Chapter 2
2:1-4
-Paul challenges the people of Philipi
-saying that if they are truly followers of Christ that they should do that
-by following Christ it means to put others before you
-to be selfless, not selfish
2:5-8
-Paul uses the example of Christ to enforce his point of being selfless
-"he set aside the privilege of Deity and took on the status of slave, of human!"
-even in death Christ was selfless, and obedient to God
-so we to in everything should be selfless and obedient to Him, living by Christ's example
2:9-11
-B/c of Christ's selfless and obedient nature He was honoured by all
Reflection on 2:1-11
Paul in this section has opened up the second chapter with telling those who live in Philipi to be selfless and obedient to Christ and the Father. His first chapter was all about support and encouragement, where as, after he has done so, so that the people of Philipi will not become proud of themselves and look down on others b/c of Pauls words, he still says you need to be like Christ, and be selfless and obedient.
2:12-13
-Paul then after advising goes back to encouragement
-"simply keep on doing what you've done from the beginning"
-Paul has seen the potential that the church in Philippi has, he has seen the bar they can reach and set for themselves
-he encourages them by saying you have achieved this bar now continue to push even further with your loving, obedient, supportive, selfless spirit
-"Better yet, redouble your efforts."
2:14-16
-Paul goes back to selflessness
-he says again that they should continue to reach higher for the bar
-he encourages them to shine in this world, this "Squalid and polluted" world
2:17-18
-Paul doesn't care weather he dies or lives
-the only thing he cares about is that He has let Christ work through him to help the Philippians
2:19-24
-Timothy is being prepared to be sent to Philipi
-Paul says that so many are fake in the faith, but Timothy is true
-Timothy has a heart for missions, and God's will
-supporting Paul from day one, until the last day
2:25-27
-Paul mentions Epaphroditus, a Philippian that was sent to help Paul
-He know is sent back to Philipi to help there
-Help that was sent has helped and now is sent to help the helper
2:28-30
-In his sending back, Paul tells that Epaphroditus is one who deserves a well planned welcome back
-He supported Paul, even with his life
Reflection on 2:12-30:
Paul opens up with encouragement, then goes onto support and ends off with thanks. Throughout the whole book of Philippians one message is clear, to encourage and support fellow believers. He shows through his example and the example of two others what it means to have true faith in Christ, listening to His calling and no other, weather faced with death or not.
Tuesday, 26 November 2013
Friday, 22 November 2013
A Hopeless word still filled with Hope, a Discouraging people still given encouragement: a study on Philippians chapter 1
Philippians study:
1:1-2
-a greeting
-shows that the author is Paul and Timothy
-both had missions in work with the gentiles (non-Jews/non-Christians)
-the book of Philippians is addressed to the people of Philippi
-"to all followers"
-not that it also says "Pastors and ministers included" (msg translation)
-this shows no one is excluded
-everyone needs guidance from Him
1:3-6
-Paul is so excited for his brothers and sisters in Christ
-they clearly live for Him all the day
-they let Him guide them
-Paul says he is excited to pray for them, "Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer" and "i find myself praying with a glad heart"
-(msg translation)
-this re-enforces the statements said in vs.3-4
1:7-8
-Paul shows his love for his brothers and sisters in Philipi
-he knows the love they have for Christ
-this is a new level to connect with the people of Philipi
-"sometimes I think I feel as strongly about you as Christ does" (msg)
1:9-11
-Paul's prayer:
-That Philipi would be filled with the love of Christ
-love that is serious and not feeling, and emotional
-"not sentimental gush"
-that the Holy Spirit would engulf Philipi and that it would fill that place
Reflection: 1:1-11
Paul opens this letter up with so much encouragement. He sees how the church in Philipi has held strong and has put Christ first. However it's not all "rainbows and butterflies", he still is straight up and blunt with them, however is in encouragement.
1:12-14
-Paul is in prison when he writes this letter
-but continuing with is theme of encouragement
-he continues to say, "don't worry about me"
-he shows how his actions, even in jail, have been an example to everyone
-this is not boastful, but rather selfless
-he is saying "share your faith by your actions and lifestyle, not by your words"
1:15-17
-He warns of others who will try to take, as he puts it "the spotlight" while he is gone
-he says that others are there who are true, and supportive
-however there are others who "merely do it out of greed"
-these people want control
-and take pleasure in the fact that Paul is suffering
-however the very suffering he is going through is the one thing that continues to proclaim his message
1:18-21
-Paul shows his spiritual maturity here to the max!
