Looking. Looking and looking and looking. Searching. Confused. Unsettled. Unclear. Confused.
Does this sound familiar? Be honest with yourself and think back... does this sound familiar? If you are being honest with yourself I have to believe the answer is yes.
We all go through trying times. However, I strongly feel these feelings only exist when God is not our focus. How can God not be the focus of a Christian? Well, we are all human aren't we? Unfortunately the devil likes to try and get in the way and take control. In being human, sometimes we let him. Please don't let him.
If you keep your focus on God, on Jesus, on love, on God's love, how can you possibly go astray? Trying times will be had but with God you WILL, you will you will you will, get through it. Keep your focus on Him. I recently read that a person should have their heart so set on Jesus that a significant other needs to go through Jesus to reach them. In other words, Jesus is the answer. Jesus is the answer for everything. If God is love, how can you be "in love" unless you are in a deep relationship with God? A thought to ponder perhaps.
I think we tend to try to do everything ourselves and then call out to God, help me!! help us!! Seriously? Why do we do that! God created this world. He put this together. He made us. If He can do things so very powerful and huge why on earth would we use Him as a last resort? I think that's an insult. Instead we should pray about every situation were in, every person we encounter. Prayer doesn't need to be a memorized recited verse. Prayer can be as simple as having a conversation, like you do with anyone else. Talk to God. God already knows what is in your mind and in your heart, but He wants you to share that with Him. Talk to Him like you would a friend, your best, dearest, closest friend who loves you no. matter. what. Hard to find a friend like that isn't it? So don't dismiss that dear relationship you already have right there with our great and powerful almighty Lord.
If you want God to put you first... as in answer your prayer and not continue to wait wondering if He hears you, maybe you need to put Him first. He should be before your spouse, before your kids, before your friends, and especially before any non-living thing or possession. Why? Because God can make all of those relationships and things better. God can heal. God can provide answers, direction, clarity, guidance, hope, perseverance, love... God can provide EVERY good quality out there known to man and then some.
Perhaps its a pride issue. That's natural but not the way God wants us to live. He wants us to be humble. He wants us to turn to Him. He wants to help us. He KNOWS we cannot do it alone. So why do we continue to try to and then at the very end when we hit rock bottom cry out for Him? And then He has to dig us out and carry us wayyyyy back up. When what could have happened was He could have been walking right there with us all along. And therefore we could be so much further in life as we had imagined if we just allowed Him in. Pride is not going to get you anywhere good. Unless what you are perusing is a relationship with the devil, and I certainly hope to God not. Actually, pride is a root sin among which all other sins are conceived.
Now maybe you aren't Christian so that's your reason why you don't want to put God first. But, if you are reading this, you have to at least be thinking about it. Even if the outter edge of your being thinks this is garbage, I bet you deep down in the root of your soul, Christianity is just waiting to come out. Anyways, if you don't want to put God first because you aren't a believer, still please think about this. If nothing else is working, and if at very least God is "an option" (which He should never be- He should be the answer), then why not give Him a try at it. What have you got to lose? Your pride? If it didn't work out for you after giving it enough time and your full devotion then go ahead and say I told you so. You will still be making the choices, you will still be giving the effort, you will still receive the results... but with God all those things will be possible. At very least, just open up your heart and let God know you are willing to see what He has for you.
Maybe you aren't even willing to do that. Maybe you are so closed off to anything but yourself that you don't want help. Did any of us ever get anywhere without anyone else's help? Think before you answer. Did you graduate any type of school? If so, you could not have without the teachers. So you say oh I could have home schooled myself? Could you have home schooled yourself without any books or online material? No. Someone created that. Someone helped you whether or not you "see" it. Just like God even though you can't "see" Him.
Clarity. Direction. Hope. Joy. Gratitude. Happiness. Success. Love.
They can all be yours. God is waiting to hear from you.
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Negativity
Lately, I've been noticing how extremely negative people are... and not only negative, but so critical, rude, judgemental, quick to anger. I think I've noticed it now and not before because I used to fall into that group of people. Not to say I don't occasionally show those qualities now but I recognize them and strive not to live in that way. Though I always considered myself a realist- looking at the positive and the negative and what is more likely- others saw me as a pessimist with all of those qualities I just mentioned. The more I give my life to Jesus, the more those negative qualities shed away off of me and I become a better person.
