tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11392132496861637892024-03-12T21:54:41.212-04:00jessbuthoughts about God..jessb829http://www.blogger.com/profile/00531095521070668438noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139213249686163789.post-32205402730999702332015-05-12T07:23:00.000-04:002015-05-12T07:32:51.671-04:00It Starts With GodI 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.<br />
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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! jessb829http://www.blogger.com/profile/00531095521070668438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139213249686163789.post-72440479708105188802015-05-07T07:41:00.000-04:002015-05-07T07:41:31.438-04:00The 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. <br />
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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.<br />
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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! <br />
jessb829http://www.blogger.com/profile/00531095521070668438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139213249686163789.post-64901958330455145212015-05-05T04:38:00.001-04:002015-05-05T08:41:50.384-04:00I Stand In FaithMan, 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.<br />
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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. <br />
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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!<br />
jessb829http://www.blogger.com/profile/00531095521070668438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139213249686163789.post-79585837678930494182015-05-04T16:46:00.000-04:002015-05-04T16:52:30.784-04:00Let Me Reintroduce MyselfFive 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!
jessb829http://www.blogger.com/profile/00531095521070668438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139213249686163789.post-91643876341836224742010-12-09T08:43:00.003-05:002010-12-09T09:19:30.555-05:00Nothing Can Separate Me..From Your LoveHave you ever had one of those moments where your Spirit jumps for joy and you feel like you've just came to a new epiphany that has been waiting there for you to discover. Then once you stumble upon it you have that "ah hahh" moment. Well I just had that moment hence me writing this blog. I was lying in bed reading my Bible. I am reading from Romans.I try to read at least when I wake up and go to sleep and through out the day if can squeeze it in (I know that's bad but I am working on it). After all I have no excuse since I sleep with my phone which has the Bible on it. But back to the story. I was lying in bed reading Romans, picking up from chapter 5. In that chapter, it talked about the difference between Adam and Jesus. Adam brought death through his sin and disobedience but Jesus gave us grace and the ability to grasp righteousness which gives us LIFE. <br /><br />In chapter 6 which is the infamous piece when people are baptized as they come into the Kingdom of God. Honestly, I never realized the strength of these words. I hear them every time a person is baptized but there have been no real meaning to the scriptures until I just read them today. That chapter asks questions pertaining to Adam and Jesus. It's so much to write and I can probably go on for days but read it for yourself! From chapter 6 leading up to chapter 8, these chapters let us know that even though we are born into sin and we have sinful nature, we do not have to abide by it. It lets us know that even though we are trapped in these bodies momentarily we don't have to live as this body wants us to live because as we were baptized we were dying to the old ways. It not only signifies that but it also synonymous to the death of Christ. Before Christ, every one was a sinner, but after He died on the cross and rose again three days later our sins were forgiven. And that is the truth behind baptism. <br /><br />In chapter 7, Paul (the writer of the book) makes the distinction between our mind and our flesh. The mind serves God while the flesh serve sin. He talks about how sin overcomes us and how it is so enticing. The law by which the mind abides by and the law by which the flesh abide by are contrary to each other, so which law are we to follow are the main arguments Paul is trying to make. <br /><br />And that is the transition into chapter 8. Between these two chapters is where I jumped out of bed and behind the computer because at the end of chapter 7 Paul makes it seem that we should serve both the flesh and the mind by saying "25..I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. so then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin." But remember from chapter 5 to 8 he makes clear of our death to sin once we were baptized. He doesn't say it as plainly but he does. So with that being said, the law of the mind and of God supersedes that of the law of the flesh and sinful ways. Finally he ends chapter 8 with "38-39..For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, not angels, nor principalities, nor powers, not things present nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."