Thursday, August 26, 2010
Have no fear, Jesus is here!
Before our devo, I would just like to send my deepest apologies for not posting as much as I originally said I would. I have been very busy and these posts take a lot of time and prayer, I'm simply not able to keep up. But I'm making a new promise; once a week. No specific day, just once every week.
Another thing, I just don't know how popular my blog really is. I know that a few of my readers became my followers and that is so encouraging THANKYOU! If you are a reader who hasn't subscribed, just send me a post on Facebook or Myspace letting me know your thoughts. I would really love suggestions!
MOVING ON! Its time for Jesus! Read Psalm 27.
Fear doesn't just happen on Halloween or in a scary movie, fear appears in our everyday lives. Sometimes we can be afraid and not even realize it! Fear can take over our actions and keep us away from God. Just the other day I was talking to someone about a struggle I've been facing these past few months. I thought about sharing with them that God helped me through it but I got nervous because I was afraid of what they might say in response. Has this ever happened to you?
The Bible talks a lot about fear. I think its safe to say that more than half the of the times the Bible uses the word fear it is soon followed by something along the lines of; He is with you.
Let's test my theory. 1 Chronicles 28:20 says "'Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you...'" (NIV) I should have applied this when I was talking to my friend..
Maybe your fear is bigger than the one I mentioned. There is no reason to be afraid of what people might say if you think of what people might do when you talk about your faith. In other parts of the world, you may be thrown in jail for speaking to others about Jesus. Every day I thank God that I am not in one of those places. But even when the fears seem too big for you to handle remember nothing is to big for our God. Deuteronomy 31:6 says "...He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." (NKJV) (<--Hakuna Matata?)
Fear is just in our heads anyway. We sike ourselves out about a situation and we become afraid of the consequences. Its not real like the Bible in front of you or the computer monitor you're staring at. Its imaginary, at least it is to me when I really think about it. Try that, really think about the last time that you have had fear. Now think about these verses, did you really need to be afraid? In the Tenth Avenue North song Strong Enough To Save there is a lyric that says "fear is just a lie". Do you agree? 2 Timothy 1:7 says "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (NLT) God didn't give us fear, that's for sure, so it must be in our heads.
Our song today is not by Tenth Ave. but by Matt Redman. You all know this one - You Never Let Go. Hebrews 13:5-6 says "...For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we may boldly say: 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?'". (NKJV) Our song agrees with that. "...What can man do to me?" & "Whom than shall I fear?". Who is greater than our God? Even though this isn't the first time you've heard this song, instead of singing along meditate on these words.
We should not fear any evil, He is with us. More Bible verses that proclaim that include: Isaiah 41:13 and 1 Peter 3:13-14.
Its time to think about what it is that you fear. What makes you afraid to share your faith or what scares you in general? Lift these fears to the Lord and ask Him to reveal Himself to you in these situations so that you are not afraid anymore. Exodus 14:13 tells us "...Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today..." (NIV)
Dear Lord,
I know that I have nothing to be afraid of but sometimes, I still get scared. Show me that you are there, help me to know You are near.
1 Corinthians 16:13,
:]
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
PrAy
Bible time! Read 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
In John 15:14 Jesus says "..you are my friends." (NLT) Think about your friends for a moment. When was the last time you talked to your bff? Before you opened this right? You texted them, or called them. I cant go a day without talking to my best friends! So why is it than we can go weeks without talking to God?
How can we forget to talk to our friends? That just doesn't happen. Jesus doesn't forget you. I'm not trying to make anyone feel guilty but lets face reality, prayer doesn't always come before texting. Proverbs 15:8 says "... He delights in the prayers of the upright." (NLT) Jesus likes to hear from us!
Prayer is doing business with God. Matthew 6:6 says "...When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."(NIV)
Just like you vent to your friends, vent to God. Theres a difference here... Your friends can't always help you with your problems, they can give you advice and be a shoulder to cry on, but Jesus can do so much more. John 14:13-14 says "I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." (NIV) Although it tells us in Matthew 6:8 "your Father knows exactly what you need before you ask him!" (NLT) He still wants to hear it from you! "...ask me..."And doesn't it feel good to get things off your chest?
It is important to remember that prayer isn't all about "can You?" and "will You?" its also about "thank You!" and "praise You!". 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us "Give thanks in all circumstances..." (NIV) Which brings us to our song today.
Supernatural by Flyleaf is a song about praying and waiting patiently for the Lord. Its about talking to Him when things are great and when things are tough. Because you wouldn't only talk to your friends when you have good news,.
Praying to God is such a beautiful thing. We get to talk to our creator! Some more verses in the Bible that talk about the importance of prayer include: James 5:13 and Proverbs 15:29.
