Colossians 3:2
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
I was talking to a friend the other day about dating and all the time we spend talking about dating, thinking about dating, getting anxious about dating...and I told her that I was wasn't going to worry about dating anymore since Jesus says that marriage is only here on earth anyway (Matthew 22:30). And she said, 'Yeah...then why do we spend some much time focusing on it?!'
Now, I know that God made marriage and also said it is not good for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18). But it's one thing to desire and believe in marriage, and it's another to spend too much time thinking about something hardly in our control. As long as our desires ultimately are to glorify God then I think God will honor them. After all he says to delight in him and he will give us the desires of our heart. (Ps 37:4)
So to start off my new year's resolutions, I am going to keep this verse in mind...that I need to set my mind on things above, not on things here on earth.
* Give my worries and cares to the Lord
* Show love to those who are hard to love
* Share the good news of Jesus with someone
* Realize my time here on earth is only temporary
* Pray for God's kingdom to come and his will to be done
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Sunday, December 23, 2012
PRINCE OF PEACE
Isaiah 9:6-7
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end...
Luke 2:11
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Jesus is the Prince of Peace...The LORD came to earth and gives us peace. Peace of 'no end. He is the God of Peace (1 Thessalonians 5:23). I love how the words say in Isaiah that 'unto US a child is born.' And in Luke, 'unto YOU is born...a Savior.' He came for us! He came for you! He is the good news of great joy that is for all people (Luke 2:10).
I was thinking of some of the Christmas songs that talk about this peace Jesus brings...
~Peace on earth goodwill towards men (I heard the bells on Christmas Day)
~Peace on earth and mercy mild (Hark! The herald angles sing)
~And his name shall be called....The Prince of Peace (Handels Messiah)
~He's the Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Holy One! (Emmanuel, Amy Grant)
~And Peace to men on earth (O Little Town of Bethlehelm)
Jesus came not only to us to save us, but also he brings peace.
May the peace of Christ fill your hearts this Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, who came to us.
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace those minds who are steadfast because they trust in you.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end...
Luke 2:11
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Jesus is the Prince of Peace...The LORD came to earth and gives us peace. Peace of 'no end. He is the God of Peace (1 Thessalonians 5:23). I love how the words say in Isaiah that 'unto US a child is born.' And in Luke, 'unto YOU is born...a Savior.' He came for us! He came for you! He is the good news of great joy that is for all people (Luke 2:10).
I was thinking of some of the Christmas songs that talk about this peace Jesus brings...
~Peace on earth goodwill towards men (I heard the bells on Christmas Day)
~Peace on earth and mercy mild (Hark! The herald angles sing)
~And his name shall be called....The Prince of Peace (Handels Messiah)
~He's the Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Holy One! (Emmanuel, Amy Grant)
~And Peace to men on earth (O Little Town of Bethlehelm)
Jesus came not only to us to save us, but also he brings peace.
May the peace of Christ fill your hearts this Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, who came to us.
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace those minds who are steadfast because they trust in you.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
REST
Psalm 46:10
Be still and know that I am God...
With all the craziness that goes with the month of December, it's a hard month to 'be still.' To add to the craziness, this month I am buying a house, visiting my new niece, and having surgery. This verse in particular gave me peace as I was handling the inspection for the house while talking to the insurance company about my surgery and learning my sister was in labor, all in the same day! When it rains....
The Bible says God gives rest.
Rest for the weary.
Rest from our labors.
Rest from our worries.
Rest from our enemies.
Even God rested after he created the world.
Rest is good.
I recently saw a video of a cowboy who fell off a horse and went into a coma. He described where he went while they worked on his body. He said it was a place of peace...and there was no rush and no 'gotta dos,' as he says. And there was lots of love, more love than we can imagine (click here to see 'cowboy visits heaven'). I think heaven will be the ultimate place of rest. Which is why we say 'Rest in peace' I suppose...(Isaiah 57:2 For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die).
This week as I have been recovering, I have had the opportunity to get lots of rest! I can't remember the last time I stayed in bed for three straight days without going anywhere! (Okay, wait, I think I do remember...I was really sick New Year's three year ago...). Anyway, with everyone helping to take care of me, I have had the chance to see what a wonderful family I have. I was able to sew, take naps, read, listen to music, and spend time with my family and my little dog. Even though I'm looking forward to feeling better and going back to my daily routine, it's been good for my soul, as well as my body, to rest.