<br /><br />Nothing, not even the law of sin can keep us away from God. Nothing!jessb829http://www.blogger.com/profile/00531095521070668438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139213249686163789.post-26519826014897895272010-12-06T20:23:00.002-05:002010-12-06T20:44:02.294-05:00Perception, Understanding, DecisionsUnderstanding is key in relationships. Often times friends, partners and even relationships with God don't work out because the relationship lacks understanding. When you can't see eye to eye on a topic, it is because you are not understanding with the other person's understanding. Take the "love languages" as an example. You cannot love someone how you want to be loved but how they want to be loved even if it isn't appealing to you. It is the same concept. We also studied this in my Theories of International Relations class. It is all about each person's own perception. A person's perception encompasses their unique experience, their character, their way of thinking etc, and after you get passed all of that comes their final decision. But in real life, the process is much quicker and sometimes irrational choices are made.<br /><br />With God, my perception is ever changing because my experience with Him is becoming greater. I am coming to new realizations every single day. It's overwhelming but I am taking it. When you look to the future and the end result, the pain is not that bad. With a change in experience comes a change in my character.I may not have been as forgiving as I should have but as He shows me forgiveness and all the above, my character molds to fit that. <br /><br />I never really gave this decision making theory much thought until studying it in class. But it is very much true in our interactions with one another. Decisions to do or not to do something make up our lives just as there are atoms that make up other beings and so forth until you reach a solid product. <br /><br />Perception shapes our understanding which then shapes our decisions that affect our daily lives.jessb829http://www.blogger.com/profile/00531095521070668438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139213249686163789.post-74514119321443031032010-11-28T18:44:00.002-05:002010-11-28T19:05:03.030-05:00God's Law is SupremeThink about the economy and how countries measure whether or not their dollar is strong. Before the 30s and the Great Depression they used the Gold Standard. After the Depression they used the American dollar to measure dollar worth and that is still how they measure the strength of currency. This definitely correlates with our understanding of anything. The reason they use one base in measuring the strength of dollars is so no one is confused or lost and that they get their full worth when trading. In Proverbs it says to trust the Lord and not to lean on your own understanding. Previous to that verse they spoke on understand and how to obtain it and all. The truth is God’s word and in order to speak truth we have to gain knowledge from the Bible and live by it, even in our relationships. Again, we were created in His image. Also notice that man’s understanding is faulty because in light of the Great Depression they had to switch it up. But with God, in any and every situation, the base never changes. God’s law is supreme.jessb829http://www.blogger.com/profile/00531095521070668438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139213249686163789.post-26608326493421502932010-11-10T08:41:00.002-05:002010-11-10T09:10:37.010-05:00Thou Shalt Deny Me ThriceJesus told Peter that He knew that he'd betray Him. Peter denied it. When they were in the city and people began to recognize Peter as one who had followed Jesus, he denied it three times as Jesus had said he would. The first time he just shrugged it off. The second time he was a bit worried but still insisted he was not with Jesus. The third time someone said to him "you were with him,your speech say so." Then this is where Peter went delirious and began shouting and cursing like a wild man that he did not know Jesus Christ. The cock crew and Peter immediately remembered the words that Jesus had said unto him and he went away and cried bitterly.