All I Know!

Today’s Reading:  Mark 6:1-6

He was amazed at their lack of faith.  It saddens me to know that this was Jesus’ response to his own people---his family, his friends.   This statement also made me think about what Jesus thinks of me, is he amazed at my lack of faith?  I would love to say no to that question.  I would love to say that my faith is always strong and I never waiver.  I would love to say that Jesus is amazed at my faith, but I can’t.  Some days I am strong in faith---I seek God and I say and do the right things, but then some days I end up on my knees asking God to forgive me and strengthen me once again.  I end up saying please help me to stay on the right path, help me to keep my mouth shut, and help me to trust you more.  You see when I first read these scriptures I first thought that would never be me, I would never do that to Jesus, but then how many times have I missed a blessing, missed a healing because of my lack of faith?  When I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior I became his child, I became one of his own and with that I have no other choice but to put all my faith in him.  This world is hard sometimes, but I can’t waiver from my faith, it is my faith in Jesus that makes me who I am.  It is my faith that makes me stand when I want to crumble to the ground.  It is my faith that brings guidance when I don’t see a way out.  While everyday does not bring with it perfection, everyday does bring me a little closer to Christ.  Whether I am praising him with my hands lifted high or whether I am on my knees asking for forgiveness and guidance, I know without a doubt that each moment with him deepens my faith just a little more and that is all I know to do!

Have Faith!!!!

Today’s Reading:  Mark 5:21-43

Faith! Faith! Faith!  How many times does Jesus have to remind me that having faith in him is more important than anything else in this world?  No matter the situation, no matter the diagnosis, no matter the devastation, no matter what this world sends our way, it is our faith in Christ that sustains us, heals us, and delivers us!  These are two stories within one, the story of the dying little girl and the woman with the issue of blood, but there is a powerful connection, a powerful lesson to be learned from both stories.  It was the woman’s faith that made her whole and it was the father’s faith that raised his little girl from the dead, but it was also their faith that sustained them when the world was saying being healed was impossible.  The doctors told the woman that there was no cure.  She had spent all of her money and the world was saying this is a hopeless situation.  I am sure her friends and family probably laughed at her when she told them she was going to see Jesus.  But she continued on, it may have not been the easiest task, in fact it may have been the hardest thing that she had ever faced, but she put her faith in this man called Jesus.  We don’t know what all she knew about Jesus, but we do know that her faith was strong---she knew if she could just touch his clothes she would be healed.  She knew that it did not matter what anyone had told her in the past, she knew that even though she spent all that she had, He was still her answer. The father not only had to leave his dying little girl and wife to go find Jesus, but he had to face the men that said your daughter is dead and you no longer need Jesus.  He also had to enter his house listening to all the cries of mourning, yet he continued on, he listened to Jesus and his faith stayed strong.

The story of this man and woman teaches us many things, but it is a clear reminder to me that my faith has to stay strong and my eyes have to be fixed upon Jesus no matter the circumstances that surround my life.  Jesus is saying to me and you, don’t ever give up, don’t ever let anyone tell you that your situation is hopeless; don’t ever lose your faith in me for I am your sustainer, your healer, and your savior!

My friend, unlike the woman and man in these stories we don’t have to go on a physical search to find Jesus.  He is right where we are just waiting on us to call on him, to acknowledge him, and to accept him.  Whatever your situation, I can tell you it is not hopeless, in fact with Jesus Christ it becomes a hopeful situation---don’t just take my word for it, takes his---call on him and he will answer---you just have to have faith!

I Belong to God!!!!

Well it has been a little while since I have written and I have definitely missed my daily blogging.  Just had a lot going on and God was really dealing with me about some things so while I have been spending time in the Word and with God it has just been more of a personal journey over the last couple of weeks. 