Psalm 62:5
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.
Matthew 11:28-29
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Be still and know that I am God...
With all the craziness that goes with the month of December, it's a hard month to 'be still.' To add to the craziness, this month I am buying a house, visiting my new niece, and having surgery. This verse in particular gave me peace as I was handling the inspection for the house while talking to the insurance company about my surgery and learning my sister was in labor, all in the same day! When it rains....
The Bible says God gives rest.
Rest for the weary.
Rest from our labors.
Rest from our worries.
Rest from our enemies.
Even God rested after he created the world.
Rest is good.
I recently saw a video of a cowboy who fell off a horse and went into a coma. He described where he went while they worked on his body. He said it was a place of peace...and there was no rush and no 'gotta dos,' as he says. And there was lots of love, more love than we can imagine (click here to see 'cowboy visits heaven'). I think heaven will be the ultimate place of rest. Which is why we say 'Rest in peace' I suppose...(Isaiah 57:2 For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die).
This week as I have been recovering, I have had the opportunity to get lots of rest! I can't remember the last time I stayed in bed for three straight days without going anywhere! (Okay, wait, I think I do remember...I was really sick New Year's three year ago...). Anyway, with everyone helping to take care of me, I have had the chance to see what a wonderful family I have. I was able to sew, take naps, read, listen to music, and spend time with my family and my little dog. Even though I'm looking forward to feeling better and going back to my daily routine, it's been good for my soul, as well as my body, to rest.
Psalm 62:5
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.
Matthew 11:28-29
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
I AM COMING SOON
Revelation is one of the most quoted books...here are a few of the beautiful passages found in this book.
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. (3:20)
Day and night they never stop saying: "'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come...You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” (4:8, 11)
Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. (7:16-17)
Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (5:12)
“I am making everything new!” (21:5)
SEVEN is the number of perfection (and six is the number representing imperfection...it's close to seven, but not quite). In Revelation 13:18 it talks about the number of a man will be 666. The number seven is repeated throughout this book. There are the seven stars that represent the angles of the seven churches, the seven lamps that represent the seven churhces, the seven seals, seven thunders, seven angels with seven plaques, seven bowls of God's wrath, and the beast with seven heads representing seven hills and the seven kings.
The seven churches mentioned in Revelation (2-3):
1. EPHESUS - 'You do not love me or others the way you did at first.'
Action: *Remember how you used to love me and turn back to me*
God's Promise: I will give you food from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
Deut. 7:9 God keeps his covenant with those who love him.
2. SYMRNA - 'You are in poverty, yet you are rich.'
Action: *Fear not what you are about to suffer*
God's Promise: If you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you a crown of life.
James 2:5 God has chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith and they are the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him.
3. PERGAMOS - 'You live where Satan's throne is.'
Action: *Repent of your sins*
God's Promise: I will give you the hidden manna and a white stone with a new name written on it.
2 Corinthians 4:4 Satan is the god of this world and has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News and theydon’t understand this message about the glory of Christ.
4. THYATIRA - 'You tolerate immorality.'
Action: *Hold on till I come and obey me to the very end*
God's Promise: To him who overcomes I will give power over nations.
1 Corinthians 6:18 God says to run from sexual sin. No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.
5. SARDIS - 'I know your works but you are dead.'
Action: *Wake up and hold firmly to what you have heard and believed*
God's Promise: Those who are worthy will walk with me in white.
Romans 3:27 Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith.
6. Philadelphia - 'You have kept my word so I will keep you from the hour of testing.'
Action: *Hold on to what you have so that no one will take away your crown*
God's Promise: The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God.
John 17:15 I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.
7. LAODICEA - 'You are neither cold nor hot, but lukewarm.'
Action: *I correct and discipline everyone I love; be zealous and turn from your indifference*
God's Promise: To him who overcomes will sit with me on my throne.
Proverbs 3:12 Because the LORD disciplines those he loves...
"Yes, I am coming soon." (22:2)
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. (3:20)
Day and night they never stop saying: "'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come...You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” (4:8, 11)
Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. (7:16-17)
Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (5:12)
“I am making everything new!” (21:5)
SEVEN is the number of perfection (and six is the number representing imperfection...it's close to seven, but not quite). In Revelation 13:18 it talks about the number of a man will be 666. The number seven is repeated throughout this book. There are the seven stars that represent the angles of the seven churches, the seven lamps that represent the seven churhces, the seven seals, seven thunders, seven angels with seven plaques, seven bowls of God's wrath, and the beast with seven heads representing seven hills and the seven kings.