With that said, as I become more positive, I am more aware of how negative this world is. It is hard for me to hear. It is hard to be surrounded by. The comments that others used to say that passed right by me or I would chime into, now affect me. I have to remind myself not to get caught up in that and return to that. I have to remind myself as a Christian it is my job to love and strive to live like Jesus and to call others to do the same.
Why must we all be so negative? I think it's because when you don't have your heart focused on Jesus you get caught up in worldly things. Key word: things. None of the things everyone is complaining about will matter when our judgement day arrives. So why do we care so much about them?
I used to think there was no way I could be an optimist and see everything in a positive light. I felt I was built into the human I was and I couldn't change that, or maybe I could but with years upon years of self reflection and guidance. But then what happened, one day, like a light switch that positive light was turned on. Jesus entered my heart. So for me going from negative to positive was not something I can take recognition for. But what if it is something you can bring on for yourself or at least assist in?
Looking back I think maybe it's not as hard as it seemed. Now all I hear out of people is complaining about politics, complaining about traffic, complaining about gas prices, complaining about needing a new this that everything, complaining about EVERYTHING. Think about all the time that is used up in complaining. What good does complaining do? None. Now if you're going to go out there and do something about it, devote your passion to change for the better- hey go for it. But complaining- not going to change anything. All it's going to do is put you in a worse mood and bring down the people around you. They say there is a study that shows when you live with someone who is depressed the rest of the household is more likely to become depressed. I feel the same about this. Now what if every time you were about to say something negative- as in someone cut you off while driving... instead of complaining about that person and calling them an idiot, what if instead you prayed for them? For what you can physically see, it would do the same good, but there is more power in prayer than in complaining.
Sometimes I think people just like to hear themselves talk. Honestly. But if you have nothing good to say don't say anything at all. Self reflection is powerful. Time to yourself in silence and prayer is powerful. Don't become a mute, but if you aren't going to be a positive contribution because you bring them down, just be silent.
This is not automatic for me to constantly remain positive, so I do things to try to help stay positive. Perhaps something I mention would be of help to you too. First, I start every morning off by thanking God for all of my blessings and for the day ahead and asking Him to help me through it. By going through in your head what you are thankful for its makes you realize how many blessings you really do have and starts your day off bright. As the day goes on, if someone is giving me trouble or others trouble or clearly having trouble within themselves, I pray for them. When people who surround me are being extremely negative with hurtful talk, gossip, lacking the show of a kind heart... I either step in and speak up, or if I feel I can't do that and can remove myself from the situation I do that, and lastly if neither is possible and I'm having a really weak day I close my eyes, pray for them, and think positive thoughts. I'm sure there are other techniques so to speak that I use but I can't think of them right now.
I do want to ask that everyone try to be more positive. At very least it might brighten someone else's day and/or your own day. And at best the power of prayer will send the intention up to God to change the hearts of those who are not filled with His love. So start your morning with thanks, continue your day with praise and good deeds, and end with a prayer for all those you felt conflict from.
Kindness is a ripple effect. I have to believe the same about being positive and any other good quality. If being surrounded by someone who is depressed or negative can do the same for you, I think the opposite is true also. Instead of allowing yourself to fall into darkness, rise and bring them with you into the light... the light of the Lord. Show the love you have the power to give.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8
With that said, as I become more positive, I am more aware of how negative this world is. It is hard for me to hear. It is hard to be surrounded by. The comments that others used to say that passed right by me or I would chime into, now affect me. I have to remind myself not to get caught up in that and return to that. I have to remind myself as a Christian it is my job to love and strive to live like Jesus and to call others to do the same.
Why must we all be so negative? I think it's because when you don't have your heart focused on Jesus you get caught up in worldly things. Key word: things. None of the things everyone is complaining about will matter when our judgement day arrives. So why do we care so much about them?
I used to think there was no way I could be an optimist and see everything in a positive light. I felt I was built into the human I was and I couldn't change that, or maybe I could but with years upon years of self reflection and guidance. But then what happened, one day, like a light switch that positive light was turned on. Jesus entered my heart. So for me going from negative to positive was not something I can take recognition for. But what if it is something you can bring on for yourself or at least assist in?