<br /><br />We cannot hide, alter or deny our true identity. Although Peter denied Jesus, the people still knew who he was. No matter how much he tried to get away, the people kept coming to him and telling him that he was definitely one of the followers. Peter became so overwhelmed from the people's conviction that he became enraged. He wasn't mad at them but at himself. The thoughts that engulfed his mind were probably the time he had spent with Jesus and all that he was taught. Then Jesus' word came to mind. <br /><br />Peter had it all wrong. The reason we learn Jesus' word and worship and praise and all of the sort is to help us rise in times of hardship. He remembered Jesus' word after the fact when he should have remembered before. He went out of his mind when he should have prayed for stability. I am not judging Peter because this had to be done to fulfill the Word that was spoken of God but I can learn from his mistakes.jessb829http://www.blogger.com/profile/00531095521070668438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139213249686163789.post-2527906595656292692010-11-09T17:14:00.002-05:002010-11-09T17:46:01.904-05:00Compassion Toward MeGod is compassionate, forgiving, loyal and all the above. As I read the book of Matthew, the word compassion is used a lot. Jesus always had compassion toward the multitude or to individuals who went after Him. Compassion means to feel sympathy for other's misfortune and the desire to alleviate that suffering. Forgiving means to remit, or cancel a claim on an account. Loyal means allegiance. All of those words only begin to describe what our God is like. He showed compassion on the people by forgiving sinner's sins and casting out demons. He was loyal to us by going to the cross for our sins. He is awesome!<br /><br />He did all of this as an example to us. We should be like Christ.But we cannot be like Him unless we have those characteristics. The pride and the egos must be put aside in order to be like Christ; humility. <br /><br />To keep a clean house and everything in order, you must tidy up as you go. If you are doing the laundry you wash everything. And those things that wouldn't come clean you wash again. And if it still doesn't come clean it goes in the trash. You don't kick trash under the bed because it will bring unwanted guests. You wash the dishes as soon as you use them, you dust and so on and so forth. That is the same in our spiritual life. You don't clean it every so often, you clean it all the time. It is a continuous routine. When you see something out order in your house you fix it and your Temple should be held to the same standard, if not more strict.<br /><br />It takes a humble person to admit that their spiritual house is not clean. Dust is growing, trash is building up etc. As I read more and more about Christ it makes me sit back and think of my ways. I have unforgiveness in my heart but I know I must let it go. The reason I hold on to that is because of fear. Fear to get hurt, fear that I won't be as accepted. But God does not give us a spirit of fear. So to pick away at that which does not belong on my heart I do what I normally wouldn't have done. I say hi, I ask questions and try to involve myself more.<br /><br />This is a humbling experience because although crazy thoughts run through my head on why I shouldn't open up the lovelier thoughts of God overpower and pushes "me" to the side. God is love and love is all that we should show.jessb829http://www.blogger.com/profile/00531095521070668438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139213249686163789.post-63227019740734272632010-11-09T15:37:00.003-05:002010-11-09T15:49:47.154-05:00Tithes, Offering & First FruitsLast Sunday's sermon was about tithes, offering and first fruits and it was pow-er-fulllllll. She said that tithes will break the curse of poverty. The reason for tithes is to keep the House of God running. It's like rent and it has to be paid on time. So if you give to God's house He won't take your finances away. Offering is the blessing. If you give a dollar then you will get a dollar blessing. People get so aggravated when asked to give an offering but aside from the bills, there are leisure activities. Just as women like to get their nails done and guys like to buy splurge so does the church. Churches need money for the activities that you, your children and the other folk at the church like to participate in. The first fruit is the first of what you get. So if you are blessed with a new job and give your first fruits to the House, then you will receive blessing for all to come after. <br /><br />She stressed the fact that all three were all distinct from one another and you cannot substitute one for the other. We want blessings from God but we don't want to bless Him. How odd!<br /><br />I haven't always given what I was supposed to and I'd always feel guilty for not doing so. I'd always tell myself, "well He'll understand because I have to pay this bill." That also was an insult because of my lack of faith. God can and will return to you if you give to His Kingdom.I've gotten better and I don't look at it as less money in my pocket but as more money in His Kingdom.jessb829http://www.blogger.com/profile/00531095521070668438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139213249686163789.post-19486054593075615142010-11-04T17:01:00.003-04:002010-11-04T17:09:18.530-04:00Different Types of WorshipsI invited some friends to come to Christian Fellowship with me but they declined. They didn't decline because something about the group bothered or conflicted with their faith but because