Jesus Is The Answer

As a kid I did not work well with other kids. I could not last more than 10 minutes in a group without arguing with someone. There was something that constantly longed for my attention, insecurity. Because of my insecurity, I wanted control of things that I could. I often felt like I was not important, and no one cared about what I said. I felt constantly spoken over by others, and I had some events transpire in my younger years that triggered a lot of what I was feeling. 

When I was in 3rd or 4th grade I got fed up with myself. Something inside me was telling me 'you have to stop trying to control everything. It's ok to trust others.' This was one of those life changing moments for me; the Lord was at work in my life. I distinctly remember one of the final projects of the year for English. I worked with someone I didn't know; I was very hesitant. I challenged myself to not argue with them throughout the entirety of the project. When it was done, I felt I had matured emotionally.  

At the end, when our projects were evaluated, the teacher spoke to each student regarding their project. Came my turn and I was asked, "What did you learn from this project?" I distinctly remember saying, "I learned I can work with others without arguing." My grade for the project went up many points because I had said that; in my heart it was true. I will never forget that day. 

Today, when I fall into the trap of arguing, I remind myself that was the old me. I am made new in Christ. I am not that insecure, little kid who felt invisible. I am being transformed, overtime, by the Lord. The Holy Spirit is my guide.I am still working on constructive communication and trusting others, but I am changing with the help of the Lord. "Apart from him I can do nothing." I need Jesus every day, we all do. Only God can change us; we are weak, but we are strong in Christ. 

Verse of the Day:

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV), "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

God loves you! John 3:16 (NIV),"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." The moment we accept Jesus Christ as our savior, our sins are forgiven and we are made new. Life as a follower of Christ is a journey; it's about a relationship with the Lord. He does not leave us alone; he wants to be actively involved in our lives. He helps us in our weakness, and guides us every day. He helps us grow and learn from our mistakes. It is the Holy Spirit who gives us wisdom and understanding. 

      

Stay Strong and Keep Your Eyes on the Lord

Someday's it can be hard to stay strong. Though it is easy when we remember how good God is. In Numbers 13-14, God had Moses send 12 spies into the promise land to scout out the area. They reported strong people already living in the land. This intimidated the spies, except two of them were filled with faith. Those two trusted in God, and knew that nothing was impossible with the Lord by their side. Later in Numbers 14, it says the two faith filled servants got to move into the land with the later generation. Faith is essential.  

The future is full of the unknown, but with the Lord on our side we can be confident that no matter what happens we will be okay. The Holy Spirit is here to help us navigate life, he is our guide. Think of Lewis and Clark. They were sent to map out the new, unknown territory which was bought by the US; their guide was Sacajawea. Throughout their expedition, she was there to help. Just like how the Holy Spirit is here to help us through the trials of life.

In any land there will be 'giants' so to speak. For me, my last giant I fought was pride. I know I must stay humble; sometimes it sneaks in without warning... When this happens I remind myself what the word of God says, "Pride is the root of all strife... The Lord opposes the proud." Remembering "Pride is the root of all strife." helps me recognize when pride has snuck in. After repenting I know that, through Christ, I am forgiven; I can hear the Holy Spirit when I am humble. With the Holy Spirits help, I am able to stay humble. At times it may be tempting to give in to our giants, yet know that endurance brings blessings. The Lord is calling for our full attention. Look to him and don't look away. 

The way to overcome obstacles is to rely on the Holy Spirit, and to arm yourself with the word of God. Put on the armor we, as followers of Christ, are given. (read Ephesians 6:10-20) In tough times, we are not left defenseless. God loves us; wants us to thrive. Stay strong, don't give up, trust the Lord, and have faith.  

Verse of the Day:

Phillipians 4:13 (NKJV), "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Chapters of Study:

Ephesians 6; Numbers 13-14

The Lord is Our Provider

Fear... What a common emotion everyone feels. Just a few days ago I was in the grocery store getting things for dinner, and I saw nearly half of the store items gone. I felt fear starting to creep in, but I immediately rejected it. I recited one particular phrase: the Lord is my provider. I knew from past experience and the Bible that the Lord will always take care of His people.

I battle fear, like everyone. The best way to fight fear is to study God's word. There are many verses on trusting God and not being afraid. When you feel fear, remind yourself to trust the Lord. Philippians 4:6 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let you're requests be made known to God."

When we remember that God is in control, we can live without fear. A while back, I remember the Holy Spirit saying to me that He was always with me. I know this to be true. Throughout the year I'll receive reminders of His presence. Some reminders would be as simple as a Bible verse coming into my thoughts, where as others are less subtle, and not as common, such as a vision. Mathew 7:7-8 says, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened."

This one day, I was really anxious about a conversation I had with someone. I felt lonely and confused. I cried to the Lord in search for comfort and answers. That night I received a vision of Jesus sitting under a tree. I stood a little ways off in a vibrant green field, and called to him. He turned to me and smiled. Less than a second later, he ran to me and hugged me, like a parent hugs their child. I was told not to be lonely, and he is there with me. I felt an insurmountable peace. My anxiety didn't stand a chance because I stood in the Lord's love.

Jesus said in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." We have been given peace; we stay standing in this peace by trusting and putting our hope in the Lord.

The Lord is always with us. He is with us where ever we are; we are loved, unconditionally by the Lord. Cast your anxieties, for he cares for you. 

Verse of the Day: 

Psalm 27:1 (KJV), "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?"

Books of Study:

Psalm 23, 27, 28, 36 46, 49; Mathew 6:25-34, 7:7-11

Check out my updated post: The Perfectionist. As always, comments are welcome :-) Let me know what you think about my posts.