on the cross for our sins and was raised from the dead three days later to prove that death has not overcome.

 

When we believe in that truth, we are saved from condemnation in hell. We are given the most precious gift of eternal life with Him in heaven. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." When we die, it is not a time of sorrow, but a time of celebration. We get to spend eternity with Jesus in paradise. Revelation 21:4 says, "and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away." We don't deserve it, that's for sure, but He has given it to us anyway, as a gift if we accept it.

 

Ephesians 2:4-10 says it beautifully, "But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them."

 

There is absolutely no one else who can give you the gift of eternal life. Don't even try looking elsewhere, because you won't find it. It is the most amazing gift you can and will ever recieve. It's better than your dream car, dream house, and whatever else that you dream of, because guess what? Those things don't last forever, but when you believe in Jesus, you will spend forever with Him. We can't even measure eternity, because it goes on and on and on and on and on....etc...you get the picture. 1 John 2:17 says, "The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." Nothing gets better than that. I always hear young people say, "I wanna live forever!" Well, that isn't gonna happen without a relationship with Jesus Christ.

 

In Him we find eternal life.

 

Just because this series is over now, doesn't mean that these are the only things that we find in Him. The list continues. He has many wonderful characteristics that my 30 day blog series could not cover. I hope my series was just a snapshot of a few of the amazing things we find in Him. I pray that you continue to find more in Him and praise Him for who He is. If you have any questions or prayer requests, please let me know either by comment or email!

Check out http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/22-inspirational-bible-verses/ for bible verses about God's promises!

 

Stay tuned for my next series! Thanks again for stopping by!

 

Today's scripture for read-your-Bible-in-a-year plan is Acts 27-28.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 29 In Him we find...

I think everyone at some point in their  lives have wondered what is their purpose here on Earth. We may have wondered things like..."Is my purpose to be a doctor or a teacher or a mother?" Whether you know what your purpose is or not, God has a bigger purpose for you than you know. 

We may think we figured out our own purpose, but really God is the one that has a purpose for us. He is the reason you are alive today, reading my blog. We don't find purpose in a career, but we find purpose in God. He is the creator of the universe, the creator of us, and the creator of our purpose.

If you are wondering today what your purpose is, let me help you out, your purpose is to show God's love to others. It's that simple. All the other details, God has figured out. I know I always quote Jeremiah 29:11, but I'm going to quote it again...."'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." He has wonderful plans for everyone, but there is one common purpose for everyone...to be witnesses of His love. Matthew 5:16 says, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

All throughout the Bible we see different stories of how God has a purpose for His people. There was a purpose for Adam, Eve, Noah, David, Pharaoh, Mary, John the Baptist, and of course Jesus (and many, many others). Jesus said, "For I have come down from heaven not to do My own will and purpose but to do the will and purpose of Him Who sent me" in John 6:38. Never doubt that God has a purpose for you, because He does. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." We may think that we know what our purpose is in life, but we need to trust that God has an even better purpose. Proverbs 19:21 says, "Many are the plans in a person’s heart,

    but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails." 

First and foremost, we are called to show God's love to others and leave the rest up to Him. 

Trust in His purpose for your life.

In Him we find purpose.

If you are joining me in the year long Bible reading plan, today's scripture is Acts 24-26.

Day 28 In Him we find...

You know when you've had a bad day and all you want to do is be in your comfy bed or hug your mom or eat a chocolate bar? You know what those three things have in common? Comfort. Well, maybe chocolate isn't comforting to you, but fill in the blank with your favorite comfort food. There are  days when we just need to be comforted. Simple as that.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ." God can comfort us if we allow Him. There are times when I need to be comforted and instead of going to God in prayer, I sulk. However, when I go to God in prayer or read His word, I am sure to be comforted. No doubt. He wants to comfort us. We don't need our comfy bed, mom, or chocolate bar to be comforted, all we need is God. 

In Him we find comfort.

Today's scripture for read-your-Bible-in-a-year plan is Acts 21-23.

Day 27 In Him we find...

 

There are people who don't like change, and there are people who do like change. I am the latter. I've always been really good with change. When I was a kid, I had no problem changing schools, extracirricular activities, or hairstyles. Change has never been a fear of mine. However, there is something that I would not want to change...Jesus.

 

Thank goodness, I don't have to worry about Jesus changing. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. People change. Our beliefs may change. Our attitudes may change. Our actions may change. It can be for the good or the bad. Let's face it, we, human beings, aren't exactly stable. We're pretty wishy-washy. We may like our job one day and hate it the next or we may love pizza one year and the next year hate it. Jesus, on the other hand, is the most stable person. He isn't wishy-washy at all. I'm so thankful that His love, faithfulness, and grace doesn't change like the style of my hair does.