of the type of people there. Every where we go we will always encounter people who are a different shade than our own or who worships differently than us. But in the end, we are still God's people. <br /><br />The first time I ever worshipped with people who were different than me was the beginning of this year. At first I thought it was weird. Everything sounded so funny to me. But once I started to look passed than and really put myself in the discussions and what not it really didn't matter. They were just as hungry for God as my Sunday morning congregation at home. So I carried that experience with me to Christian Fellowship. <br /><br />Worshipping with people who are different than you should not be a reason to NOT worship at all.jessb829http://www.blogger.com/profile/00531095521070668438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139213249686163789.post-28249734919059320092010-11-04T16:32:00.004-04:002010-11-04T17:00:02.150-04:00Luke 15 ParablesLast night in Christian Fellowship we looked at Luke chapter 15. In that chapter, Jesus told the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son. These parables pretty much mirror each other and although the first two are very short, they have a lot of power.<br /><br />Jesus started telling the parables in response to the Pharisees thoughts of it being wrong for Jesus to "welcome" and "eat" sinners. In the parables Jesus made the point that even though the sheep wandered off, the coin was lost and the son did so many foolish things, they were all valuable enough for the owner/father to find them. And that is how God is toward us.<br /><br />In the parable of the lost son, the father welcomed his son back with open arms. He knew what type of life his son was living and that he had blown all the fortune that he gave to him, but he didn't care. From the younger son's point of view, he realized he did wrong and was ready to apologize and as he started to beg for forgiveness the father cut him off and welcomed him with nothing but the finer things. The younger son was filthy because he had been working with pigs but the father still clothed him with the best and hugged and kissed him. <br /><br />The older son who had stayed with his father wasn't pleased with his reaction to the younger son coming home because he felt as if he should have been celebrated because he stayed home and worked in the fields. The father explained that his youngest was dead because he was out living a lavish life. But is now alive because he recognized his wrong and was home to get things straight. And that was something to celebrate for.<br /><br />Most of us act like the older son. We think that if we stay in the church then we should receive all of the rewards but in actuality it is the sinner who dedicates/rededicates his life to the Lord who should be praised. In an earlier chapter in Matthew, Jesus explained that He is here on earth to save the sinner. What good would it be for Jesus to save the already saved? That does not add to the kingdom.<br /><br />(You should read Luke 15. There is so much more detail and awe moments than what I wrote.)jessb829http://www.blogger.com/profile/00531095521070668438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139213249686163789.post-15036405542684343712010-10-31T23:04:00.003-04:002010-10-31T23:08:26.464-04:00The Best Youth Group Ever!!Since Christians are opposed to Halloween we had a youth service tonight. The theme was Hallowed Be Thy Name and a lot of the youth and young adults got up to speak. Some of the common trends for the night were facing fears, getting over sin and God giving us the strength and the mindset to go on. It was a really cool service and is getting better and better. Many of the youths are growing in their talents and it is amazing.They are thee best youth group ever!jessb829http://www.blogger.com/profile/00531095521070668438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139213249686163789.post-48720322126276198282010-10-28T10:32:00.004-04:002010-10-28T11:39:11.300-04:00The Heart and MindI remember reading this book about the natural heart, the spiritual heart and the mind. The heart and mind should always be in accord with each other. This isn't how it always works out but with enough time and patience they will soon get there. It's like a wound. In its time of healing you still have a risk of infection and other complications. So you have to make sure to be extra careful to let it heal properly.