-after calling people out on being self absorbed, he then proceeds to support them
-vs.18 shows this when he basically says;
-"I know they are being selfish, and self absorbed, and trying to benefit from my imprisonment, however they are still doing God's work, therefore I will support them, encourage them and continue to pray for them!"
-Wait what?! are these not the people who are happy that Paul is in prison, b/c now they can have some "spot light"
-yes, but Paul sees past that, and sees, that even though the means they are doing it are not very mature, Christ is still using them
-Paul then states that the prison he is in is a missions field, like anywhere, of itself
-he doesn't feel bad for himself, but rather praises God that he can be in prison to share the gospel to those there
1:22-26
-the first verse says it all; "As long as I am in this body there is no greater work for me to do.If I was to choose right know, I hardly know which one to choose."
1:27-30
-Paul opens up with telling them that there faith should be there to impress anyone
-he says "let nothing in your conduct hang on, whether I come or not"
-he encourage them to go beyond simply trying to look good for him and actually have and experience a real faith in Christ
-he then says that this will be tough, but that will bring strength to their relationship with Christ, making it a blessing in the end
1:1-30 reflection:
The first chapter of Philippians can be summed up in one word, HOPE, or, ENCOURAGEMENT. This first chapter screams those two words, Paul wants to support his brothers and sisters in Philipi, and so by example we to should do this. This world is filled with hopelessness, discouragement and no support, even in our own modern churches. But look to the word! Here we see the church of Philipi, a true church, seeking not numbers, or to please everyone but to fully experience and express the true love and salvation of Christ. The church of Philipi shows spiritual maturity, and so we should look to them for an example of a God filled, God centred, God striving, God loving church. And remember that yes, life is hard, yes life is uneasy, yes life is tough, yes life is filled with empty discouragement, however as followers of Christ we look beyond that and see hope, encouragement, and love, so don't focus on the negatives in life, but rather the positives He brings! And if you do this, everything, every situation and happening will be seen not through your eyes, but Christ.
1:1-2
-a greeting
-shows that the author is Paul and Timothy
-both had missions in work with the gentiles (non-Jews/non-Christians)
-the book of Philippians is addressed to the people of Philippi
-"to all followers"
-not that it also says "Pastors and ministers included" (msg translation)
-this shows no one is excluded
-everyone needs guidance from Him
1:3-6
-Paul is so excited for his brothers and sisters in Christ
-they clearly live for Him all the day
-they let Him guide them
-Paul says he is excited to pray for them, "Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer" and "i find myself praying with a glad heart"
-(msg translation)
-this re-enforces the statements said in vs.3-4
1:7-8
-Paul shows his love for his brothers and sisters in Philipi
-he knows the love they have for Christ
-this is a new level to connect with the people of Philipi
-"sometimes I think I feel as strongly about you as Christ does" (msg)
1:9-11
-Paul's prayer:
-That Philipi would be filled with the love of Christ
-love that is serious and not feeling, and emotional
-"not sentimental gush"
-that the Holy Spirit would engulf Philipi and that it would fill that place
Reflection: 1:1-11
Paul opens this letter up with so much encouragement. He sees how the church in Philipi has held strong and has put Christ first. However it's not all "rainbows and butterflies", he still is straight up and blunt with them, however is in encouragement.
1:12-14
-Paul is in prison when he writes this letter
-but continuing with is theme of encouragement
-he continues to say, "don't worry about me"
-he shows how his actions, even in jail, have been an example to everyone
-this is not boastful, but rather selfless
-he is saying "share your faith by your actions and lifestyle, not by your words"
1:15-17
-He warns of others who will try to take, as he puts it "the spotlight" while he is gone
-he says that others are there who are true, and supportive
-however there are others who "merely do it out of greed"
-these people want control
-and take pleasure in the fact that Paul is suffering
-however the very suffering he is going through is the one thing that continues to proclaim his message
1:18-21
-Paul shows his spiritual maturity here to the max!
-after calling people out on being self absorbed, he then proceeds to support them
-vs.18 shows this when he basically says;
-"I know they are being selfish, and self absorbed, and trying to benefit from my imprisonment, however they are still doing God's work, therefore I will support them, encourage them and continue to pray for them!"