 

He loves me the same yesterday, today, and forever.

His grace stays the same yesterday, today, and forever.

His mercy stays the same yesterday, today, and forever.

His strength stays the same yesterday, today, and forever.

This list continues.

 

In Him we find stability.

 

 

Today's scripture for read-your-Bible-in-a-year plan is Acts 18 & 19.

Day 26 In Him we find...

I always loved True/False questions on tests in school, because I knew I had a 50/50 chance of getting it right even if I had no clue. Multiple choice questions drove me crazy because it left me only a 25% chance. I mean, who doesn't want to be right? No matter what type of test question, however, there was always a chance of me being wrong.

 

When it comes to the Bible, there is nothing false about it. There is no doubting or questioning whether it is right or wrong. You can't pick one part out of it and say "that's false" and then flip a few pages and say, "that's true". The whole book is true because it is the word of God. Even if human hands physically wrote the words on the pages, it is still the inspired word of God. From the first page to the last page, each page is full of truth.  Everything God has said...everything God has done...is truth. He is truth.

 

John 1:1 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and Word was God.
 

John 1:14 - And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:17 - For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

In Him we find truth.

 

Speaking of truth...if you or anyone you know has ever questioned how the Earth was created, check out this website here to learn about NASA scientifically proving the Genesis account. Check out this video below too.

Today's scripture for read-your-Bible-in-a-year plan is Acts 16-17.

 

Day 25 In Him we find...

 

Have you ever seen something and it just took your breath away? Maybe it was a sunset or seeing your newborn baby for the first time. One of my breath stealer moments would have to be when I saw the Grand Canyon in person. To be honest, I wasn't real excited about going to see it. Canyons just weren't my thing. I was excited to cross it off my bucket list, but despite all the amazing stories I had heard about the Grand Canyon, I didn't think I would be blown away. Ha! I was wrong. 

 

Maybe it was because I had never really seen a canyon before in my life, but I'm convinced even if I lived in a canyon, I would still be amazed. When I got out of the car and walked towards the fenced edge (definitely thankful for that fence), I was speechless as I looked across and down into the massive canyon. Words can't describe what I saw. Pictures definitely do not do it justice. No way. If you haven't been to the Grand Canyon, I recommend that you do! It is surely a majestic sight to see.

(Like I said, pictures don't do it justice, but it's still pretty amazing!)

 

As I took it all in, all I could think was, "Wow, God made that." God's glory was magnified to me that day. Yes, I knew God was full of majesty and splendor, but this moment was a small reminder (more like HUGE reminder). Not only did He make the Grand Canyon, but He made Niagra Falls, Mt. Everest, every single grain of sand, and everything in between. We can't forget that He created all the other planets, as well as the many galaxies.  He has also created our intricate bodies and every necessary detail. Without God there would be nothing. All glory stems from Him and no one else. We should be in awe of all that He has created.

"Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and the earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and Yours it is to be exalted as Head over all." ~1 Chronicles 29:11

In Him we find glory.

 

 

 

Please, please check out this video (there are more too!) by Louie Giglio- you won't regret it.

 

 

 

 

Day 24 In Him we find...

Has anyone ever said to you, "Just be bold!" I know a few people who have told me that...several times.  Maybe you don't like attention or you're afraid to stand out. Maybe you doubt your abilities. Maybe you're afraid of the outcome. Maybe you don't have a problem with being bold most of the time, but maybe when it comes to your faith, you tend to blend in with the crowd. 

I know there are times, when it's comfortable for me to blend in with the crowd. There are times when I don't speak up about my beliefs when I should. Trust me, I'm not proud of this. I know it's something I need to work on, because I'm reminded by God's Word that as followers of Christ, we should be bold. We should be bold in our actions and in our words, just like Daniel, Moses, Paul and many others in the Bible.

In order to be heard in a world full of sin, we must speak boldly. We can't be shy when we speak about what God has done in our lives. God is bold, so He deserves to be spoken about boldly. Now, I'm not saying go scream down someone's throat, but be bold and strong with what God has given you. Acts 14:3 says, "Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord..."  Everyone deserves to hear the good news of Christ so we need to make sure they hear it! 

You may think that you aren't good with your words or you don't know what to say, but let me remind you, that God will make sure that you are equipped. He can use you no matter what. He can make you bold. Psalm 138:3 says, "On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul." If you struggle with being bold, go to God and ask Him to make you bold. Get ready because He will definitely give you opportunities to be bold! No doubt about it. 

