Reflections: June 5, 2014

Exodus 13:17-18

• God knew that the shortcut that went through the land of the Philistines would be trouble so He took the Israelites the longer way. I'm sure they groaned and complained, not knowing the dangers they were avoiding. How many times have we complained about the way that God is leading us, not realizing what He is saving us from? We need to trust that He's leading the way, the way to something good, and know that He sees the bigger picture.

Reflections: June 4, 2014

Romans 4:18-24

• Abraham and Sarah's situation looked bleak. Their circumstance told them that having a child at their age was simply impossible. BUT Abraham hoped against ALL hope that God, the One who moves in impossible situations, the One Who make rivers in the deserts and creates paths where there seems to be dead-ends, would do just as He said. So Abraham believed. Doesn't mean that he was perfect and didn't falter in his belief. All you need is a mustard seed of faith.

These are my confessions...

Romans 5:5: "Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

It's April, I graduate in May, but this semester is pretty challenging. And then there's that pesky thing called senioritis...I've been pretty swamped lately and my mood hasn't been the best. After reading this verse, I started writing a list of positive confessions.

I've forgotten what I have inside.
I have hope.
I have a future.
I will overcome.
The best is yet to come.
With God I can.
I'm on my way to better days.
He's done so much for me.
He's making all things new.
His strength is made perfect in my weakness.
Everything is working together for my good.

#38daystil

No Pain, No Gain

First post of 2014! 

So, it's a new year, well, three months in and I've been on this whole working out thing. I've been attending a boot camp class at the gym pretty frequently in the past couple of weeks and though it seems tough at the time, the instructor is very encouraging. I keep going because I know it is for my benefit and I leave feeling great about myself. The next morning, I wake up sore in places I didn't even know existed and that's how I know the workout is actually working.

You know what's interesting? Trials work the same way. During the trials, you're sweating and exerting energy and it's just HARD. Sometimes you don't even know if you'll make it through. But the Instructor (God) is there, by your side, cheering you on. He knows that it's good for you and for your benefit. You walk away feeling better, stronger. It's only when it's over that you realize that you've worked out muscles of faith, hope, patience, forgiveness, etc.

James 1: 2-3 states, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 

Trials, just like working out, define us. Something of value WILL be produced. If we were couch potatoes and just ate cookies all day everyday, we'd probably never know what muscles have, more less what muscles are. Same with trials. If you never had a rainy day, you'd never learn to appreciate the sunshine. It's not easy going through it, no, not at all. But, at the end of the day, you're going to be stronger than you were before. Your Instructor's cheering you on! There so many promises in the Word. So, sweat on and persevere. You're coming out GOLD.

Selah [pause and think]

2013 Recap: He>i

So, as 2013 comes to an end, I've reflected on what a great year it was. 2013 was my year of opportunity. Many open doors and so much accomplished. I completed most of the goals I set for myself at the beginning of the year. I can't even begin to thank God enough. So much happened this year. Turned 21, became a student youth leader at my church, took my GRE's, applied to grad school, made Dean's list, got a great campus job, had a great internship, got featured on my school's website, met amazing people, grew spiritually, had a reality check, smashed my laptop, been super busy, neglected my blog :( , realized that I don't know everything and the list goes on and on. Through the ups and downs, He was faithful. It's a beautiful thing when you can look back and see God's handiwork in your life.

One of the biggest lessons I learned in 2013, and there were many, was to get out of the way. I was reading John 3:30 which says, "He must increase, but I must decrease." What struck me was the word, "but."

'But' in this context implies that He can't increase if we don't decrease.  We have to get of the way. I never saw it that way. I often find myself doing things because I wanted to look good. Not for God's glory, but to maintain that "good girl" persona. At the time I read this verse, I was considering stepping down from ministry because of something I didn't like. I saw the impact that the youth group had on the youth and how God was moving, but I couldn't get over one little selfish thing that I wanted. This verse was a reality check. It reminded me that I was doing God's work to minister to Him and for Him and NOT for me. That day, I wrote, "I can play the background, but first I need to get out of the way. I need to remove myself from the spotlight and let You shine."

So I'll end 2013 and begin 2014 with this motto: He>i. He gets the glory, the spotlight and the accolades. What I do is for His Glory. I. Am. Second.

2013 was a great year but it's time to put that behind me and press on... 2014.

Word of Encouragement for you: "God has a plan for you this coming year. So, 'hats off to the past and coats off to the future!' Roll up your sleeves, go to work, and expect great things from God." (Word 4u 2day)

Selah [pause and think]

iPromise

It feels so good to finally blog again! 

For months before my 21st birthday, I was brainstorming gifts I could give myself that would actually have a significant meaning. So, I decided purity ring! What better way to celebrate turning 21 than to make a promise to God that I would keep myself pure for my unmarried days. Problem was, I've made that commitment already, without a ring.

I liked the ring idea, so I decided that I would get a ring, but it just wouldn't be a purity ring. I love the infinity sign and all it represents. Forever. How could I incorporate "Forever" into my life? Forever is like a promise. God has promised to be with me forever. No matter what relationships I may or may not be in. No matter if it's a good day or bad day. No matter what. He's what's constant in my life.

I proudly wear this infinity sign on my finger to remind me every day of the promise that God made to me. That He's with me forever and always. No matter what. So, as I navigate through the last year of my undergraduate career with grad school applications and my future looming over me, I have a tangible reminder, promise, that He's with me through it all.

Selah [pause and think]

What would YOU have done if you were Adam or Eve?

Interesting question... And up til a few days ago, I would have responded, "I'd stay away from that fruit! Do Adam and Eve know what problems they have brought on humanity?!"

In Katalyst's song "Die if I Have To," he poses a similar question and states that "all men sin and if they had a chance they would do it again." This made me think. If I was in the garden, regardless of whether I decided to eat the fruit or not, sin was inevitable. The devil's desire was to destroy God's wonderful and unique creation.

Being the all-knowing God that He is, God had already set the plan for Jesus into motion and Jesus came to give life to the creation that the devil thought he had destroyed (John 10:10, John 3:16, Hebrews 2:14). We are no longer under the bondage of sin but are free in Jesus (John 8:36).

So, I probably couldn't have stopped the world from becoming what it is if I was Eve because nobody on this earth is righteous (Ecclesiastes 7:20). BUT THANK GOD FOR JESUS!

Selah [pause and think]