During this time God has continued to send me back to Psalm 91.  This is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible simply because it reminds me of who I belong to.  You know so many times we allow fear and confusion into our lives, but God has reminded me that fear and confusion has no place in the life of a child of God.  If we find it there it is because we allowed it to come in.  I saw a quote the other day that said ‘if you’re not happy in times of trouble then you will never be happy because there will always be some kind of trouble’.  I have pondered upon that for many days now and isn’t it so true.  As Christians we will never live a perfect life and everything will not go our way, but because we are Christians we know that we have something greater for us than what we experience during this life.  We will never have peace in this world, but we have peace in knowing that Jesus Christ is our Savior, our Comforter, and our Guide.  As Christians we have the benefit of experiencing that ‘peace that goes beyond understanding’ in every situation that we may have to face.  So join me in celebrating that peace that God so graciously gives you and I----so excited about God and how he is working in my life, I pray that I can live up to the calling that he has placed on my life!  With every question that I ask, I continue to find that God is my answer---He is my answer to all that I do and I thank him with everything in me for reminding me of that!  I know I belong to God and that is all I need to know!

Psalm 91

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I will trust.”  Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.   He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.  You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.  If you make the Most High your dwelling---even the Lord, who is my refuge---then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.  You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.  “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.   He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.   With long life will I satisfy him an show him my salvation.”

Love & Share!

Today’s Reading:  Mark 5:1-20

I think about this poor man full of these torturing demons, how terrible a life he had been living.  How lonely he must have been.  I wonder what happened in his past---when did these demons invade his body?  Did it start with one?  Did his family or friends try to help him?  Had anyone told him about God?  You know we don’t know what people are living with, we don’t know what is really in the hearts of the hurting.  I believe with everything in me that everyone wants to be loved, but some are not willing to let their guard down long enough to let someone in.   It seems that if you are nice to everyone or if you truly try to love everyone that people think you are up to something.  Isn’t that sad, especially since God created us out of love and loving others is his greatest commandment.  Satan is using everything in his power to convince people that they are unlovable.  He is doing everything in his power to make people see the good in others as something other than good.  We have to remember that God is love and truth and that Satan is the author of lies and confusion.  So I have to ask the question, did anyone try to love this man that was full of these demons? All we know from scripture is that others did try to bind him with chains.  I think about this man when Jesus stepped out of the boat that day, I know the demons recognized Jesus immediately, but what about the man---did he know that Jesus was the answer to all of his hurt?  Whether he knew it or not at that moment doesn’t really matter, what matters is that this man was cleansed and changed from that day on because of this man named Jesus.  Jesus expects us to love in this same way.  It is really easy to love the lovable, to love the ones that agree with your same belief, however, it takes great faith to love those who seem unlovable.  But you know, it is those that don’t expect our love that will be changed the most by it---the love that we have is not really ours anyway, when we decide to follow Christ he fills us with his love and there is no doubt he wants us to share it with everyone.  Just like the man healed of demon possession, we are to be so excited about what God has done for us that we share it with everyone.  My favorite part---‘they were amazed’---if I really told everyone what Jesus has done for me would others be amazed---would others feel the love that I feel?  I would hope so---but my lesson here is that I need to love even more and I need to share more about my great God!

 

Our Calm in the Storm!

Today’s Reading:  Mark 4:35-41

Why do I doubt God when the storms rage around me?  It is not that I don’t believe he can keep me safe and it is not that I do it intentionally, but so many times I find myself in the middle of a storm wondering when it will calm down---when all the while I should just put my faith in Jesus.  Sometimes I think Jesus is standing there shaking his head at me and thinking when will she get it.  You know I am no different than the disciples in the boat with Jesus, saying get up Jesus please save me from this storm!  But you know, I realize now that I shouldn’t always ask Jesus to calm the storm, but I should be asking him to calm me in the midst of the storm.  I may have never walked in the physical with Jesus like the disciples, but I have seen what he can do—I have witnessed his miracles with my own eyes.  I have experienced his presence in my life and I have heard his voice whisper to my spirit.  I have no doubt how wonderfully awesome my Father is and my faith in him deepens each day.  So instead of wondering when the storm will rest I will give everything to Jesus.  I will trust him and him alone.  I will not wonder when he will wake up and save the day because I know the day has already been saved just because of who he is and what he did for me.  No matter what is happening in our lives, no matter how good things are or how bad things are, no matter if we are happy, sad, worried, upset, or in a lull with life, we can rest assured that Jesus is right there in the middle of our circumstances.  He is always in the boat with us, and if he is not then it is because we kicked him out.  Jesus is always the calm within the storm!