-Wait what?! are these not the people who are happy that Paul is in prison, b/c now they can have some "spot light"
-yes, but Paul sees past that, and sees, that even though the means they are doing it are not very mature, Christ is still using them
-Paul then states that the prison he is in is a missions field, like anywhere, of itself
-he doesn't feel bad for himself, but rather praises God that he can be in prison to share the gospel to those there
1:22-26
-the first verse says it all; "As long as I am in this body there is no greater work for me to do.If I was to choose right know, I hardly know which one to choose."
1:27-30
-Paul opens up with telling them that there faith should be there to impress anyone
-he says "let nothing in your conduct hang on, whether I come or not"
-he encourage them to go beyond simply trying to look good for him and actually have and experience a real faith in Christ
-he then says that this will be tough, but that will bring strength to their relationship with Christ, making it a blessing in the end
1:1-30 reflection:
The first chapter of Philippians can be summed up in one word, HOPE, or, ENCOURAGEMENT. This first chapter screams those two words, Paul wants to support his brothers and sisters in Philipi, and so by example we to should do this. This world is filled with hopelessness, discouragement and no support, even in our own modern churches. But look to the word! Here we see the church of Philipi, a true church, seeking not numbers, or to please everyone but to fully experience and express the true love and salvation of Christ. The church of Philipi shows spiritual maturity, and so we should look to them for an example of a God filled, God centred, God striving, God loving church. And remember that yes, life is hard, yes life is uneasy, yes life is tough, yes life is filled with empty discouragement, however as followers of Christ we look beyond that and see hope, encouragement, and love, so don't focus on the negatives in life, but rather the positives He brings! And if you do this, everything, every situation and happening will be seen not through your eyes, but Christ.
Thursday, 21 November 2013
Smiling in the midst of the Storm: a study on Peace
Peace, A sense of wholeness or well being
Appearances,
- 1 Samuel 7:14
-this could be interpreted as international
-but look at the wording "restored" and "delivered"
-we see a sense of "revival"
- Romans 14:19
-again just another verse that seems simple at first glance
-but it says "edification"
-meaning "the moral or intellectual instruction or improvement of someone
-we see a sense of "revival" again
-Luke 8:48
-"Your faith has made you free. Go in peace"
-peace can be translated to be "a sense of wholeness"
- looking at it this way "Your faith has made you free. Go in wholeness"
-again, a sense of "revival"
-1 Thessalonians 5:3
-this is a false sense of peace, what the world sees as peace.
-the world will never achieve peace, b/c peace is only found through Christ
-peace is the wholeness of living in a broken world, but looking it in the face and smiling
-peace is revival, to re-live
-Romans 5:1
-we have been justified, that is to accept the forgiveness
-once that is fully true, we then have a sense of wholeness in Christ
-a sense of revival
-Philippians 4:7
-it gives us a clear view, if it is there we see clearly through the fog of sin and our own decisions
-John 14:27
-"I do not give as the world gives"
-why is that said?
-yes the world sees peace as "freedom" but it is an unachievable freedom
-man is sinful, thus everything he does without the name of God is not peaceful
-b/c we are slaves to this world, thus not free, but Christ will break our chains
-this leads to true Peace
Galatians 5:22-23
-"the fruit" not fruits
-if peace is there, so are all the others, if they are not, then it is not God sent peace, and thus not peace at all
Isaiah 9:7
-"of the increase of his...peace there will be no end"
-no explanation needed
Haggai 2:9
-REVIVAL!