<br /><br />Right now, my mind is on the Lord. But I can feel the divide between natural and spiritual in my heart. In order to have the spiritual heart and keep the spiritual heart and be guided with the spiritual heart I have to keep my mind fixed because the natural heart is weak and I admit I have weakness in my heart. Matthew 15:17-20 talks about the heart. It is a persons being. The heart is how we act toward others. As ironic as it may sound but it is not what you put into your body but more of what comes out. Eating with dirty hands doesn't make you unclean. True,the germs will go in I guess and just come right back out., no harm done. But having sin in your heart does make you unclean and that can never come out unless you pray to God. <br /><br />There will be times where your heart tells you to do one thing and your mind another. The heart is strong but the mind is stronger because it has no feeling. The mind is pure logic.As I've learned many times before in every aspect of life, emotions are no good. Emotions are blinders because you don't want to see any ugliness in anything that is supposed to be so beautiful. But with your mind focused on Christ all else does not matter. And with the right relationship with Him you'll receive the greatest, most truest emotion ever that can never be mistaken and that is pure divine love.jessb829http://www.blogger.com/profile/00531095521070668438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139213249686163789.post-46519927236880015302010-10-27T22:21:00.003-04:002010-10-27T22:40:54.470-04:00Telephone, Tel-Tel-Ah-PhoneI was in the cafeteria with some friends for a quick dinner. One of the girls that was at the table is a freshman and we're still getting to know her. She also is Muslim and so usually at times like these we'd bombard her with questions. My other friend asked her if she had drank, smoked, ate pork etc? She said no to all of them and the other friend said oo that is good. And I don't know how but her religion came into it but we began to make comparisons between Muslims and Christians.<br /><br />We stated that although both religions have deviants, Christians stick out more. Why is that? As I think more and more about it, most people associate Christianity with sin while they associate Islam with pure loyalty. Is that a good or bad thing? Are we a sinning religion? Although it is a part of our religion and something that we are forever working on, why is it that that is the only part of the message that reaches others?<br /><br />It is just like that game "telephone." You can say a phrase or sentence and the only thing that will stick and make it around the circle are the negative, silly or not-so-nice thing. We Christians are supposed to carry ALL of the news, good and the bad.Our testimony! We can't leave it up to others to interpret or write it for us.jessb829http://www.blogger.com/profile/00531095521070668438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139213249686163789.post-23299222014598481492010-10-24T21:36:00.003-04:002010-10-24T21:52:14.879-04:00Mohawks and Some MoreAs I worked homecoming weekend at my school I was able to sit in on different classes. Seeing as I am a tech person, they needed me in the classrooms to make sure that everything worked properly through out the session time. Since our school does not have a football team because of its small size, our homecoming is geared through recruiting potential freshman and raising funds for the school. So they had classes that a most students wouldn't look at, Art History.<br /><br />In this Art History class the professor was talking about how gruesome the painting looked but by understanding it, it meant the total opposite. It was a 3-tier of Jesus Christ. The first image was Him nailed to the cross with different biblical characters grieving around Him. The second portion was of Him being put into the tombstone by the people who watch Him being nailed to the cross and then finally at the end you seen Him in the sky. But through out each of this pictures she showed us images of Satan. I don't know her religious background but she was explaining from an art historian point-of-view, not a Christian. <br /><br />The image that sticks with me the most is the Satan in the background with peacock feathers on his head in the shape of a mohawk.I forgot what it was really called but when she broke it down that was what it was. I think it was called a peacock's crown, I don't know, I'll research it later seeing as I am supposed to be writing a six to eight paged paper. But yes, the crazy fad you see a lot of people walking around with, a mohawk. She described that Satan uses the peacock to symbolize immortality and some other stuff. <br /><br />Do you think if people really knew what a mohawk symbolized they'd still "rock" it? Do entertainers know its meaning and choose to still wear the style? <br /><br />As she was speaking about this a lot clicked in my mind.Also her seminar will also stick with me too.jessb829http://www.blogger.com/profile/00531095521070668438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139213249686163789.post-41900498462376977162010-10-17T23:52:00.002-04:002010-10-17T23:59:48.651-04:00No Need for WordsFight and Pray for what you want. Sometimes the thought of prayer seems too heavy. Just meditate on God and He will pull the words from you lips. That's just the kind of God that He is. In those pressing moments is when you know that He definitely hasn't given up on you. Those moments give you the strength to make