The Seed Will Grow!

Today’s Reading: Mark 4:26-34

The seed will grow no matter if we sleep or we get up---the seed will grow!  You know I think I worry too much about what effect I have on people when I witness to them, but it just hit me---all God is asking me to do is plant the seed and leave the rest to him.  I should take each opportunity and plant the seed of the gospel and give everything else to Christ.  As he explains the growth of the mustard seed I think about how something we may say or do can make such a huge impact on a person’s life.  When we do things for others with the genuine love of Jesus Christ than we should expect that act to grow just as the mustard seed does.  All Jesus wants us to do is live each moment for him and when we do we are a witness ---our life is a witness.  However, I think as Christians we get lax about witnessing and use the “my life is a witness” as an excuse for the lack of action.  Now don’t get me wrong, our life should show Christ to others, but I believe with all my heart that he wants us doing, doing, doing things for him.  We can’t sit back any longer, we have to get moving!  Don’t know what he wants you to do?  Ask him and I promise he will show you.  I don’t know about you but I am excited about tomorrow, I am excited to learn what opportunities Jesus will place before me!

Shine the Light!!!!

Today's Reading Mark 4:21-25     

                                                                                                                                            

As I read through these scriptures I thought of this poem that a wonderful friend once gave me.  It was during a difficult time in my life and it made a huge impact on my life.  As children of God we are truly meant to shine the light of Jesus Christ to the world.  After all shouldn’t we be so excited about each day that we want to shine?  Think about it, no matter how difficult or how great a day we are having we are children of God and we will live forever with Him---now how great is that? 

Our Deepest Fear

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us.
It is not just in some; it is in everyone.

And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give
other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.
Marianne Williamson

God's Word is the Truth!

Today’s Reading:  Mark 4:1-20

“Listen!” and “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” are definitely the theme of these scriptures.  Now this is really hitting home with me because of a conversation that I had with a few friends today---these very words from these scriptures is what we were talking about.  We were basically saying that Jesus is telling us to listen up and if we have ears we should be hearing what he is saying.  He is doing everything to tell us the truth, to show us the right path with his parables, he is saying I am telling you, but you have to listen.  He is sowing the word, but we have to be the ones that hold on to that word because Satan is just waiting for the right moment to snatch that ‘word of truth’ away from us.  I always knew that reading the Bible was important to living a Christian life, but not until writing this blog have I learned just how important it is.  The Holy Spirit is our guide and he does speak to us, but so many times it is through the reading of God’s Word that I hear the Holy Spirit’s voice of guidance and wisdom.  The voice of comfort and love.  The voice of grace and mercy.  Jesus is the voice of truth and I find that truth come alive in His Word.  I believe that everything happens for a reason and that Jesus uses everything to get our attention and today was no different for me---it is no coincidence that my conversation today was a direct connection to the scriptures that God knew I would read tonight.  So what is he showing me?  I think he is showing me that reading his Word, knowing his Word, living according to his Word is even more important than I realize.  No matter how busy I get, he is telling me to stop for a moment, stop and read my Word, stop and absorb my Word, when you take that time everything will fall into place and your feet will land on the right path.  Our life will continue to have its ups and downs, but no matter where I am in this life I need the Word of God to keep me on the right path, to feed my soul, and to lift my spirit. If you’re reading this blog I thank you, but more importantly I encourage you, I beg you to go to God’s Word, it is there that you will find the answer to everything you need.  God’s Word is sufficient and it is the truth.  You know as I was praying this morning, Jesus spoke to me and said ‘the truth is the truth no matter what anyone says, the truth is the truth regardless of what things look like, the truth will still be the truth when nothing else is left!  I am telling you, my friend, this world is falling apart and we have to hold on to that truth, we have to stand on that truth and not waiver.  Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6)and he is the only one that can save us from the destruction of this world.  Want to know the truth?  Read God’s Word!

