It's All Grace...

I was just sitting here thinking about God's grace and His mercy.  I can recall the first play I participated in at Lily of the Valley Deliverance Center.  It was a Christmas play, and the resounding phrase was... "Your grace is sufficient... Your grace is sufficient" How true that is...The Lord's grace is sufficient... And then I began to think about all the grace He pours out daily for each of us...and how many of us take advantage of that grace...
Do we really stop to think about it? 
It is grace that woke us up this morning...and started us on our way.
It is grace that allowed our brains to have intellect that we might form the words that we say.
When you really think about it, everything we are do is because of God's mercy and His grace.
It's even by the grace of God that you have that face...that is so fearfully and wonderfully made.
But you know, it's just our human genealogy to think that even that's not enough.
We constantly want want want.

Something About the Love of Jesus!

There's just something about the love of Jesus.  It surpasses all other love.  When I think about it, I am completely satisfied with Jesus alone. Sure, every now and then I may consider the companionship of another human being of the opposite gender, but I'm always reminded that there's no greater love than that of Jesus Christ.

Man is flawed.  We all have known this since the beginning of time.  But if we were perfect, then there would be no need to our awesome God.  Of course our creator wouldn't make us higher than He, or even on the same level.  Jesus Christ reigns supreme over all, and what's so great about Him is that even though He has the ability to just completely destroy us, He doesn't.  He allows us time to realize just who He is, and how much He loves us.

I remember having a conversation with a friend of mine as he was reading a book on the whole story of how Satan wanted to basically be God.  Some may ponder, "Why didn't God just destroy Satan right away?"  He has the power to do so.  But the author of that book explained God's truth and righteousness.  Sure He could have destroyed Satan, but everyone would have served Him out of fear.  As we know, God IS love, and He wants us and all His creation to reverence Him as such.  By letting Satan do as much as he did, his true character was revealed.  Satan was and still is a liar and manipulator.  

Our God is a just God.  He wants nothing but the best for us.  And let's face it, HE is what's best for us.  We should desire nothing more than to be with Him.  Jesus has given the ultimate sacrifice for us. He gave His life for us.  And when I think of it, He gave His WHOLE life for us.  I'm sure He may have wanted a family and wife of His own, but He specifically came to do what His Father willed Him to do.  Can we say we would have done the same?

All I'm really trying to say is that Jesus loves us....SO MUCH!  He deserves our ALL...  Sometimes I think of how I've been disobedient.  Not necessarily doing "wrong", but just not doing enough right.  Sometimes I may put other things before Him... or I may focus too much on me me me... When it's really not about me AT ALL.

Lord, forgive me for all the times I have neglected to reverence you in all that I do.  You Love me so much, and sometimes I don't return the same love.  I am so grateful for all that you have done for me, and I want nothing more than to please you.

Trusting Him More

Okay, back to the blogging... It's been a while since I've had the opportunity to free my mind and speak... well, type.  There's been much going on in life... in my life.  But it's all for a purpose.

I know I've written a blog previously about trusting in God...and do we really trust Him? It's easy to say that we trust God...we can even quote many scriptures that tell us to trust Him. But the truth of the matter is, we will always try and handle things in our own strength. It may not seem that way, but we do it all the time...or at least I can say that I do. I never thought that I was doing it on my own until I was brought to a place in my life where I realized it. 

God allowed me to be put in a situation where I could be tried in the trusting department... and surrendering completely to Him. I say He's my provider, He's my strength..but when this problem arised, I found myself going above and beyond trying to fix it myself...and it just wasn't working.  I told God, okay... I'm done... I'm giving it to You.  Then hours later, I'm trying again (in my own strength) to fix the problem.  A solution wasn't coming fast enough... the deadline was approaching... Still, nothing has changed.  I've done all I can do.  And to no avail.  So now, there's nothing left for me to do but trust God!

