God Has You in His Arms

Praise You in This Storm - Casting Crowns

"I Am Taking Care of You. Trust Me at all times. Trust Me in all circumstances. Trust Me with all your heart. When you are weary and everything seems to be going wrong, you can still utter these four words: 'I trust you Jesus.' By doing so, you release matters into My control, and you fall back into the security of My Everlasting Arms.

Before you arise from your bed in the morning, I have already arranged the events of your day. Every day provides many opportunities for you to learn My ways and grow closer to Me. Signs of My Presence brighten even the dullest day when you have eyes that really see. Search for Me as for hidden treasure. I will be found by you."

-Sarah Young, Jesus Calling, March 30th

Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:13 (NLT)

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Proverbs 3:5 (NLT)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

    do not depend on your own understanding.

Psalm 42:11 (NLT)

Why am I discouraged?

    Why is my heart so sad?

I will put my hope in God!

    I will praise him again—

    my Savior and my God!

Psalm 121 (NLT) 

I look up to the mountains—

does my help come from there?

My help comes from the Lord,

who made heaven and earth!

He will not let you stumble;

the one who watches over you will not slumber.

 Indeed, he who watches over Israel
never slumbers or sleeps.

The Lord himself watches over you!

The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.

The sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon at night.

The Lord keeps you from all harm

and watches over your life.

The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,

both now and forever.

 

Forgiveness

John 8:10-11 (NLT)

Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” 

“No, Lord,” she said.

And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”

What good does hiding you sins do? God knows everything about you. So He knows you're hiding it from Him. He didn't come to the earth to punish you. Slowly uncover your sins to Him. Confessing to Him will make you feel much more relieved. He will forgive you for each and every thing if you just ask. Remember you must also forgive yourself. He knows you've sinned, you know you've sinned. Only way to get rid of the guilt feeling is to confess. Don't make it a difficult task though, just take baby steps. 

He is here for you. Don't let past sin hold you back from living a full life with God. You want to be able to take new steps each day while holding onto His mighty hand. He came here to save you.

Final thought: Do you have past sins you've tucked away? What are they? Why hold onto them? Ask God for forgiveness today for those things so you can move on with life.

Change the Way You Change: It's Process, not a Project

http://www.elevationchurch.org/sermons/thenewrules/part1

This sermon really can change how you view life and where you are at. I encourage you to take 45 minutes to watch it.

God is Greater Than Our Feelings

1 John 3:20 

Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings.

Do you believe that God has anything to do with your feelings? Or do you just think that is a human nature thing? 

He has everything to do with you. It isn't going to just leave you hanging with your feelings. When the Spirit comes into your life He not only changes your actions and thoughts, He also takes a hold on your feelings. 

Feelings come from what you truly believe and experience. When you believe in His promises, you ail feel joy and peace. When you don't believe in his ability to provide, you will feel fear. So knowing that God has a hold on your feelings, put that to good use. When you feel sad, mad, or lonely, tell yourself about how awesome God is and the great things He does. Tell yourself He is always with you, He always forgives, and He always cares for you.

Take this and let it change your life in how you feel about things.

Final Thought: How often do you feel alone? Scared? Worried? Do your best to remind yourself of who God is and what He does for you during those times. 

You are Forgiven

Psalm 65:3-4 (NLT)
Though we are overwhelmed by our sins,

you forgive them all. What joy for those you choose to bring near, those who live in your holy courts.What festivities await us inside your holy Temple.

It is good to realize your sin. It is good to feel the weight of it. It is good to feel a little pulled down by it. Because that means you're aware of it. That means God can more easily help you with it. Because there are many people trapped in the sinful world. They are stuck in a place where sin doesn't matter and it is the right way of living. Those people do not feel the weight of sin on their shoulders. They are way farther out there. Do you know someone like that? See what you can do to help them out.

It is a blessing to be aware of our sin. It is even more of a blessing to be forgiven of it. His forgiveness is so much bigger and greater than all your sin. It will consume you and rid you of your sinfulness.

Yeah, it can take a long time to become pure and holy, but don't get frustrated. Remember how much God loves you and that He has chosen to bring you near to Him. He is there with you now taking away little by little your desire to sin. And one day you'll see the results of His work in yourself. Pure and holy.

What is the Next Step for You?