Looking back I think maybe it's not as hard as it seemed. Now all I hear out of people is complaining about politics, complaining about traffic, complaining about gas prices, complaining about needing a new this that everything, complaining about EVERYTHING. Think about all the time that is used up in complaining. What good does complaining do? None. Now if you're going to go out there and do something about it, devote your passion to change for the better- hey go for it. But complaining- not going to change anything. All it's going to do is put you in a worse mood and bring down the people around you. They say there is a study that shows when you live with someone who is depressed the rest of the household is more likely to become depressed. I feel the same about this. Now what if every time you were about to say something negative- as in someone cut you off while driving... instead of complaining about that person and calling them an idiot, what if instead you prayed for them? For what you can physically see, it would do the same good, but there is more power in prayer than in complaining.
Sometimes I think people just like to hear themselves talk. Honestly. But if you have nothing good to say don't say anything at all. Self reflection is powerful. Time to yourself in silence and prayer is powerful. Don't become a mute, but if you aren't going to be a positive contribution because you bring them down, just be silent.
This is not automatic for me to constantly remain positive, so I do things to try to help stay positive. Perhaps something I mention would be of help to you too. First, I start every morning off by thanking God for all of my blessings and for the day ahead and asking Him to help me through it. By going through in your head what you are thankful for its makes you realize how many blessings you really do have and starts your day off bright. As the day goes on, if someone is giving me trouble or others trouble or clearly having trouble within themselves, I pray for them. When people who surround me are being extremely negative with hurtful talk, gossip, lacking the show of a kind heart... I either step in and speak up, or if I feel I can't do that and can remove myself from the situation I do that, and lastly if neither is possible and I'm having a really weak day I close my eyes, pray for them, and think positive thoughts. I'm sure there are other techniques so to speak that I use but I can't think of them right now.
I do want to ask that everyone try to be more positive. At very least it might brighten someone else's day and/or your own day. And at best the power of prayer will send the intention up to God to change the hearts of those who are not filled with His love. So start your morning with thanks, continue your day with praise and good deeds, and end with a prayer for all those you felt conflict from.
Kindness is a ripple effect. I have to believe the same about being positive and any other good quality. If being surrounded by someone who is depressed or negative can do the same for you, I think the opposite is true also. Instead of allowing yourself to fall into darkness, rise and bring them with you into the light... the light of the Lord. Show the love you have the power to give.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8
Monday, May 27, 2013
Forgiveness
Personally, I don't feel like writing right now... but this morning all I kept hearing was write about forgiveness. So again, I'm listening. Maybe there's someone out there who needs to hear this, maybe I need to say whatever is about to be typed here, and maybe God is just teaching me to listen to Him. I don't even know what I'm about to say here but here we go...
So, forgiveness. What is forgiveness? How do you define it? My thoughts on this word have changed ever since Jesus has been the center of my life. Jesus forgave those who by human view maybe weren't so deserving of such a gift. We are to live in the likeness of Jesus. We are to forgive all those who have wronged us. Love our enemies. When Jesus forgives, I believe he doesn't keep an ongoing tab of all those wrongs and keep bringing them up to us. He forgives, and the sins are washed away. You can call it forget or something else. In striving to live in the likeness of Jesus I believe we should do the same.
So I've been working on forgiveness lately, actually for the past 11 months. I've been trying to forgive all those who have wronged me even if they haven't apologized and even if their sins are ongoing. When I say apologized I don't mean a quick sorry and then go out and repeat the same thing. That is not being sorry. If you are truly sorry for something you aren't going to keep doing it, at least try not to. And I also feel it's not what you feel but what the other person feels. Let me expand on that. If someone talks down to me and treats me like garbage and I tell them that hurts me and to stop doing it... but they justify it by saying it's helping me, that's no justification at all. You can tell yourself anything. But why would you tell yourself something false? Just to make yourself feel better? A pride issue? To appear to others like you are doing the right thing when really you are doing the wrong thing? Is what you are doing Biblical? If not stop trying to tell yourself it's ok. Well, you can do what you please but one day we will all be judged. But that is another topic of repentance.
But here's the thing. I've been trying to forgive regardless of the other person's actions. I've been trying to understand and believe that in being human we will sin. And for someone unsaved maybe they can't understand the depth of the wrongs they are committing. In forgiving I also believe in moving on. By moving on I don't necessarily mean in the opposite direction... it could very well mean in the same direction, side by side, for in forgiving you are letting that action, that hurt, that sin- go... it doesn't mean you have to let that person go.