He spoke to me and said "STOP!  I am faithful and I am just.  I will do what I said I will do."  All I have to do is keep my mind on Him... keep doing His will, and all my needs will be met.  He is able!

And I thank Him for allowing me to be in a situation...where it seems that everything is falling apart.  I know that something great will come of it...and more importantly, I will know who God is to me... He is my provider.  He is my keeper.  He is my healer.  He is my deliverer. He IS my everything!  What is He to you?

Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. - Psalm 37:3

ITT Tech x2

School this time around is so much better than before. Being saved, sanctified and Holy Ghost filled makes a world of difference. I'm on an assignment, not just for class...not for myself, but for God. And that's awesome. I get to let my light shine every Monday and Friday morning at ITT Technical Institute so that anyone that may be in darkness can see their way out. Being able to do something I already love doing, graphic design, is just the icing on the cake. I just pray that God continues to give me strength, and continues to allow me to be in His will so that my light remains that city on a hill that cannot be hid.

 

Here is an assignment that we did today in class and I thought I'd share...

We all did change wheels to talk about the changes that occurred in our lives and then we had to write a reflection...

Written Reflection

As I think over the changes that have occurred in my life and the world around me, I can honestly say that initially, many of them were conceived as negative.  I’m sure I’m not alone in this.  For some people, change is welcomed with open arms.  Over time, I’ve become on of those people. 

Due to my increasing faith in Jesus Christ, I’m able to view life changes as opportunities rather than obstacles.  Reading scriptures from the Holy Bible helps encourage me daily.  There is one scripture that states that all things work together for the good of those who love God.  Whenever what seems to be negative changes occur in my life, I think back on that scripture as a reminder that this will work out fine.

As far as school goes, I feel more prepared this second time around.  I have a new outlook on the classes and the lessons to be learned.  I’ve shared with friends that being spiritually filled has made this experience more rewarding, because not only will I be doing what I love to do, I will be doing it with a purpose far greater than what the eyes may see right now.  I anticipate that there will be many challenges as the course progresses.  Being a single mom, youth president and working will be some to name a few, but I’m ready to take them on.

During the course of school, I will reflect on all the significant changes in my life as motivation to never give up when changes come my way.

Is Anybody Listening?

"Is anybody listening or am I talking to myself...talking to myself...talking to myself? Nobody's listening. Guess I'm just talking to myself...talking to myself...

If seeing is believing once you see me in the flesh. One thing I'll guarantee is that you'll see that he's been blessed. I got a couple issues that might need to be addressed. My mind has been design to not be easily impressed. I wish that you would read between the lines that I express. To see that I'm not at all defined by my success. Until then there's no disguise to hide behind this stress. I confess. I'm the one that got myself inside this mess."

-Jin (Running Through My Head)

I like this portion of the song...not just because of the way it flows...but what I got out of it is that you Must confess your sins or faults or shortcomings. Sure, God already knows them, but until you confess them to Him yourself, you won't be able to move forward.

After confessing and making the needed changes in your life, you will become a new creature in Jesus Christ.  Most probably won't believe the transformation because they knew the old you. But God is able. Sure we will have "a couple issues that might need to be addressed", but it's an everyday walk.


He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. -Proverbs 28:13

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. -1 John 1:9

Stay encouraged... God Bless

Who You Represent?!

I decided to listen to Tye Tribbett's Victory album on the way to work today, and that lil' part of the Intro that said: "Who you represent?!" stuck in my head... Answer: "We represent the Kingdom of God!"... or do we?

Matthew 6:24 states that: "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate one, and love the other, or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." -KJV

To get further understanding, I googled "mammon".

According to Wikipedia...

" Mammon is a term, derived from the Christian Bible, used to describe material wealth or greed, most often personified as a deity, and sometimes included in the seven princes of Hell."