Isaiah 59:8
-the world does not know true Peace
-b/c they do not know Christ, so it is not achievable
Isaiah 53:5
-Peace can only come from the cross, for that is where it all began
-Collisions 1:20
Romans 5:1
-Justification (revival)
Isaiah 26:3
-continuing to seek Him (steadfast) and trust, become open to Him 100%
2 Peter 1:2
-growing in Him, in knowledge of Him brings peace, if it is applied
2 Corinthians 13:11
-being on body in Christ
-seeking Him
2 Timothy 2:22
- seek peace in everything, if there is no peace then that is not His guiding
-once you have experienced His peace you will know if it is not there
Peace in the Bible is one very different then that of the world. Worldly peace means a freedom with no sadness, no pain, no understanding, but in a way innocents. Biblical and Godly peace is that of understanding and maturity, it shows growth, and most of all it shows a revival of a spiritual awaking to Gods truth and calling. So in the Hebrew "Sholom Al com" or "Peace be with you"
Appearances,
- 1 Samuel 7:14
-this could be interpreted as international
-but look at the wording "restored" and "delivered"
-we see a sense of "revival"
- Romans 14:19
-again just another verse that seems simple at first glance
-but it says "edification"
-meaning "the moral or intellectual instruction or improvement of someone
-we see a sense of "revival" again
-Luke 8:48
-"Your faith has made you free. Go in peace"
-peace can be translated to be "a sense of wholeness"
- looking at it this way "Your faith has made you free. Go in wholeness"
-again, a sense of "revival"
-1 Thessalonians 5:3
-this is a false sense of peace, what the world sees as peace.
-the world will never achieve peace, b/c peace is only found through Christ
-peace is the wholeness of living in a broken world, but looking it in the face and smiling
-peace is revival, to re-live
-Romans 5:1
-we have been justified, that is to accept the forgiveness
-once that is fully true, we then have a sense of wholeness in Christ
-a sense of revival
-Philippians 4:7
-it gives us a clear view, if it is there we see clearly through the fog of sin and our own decisions
-John 14:27
-"I do not give as the world gives"
-why is that said?
-yes the world sees peace as "freedom" but it is an unachievable freedom
-man is sinful, thus everything he does without the name of God is not peaceful
-b/c we are slaves to this world, thus not free, but Christ will break our chains
-this leads to true Peace
Galatians 5:22-23
-"the fruit" not fruits
-if peace is there, so are all the others, if they are not, then it is not God sent peace, and thus not peace at all
Isaiah 9:7
-"of the increase of his...peace there will be no end"
-no explanation needed
Haggai 2:9
-REVIVAL!
Isaiah 59:8
-the world does not know true Peace
-b/c they do not know Christ, so it is not achievable
Isaiah 53:5
-Peace can only come from the cross, for that is where it all began
-Collisions 1:20
Romans 5:1
-Justification (revival)
Isaiah 26:3
-continuing to seek Him (steadfast) and trust, become open to Him 100%
2 Peter 1:2
-growing in Him, in knowledge of Him brings peace, if it is applied
2 Corinthians 13:11
-being on body in Christ
-seeking Him
2 Timothy 2:22
- seek peace in everything, if there is no peace then that is not His guiding
-once you have experienced His peace you will know if it is not there
Peace in the Bible is one very different then that of the world. Worldly peace means a freedom with no sadness, no pain, no understanding, but in a way innocents. Biblical and Godly peace is that of understanding and maturity, it shows growth, and most of all it shows a revival of a spiritual awaking to Gods truth and calling. So in the Hebrew "Sholom Al com" or "Peace be with you"
Tuesday, 19 November 2013
Finding Him in the Wildernes, a Study on John the Baptist
John (Yahweh is gracious) study:
FIRST MENTION
-Isaiah 40:3-5,
-John 1:23
-Matthew 3:1-3,
- this is when we first see John in his mission, he also quotes Isaiah 40:3-5
LIFE
-Luke 1:5
-"Elizabeth was also a decedent of Aaron"
-Aaron being the brother of Moses (Exodus 7:1)
-John prepared the path for Christ (John 1:23, Matthew 3:3)
-Aaron in a way prepared a path for Moses before he would lead
-John was from a line of "Prepare the path"
-Numbers 6:2-3 & Luke 1:15
-the Nazrite vow, also taken by Sampson
- a vow of physical purity and abstinence
-Luke 1:44
- John leaps for joy in the womb of Elizabeth when Mary draws near with Jesus in her womb
- this is the living out of vs. 15, when it is said John will be filled with the spirit even before berth
- even in the womb he is showing that Christ is the lamb of God
-Luke 1:76-79
- John's calling from God through the words of his father
-"To give His people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins"
- showing that the prophesy of Isaiah will come true
-Luke 3:2-6
- Johns ministry starts
- vs.3 he immediately after being called in vs. 2 goes into ministry with no hesitance
- he goes into a ministry of repentance and forgiveness
- repentance: "to change ones mind" or "to turn away"
- forgive: "to pardon"
-vs.4-6 are the prophesy from Isaiah
-vs.6: "And all people will see God's salvation"
-John prepares the path for this, he basically makes the glasses for the people to see clearly, and when they do they look up and see Christ
-Luke 3:15-16
-John is misinterpreted, and misunderstood
-vs.15:"The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah"
-John's response, vs.16: "I am not worthy"
-John is humble, noticing that he is being misunderstood, he turns the people back to the right message
-this shows spiritual maturity
-John 1:29-31
-John reveals the Christ to those around
-He has paved the path and now he send people down with the guide
-"Look the lamb of God..."