1 Peter 1:3,5 (NLT)

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence….In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge,

God gives us everything we need. Everything we need so that we can live a life for Him, a godly life. He won't ever ask you for something that He didn't already give you. We cannot be godly people without Him, it isn't possible. Therefore, we need Him in our lives. He has entirely put Himself out there for you, you need to take a hold of that and let Him in. Just because He has given you everything does not mean that you should just "take it" and ignore Him. It should make you want to know Him more, to dive into the life He wants you to live. Take the next step today, take it with Him. Put all of your effort into it. 

Final Thought: Where are you right now? Are you giving your whole self to God? What is the next step?

He is Always Right by Your Side

Joshua 1:9 (NLT)

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

God is always with you. That does not mean you won't face struggles or adversity, it means you won't face those things alone. He is right there with you standing in front of you to lead the way. He is instructing and encouraging you. He is filling you with His Power to face dangers, and making you more and more like the person He created you to be each day. He is with you, not just generally, but personally. You have his attention and affection. Where ever you go, He is right beside Him. Reach out and touch Him. Trust Him. Hold His Hand. He is so leading you. 

Final Thought: God is leading you no matter what. Are you following His every step? What is keeping you from it if you are not?

We Know Who is Really in Charge

Ephesians 1:10 (NLT)

And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth.

Many of us often think that because the world is at such a horrible right now, that God isn't controlling or doesn't have control over all of it. But think about it, He created it, He can do whatever He wants to. But He isn't a God that is just going fix everything up for everyone right on the spot, that isn't how it works. It's not how He is working on changing the world. He is changing the world one step at a time through us as believers. There isn't a thing He has no authority, He can control all things. "Most people think that they are in charge of their own lives and the master of their own destiny." We definitely know that isn't true. He us the one ultimately in charge with the plan. Yes, we can make our own choices and get off track, but He is still in charge. One day, the day Jesus returns, everyone will see that they were never in charge of anything and they will see what you've known to be true this whole time.

Love Has Come - Mark Schultz

I Will Bring You Back into My Garden

The devotion that I read today in "Abundant Life" (by Nancy Grace, on page 21) doesn't have a whole lot to interpret or analyze, it is more so just thought provoking in the sense that you might be thinking about your own life, sins you've committed, and what is to come ahead. It is a devotion that makes you question yourself and realize the need to be thankful more than it would help for me to explain things or tell you how to do something.

So I'm going to post the whole devotion that I read this morning, that I am thankful to God for. Inserting [what I have to say], like so.

"I Will Bring You Back into My Garden

[before reading on, think about what that title might mean. where is He bringing us back from? What have you done to be away from the garden? think about what scripture it will relate to.]

The Lord God planted a garden in Eden in the east, and there be placed the man he had made. The Lord God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground -- trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit. In the middle of the garden he placed the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. 

Genesis 2:8-9

Long ago I plated a garden in Eden, a place where those I created could enjoy the richness of beauty and satisfaction and, most of all, unfettered relationship with me. And ever since Adam and Eve traded the perfect blessing of the pure Garden, I've been at work to bring you back. Christ came to put an end to the Curse, and when he comes again, the Curse will be gone for good. Then you'll be brought back to the bounty and blessings of a garden paradise where nothing will ever come between us again. 

Great Giver of all that is good, how I long for the day when I will enjoy all of the goodness and bounty you've prepared for those who love you…."

Okay, think about that. Think about how thankful we need to be to Christ for coming to help save us from "the Curse" and the evil one who is always scheming. We have to hang on to Christ in all that we do so that we can beat him out, the evil one, because he is so sneaky and sly in his traps. A lot of times you don't even see something coming and next thing you know you're begging for forgiveness. You weren't hanging on tight enough to Christ. You have got to stop and question yourself when something comes up so that you can see clearly the right path to take.

Desert Song - Hillsong

This song tells us that it is going to be okay no matter what is going on. No matter what time in our life it is. Praise Him in all situations and "seasons." "God is my victory and He is here."

From the Inside Out - Hillsong

This song tells us that no matter how many times we mess up we are always caught by God's grace. His glory is greater than anything else, and we need to give Him all of us so He can fill us up with it.

Some Favorite Verses

Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.

Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you.

I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

James 5:13 (NLT)

Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises.

John 16:33 (NLT)

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NLT)

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.

James 1:2-4 (NLT)

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Psalm 42:5 (MSG)

Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul?

    Why are you crying the blues?

Fix my eyes on God—

    soon I’ll be praising again.

He puts a smile on my face.

    He’s my God.

