Tuesday, May 12, 2015

It Starts With God

I am reading an article on "godliness." I used to think when people spoke of godliness they were comparing themselves to God in the sense that they could become Him. So I was a bit uncomfortable with the term until I got into 2nd Peter. God calls us to be holy and to be godly. I am reading a lengthy article of the subject little by little so I can comprehend and digest it all. The point that it is expands on is godliness is the act of devotion to God. Not your daily Bible study or which ever ministry you're a part of. The article says that in order to practice devotion everything you do and say is for the glory of God. This helped me to understand why I should pray before I do all things whether it is eating, traveling in a car or beginning a meeting. By praying before I start something I realize that I put God first. It is also a reminder to myself that I cannot do it alone. If I pray before doing all things I am putting God's favor over whatever it is.

When We devote ourself to God we begin to serve Him and not the religion. You're not being nice because you have to but because you want to be. God's will becomes your will. People throw in the towel because they're trying to fit into the perfect Christian role instead of serving God. If you serve God then you are the perfect Christian, never the other way around. After you're devoted to God then of course He'll order your steps, you'll be in tune with your Holy Spirit and you'll be able to bounce back from a fall a lot better. We practice godliness to get closer to God. I serve an awesome God!

Thursday, May 7, 2015

The Devil's Deception

In Bible Study , Pastor is teaching on the devil's power of deception. That power is also given by God. We all wonder why God would do such a thing. My only reasoning is that God wants the very best. Yes, He can save us all and make accommodations for us in Heavan but that would only breed more souls like satan. Think about it for a moment. As Christians our main objective is to be like Christ. Daily, we are renewing our minds and refreshing our Spirits. We are transforming. We strive to let go of the negative and are learning discipline. This is what supposed to separate us from the world. If there is no separation, whatever is here on earth will be in Heaven. And just from looking at the news channels this world is no where near a paradise. So God allows the devil to tempt us to a certain degree. But the test is only given once God has equipped us.

We are called to put on the whole armor of God. We are to read, study and pray to strengthen our connections with God. If we continually fall into the same trap that means we are weak. But when trouble comes our way and we are able to quote scripture and remind ourselves "it's only a test," we are guaranteed victors. I've experienced it before. I did not think I was good enough. I knew I wasn't serving God in the capacity that I was called to serve in so I believed that I didn't deserve any blessings. I know that God was perfect and I wasn't so why should I even try to make it into Heaven. But my attitude began to change as I sat in church and read more. I had my break through moment when I started to commit myself to His word and not look at myself as being perfect but only striving to be perfect. The second I gave up my fears of not being good enough for God it was like I felt Him sitting next to me commending me and simply telling me to follow Him. I learned that although I am following Him I will step in the cracks but I just have to get up. If I sit there in self pity God will keep moving forward and I will lose track of Him. That's definitely the devil's deception.

Even when I was well passed that point those thoughts try to come back in my mind but I can only laugh at them because I know my God!

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

I Stand In Faith

Man, oh man have I been going through it! The funny thing is as the moments started to play out I KNEW without a shadow of doubt that it was my turn to be tested. It was like a movie trailer. I got a glimpse of the situation and the future and I came out alright. So that's what I hold on to as I am here, in the wilderness. It is definitely something I will remember for the rest of my life. So as this thing was happening I struggled a bit. But as we all know when trauma happens, the more you struggle the quicker you die. I had to coach myself through and remind myself that everything is going to be OK. I accepted the fact that I was and still am in the wilderness. I even googled things such as how to get out the wilderness, how to get through the wilderness, what to do in the wilderness, what's the purpose of the wilderness, will I ever get out of the wilderness. I didn't know what to do as I entered through that door. I eventually came to read how God brought Israel out of Egypt and the ways in which He came onto the people and how He provided for them their needs and not their wants. That's how I felt. I had to go to God for everything including the small things. I am not an expert but I had to begin to tap into my Holy Spirit for guidance.



So I came to the realization that my wilderness is solidify my faith in God. I was always in, did really well, got comfortable then fell out. Before my wilderness experience I did not need God because all of my needs were met and most of my wants were fulfilled. Now, God is showing me He is the beginning and the end and everything in between. I knew that but didn't have any struggle to make me appreciate Him as much as I do now. When you work hard you appreciate the fruits of your labor more. In this case I simply can't walk out the door because with what I put in and what I went through the only option I have is to come out of the other side. And as I come out I don't want come out stumbling. I want to walk out confidently knowing that God brought me through.


My wilderness is also teaching me to be steadfast. No matter what I or others think or feel about my situation both good and bad I have to always know God is right there. There have been times when I thought I was not a child of God and was forgotten but in the wilderness is when you are vulnerable and the attacks of the enemy are intensified and God stands still. Just knowing that makes the experience even more bearable. God doesn't stand still so we can fail but to see if you learned the lesson. I'll make it because of the God I serve and because He told me so! To God be the glory!

Monday, May 4, 2015

Let Me Reintroduce Myself

Five years later! A lot has happened in five years and even more has happened in the past year. But God is so amazing! Although it's been five long years I haven't entirely stopped thinking about this blog. My favorite part of writing this blog are the responses I would receive. Although I seem like an out there kind of person, I consider myself an introvert. I like to be with myself, in my thoughts and trying to figure it out. But I know that I can't stay in my thoughts alone hence this blog! This blog was created to get my thoughts out and to hear what others think so I can get a fresh perspective. And as I pick up five years later, the objective hasn't entirely changed. I want this to be a place where I can tell of God's grace toward me as well as His mercy. A place where I can lay the pieces until I (with your help) can figure it out. A place where I can contradict myself and not be judged for it. I am still trying to figure it out! In the mean time I am going to see what I was thinking five years ago! Thank you guys so much for subscribing!