it through another moment. Pretty much like the woman who washed Jesus' feet or the other woman who merely touched the hem of His garment. Sometimes there are no need for words.jessb829http://www.blogger.com/profile/00531095521070668438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139213249686163789.post-60198369732890190532010-10-17T23:35:00.003-04:002010-10-17T23:51:41.812-04:00Superman MentalityToday the guest speaker, Ruth Dailey, spoke about being anchored in God. She only got through three anchors but the one that stuck to me most was commonality. She explained that nothing we go through is new. Someone else in close proximity to us is going through the same exact thing but we don't realize it because of the lack of commication that is exercised. <br /><br />Automatically I thought about my own "commonalities." Who could I talk to? Who do I trust? I couldn't think of a solid person. Although I had a few, they weren't reliable. I've tried a few times to build those type of relationships but they never come out the way I expected and so on. The feeling was not right. It wouldn't be "real talk" but rather regurgitated things that they thought sounded good. I don't need that.<br /><br />It is always good to take your own advice every once in a while. I told a friend that he shouldn't try to take on the world with a superman mentality because it only makes things worse for him. I feel that superman mentality forming in my mind and honestly I don't think it is a bad thing. I don't want to build a wall to keep people out but I also don't want just anyone close to me.jessb829http://www.blogger.com/profile/00531095521070668438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139213249686163789.post-85595253713505592522010-10-12T14:34:00.001-04:002010-10-12T14:34:44.175-04:00Word of God Speak --MercyMe<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JTY-UKgLlXs?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JTY-UKgLlXs?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>jessb829http://www.blogger.com/profile/00531095521070668438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139213249686163789.post-35978426742783478172010-10-12T14:28:00.002-04:002010-10-12T14:33:26.437-04:00Christian HumorPastor Haize from Maine came to our church on Sunday and brought a nice word. But what I really liked was his humor! He said,<br /><br />An older couple were driving down the highway and then a younger couple began to drive along side them. The younger girl was sitting right beside the young man underneath his arm. The older lady noticed and said hunny remember we used to sit like that. The older man looked at her and said i am sitting where I always sat.<br /><br />He compared this to our everyday lives. God never moves from His spot but we always move over and begin to lose sight. It was very eye opening and funny at the same time.jessb829http://www.blogger.com/profile/00531095521070668438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139213249686163789.post-15254778741894388092010-10-03T21:29:00.004-04:002010-10-05T10:37:02.565-04:00Never Had A Friend Like HimI don't see many things as I did. A lot of things are different and I don't know if it is a good or bad thing. Maybe I am just too blinded by whatever it is that is blocking my view to tell.I don't see people as I once seen them, I don't cherish friendships like I used to. I just don't care. It's just me and my happiness. It's been like this for a while. Selfish much?! I wouldn't call it selfish but maybe it's all the insecurities bottled up inside. Will she do me like she did her? Will she throw me to the side for him? Where do I stand with him? Do they even matter?<br /><br />When in doubt, turn to Jesus because He's the only friend that doesn't change. You know that you can count on HIm to deliver. No insecurities even run through my mind because I know He is faithful.jessb829http://www.blogger.com/profile/00531095521070668438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139213249686163789.post-39170601510077839942010-09-29T22:18:00.005-04:002010-09-29T22:41:41.000-04:00Unaddressed..I started attending the Christian Fellowship meetings a week ago. So today was my second meeting. This Christian Fellowship is not just for Christians. It is also for those who don't believe, have a bit of understanding etc. Everyone is invited. But today a guest speaker came in and talked on the subject of evil. The essence of his talk was that evil is within and is a characteristic of human nature rather than God wanting us to suffer as a people.