I'd rather not have my heart toyed around with any longer...
I'm past that point and thought that you were, too.
I am longing for something that lasts,
something God-given and that will glorify Him.
I'm tired of thinking that I've found something special and having to find out that I was wrong.
Lord, I need you to keep me strong.
Remembering You are all that matters,
and how You told me not to worry...
It's all in Your hands.
My mom gave me a word of encouragement the other night that I thought would be helpful to others, as well. We've been going through a lot recently and she was telling me to remember Joseph (Jacob's son). She told me to think about how he must have felt sitting in that pit, knowing that God had told him things in a dream, yet not knowing how it would all come into play. Then I went back and read parts of the story. Do you realize that not only was Joseph highly favored, but that the Bible even says that the Lord was with him? It mentions it several times that God was there. Even though Joseph was wrongly accused and imprisoned, God was still there with him and He made sure that Joseph was okay. Not only that, but I think about how Joseph always gave God the glory. That is how I want to live. There was no doubt that Joseph followed God, Pharaoh knew it and every one who came in contact with Joseph knew it. The part that my mom knew I needed to hear was that, although Joseph was put in situations of despair, he held on to God's promises and knew that when God said something, He meant it. He had to know that God will never forsake his children and that though he couldn't see the end, if he put his trust in God, he would make it through.
I have a lot of things that I probably should be worrying about right now, and sometimes I fall into that trap and end up worrying about them; but I know that God has good things planned for me and that all things work out for the good of those who love Him. I know that God has promised to never leave nor forsake me. I know that He promised that we would face persecution and trials as a believer, but that I would not face them alone. I know that there is power in death and resurrection of His son and the blood shed for me. I know that He has given me strength and that I cannot attribute any of what has happened nor the fact that I am so joyful through struggles to anything but Christ. He is my strength.
It saddens me sometimes how we, as Christians, act or come across to others... I say "we", myself included... As those held responsible to shine a light, the Light, we need to be aware that the world watches as we live out our days.
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." -Matthew 5:13-16
I am going to refrain from sharing the full story, for that is not the purpose of this post; but I will say that I hope and pray that, as believers, we will be examples for others to follow. Let us not look to anyone, but Jesus, to show us how to be that perfect example.
Have you ever had something hit you after a major life experience and it wasn’t made clear until the event actually happened? That’s what happened to me.
I just realized something.
Recently I had to make a tough decision. Now I could’ve done what I felt was safe instead of stepping out of my comfort zone and following what I knew was right; the thing that God was telling me to do. Where would I be now if I hadn’t of stepped out on the water? Shaking on a boat, trembling with fear, feeling alone?
It took a lot of courage. It took a lot of strength, not my own; but it was faith that made it happen. Many worries and thoughts about the future went through my mind as I reached for his hand. I felt my grip slipping and, for a second, I thought that the water gave way… but I fixed my gaze on those peaceful eyes, eyes like deep pools of calm water… and he walked with me. His presence comforted me. And I realized… I was never alone.
I pray that you never give up your dreams...
that you follow your calling...
that you realize that he or she is not everything...
The other day I was just thinking about how many times I have let the idea of being with someone get in the way of what I could be... of what God is calling me to do. I would much rather be single the rest of my life than get distracted and miss out on what the Lord has for me. I am tired of losing focus on the things that don't matter. My heart is to serve and please the Lord, my God... so, in the thoughts of marriage and finding the one, I pray that my heart will stay guarded and that I will place my commitment to God above everything. I want to focus on falling in love with God, before I can ever even begin to think of falling in love with someone else. I pray that you, too, may realize the importance of this significant, sacred aspect of life. After talking about marriage at bible study last week (in 1 Corinthians), I am seeing more and more why Paul wished that we could all be single. Don't get me wrong, I believe in marriage and that it is definitely a good thing, but I realize the importance of being single and using that time given to you to fall madly in love with Him.
I breathe in Your love...
I sing out Your praises...
I hear Your voice
speaking quietly to me...
You comfort me
in a way that only You know how.
All day long I sang to You,
I talked to You,
and as I lay down to sleep,
all I can think of is You.
I lie awake,
praying
Lord,
let me dream of You.
Let everything that I do
be about You.
No longer my own...
This is who I am,
I live for You.
So wonderful,