-vs.32-34, John tells that God has revealed the Christ to him, he is one of the first to have this revealed to him
-John 5:31-36
-Jesus tells that John was just the messenger
-"I know that his testimony about me is true"
-"You have sent John and he has testified truth"
-John 3:26-30
-John remains humble when he realises his ministry and mission is over and complete
-instead of feeling down and filled with jealousy, he is the opposite
-"the friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. that joy is mine, and is now complete"
-He realises that the focus must be on Christ now "He must be greater, I must be less"
Application:
-we should look at John's example, and realise that the focus should not be on us but on Christ
-this shows spiritual maturity
-Matthew 3:13-17
-John Baptists Christ, this is when John 1:32-34 comes into play, revealing to John that this is the Christ, the embodiment of the LORD
-Matthew 11:2-6 & 7,9,11
- John shows his humanity by questioning again to be sure, and sends word to ask if Jesus is the Christ
-vs.2
-When asked Christ responds calmly by saying yes
-vs.4-6
-Jesus then starts to preach about John, on how humble and understanding he is of the Spirit
-vs.7,9.&11
-Matthew 21:26
-John is seen as a prophet
-prophet: One who speaks for God
-John showed the people Christ
-Mark 6:17-18
-John calls Herod out on his adulterous marriage
-this shows a sense of morality
-also shows bravery, we see that he was imprisoned because of this
-He is later beheaded (Matthew 14:1-12)
-John lived a Humble life, filled with the spirit, even since birth (Luke 1:44), his entire life was dedicated to preparing the path of the Lord (Luke 3:2-6, 15-16, John 1:29-31). By far John is one of the most humble characters in the entire bible (John 3:26-31), he knows that he doesn't matter without Christ. And even at the very end John approaches his death with a humble spirit, seeking only God's moral standard for all. John was humble, happy for life, and unlike most saw that life was not about self, but about bringing God glory, John truly lived up to what his name meant "God is gracious" and he let all know it!
Lord may a spirit of John be awakened in all of us, may a servants heart completely for you awaken inside of us. A revival, a re-generation in our lives, for You be instilled. May we like John, approach everything seeking you first, an making us last, in his words "May you become greater, and us less" (paraphrased John 3:30).
FIRST MENTION
-Isaiah 40:3-5,
-John 1:23
-Matthew 3:1-3,
- this is when we first see John in his mission, he also quotes Isaiah 40:3-5
LIFE
-Luke 1:5
-"Elizabeth was also a decedent of Aaron"
-Aaron being the brother of Moses (Exodus 7:1)
-John prepared the path for Christ (John 1:23, Matthew 3:3)
-Aaron in a way prepared a path for Moses before he would lead
-John was from a line of "Prepare the path"
-Numbers 6:2-3 & Luke 1:15
-the Nazrite vow, also taken by Sampson
- a vow of physical purity and abstinence
-Luke 1:44
- John leaps for joy in the womb of Elizabeth when Mary draws near with Jesus in her womb
- this is the living out of vs. 15, when it is said John will be filled with the spirit even before berth
- even in the womb he is showing that Christ is the lamb of God
-Luke 1:76-79
- John's calling from God through the words of his father
-"To give His people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins"
- showing that the prophesy of Isaiah will come true
-Luke 3:2-6
- Johns ministry starts
- vs.3 he immediately after being called in vs. 2 goes into ministry with no hesitance
- he goes into a ministry of repentance and forgiveness
- repentance: "to change ones mind" or "to turn away"
- forgive: "to pardon"
-vs.4-6 are the prophesy from Isaiah
-vs.6: "And all people will see God's salvation"
-John prepares the path for this, he basically makes the glasses for the people to see clearly, and when they do they look up and see Christ
-Luke 3:15-16
-John is misinterpreted, and misunderstood
-vs.15:"The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah"
-John's response, vs.16: "I am not worthy"
-John is humble, noticing that he is being misunderstood, he turns the people back to the right message
-this shows spiritual maturity
-John 1:29-31
-John reveals the Christ to those around
-He has paved the path and now he send people down with the guide
-"Look the lamb of God..."