<br /><br />During the Q&A session a guy asked (I am paraphrasing), if God is so powerful and omnipotent then why doesn't He just stop all the evil and natural disasters occurring? Of course it took him a long time to say it so I was thinking well this is how it goes and I raised my hand. The speaker addressed the guy's question but to me it wasn't a simple answer to digest. I really wanted to speak but I shyed away because I didn't want to talk in a room full of people. What do I know? So it was a battle within and I decided not to speak. But the speaker didn't forget about my half raised hand. He pointed to me to "ask a question" and I said "it wasn't a question, it was a comment, forget it." Then he stared. Silence. I said do you want me to share. And he nodded. So I shared my belief with the room. In short, I said, "God made the world so we can live in it. He doesn't want to create puppets out of us. He wants us to do it willingly." The speaker looked at me as if he were thinking and said I'll think about what you just said and I'll get back to you. But I knew he wasn't going to get back to me because time was almost out and how could he think on my question when he had to be focused on the other questions being asked. I didn't let it phase me too much though. And I was right, he never addressed me after he "thought" about my comment. As long as the guy understood where I was coming from, I was cool. It doesn't hurt to just throw it out there.jessb829http://www.blogger.com/profile/00531095521070668438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139213249686163789.post-76621781038570509912010-07-06T11:18:00.002-04:002010-07-06T11:37:36.602-04:00It's Not An OptionI was browsing facebook and I seen that someone was loosing hope in God. Then I thought to myself, "how can we give up so easily?" This wasn't the first time that I've seen it either. I am not the best Christian in the world or the holiest but how can one have the audacity to act in such a way. Believe me, I have my faults too!<br /><br />I've had times where I wanted to give up and leave this world but something on the inside quickly, like the next instant pushed those thoughts out of my mind and filled it with some truth. Could we as soldiers of God really go out like that? Where would I go? It's like taking a test you've studied so hard for and then you reach some questions you've never seen a day in your life and you simply hand in the towel. Is quitting really an option? My God did not raise me like that!<br /><br />When I reach the end I want the satisfaction of actually going through finishing this race. There will be no room for possibilities or what-if's. Maybe I live too carefree but life is not that hard. It's the decisions that we make that makes life hard.jessb829http://www.blogger.com/profile/00531095521070668438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139213249686163789.post-78740529198472479952010-06-14T23:19:00.002-04:002010-06-14T23:38:18.713-04:00Patient EnduranceThe light never dims, we just move futher away from it. My duty is to keep my eyes fixed upon the Goal no matter how many twists and turns I go through. Who would want to see darkness over pretty faces and beautiful scenery? Who would want to live a lie? After a while the side effects begin to show: depression, anxiety etc. <br /> <br />In my darkness, all I see are His promises.The constant reminder of my belonging. We all know once we are pressed for time and the pressure is on there is no option but to submit and get the job done. We are compelled to move toward the light to complete the task. Once that task is done, we slip back into relaxation until that moment of pressure. "Patient endurance is what you need."jessb829http://www.blogger.com/profile/00531095521070668438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139213249686163789.post-84921449083133918172010-04-05T20:22:00.004-04:002010-09-29T22:45:44.715-04:00Predestined VS ChosenToday was our second Bible Study. (I'll tell you about part one later because this sessions is still fresh). The topic at hand was predestined vs chosen and our main text of study came again from Ephesians. My view of these two words were so simple. I thought of the definition of the two words and came up with my conclusion to distinguish the two from each other. <br /><br />The word "chosen" means to be selected from several and "predestined" means to destine in advance. To someone else's knowledge they believe these words were in essence the same. But to me, many are chosen and only one is predestined. Then the story of how Jesus got his disciples. They were all chosen and NOT predestined. Jesus walked along the streets and picked up men who came across his path. They were chosen, then asked, then made a decision.Something on the inside compelled them to go with Jesus. It was simply a choice for them to follow Christ. Another example was us. Yes, US! I believe every person on this Earth was chosen by God but not everyone chose to follow. Our destiny, God's predestination of our lives is what brought us to Christ. Destiny is something that is to be fulfilled where as a choice is not. Again, if we look at the Bible, Jesus was predestined and not chosen. God had it so Jesus died for our sins. He made it so Judas betrayed Jesus. Fulfillment. <br /><br />So how do you distinguish predestine and chosen?jessb829http://www.blogger.com/profile/00531095521070668438noreply@blogger.com0