Daily Lessons

Today’s Reading:  Mark 3:13-30

These scriptures went from Jesus calling his disciples to telling everyone that we are his brother, mother, and sister if we do God’s will.  When I first read these scriptures all I could think about was what it would be like to be one of Jesus’ disciples, how did that feel to be called by Jesus---to be selected as an apostle, but then it hit me!  He did call me and the last scripture is only clarifying that!  Now I know this is not a new concept---I have heard my entire life that I am a child of God and that Jesus is my father, but now, right now at this very moment I realize that I am really his child, I am on the same level as his real brothers and sisters.  He loves me as much as he loves David, as much as he loves John, and as much as he loves his own mother!  Wow, when I really ponder upon this thought my heart skips a beat---it is really hard to wrap my mind around that.  His love is greater than I can ever comprehend, but what I can comprehend is that he does love me and that will never change. 

I also see the true reality that everyone don’t feel that love because they choose not to accept it.  Just as it is difficult for us to do what we have been called to do, it was also difficult for Jesus during his time on this earth.  These people go as far as accusing him of being possessed by Beelzebub.  Really?  But what I learned here was Jesus’ response to these people---he didn’t argue with them, he didn’t try to defend himself, he didn’t pitch a fit, he didn’t even strike them all down----he told them a story to make them think.  He still loved these accusers---he loved them so much that he was giving them a parable in order for them to learn what is true.  What a God I serve---everyday he shows me something new, something to build my faith, something to be better at living this life.  I can only control one thing and that is me and that is what God showed me today.  “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” (vs. 25) My house, my very soul was created to serve Jesus and when I don’t I am causing my house to be divided---I will never stand if I don’t stand on the truth of Jesus Christ.  I can only control me and I can only do that correctly when I accept the love of Christ and let that love be the driving force behind everything that I do.

Thank you God for opening up my eyes and heart just a little more today----I truly want to see with the eyes of Jesus, but I know that I am not fully ready for that, but with each day, with each lesson I feel my eyes and heart stretching a little further. 

His Spirit Will Guide!

Today’s Reading: Mark 3:7-12

It seems at this time Jesus’ ministry is really growing, so much so that he asked his disciples to have a boat ready for him because the crowds were getting so big. I have often wondered how many people Jesus actually healed during his ministry here on earth, but through this Bible study I have learned a more important lesson. It’s not about how many healed, it’s not even the number that he saved, it’s that we all have the opportunity to be saved. Isn’t that why he came? Isn’t that why he died? And isn’t that why he rose from the grave? Not that I could just be healed of my infirmities, but that I can be saved, that no matter who I am or what I have done, I can find forgiveness and salvation because this man, Jesus Christ, came for that very reason---salvation. I have a way to God through him---I can not only be saved, but I can have a relationship with Jesus. He loves me that much, healings, blessings are just bonuses.

I am still amazed at how the evil spirits responded to Jesus. It says that they fell down and cried out, “You are the Son of God”. If evil spirits, if demon-possessed people fall down and acknowledge who Jesus is, than why don’t I? Don’t get me wrong, I know Jesus, who he is and what he can do, but sometimes I hold back, sometimes I hold on to what I know in my mind and hold my spirit back. I know that God calls us to be wise, but we are to trust his wisdom. I have to allow my Spirit to acknowledge Christ in all things. I have to trust my knowledge less and trust what Jesus puts in my Spirit more. You know there may come a time when I don’t have the Bible in my hand, when I can’t go to it with a question. There may come a time when I don’t have the internet to look up a topic or scripture. There may come a time I don’t have a church to go to. No one knows exactly what will happen, but the word tells us that times will become difficult and who knows what we won’t have access to. How much would I read my Bible if I knew I wouldn’t always have it? How much would I remember if I knew I might not get another opportunity to read it? There will come a time when I have to depend on the guiding of the Spirit because there is nothing else left to put my trust in. The decision is will I wait until that time or will I start now?

My faith tells me that because I am saved, it will not matter when everything is gone, because my faith is not in everything, my salvation doesn’t come from everything---it comes from one thing, Jesus Christ, and he is my everything!