-vs.32-34, John tells that God has revealed the Christ to him, he is one of the first to have this revealed to him
-John 5:31-36
-Jesus tells that John was just the messenger
-"I know that his testimony about me is true"
-"You have sent John and he has testified truth"
-John 3:26-30
-John remains humble when he realises his ministry and mission is over and complete
-instead of feeling down and filled with jealousy, he is the opposite
-"the friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. that joy is mine, and is now complete"
-He realises that the focus must be on Christ now "He must be greater, I must be less"
Application:
-we should look at John's example, and realise that the focus should not be on us but on Christ
-this shows spiritual maturity
-Matthew 3:13-17
-John Baptists Christ, this is when John 1:32-34 comes into play, revealing to John that this is the Christ, the embodiment of the LORD
-Matthew 11:2-6 & 7,9,11
- John shows his humanity by questioning again to be sure, and sends word to ask if Jesus is the Christ
-vs.2
-When asked Christ responds calmly by saying yes
-vs.4-6
-Jesus then starts to preach about John, on how humble and understanding he is of the Spirit
-vs.7,9.&11
-Matthew 21:26
-John is seen as a prophet
-prophet: One who speaks for God
-John showed the people Christ
-Mark 6:17-18
-John calls Herod out on his adulterous marriage
-this shows a sense of morality
-also shows bravery, we see that he was imprisoned because of this
-He is later beheaded (Matthew 14:1-12)
-John lived a Humble life, filled with the spirit, even since birth (Luke 1:44), his entire life was dedicated to preparing the path of the Lord (Luke 3:2-6, 15-16, John 1:29-31). By far John is one of the most humble characters in the entire bible (John 3:26-31), he knows that he doesn't matter without Christ. And even at the very end John approaches his death with a humble spirit, seeking only God's moral standard for all. John was humble, happy for life, and unlike most saw that life was not about self, but about bringing God glory, John truly lived up to what his name meant "God is gracious" and he let all know it!
Lord may a spirit of John be awakened in all of us, may a servants heart completely for you awaken inside of us. A revival, a re-generation in our lives, for You be instilled. May we like John, approach everything seeking you first, an making us last, in his words "May you become greater, and us less" (paraphrased John 3:30).
Sunday, 20 October 2013
Domino Effects and Deep Breaths
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,for those who are called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28
Have you ever felt like there is no way out? That just one problem leads to another, and that when you seem to have fixed it or figured it out something else goes wrong? I know I have, sometimes it gets so hard that I forget to stop and just enjoy life. I forget to be thankful that I am still alive, that this problem probably wont kill me, and that in the end Gods name will be glorified.
Today's verse has been popping up lately in my life, and I think I know why. Lately life has been a little rough and stressful, with a bundle of starting a new job, a new school year, family issues, house hold problems, and money issues, I have tried to remain positive through it all because of this one verse. Romans 8:28 has been helping me get through this past 2 months of insanity.
On this note, I have a friend, who almost daily reminds me how positive I am on how I look at life. One day she told me "I love how optimistic you are." The other day someone told me to stop being so positive, that being upset at stuff is okay, and I completely agree with that, with in reason.
Take a close look at this verse,
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,for those who are called according to his purpose."
note that it says ALL THINGS, not just somethings, or just good things, or when life is going smoothly... but ALL THINGS. Think about that, that includes the bad, the ugly, and the bumpy times as well. The times when one thing after another, like a domino, falls out of place and gets us stressed. In those kind of times we need to keep Romans 8:28 in mind, why? because we forget that God knows whats going on, He knew what would happen at this exact moment in your life even before He spoke the world into life. He did,has and will always have that knowledge about your life.
So you want to know what I think? Instead of trying to fix everything, and worrying about it and letting it ruin your entire day, step aside from your stressful, crazy, busy life and breath, and take a knee and talk to the one who knows what has, is, and will happen. Talk to Him, and keep in mind that no matter who or what it is that happened or did, it has been put in place so that it may be done for His good.
