They say that the Devil plays the same tricks over and over again and we as Christians are susceptible to them because of our lack of growth. This particular part of my past isn't too far from me but I have no intentions on letting it catch up and become apart of my life again.
I Pray..
The Enemy sees that his way of life isn't for me any more. Using the people who were once close to me to try and break me. But it's so obvious, your tricks won't fool me..
Because God's hands are upon me..
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Practice Makes Perfect
To be good at something one must practice and keep on practicing to keep improving. I know if I want to be good at something I have to practice. But sometimes the practicing isn't what I look forward to. Practice equals dedication to the game, hard work and most importantly perseverance. It's acceptable to be absolutely horrible at something you never had any experience in. But it is unacceptable to know you can't do something and not do anything about it. Practice!
After I read the first chapter in 2 Peter this blog idea came to mind. I cannot become better in Christ if I don't practice. Meaning I have to have knowledge on the teachings of Christ in order to beat the enemy and to live a holy life. I can't get all of this knowledge through Sunday school teachings, Sunday worship and other peoples testimonies. I have to be an active Bible reader and really apply what I learn to my everyday life.
In the middle of the chapter Peter says he plans to constantly remind people of faith about Christ. Not that people of faith are fully forgetful but because he has experienced Christ in such a way that others have not. So a friendly reminder of what Christ has done in his life is a small act that he is willing to do. I see this as a boost in confidence because everyone needs a cheerleader. When some one shares what God has done for them it makes me want to work twice as hard so God can work on me.
As Peter closes out the first chapter he tells the people of faith to pay attention to the scriptures. They aren't written on the pages for nothing. Scriptures obviously make up the Bible and the Bible is our handbook to God. Enough said.
2 Peter 1:5-6
..your faith will producde a life of moral excellence. A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better. Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness.
2 Peter 1:8
The more you grow like this, the more you will become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
After I read the first chapter in 2 Peter this blog idea came to mind. I cannot become better in Christ if I don't practice. Meaning I have to have knowledge on the teachings of Christ in order to beat the enemy and to live a holy life. I can't get all of this knowledge through Sunday school teachings, Sunday worship and other peoples testimonies. I have to be an active Bible reader and really apply what I learn to my everyday life.
In the middle of the chapter Peter says he plans to constantly remind people of faith about Christ. Not that people of faith are fully forgetful but because he has experienced Christ in such a way that others have not. So a friendly reminder of what Christ has done in his life is a small act that he is willing to do. I see this as a boost in confidence because everyone needs a cheerleader. When some one shares what God has done for them it makes me want to work twice as hard so God can work on me.
As Peter closes out the first chapter he tells the people of faith to pay attention to the scriptures. They aren't written on the pages for nothing. Scriptures obviously make up the Bible and the Bible is our handbook to God. Enough said.
2 Peter 1:5-6
..your faith will producde a life of moral excellence. A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better. Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness.
2 Peter 1:8
The more you grow like this, the more you will become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Monday, March 23, 2009
What-If...?
Sometimes I think to myself what would life be like if I wasn't saved. Would I have an easier time saying the things I don't say now? What would my Sunday's look like? Would my attitude be out of control? Would I still be in crazy relationships? Who would I talk to? In general, where would I be in life? What would I be doing with myself? Would I have ups and downs like I do? Would life be easier? How would I feel about God? How would he feel about me?
But the truth of the matter is I can't see myself without God. He's had such an impact on me and I am just realizing it. When I do things He is always in my thoughts (as I mentioned in another blog) and I feel that my decisions are more rational. I can't do the things I used to do. The reason being is not just because God said not to but it lays heavily on both my spiritual side and my natural side. When I was on public transportation this old guy was talking to me. If I were my old self I would of been rude and told him about himself. But since I have some of God in me I thought I could be entertaining an angel. So I just sat there, listened to him and kept on smiling. He complimented my smile and he finally got off of the bus. Then I thought to myself, "he probably wasn't even and angel." I thought that because nothing extraordinary happened. But maybe he was an angel and he was just there for my entertainment and for me to smile. But If he wasn't I did a good job.
God is simply God and nothing could ever take His place. Not unoccupied Sundays, the things a Christian can't do, NOTHING.. What matters now is that I am saved. I have to go through the bad to get to the good. And it will all be worth it in the end.
But the truth of the matter is I can't see myself without God. He's had such an impact on me and I am just realizing it. When I do things He is always in my thoughts (as I mentioned in another blog) and I feel that my decisions are more rational. I can't do the things I used to do. The reason being is not just because God said not to but it lays heavily on both my spiritual side and my natural side. When I was on public transportation this old guy was talking to me. If I were my old self I would of been rude and told him about himself. But since I have some of God in me I thought I could be entertaining an angel. So I just sat there, listened to him and kept on smiling. He complimented my smile and he finally got off of the bus. Then I thought to myself, "he probably wasn't even and angel." I thought that because nothing extraordinary happened. But maybe he was an angel and he was just there for my entertainment and for me to smile. But If he wasn't I did a good job.