The seven churches mentioned in Revelation (2-3):
1. EPHESUS - 'You do not love me or others the way you did at first.'
Action: *Remember how you used to love me and turn back to me*
God's Promise: I will give you food from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
Deut. 7:9 God keeps his covenant with those who love him.
2. SYMRNA - 'You are in poverty, yet you are rich.'
Action: *Fear not what you are about to suffer*
God's Promise: If you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you a crown of life.
James 2:5 God has chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith and they are the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him.
3. PERGAMOS - 'You live where Satan's throne is.'
Action: *Repent of your sins*
God's Promise: I will give you the hidden manna and a white stone with a new name written on it.
2 Corinthians 4:4 Satan is the god of this world and has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News and theydon’t understand this message about the glory of Christ.
4. THYATIRA - 'You tolerate immorality.'
Action: *Hold on till I come and obey me to the very end*
God's Promise: To him who overcomes I will give power over nations.
1 Corinthians 6:18 God says to run from sexual sin. No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.
5. SARDIS - 'I know your works but you are dead.'
Action: *Wake up and hold firmly to what you have heard and believed*
God's Promise: Those who are worthy will walk with me in white.
Romans 3:27 Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith.
6. Philadelphia - 'You have kept my word so I will keep you from the hour of testing.'
Action: *Hold on to what you have so that no one will take away your crown*
God's Promise: The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God.
John 17:15 I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.
7. LAODICEA - 'You are neither cold nor hot, but lukewarm.'
Action: *I correct and discipline everyone I love; be zealous and turn from your indifference*
God's Promise: To him who overcomes will sit with me on my throne.
Proverbs 3:12 Because the LORD disciplines those he loves...
"Yes, I am coming soon." (22:2)
Sunday, December 2, 2012
GROWING PAINS
Last week I showed up to my pilates class and I was the only person there...the class usually ranges from 5 to 20 people and I wasn't so sure I wanted to do this class alone. I was tempted to tell the instructor that I had to "get something out of my car" so I could escape but I wasn't quick enough...plus I kept thinking surely someone will show up late, right?! So we started and I did the 2 minutes of push-ups without taking breaks for the first time ever! (and these were real push-ups too!) As the class went on, I saw my body perform and do things I didn't think possible. I also thought my legs were going to fall off at one point as well. The next day I was so sore! A friend of mine who trains for triathlons was so excited for me and said she loved feeling sore afterwards because that means that her muscles are growing.
Her comment puzzled me at first...who loves feeling sore?! But I started to see what she was talking about when later that week I could tell a difference in my core. And I felt stronger. It reminded of this verse:
James 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
I saw how she considered it pure joy when her muscles were sore and her body was aching. And it was because she knew what the soreness meant...it meant she was stronger. So when we face trials we should see past the pain of the situation...and instead see that it will make us stronger as it will grow our faith. It also helped me see how asking God to take away our trials that it's like asking for bigger muscles but not wanting to workout. When we pray to love others more, God will send us someone hard to love. When we pray for patience, God will send us something that gets on our nerves.
I do want to grow bigger spiritual muscles, even though it's painful. I want faith that can move mountains. When we have faith, our doubts and fears go away. (PS. I also want bigger biceps...)
Matthew 17:20
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Romans 5:3
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.
Her comment puzzled me at first...who loves feeling sore?! But I started to see what she was talking about when later that week I could tell a difference in my core. And I felt stronger. It reminded of this verse:
James 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
I saw how she considered it pure joy when her muscles were sore and her body was aching. And it was because she knew what the soreness meant...it meant she was stronger. So when we face trials we should see past the pain of the situation...and instead see that it will make us stronger as it will grow our faith. It also helped me see how asking God to take away our trials that it's like asking for bigger muscles but not wanting to workout. When we pray to love others more, God will send us someone hard to love. When we pray for patience, God will send us something that gets on our nerves.
I do want to grow bigger spiritual muscles, even though it's painful. I want faith that can move mountains. When we have faith, our doubts and fears go away. (PS. I also want bigger biceps...)
Matthew 17:20
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Romans 5:3
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.
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