Ephesians 6:13-18 (MSG)

Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is anindispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

Isaiah 12:2 (MSG)

“Yes, indeed—God is my salvation.

    I trust, I won’t be afraid.

God—yes God!—is my strength and song,

    best of all, my salvation!”

Psalm 34:5 (MSG)

Look at him; give him your warmest smile.

Never hide your feelings from him.

Making Sacrifices to Walking with God

Mark 8:34 (NLT)

Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you 

wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.

This is a huge deal, it holds high importance in my life. It is something that we all have to keep doing. It must become a discipline to live that way. You have to know that when you mess up right where to go, who to go to, God. You have to make changes and sacrifices in your life. If Jesus made the sacrifice of death for you and your sins and mistakes, why can't you give up some things in your life to live for Him. He wants you to die to yourself, meaning to put the old ways of living to rest. Whatever those may be, they are keeping you from living a fuller and happier life with Christ. The things here on earth that bring you pleasure are short lived. Nothing can bring you eternal joy but the unconditional love that Christ has for you. And to get the full benefit, you have to take a step in a new direction. It's okay to do things a little at the time, that is how you more easily get from one place to another and form a a more difficult and testing habit. 

Try this:

1. Identify what it is that is keeping you from giving your whole self to Christ. A habit that is. Not something that you regret. If it is something in the past that you regret that is holding you back, you must forgive yourself and ask God for forgiveness, at which point you can move on. If you're still struggling with it, you are the only one holding yourself back, as in you still have yet to forgive yourself. Back to my point: Figure out what habit or worldly short pleasure(s) are holding you back from walking each step of the way in the Light of Christ.

2. Make short term goals for yourself. Say "I will refrain from ______ today." Then if you succeed, reward yourself with something you enjoy (something not sinful of course, something more tangible perhaps a piece of chocolate. Obviously you don't want to reward yourself with something that takes you in the wrong direction.) Okay, so the next day say " I will refrain from _____ for 5 days." Keep yourself disciplined and reminding yourself not to partake in the bad habit. Have something that will remind you of the outcome of your getting rid of the habit, perhaps a bible verse that talks about joy or strength in God or a word of encouragement. Philippians 4:13 says "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Continue on with this pattern adding more days to each short term goal. You feel better about yourself when you accomplish things and accomplishing more small goals will not only help you make it to the big long term goal, but it will also help you to feel good about yourself along the way. 

Once you make it through all your short term goals, you will definitely come a long way. If that isn't how you best handle problems, well then pray to God that He will show you the way and guide you through your struggles. But it is definitely about making sacrifices of old habits so that you can form new and positive habits in following God every step of the way. Yes, you will still make mistakes and still have struggles after you get to that point of walking with God, but you have God to carry you through it all. You can trust Him in all that you do, knowing that the ultimate goal is eternal life in Heaven with Jesus.

God's Gifts

Luke 11:11-13 (NLT)

“You fathers—if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”

God gives the best gifts. I mean think about it, love, mercy, grace, and all the other blessings we receive each day mean much more than chocolate, toys, and knick knacks. But just because God's gifts are way better does not mean that we don't enjoy the ones our family and friends give us. Just that we have to realize and know that what God has in store for us is much greater than anything we could ever gain here on earth. He has the gift of heaven waiting for us. He gave the gift of His son so that we could be freely forgiven from our sins and live a refreshed life. 

Know that He loves you, and that is why He gives you these gifts. And because He loves you, He won't always give you all that you ask for. He wants to lead you by His plan and way. And not everything that you always want is a part of that. He wants to give Him whole being to you, and you to give your whole being and everything in your life back to Him. He wants to work in and around your life, in your family, church, world, and heart. So just open up and let Him in. He will do amazing things for you.

Final Thought: Blessings come when you least expect them.

Laying Sin to Rest

Romans 6:11-12, 14 (NLT)

So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires.  Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

At one point, maybe still now, you could not say no to sin. It was just a part of your life and how you chose to live. You're just doing it because other people are doing it and it just seems okay. But maybe you should be living by example of Christ instead. Think about if Jesus would approve what you're doing and how you're living. Just give your whole life to Him. Not just a small part. You can have the power to say no to sinful acts. You can become one with Christ. When He died, the old you was also put to rest. You were blessed with new life. You were freely given the opportunity to start over. 

Yes, you will still come across temptations, but you are no longer reigned in by those things; you have the power to say no and to get away. God's grace is now the center of your life and what gives you power. He is helping you, taking away your sin. He is making you hungry for being holy and living a life with Him.