That makes sense. We shouldn't put material things ahead of God, but oftentimes we do.  Who's missed a day of church so that they could clean their car?...cut their grass?... Greed... if you're not mandated to work on Sundays (or whatever day/time services are), why work? Is that extra dollar really worth more than food for your soul? And not just making it to church, but just to spend that time with God... I hear you. You're not greedy over money, nor do you put that much value on material things... Okay, let's go a little further.

So, mammon is sometimes included in the seven princes of Hell... Who are they??

1. Lucifer - Pride
2. Mammon - Greed
3. Asmodeus - Lust
4. Satan - Wrath
5. Beelzebub (also called Baal) - Gluttony
6. Leviathan - Envy
7. Belphegor - Vanity and Sloth

Ahh yes... they represent, what are called, the seven deadliest sins. Probably some of the hardest to deal with because they're rooted deeply within the heart. These are pretty self explanatory, but let's dig a little bit anyway.

Pride: Yes, God is blessing you...Yes..God is blessing you.... Yes! GOD is blessing you! You did not do this on your own. Don't proclaim God, but all the while saying, "Yeah, I did that!" on the inside. Following pride is a great fall.

Greed: We already covered this earlier...

Lust: Definitely a major problem in this world today. Sad to say, it even happens in the churches today.  It's important to get your mind focused on Jesus. Put those feelings in their place!

Wrath: You know how they say, "Let go, and let God."...you definitely have to just let it go. Do not harbor anger in your heart due to something someone might have done to you. Forgive them and move on. Even if you think they don't deserve to be forgiven...didn't God forgive you?

Gluttony: Okay, I agree, food is good! But you know when you overeat, you feel miserable.  So why keep doing it.  It goes back to your body being the Lord's temple.  It's hard to do what God wants you to do and go where He wants you to go when you're overweight or sick due to eating too much.

Envy: *singing* "God's got a blessing...with your name on it!" That's right...With YOUR name on it! So don't want what others have.  What they have is theirs. Be happy for them and thank God for what you have, because it's yours!

Vanity: You're fearfully and wonderfully made...yes! But don't take that scripture to the extreme.  Looks aren't everything.  And eventually, the outer beauty will fade away.  This also includes clothing and make up.  It's okay to dress nice, but don't let that define who you are.  Just because you have the baddest, most expensive outfit on, doesn't make you any more holier than the next person. Strive for inner beauty which comes by the fruits of the spirit.

Sloth: Stop being lazy! Get up and go serve the Lord the way He should be served.  Sure, we may get tired,  but we must bare the cup.

Okay...back to who we represent... Do you represent the kingdom of God?  I challenge you to prove it.

If you represent the kingdom of God:

• Boldly state your belief and live Holy... it is possible!
• Give up the secular music... those lyrics are products of mammon
• Give up going to the club...  self explanatory
• Quit the fornicating... it is possible to wait 'til marriage, and not too late to start waiting again
• No more "shackin' up"... either get married or get your separate places
• Stop talking about each other... treat others how you want to be treated
• Be a blessing to others instead of looking for someone to bless you all the time.

I understand that no one is perfect, but we shouldn't constantly use that as an excuse. It's okay to make mistakes, but don't create bad habits.

In conclusion, Joshua 24:15 says "...choose you this day who ye will serve... as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

Once again...Who you represent?

WHAT TIME IS IT?!?

As I was driving home today, I began to think about time...

I recalled something I saw/heard on tv.  Someone was asked, what makes a good reality show? And they replied by saying "usually putting people in an environment or situation which they have a limited time frame to complete the task."

So I was like...that's true.  In most cases, money is the reward, or some awesome vacation.  The characters in these shows would do anything and everything in their power to be sure to finish on top... #1.  They want that grand prize, and they would do whatever it takes to achieve it.

But here's a REAL LIFE situation:
We're on this Earth...

For how long?...We don't know. (Therefore, we're sorta racing against time.)

What's the reward?... Heaven...or Hell.  (As far as I know, no one that believes in the two wants to go to Hell!)

Question is: Are we willing to do whatever it takes to make it to Heaven?  We don't have much time!