In Him we find boldness.

Proverbs 28:1 - The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Day 23 In Him we find...

I'm so sorry I missed yesterday. I was super busy all day and didn't have a chance to stop by for the series. I wasn't busy with Black Friday shopping, but I was busy hanging out with some of my favorite people. First, my parents and I hung out and ate lunch with family members that we didn't see on Thanksgiving. Then, I hung out with my parents and ended the day off with a game night with some of my closest friends. Lots of fellowship and lots of good times.

 

I love my alone time, but I also love being with people. God wants us to be in relationships with others.These relationships are meant to grow and encourage each other with His love.  To motivate others to strengthen their faith is His desire. Obviously, being in the presence of others is a powerful thing. God is with us when we are alone, but He is also with us when we are in groups.

 

Jesus had His alone time, but He was also with people most of the time. In fact, His fellowship with His 12 disciples was meant to teach and grow them into disciples that would share the Gospel with others. These 12 disciples did everything together. They prayed, listened, taught, served, and ate together. Acts 2:42 says, "And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." They shared life together.

 

God wants us to be in fellowship with others. It pleases Him when we are focused on one thing- to bring Him glory. Through our troubles, we can uplift each other. Through our joys, we can celebrate together. We can pray and study scripture together. When we live in this way, we are in true fellowship with God. Philippians 2:1-2 says, "If therefore there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose."

 

In Him we find fellowship.

 

Be in fellowship with others...enjoy it...and use it for His glory.

 

If you're joining me through my year long journey of the Bible, you should be caught up until Acts 16. Use today and tomorrow to get caught up.

Day 22 In Him we find...

Have you counted your blessings today? Today is Thanksgiving...a day designated to be "thankful". Like I said yesterday (Day 21), we have an abundance of things to be thankful. All of God's wonderful qualities should bring us to extreme thankfulness. Not only does He share those qualities with us, but He also provides for us so that we may live here on Earth.

Look around you. Everything that you own is God's. You may not agree with me, but if it wasn't for God, you wouldn't own any of it. You may say, "Well I work and earn money, that's why I have these things", but it's because of God that you have a job or a family/community that supports you. Everything goes back to God. He gives and takes away. You may not have everything you want...like a specific car or phone or job, but there is a reason why you don't have those things. Maybe if you did, that special thing you want may become an idol to you. We shouldn't idolize anything, only have our hearts and minds set on God. He provides everything we need. Sometimes we may live from paycheck to paycheck, but we are living. He provides us with a beating heart. He provides us food, even if it may not be what we are craving. He provides us shelter, even if it isn't our dream house.

Philippians 4:19 says, "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." We need to be thankful for all that He has given us. "In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). It is His will for us to be thankful, so we better be thankful! Harry Ironside said, "We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction.” Think about that. Instead of worrying, praise God for all that He has blessed you. God doesn't want to hear us complain about the things we don't have, but He wants to hear our thankfulness for the things we do have.  The more thankful we are, the more satisfied we are in God. Let's not be thankful only for today, but thankful everyday for God's provision in our lives.

In Him we find provision.

 

I challenge you to have some quiet time with God today and thank Him for all your blessings and of course, His goodness.

via

Today's scripture for read-your-Bible-in-a-year plan is Acts 8-10.

 

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Day 21 In Him we find...

Tomorrow is the big, Thanksgiving day where we will spend hours in the kitchen (if we haven't already), run around like mad women (or men) with multiple tasks, eat, watch football, eat, sleep, clean, eat, more football and sleep. That's a lot of eating, a lot of football, and a lot of sleep. An abundance of good things, if you ask me.

I'll talk about this a little bit tomorrow, but it seems to me that our God is abundant. Like I've said before, He is a BIG God, so of course, He would give abundantly, because He is able. Most of the time, however, we don't realize it. I'll talk about material things another time, but let's think about what we've found so far during this 30 day series.

God doesn't just give us a little love, He gives it abundantly. God doesn't just give us a little grace, He gives it abundantly. God doesn't just give us a little freedom, He gives it abundantly. I could go on, but you get the point. He gives us the things we need, in abundance. In fact, we don't need or for that matter deserve those things in abundance, but He gives it to us anyway. I would be happy if I just recieved a percentage of His love, but He loves me to His full capacity just like He loves you.