Have you ever felt like there is no way out? That just one problem leads to another, and that when you seem to have fixed it or figured it out something else goes wrong? I know I have, sometimes it gets so hard that I forget to stop and just enjoy life. I forget to be thankful that I am still alive, that this problem probably wont kill me, and that in the end Gods name will be glorified.
Today's verse has been popping up lately in my life, and I think I know why. Lately life has been a little rough and stressful, with a bundle of starting a new job, a new school year, family issues, house hold problems, and money issues, I have tried to remain positive through it all because of this one verse. Romans 8:28 has been helping me get through this past 2 months of insanity.
On this note, I have a friend, who almost daily reminds me how positive I am on how I look at life. One day she told me "I love how optimistic you are." The other day someone told me to stop being so positive, that being upset at stuff is okay, and I completely agree with that, with in reason.
Take a close look at this verse,
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,for those who are called according to his purpose."
note that it says ALL THINGS, not just somethings, or just good things, or when life is going smoothly... but ALL THINGS. Think about that, that includes the bad, the ugly, and the bumpy times as well. The times when one thing after another, like a domino, falls out of place and gets us stressed. In those kind of times we need to keep Romans 8:28 in mind, why? because we forget that God knows whats going on, He knew what would happen at this exact moment in your life even before He spoke the world into life. He did,has and will always have that knowledge about your life.
So you want to know what I think? Instead of trying to fix everything, and worrying about it and letting it ruin your entire day, step aside from your stressful, crazy, busy life and breath, and take a knee and talk to the one who knows what has, is, and will happen. Talk to Him, and keep in mind that no matter who or what it is that happened or did, it has been put in place so that it may be done for His good.
Wednesday, 18 September 2013
Adam, Eve, and everyone else
"So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." -Genesis 1:27
The other week I was walking through the halls of my school praying over the lockers and it hit me, all of us are created in His image. ALL OF US! I continued to think about this, that means even my friends who do not know the Lord are even created in His image. So that means that even though satan has conquoered there ways with the falling into the sinful nature, he will always be reminded by there image that he is still not in power. That one thing remains, we are created in His image, that is the one thing satan will never ever be able to control.
Satan can control our actions, and our thoughts, and what we do, but he can only control and enslave what is already there... that image of God. That just blew my mind, I think we don't think about it that way, the Bible says that we were knit in our mothers womb, by Him. But we only talk about the verse when we think of Followers, not others. Those kind of verses apply to all man kind, future, past and present.
So today, look at everyone as an amazing, beautiful, creation and image of Him!
The other week I was walking through the halls of my school praying over the lockers and it hit me, all of us are created in His image. ALL OF US! I continued to think about this, that means even my friends who do not know the Lord are even created in His image. So that means that even though satan has conquoered there ways with the falling into the sinful nature, he will always be reminded by there image that he is still not in power. That one thing remains, we are created in His image, that is the one thing satan will never ever be able to control.
Satan can control our actions, and our thoughts, and what we do, but he can only control and enslave what is already there... that image of God. That just blew my mind, I think we don't think about it that way, the Bible says that we were knit in our mothers womb, by Him. But we only talk about the verse when we think of Followers, not others. Those kind of verses apply to all man kind, future, past and present.
So today, look at everyone as an amazing, beautiful, creation and image of Him!
Monday, 2 September 2013
Seeing Brush Strokes of a Bigger Picture
After a long summer it is finally time to go back to real life. This past summer was actually truly amazing, God showed me so much about where He wants to take me this year. With that I think we all need to remember as we head back to school, work, and our yearly daily lives to listen to His guidance.
This past year I started this blog as mainly something to update my friends back home for when I went away on my missions trip to Brazil. However as many of you have seen, read and observed, this blog has become a
lot more then a simple update here and there. This blog has become an example of how God can use our plans to make His come to life.
So as we head into this new work/school year remember, sometimes our plans aren't His, sometimes things wont go like we want them to the whole time. but know that He knows where we are, will and have been, so embrace this year, and embrace His will.
This past year I started this blog as mainly something to update my friends back home for when I went away on my missions trip to Brazil. However as many of you have seen, read and observed, this blog has become a
So as we head into this new work/school year remember, sometimes our plans aren't His, sometimes things wont go like we want them to the whole time. but know that He knows where we are, will and have been, so embrace this year, and embrace His will.
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