Right Here - Jeremy Camp

God Fights for You

Exodus 14:14 

The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.

You know that feeling you get when you see all the terrible stories in the media, on the news and in the paper? Stories of shootings, rape, assault. All the temptations kids go through in school these days. Let me tell you, there is a whole lot more pressure on kids than you probably think. It's all about how other people perceive you. And there are so many kids with low self-esteem issues because of that. If you don't fit in with the "cool kids" and you can't find anyone else to stick to, well then you have it really rough. Aside from that to be a "cool kid" you might have to change your ways, break your morals to do something because of the amount of pressure you have put on you. Kids just want to be liked and accepted, because it is a tough trial to be alone in this world. 

Think about how messed up this world we live in is. You think where is God? Why is this happening? Why are we living here? Is the world even safe? 

God is in this with us. He is here for us. He is standing in front of us fighting off the evil one. Protecting us from the world. He isn't protecting the world from the world, He is protecting you from the world. Yeah, you will still be exposed to a lot of harsh  things. But we have God to hang onto, and He is bigger than all of that. 

But then you might be thinking, why does God let these bad things happen? …That is always a huge question. He doesn't let these things happen, but He will always be there amongst them. "He makes all things work together for our good."

Final Thought: What battles are you fighting right now? Big or small it would take a lot off your shoulders if you just let God have it, let Him fight it, and trust Him with it.

Dive Right In!

Psalm 37:4 (NLT)

Take delight in the Lord,

and he will give you your heart’s desires.

God wants more than we are giving Him, He wants more for our relationship with Him than just servitude. He doesn't want that to be the only way we show that we love Him. He wants passion. He wants us. He wants our heart. He wants it so that He can help us, not so that we can help Him. He doesn't need help, He can do all things. 

He wants us to "take delight in Him" as the scripture says. (I really like how Nancy Grace writes this). "I want you to take delight in me like you savor a fine meal, like you linger in the presence of a good friend, like you celebrate the accomplishments of your child, like you look forward to a restful day of vacation." Why can't we love God in that kind of way, yet deeper? It's so easy to love and anticipate those little things? So why not love and anxiously anticipate every little and ginormous thing God is going to do for you? He is so much greater than all those little things like a good meal or day of vacation. Jump into life with Him! Do a cannonball right into the middle of the pool! God is the swimming pool! Don't hold anything back from Him! Just hop right in with all you've got! You will see how satisfied you will become with everything He is doing for you. You will feel Him fulfilling what your heart desires.

Final Thought: What are you holding back from God? What is keeping you from diving right into life with Him?

Leap of Faith…Take it

Genesis 12:1-2 NLT

The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.

That is so cool that Abraham had so much faith in God that he left his family and country for unknown land. That is probably more of a metaphorical example of what God might be asking you to do, then again, God could be asking you to do the same thing. Either way, it is an example of a follower stepping out in true and full trust in God. He is asking only that you hold His hand and walk with Him. That can be tough at times, but it is a step of faith. May seem like a silly example, but ever seen "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade"? There is a part at the end where he has to get to his father before he dies, and he comes to a place in the cave where there is no path across. You can see the other side, but no bridge to get there. He refers to his book of instructions that his father gave him, and it tells him to take a leap of faith to get across. It is a pretty literal example, but it is a physical way to see what you have to do for and with God. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFntFdEGgws&noredirect=1

Following God in this way is not just for the "super spiritual" people, that is merely a stereotype and judgement. Anyone can  do this. Anyone can take a "leap of faith." You put your life and all you're worth into God and what He promises. That means giving up some things, control and familiarity. He isn't promising you that you'll like His plan, but that it is the best for you. He does however promise that He will bless you for what He knows you need. Because He knows what you need more than you know what you need. He will bless you with far more than you ever imagined. And it all starts with trusting God and giving up your life and control to Him. That is the first step.

Final Thought: Think about where you are now in life. Are your goals your desires? Or are you taking a leap of faith with God? 