Ephesians 3:20-21 says, "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,  to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." Did you catch that? It says , "far more abundantly beyond". Woa. Far more. Abundantly. Beyond. I don't know what else to say. That's how much He loves...forgives...protects...and so on. John 10:10 says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." Praise God!

In Him we find abundance.

Today's scripture was Acts 6-7.



Day 20 In Him we find...

Well it's been another 10 days of my series, "In Him we find...". This month has flown! In case you've missed any of the series or just need a review, so far here is what we've found:

faithfulness

healing

freedom

holiness

confidence

endurance

Heavenly Father

sacrifice

rest

conviction

repentance

refreshment

lovingkindness

power

everlasting love

wise counsel

transformation

refuge

 

Talk about an awesome list. God is good!! Can I get an "amen"?! :)

 

 

"You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy;In Your right hand there are pleasures forever." ~Psalm 16:11 (NASB)

 

Today, I went Christmas shopping with some friends and even helped one of my best friend's put up her Christmas tree. Let me tell you, we were so excited walking down the aisles filled with ornaments and ribbon, not to mention, admiring the twinkling lights on the Christmas tree. It was during this shopping trip and putting the tree together, where we felt joy. Childhood joy. Christmas is definitely my favorite season and I'll admit, this is the first time EVER that I'm in the Christmas spirit even before Thanksgiving. It's got me thinking though...

 

How can a season or holiday give me such joy? Of course, this is the holiday where we celebrate our Savior's birth, which is wonderful! Don't get me wrong. We should celebrate His birth, because it is such a wonderful story. However, my Savior is living. He is with me all the time. He never leaves my side. It's not Christmas lights that give me joy, but it's the one true light, Jesus, that gives me joy. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 says, "rejoice always". I should rejoice all the time...not just at Christmastime. It's not the season that we should find joy in, but we find true joy in Him.

 

In Him we find joy.

 

Today's scripture for read-your-Bible-in-a-year plan was Acts 4-6.

 



Day 19 In Him we find...

 

You know how news reporters like to say "hunker down" or "find shelter" when broadcasting about a hurricane? Even if you haven't experienced an actual hurricane, I'm sure your life has been windy and rough at times. I'm sure you've just wanted to escape and run for cover.

 

Psalm 46:1 says, "God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea ; Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, The holy dwelling places of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved ; God will help her when morning dawns." I think that paints such a pretty picture. I picture people hiding under God, taking cover from all the havoc around them. He's not a flimsy roof with thin walls, but a strong, concrete roof with concrete walls, where nothing can bring it down. Everything outside of the shelter is rough, but everything inside the shelter is calm because it is safe from all harm. Ah I love it.

 

In Him we find refuge.

 

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

Day 18 In Him we find...

 

If you don't know, my whole motto behind my blog is about being transformed and renewed, especially during hard times. If you don't know my story, check it out here and my post everything happens for a reason . I think there are times in our lives where restoration is needed. It may take a trial to shake us and to wake us up or maybe we just need a new day to realize that we need a change. We can try a new diet or exercise plan in attempt to transform our bodies, but can they even come close to touching our souls? When a new year rolls around, we are so quick to change our outer bodies, but what about what's inside? We can try setting new goals or making a career change or go to counseling, but even when we do that, are we really being transformed as people?

It's when we realize that we aren't god and truly in need of a savior, when our lives can be transformed. Like I said, sometimes it may take a lot to get to that point and even then, the transformation is not over. You see, God is in the transformation business. When we come to that point of throwing our hands up, God is ready to take all that we are dealing with. It can be some messy stuff, but that won't stop God from using it for His glory. He likes to make BIG statements. During this act of trusting God, He can open our eyes to much more than we ever could imagine. Instead of letting the bad stuff get you down, let God transform you through it. The transformation doesn't stop either. After the initial transformation, God continues to transform and refine as His servants.

 

Whatever you've done or gone through, He can make you new. That might sound familiar...yep, it's at the top of my blog. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come." Nothing is too big for Him. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." Even when you give it up to God, things may not make sense, but hold on, things will come together. I've said it before and I'll say it again...no matter where you've been or what you've done, God can make you new. He is a forgiving God and He wants you to trust Him with your life. When we trust Him, we become vessels to show His glory.

In Him we find transformation.

Please, please, pretty please check out this song by Tenth Avenue North, "You Do All Things Well" You won't regret it.

If you are journeying through the Bible in a year with me, we start the book of Acts tomorrow!

Day 17 In Him we find...