I'll ask you in every entry to take the verses I mention and mediate on them. Close this devotion with prayer but don't let it be the last time you pray to him until the next time you read an entry. Pray in the morning when you wake up, pray at night before you go to bed, and every time in between. Psalm 55:17 says "Evening and morning, and at noon, I will pray and cry aloud; and He shall hear my voice." (NIV)
Dear Lord,
Let me not forget the importance of prayer.
Colossians 4:2,
:]
In John 15:14 Jesus says "..you are my friends." (NLT) Think about your friends for a moment. When was the last time you talked to your bff? Before you opened this right? You texted them, or called them. I cant go a day without talking to my best friends! So why is it than we can go weeks without talking to God?
How can we forget to talk to our friends? That just doesn't happen. Jesus doesn't forget you. I'm not trying to make anyone feel guilty but lets face reality, prayer doesn't always come before texting. Proverbs 15:8 says "... He delights in the prayers of the upright." (NLT) Jesus likes to hear from us!
Prayer is doing business with God. Matthew 6:6 says "...When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."(NIV)
Just like you vent to your friends, vent to God. Theres a difference here... Your friends can't always help you with your problems, they can give you advice and be a shoulder to cry on, but Jesus can do so much more. John 14:13-14 says "I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." (NIV) Although it tells us in Matthew 6:8 "your Father knows exactly what you need before you ask him!" (NLT) He still wants to hear it from you! "...ask me..."And doesn't it feel good to get things off your chest?
It is important to remember that prayer isn't all about "can You?" and "will You?" its also about "thank You!" and "praise You!". 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us "Give thanks in all circumstances..." (NIV) Which brings us to our song today.
Supernatural by Flyleaf is a song about praying and waiting patiently for the Lord. Its about talking to Him when things are great and when things are tough. Because you wouldn't only talk to your friends when you have good news,.
Praying to God is such a beautiful thing. We get to talk to our creator! Some more verses in the Bible that talk about the importance of prayer include: James 5:13 and Proverbs 15:29.
I'll ask you in every entry to take the verses I mention and mediate on them. Close this devotion with prayer but don't let it be the last time you pray to him until the next time you read an entry. Pray in the morning when you wake up, pray at night before you go to bed, and every time in between. Psalm 55:17 says "Evening and morning, and at noon, I will pray and cry aloud; and He shall hear my voice." (NIV)
Dear Lord,
Let me not forget the importance of prayer.
Colossians 4:2,
:]
Monday, August 16, 2010
Hakuna Matata
Minimize Facebook and get out your Bibles! Read Matthew 6:25-34
Future, making money, success, being an adult. When I read these things, I squirm. This partly because all of them involve planning which is something I really can't stand but more so because they worry me. What collage am I going to attend? What will my career be? Will I be able to support a family one day? My mind runs with questions. I get nervous. What if things don't work out the way I've planned? Then I have to stop and think,. My life is in the hands of God, the creator of the universe. In John 14:27 Jesus says "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and trust also in me." (NLT) & Psalm 23:4 says this "...I will not be afraid for You are close beside me..." (NLT) So why does tomorrow scare us? Jeremiah 29:11 declares "'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'" (NLT) God has a plan for my life and yours. It doesn't have to make sense to us upfront but God sees the big picture, so don't worry.1 Peter 5:7 tells us, "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." (NLT), God's got our back!
I am going to share a song with you. Your Love Is Strong by Jon Foreman is a song full of facts, God is strong and He loves us! But the part of the song that directly applys to our devo is found before the first chorus. It says "So why do I worry? Why do I freak out? God knows what I need, You know what I need."
As you listen to this song, meditate on the lyrics. Lift it up to God in praise.
All over the Bible we are told not to worry, some more verses that state this are John 14:1 and Psalm 55:22. I encourage you to look these up on your own. Also, look up the verses I mentioned earlier, go to a quiet place, clear your mind of all distractions and apply these words to your life.
Close this devotional time with prayer, and when you pray think of the things that worry you daily. Philippians 4:6 tells us "Don't worry about anything, instead pray about everything..." (NLT)
Dear Lord,
Help me remember Your love IS strong. Take the worries of my days away, and replace them with confidence in You.