God is simply God and nothing could ever take His place. Not unoccupied Sundays, the things a Christian can't do, NOTHING.. What matters now is that I am saved. I have to go through the bad to get to the good. And it will all be worth it in the end.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Day Three: The Gathering
Three days have come and gone. These last three days were phenomenal. During these three days so much has occurred both good and bad. Some things surfaced and now it's time to face it and others things has slide by as the speaker spoke.
At the end of the days events everyone was sharing and caring. It was a good experience because every one was showing so much emotion and showing how the service moved them. It lets you know that you aren't alone and that other people struggle with some of the things that you struggle with. But there is still that obstacle of actually getting it out. And that's what I am trying to overcome.
All in all the conference was great and I wish we could have conference everyday!
At the end of the days events everyone was sharing and caring. It was a good experience because every one was showing so much emotion and showing how the service moved them. It lets you know that you aren't alone and that other people struggle with some of the things that you struggle with. But there is still that obstacle of actually getting it out. And that's what I am trying to overcome.
All in all the conference was great and I wish we could have conference everyday!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Day Two: The Gathering
Another blessing! Today in the conference was the hands on part basically. We had training, ate great food and simply had a good time. When I was in the classes I didn't want them to end. I was at the church today like it was a full time job and I absolutely loved being there. I barely looked at the clock. If I were at work I probably would if looked at the time a million times. But I just love being in the house of the Lord.
But from aside from all of that I really do feel blessed and I feel that this conference was just made for me. I may not be ready to step fully into a leadership role but I will make my way up there.
But from aside from all of that I really do feel blessed and I feel that this conference was just made for me. I may not be ready to step fully into a leadership role but I will make my way up there.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Day One: The Gathering
Tonight was truly a blessing (for me at least)! Some of what I've been going through and some of what I've been thinking was said tonight plus more. We had three speakers who spoke for approximately one hour each and about four minute breaks in between each. But it didn't even seem that long.
What amazes me still is how we had three speakers who didn't come together at all and all of their stories went hand in hand and just fed off of each each other. The word was on going in the wilderness to go through a process to be what God wants us to be. All of that from three people. God really does do some things that will leave you in awe. I know this makes me believe even more than I did when I walked into the conference.
My highlight of the night was when Reverend King started telling us this "deep" story. When he got to the end of the story, it wasn't deep at all. We all thought he was going to relate it back to God but he didn't. We all just laughed. But that's how hungry we were for the Lord.
Now that I've heard the word I have to do the word!
What amazes me still is how we had three speakers who didn't come together at all and all of their stories went hand in hand and just fed off of each each other. The word was on going in the wilderness to go through a process to be what God wants us to be. All of that from three people. God really does do some things that will leave you in awe. I know this makes me believe even more than I did when I walked into the conference.
My highlight of the night was when Reverend King started telling us this "deep" story. When he got to the end of the story, it wasn't deep at all. We all thought he was going to relate it back to God but he didn't. We all just laughed. But that's how hungry we were for the Lord.
Now that I've heard the word I have to do the word!
Galatians: No Turning Back
Galatians 4:8-9
Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God--or rather are known by God--how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
When I read the above text it made me think of the times I've deviated away from God or when I didn't put my all into God. I look back now and think I was crazy to do so. Everything including eternal life is promised to us if we just live according to God's will and keep His commandments. I had the experience of both saved and the unsaved life and I must honestly say that the saved life has definitely treated me better. Not because that's what's assumed as an outcome of saved life, but because God is really good. When I live right I feel like someone, everything seems to fall in place and the whole nine. But as I've stated before, it isn't easy. As my youth Pastor says (male) "I'd rather live a saved life that's full of struggles than an unsaved life that's full of struggles." (something like that) And I totally agree because at the end of the day I know I have someone to fall back on. I think I deviated away because it was the easier thing to do. Point-Blank.
As I was finishing the book of Galatians the following verse gave me that extra push (i love verses like that). It couldn't of been said better:
Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good,for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
It sure does get hard but keep pressing on. The end is really worth it. No use in turning back now that I am this far.
Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God--or rather are known by God--how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
When I read the above text it made me think of the times I've deviated away from God or when I didn't put my all into God. I look back now and think I was crazy to do so. Everything including eternal life is promised to us if we just live according to God's will and keep His commandments. I had the experience of both saved and the unsaved life and I must honestly say that the saved life has definitely treated me better. Not because that's what's assumed as an outcome of saved life, but because God is really good. When I live right I feel like someone, everything seems to fall in place and the whole nine. But as I've stated before, it isn't easy. As my youth Pastor says (male) "I'd rather live a saved life that's full of struggles than an unsaved life that's full of struggles." (something like that) And I totally agree because at the end of the day I know I have someone to fall back on. I think I deviated away because it was the easier thing to do. Point-Blank.
As I was finishing the book of Galatians the following verse gave me that extra push (i love verses like that). It couldn't of been said better:
Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good,for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
It sure does get hard but keep pressing on. The end is really worth it. No use in turning back now that I am this far.
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