You know when you have an issue in your life and you just can't seem to figure out what to do? Well, that's where family members and friends come in, right? We pick up the phone and ask for advice. Searching for answers from a loved one comes easy for us. There's nothing wrong with that, don't get me wrong, but let me ask you this, what makes you think they are going to give you the perfect advice? Whatever your reason may be or maybe now you are starting to rethink your friend's counsel, let me remind you that all of us humans, are not perfect. Don't freak out though! I know just the right person that is going to give you the best advice out there...

that's right, God.

 

Because our hearts can be deceitful and our brains, well, they aren't always the sharpest (I know mine isn't...thanks Lyme brain), we should seek counsel from the One who knows everything. The Bible, His word, is a great place to start when seeking advice. 2 Timothy 3:16 (NASB) says, "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness." It says it right there. The Bible can help us with whatever we are facing. Whether we need to learn or be corrected, God wants us to seek His word because it's His own life manual for us. The book of Proverbs talks a lot about wisdom. Proverbs 1:7 (NASB) says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction." Psalms 33:11 (NASB) says, "The counsel of the Lord stands forever, The plans of His heart from generation to generation." Not to mention, even before Jesus was born, it was prophesied that He would be called "wonderful counselor (Isaiah 9:6)". That's pretty cool, if you ask me. So why is it that when we have a problem, we talk to our friends before we even talk to the One who created us? I wonder how that makes Him feel. Hmm...something to think about.

In Him we find wise counsel.

via

 

I challenge you to seek God's counsel first.

You may not get an answer right away, but be patient...He'll give you counsel in His timing, whether it be through His word, discernment or through someone.

 

Today's scripture is John 19-21.

Day 16 In Him we find...

You, my friend, are loved with an everlasting love and you absolutely HAVE to know about it! So you might have been wondering when I was going to talk about love. Well, today is the day that I felt moved to write about God's love for us. I'm not going to write much, because I think the Bible says it clear enough. So I'm going to show you just a few verses (trust me, there are A LOT! Feel free to pick up a Bible, you'll see what I mean) that describe God's love. Soak it in. Read each verse a few times and don't forget, God sent His only son to die on the cross for your sins...if that isn't love, I don't know what is.

via

John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." Notice it says, "world"...yeah that's how BIG His love is.

Romans 5:8 - "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Word.

Romans 8:37-39 - "But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Seriously?! Yep, seriously...nothing can separate us from the love of God. Chew on that.

1 John 3:1 - "See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him." He calls us His children, He doesn't have to do that...but He does.

1 John 4:9-12 - " By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us." He loved us first. We didn't have to love Him first and He still saved us from our sin through Jesus. When we love, He lives in us.

Check out this song that I've heard a million times today (it's my favorite jam at the moment, no joke).

Group 1 Crew - His Kind of Love

If you want to listen to another song about God's love, check out Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture.

Say with me.. GOD LOVES ME WITH AN EVERLASTING LOVE.

Don't be shy, let's say it one more time...GOD LOVES ME WITH AN EVERLASTING LOVE.

If you ever feel unloved (which I hope you don't), say this to yourself, pick up your Bible, and feel the love.

In Him we find everlasting love.

 

Today's scripture for read-your-Bible-in-a-year-plan is John 16-18.

 

 

 

Day 15 In Him we find...

via

Have you ever seen the movie Bruce Almighty? Well, if you haven't, it's basically about a guy who complains about how God is running the world. In return, God gives Bruce all of His power to run the world to show that Bruce could not handle the responsibility, even for a week. Obviously, this movie would be categorized as a comedic fantasy. I'm not sure if you've ever fantasized about being God, but I sure I haven't. I know for a fact, that there is no way that it could work. I mean come on, it's God we're talking about. THE man who breathed life into dust. Yeah I definitely could not do that. Not to mention, I would not be able to create the universe. I can't even fathom how He did that. I had enough trouble with my 4th grade solar system project. Walking on water, turning water into wine, you name all the miraculous things and I canNOT do it.

 

via

 

Sometimes I think we try to be God (and we fail miserably, of course). We try to take matters into our own hands, forgetting that it's God who holds the power...not us. That is what's different between us and God...He is almighty. That's why God is God and we're not. Psalm 62:11 (NASB) says, "Once God has spoken; Twice I have heard this; That power belongs to God;" We may think we have it under control, but He is the one who has it under control. He can use His power in us, but He is always the source of the power. He says, "I have the power to save. I have the power to heal. I have the power to protect. I have the power to discipline..." and the list continues. Don't ever doubt God's power in your life.

 

In Him we find power.

 

 

 

Today's scripture is John 13-15.