Discipline Rather than Punishment

Hebrews 12:10-11
Gods discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening--it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

I have honestly never thought a whole lot about God disciplining. It is a interesting concept to think about because we know that He is a God of grace and mercy, He does not give us what we deserve (if He did, we wouldn't be able to have this relationship with Him). Rather He is merciful and forgiving. We ought to be thankful for that every moment of everyday.
Discipline, however, is sort of a different topic. It is helping us to stay in line with where He wants us to be. It is merely a way of teaching us. And boy are we stubborn and need some teaching. When I first read my devotion this morning about He is disciplining us for our own good, that first made me think of punishment for something we've done wrong, but that's not really what it was meaning. It was more so meaning that He does something's the way He does as a part of His plan for you. He does not ever want to hurt you, He wants to be helpful in every way He can. And yes something will hurt a little sometime, but think about what you can be learning from what's going on. It's all about learning from past mistakes, moving on, and walking closer with God while sharing with others.

Jesus Saves

Inside Out - Hillsong

1 Timothy 2:5-6 NLT

For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.

That verse really sums up a lot. He is our connection point with God now. He made it so that we could talk to God directly. The veil was torn. How awesome is it that any one of us can just talk right with God by ourselves. Before (well a really really long time ago) people had to go confess to a priest and tell the priest what they wanted to tell God. When God sent Jesus into the world, that gave us the ability to grow a closer more personal relationship with God. We are so lucky to be able to do that. 

He loves us so much. And the obstacle of sin was separating us from Him, which was painful to Him and deprived us. That is when He reached out. He sent His Son for us. He reached His loving hand out to us so that we could be friends. Building up our ability to have a relationship with Him. When you find Jesus, you have found Him, and you understand the blessing that He brings.

God Cleanses

Glory to God - Steve Fee

Hebrews 1:3 NLT

The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.

Being clean. Tough thing to do in this world. I sure know that for a fact. How are we to ever climb out of the deep dark pit of sin? How are we to cleanse ourselves from our past? We maybe a new person, but what about before? What happens to all those things?

Well, out with the old, in with the new. When you become a new person, you drop all of that. You leave behind your old habits and sinful ways of the world. When you become a new person, God cleanses you. He forgives and forgets. You are free from sin. That is one reason why God is so amazing. There is no other escape from your past mistakes and sin in this world or any realm. That is why we are to go to God with these things. You let go of them yourself. You must not only ask Him for forgiveness, but you must also forgive yourself. He can forgive you every time you ask, but if you do not let go of it and forgive yourself, it will eat you up. You cannot hold onto the past mistakes in that way. Its over and done. You cannot change it or take it away, but God can forgive you. And you can forgive yourself. We are so blessed to be able to have that option; God is so merciful.

Final Thought: You don't have to live with the past pulling you down, God can make you clean and new. Be refreshed by His Glory.

A Journey Thus Far Jan 7th

Hey Guys! I've totally missed blogging the past few days! I got my wisdom teeth out and was dealing with that; and wow that is definitely a miserable experience. 

The devotion I read this morning out of "Abundant Life" was so awesome! It is a great message if you've never experienced what is being talked about, and it reminds you if you have experienced what its talking about. Okay so I'm going to just type this one out for all of you to read, and then I'll talk about it.

"Walking in My Ways Brings Real Blessing

Be careful to obey all these commands I am giving you.           
Show love to the Lord your God by walking in his ways and holding tightly to him. Deuteronomy 11:22

To know me, walk with me, and share life with me -- this is the essence of real blessing. And the truth is, it is the hard things in your life that cause you to want to know me more intimately, walk with me more closely, and share life with me more fully. That is why, in the losses of life, you can find yourself blessed beyond your imagination or expectation. Because you have found more of me in these hard places. 

When you look up from your hardship with a smile, you know you've moved from just hearing my Word to living it -- putting it to the test. You're finding that giving is better than receiving, neediness is better than self-sufficiency, trust is better than worry. You've discovered that my Word is true, my joy is our strength, my promises are your hope, my presence is your comfort. This is the life of blessing you always longed for but didn't expect to find in this way.

What a blessing to walk with you and hold tightly to you both when the sun is shining and when there is only darkness. Lord, you are the real blessing in my life…"

(Guthrie 7).

These words just spoke so powerfully to me. I remembered the time when I started to get it. When God started hitting me in the face with these things and I started to hold onto it.

Think about a rough time in your life. When you lost a loved one, or you were struggling with something personal. You may have asked God why a million and one times, and in some cases people draw away from God because they are upset, but asking God why…doesn't that mean you are wanting to know more about Him? Doesn't that mean you're trying to grow closer with Him? 