Proverbs 3:5-6,
:]
Future, making money, success, being an adult. When I read these things, I squirm. This partly because all of them involve planning which is something I really can't stand but more so because they worry me. What collage am I going to attend? What will my career be? Will I be able to support a family one day? My mind runs with questions. I get nervous. What if things don't work out the way I've planned? Then I have to stop and think,. My life is in the hands of God, the creator of the universe. In John 14:27 Jesus says "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and trust also in me." (NLT) & Psalm 23:4 says this "...I will not be afraid for You are close beside me..." (NLT) So why does tomorrow scare us? Jeremiah 29:11 declares "'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'" (NLT) God has a plan for my life and yours. It doesn't have to make sense to us upfront but God sees the big picture, so don't worry.1 Peter 5:7 tells us, "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." (NLT), God's got our back!
I am going to share a song with you. Your Love Is Strong by Jon Foreman is a song full of facts, God is strong and He loves us! But the part of the song that directly applys to our devo is found before the first chorus. It says "So why do I worry? Why do I freak out? God knows what I need, You know what I need."
As you listen to this song, meditate on the lyrics. Lift it up to God in praise.
All over the Bible we are told not to worry, some more verses that state this are John 14:1 and Psalm 55:22. I encourage you to look these up on your own. Also, look up the verses I mentioned earlier, go to a quiet place, clear your mind of all distractions and apply these words to your life.
Close this devotional time with prayer, and when you pray think of the things that worry you daily. Philippians 4:6 tells us "Don't worry about anything, instead pray about everything..." (NLT)
Dear Lord,
Help me remember Your love IS strong. Take the worries of my days away, and replace them with confidence in You.
Proverbs 3:5-6,
:]
Monday, August 9, 2010
In the Beginning..
I'm not sure where to start here people. I really have no idea what I'm getting into at this point.. First of all I'd like to apologize about my constant babbling. Where ever this blog takes me I promise there will be much rambling occurring. Spelling and grammar mistakes will be ever present also.
I suppose I'll start off with what my intentions are with this. See, I have many friends who struggle with reading their Bible everyday and setting aside time to spend with God. It seems unless a devotion is laid out before them, it won't happen. Please note, I am not pointing any fingers. That was me for quite some time but through prayer and growing closer to Him, I guess you could say it got easier for me. Even if that isn't something you struggle with, this blog can be something you keep up with along with your daily reading. However my initial thought for doing this was to reach out to those who sometimes find reading God's word a challenge.
I'd like to make it known that I am no Bible scholar. I am young and my faith is new but I love God with all my heart and my intentions are good. There may be times when I may interpret the Bible differently than you and that is Okay! We can talk about it. I'd like this environment to stay safe, and clean and open for discussion. I'd love for people to add to my ideas and say how this verse said that to them and reminded them of this story, and what have you. I am trying to make reading God's word and talking about God's word less of a chore and more of something we look forward to at the start or ending of our day.
Just a fair warning, I am very new to the idea of "blogging". I don't know that I've ever read a blog, let alone write one! My plans for my first blogging experience are to post 3 times a week. Maybe I will love it and want to do it more. Maybe God will give me a bunch to say and I'll blog everyday. Maybe I will hate it and only do it once a week, only time will tell.
I'm kind of excited to see how all this turns out and how people react. I can't say how soon I will start posting my devos I am going to ask for advice from other bloggers and pray about it, so keep your eyes open for my next post. Thankyou so much for taking time out of your busy day to read all my nonsense.
God Bless,
:]
I suppose I'll start off with what my intentions are with this. See, I have many friends who struggle with reading their Bible everyday and setting aside time to spend with God. It seems unless a devotion is laid out before them, it won't happen. Please note, I am not pointing any fingers. That was me for quite some time but through prayer and growing closer to Him, I guess you could say it got easier for me. Even if that isn't something you struggle with, this blog can be something you keep up with along with your daily reading. However my initial thought for doing this was to reach out to those who sometimes find reading God's word a challenge.
I'd like to make it known that I am no Bible scholar. I am young and my faith is new but I love God with all my heart and my intentions are good. There may be times when I may interpret the Bible differently than you and that is Okay! We can talk about it. I'd like this environment to stay safe, and clean and open for discussion. I'd love for people to add to my ideas and say how this verse said that to them and reminded them of this story, and what have you. I am trying to make reading God's word and talking about God's word less of a chore and more of something we look forward to at the start or ending of our day.
Just a fair warning, I am very new to the idea of "blogging". I don't know that I've ever read a blog, let alone write one! My plans for my first blogging experience are to post 3 times a week. Maybe I will love it and want to do it more. Maybe God will give me a bunch to say and I'll blog everyday. Maybe I will hate it and only do it once a week, only time will tell.
I'm kind of excited to see how all this turns out and how people react. I can't say how soon I will start posting my devos I am going to ask for advice from other bloggers and pray about it, so keep your eyes open for my next post. Thankyou so much for taking time out of your busy day to read all my nonsense.
God Bless,
:]
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