I think the hardest part it will come down to is forgiving yourself. When you come to know Christ you start realizing how much you have sinned, how much wrong you have committed and how far off you are from striving to live like Jesus. It will be a hard thing to swallow. So you can wallow in your weakness or you can rise above with Jesus as your strength. You can forgive yourself along with others and move on... become a better person. Be a better person to yourself and to others. And pray that others forgive you.
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37
So, forgiveness. What is forgiveness? How do you define it? My thoughts on this word have changed ever since Jesus has been the center of my life. Jesus forgave those who by human view maybe weren't so deserving of such a gift. We are to live in the likeness of Jesus. We are to forgive all those who have wronged us. Love our enemies. When Jesus forgives, I believe he doesn't keep an ongoing tab of all those wrongs and keep bringing them up to us. He forgives, and the sins are washed away. You can call it forget or something else. In striving to live in the likeness of Jesus I believe we should do the same.
So I've been working on forgiveness lately, actually for the past 11 months. I've been trying to forgive all those who have wronged me even if they haven't apologized and even if their sins are ongoing. When I say apologized I don't mean a quick sorry and then go out and repeat the same thing. That is not being sorry. If you are truly sorry for something you aren't going to keep doing it, at least try not to. And I also feel it's not what you feel but what the other person feels. Let me expand on that. If someone talks down to me and treats me like garbage and I tell them that hurts me and to stop doing it... but they justify it by saying it's helping me, that's no justification at all. You can tell yourself anything. But why would you tell yourself something false? Just to make yourself feel better? A pride issue? To appear to others like you are doing the right thing when really you are doing the wrong thing? Is what you are doing Biblical? If not stop trying to tell yourself it's ok. Well, you can do what you please but one day we will all be judged. But that is another topic of repentance.
But here's the thing. I've been trying to forgive regardless of the other person's actions. I've been trying to understand and believe that in being human we will sin. And for someone unsaved maybe they can't understand the depth of the wrongs they are committing. In forgiving I also believe in moving on. By moving on I don't necessarily mean in the opposite direction... it could very well mean in the same direction, side by side, for in forgiving you are letting that action, that hurt, that sin- go... it doesn't mean you have to let that person go.
I think the hardest part it will come down to is forgiving yourself. When you come to know Christ you start realizing how much you have sinned, how much wrong you have committed and how far off you are from striving to live like Jesus. It will be a hard thing to swallow. So you can wallow in your weakness or you can rise above with Jesus as your strength. You can forgive yourself along with others and move on... become a better person. Be a better person to yourself and to others. And pray that others forgive you.
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37
Saturday, May 25, 2013
God wants me to write
Over the past few days, I've felt this voice telling me to start a new blog, a Christian blog, speaking of my testimony and my story. My human tendency of course questioned if this was necessary as I already have a blog about myasthenia gravis and I could just share more stories on there. But I kept heading the voice to start a Christian blog and share my story. Well, God, here it goes.
So while I have another blog specific to my illness and health updates, anything having to do with my faith will most likely be posted here instead. My thought is that sometimes I will post the same thing to both blogs if they touch upon both sides... for ultimately God gets me through everything including the myasthenia. And I'm leaving this one in God's hands so I'm not sure what I'll post, how often I'll post or how long I'll carry it on... but I will listen to Him as He guides my path, and if it includes blogging then I shall do so. I mean I have asked for a way to serve others while having physical limitations. Perhaps this is the way. Only time and prayer will tell.
For now, feel free to read my testimony on the top bar above.
Also, if anyone is interested my other blog is Fight MG
Thank you and God bless.
So while I have another blog specific to my illness and health updates, anything having to do with my faith will most likely be posted here instead. My thought is that sometimes I will post the same thing to both blogs if they touch upon both sides... for ultimately God gets me through everything including the myasthenia. And I'm leaving this one in God's hands so I'm not sure what I'll post, how often I'll post or how long I'll carry it on... but I will listen to Him as He guides my path, and if it includes blogging then I shall do so. I mean I have asked for a way to serve others while having physical limitations. Perhaps this is the way. Only time and prayer will tell.
For now, feel free to read my testimony on the top bar above.
Also, if anyone is interested my other blog is Fight MG
Thank you and God bless.
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