I recall that time. I was just sort of bumbling along. I wasn't entirely on the right track you could say. I was praying in a selfish way when I did. I wasn't praying for what I knew God wanted me to have, I was praying for exactly what I wanted, which was far from what I needed. Then my grandmother passed away. I tried my hardest to think as positively about the situation as I could. I kept reminding my family that "She is in a better place now. She is happy. She is smiling down upon us." But inside I was so torn. I did not know what to do with myself. I prayed to God to just please help me, please please help me.

There was a youth event that I wasn't signed up for or really even participating in. But there was a worship service that was part of the event. I was on edge whether or not to go. I ended up deciding to go. Just sort of going to go. But it was one of the most amazing worship experiences I've ever been a part of. It was dealing with confessing. And oh boy did I need to do some serious confessing. I came to a lot of realizations. That worship service also helped me to be more open to God and what He wanted to do. At this worship service I met a new friend. Someone who was strangely going through the same loss I was dealing with at the time. God put that person in my path. And God continued to build a support system between us. And through that God blessed me so immensely more than I ever imagined He would. I never dreamed of the places God took me next in my life. From that point on, I found the difficult things to be less difficult. I "looked up from my hardship with a smile" knowing that it was going to be okay. From that, I learned to give things over to God instead of worrying about them. I learned to trust. God taught me all these things, it became a time and a journey of discovery. And I've never been more thankful for the work God has done in my life.

I pray that you can hold on to God in the tough situations. I pray that you will realize what He is trying to show you through the rough times. I know a lot of things in life really really suck, but you have got to remember to hold on to God. Hold on to His promises. He will not ever let you go! Pray more selflessly than selfishly. Breathe Him in and trust Him. It's all about the trust. He will show you the way in His time, not yours. 

Jan 3rd

2 Corinthians 1:20 (NLT)

For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.

God gave us a true gift, His son, Jesus. In doing so, He is fulfilling every promise He ever has made and will make. He says 'yes' to everything you need. He gives you everything you need. You have nothing to fear when walking with the Lord, because He will carry you when you're weak, cheer you up when you're sad, turn mad into happy, and struggles into easy. Though all these things are part of the journey, if you hold onto Him through it, you're sure to make it. Jesus is our everything: love, joy, peace, faithfulness, and the list goes on. You just have to come to the realization that He is your everything and you need Him to live. Don't ever think God is not giving you something, or made something bad happen, because He gives you all that you need always.

Final Thought: Since God gives you all that you need to get through things, why not try to answer to His calling you to what He wants you to do for HIm.

Mike Huckabee - Where Was God? (Connecticut Shooting)

A short 3 minute clip that I encourage you to watch, it is amazing to hear people speak up like this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wq4DU5KE5eI

Jan 2nd, 2012 AbundantLife

John 1:16 (NLT)

From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. 

Think about that verse. I'm sure its true for you whether you realize it or not. Many of us overlook the blessing God gives us each and every day. We sometimes get wrapped up in the ways of the world that we forget to stop and look. When you ask God to bless you, He isn't just going to make it better, He is going to jump right smack in the middle of everything. It's what you asked for, isn't it? You wanted Him to make it better, didn't you? Well there He is! You just opened the door wide and He hopped right in. He loves when we ask Him for blessings and help. That doesn't mean though that you won't still have struggles or rough spots or sad times. Those things all happen for a reason, because of something He has planned for you. Something He wants to teach you, or the direction He wants you to go. Being blessed means that through all of that you will see Him looking upon your face and telling you how it is going to be completely alright. You will feel the comfort of Him in your life. 

Final Thought: Think about the blessings everyday in your life. Keep your eyes open to what God is doing in your life. God is full of surprises and blessings.

January 1st…Another New Year.

2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (NLT)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new. And all of this is a gift from God!

So Happy New Year to you all! 

I'm starting a new devotion this year called "Abundant Life Day Book: 365 Blessings to Begin Your Day" by Nancy Guthrie. I previewed a bunch of different devotions online and in the stores trying to figure out what would be just right for me. The "Jesus Calling" devotion more so just came into my life, given to me by a great friend. And this year I had to pick a new one based on what I liked about "Jesus Calling" and what I wanted/needed to hear from God this year. I had to pray about it too before I chose. It was quite a process for me. It was all about the question: "Where to next?"

I have been so anticipating this first day of reading it. I've just been so excited, like could not wait for this day to be able to open up this devotion and soak in all the God has waiting for me!

Today I read about how God is making us into a new person. God is always blessing us. "To be blessed is to have life--abundant overflowing life" (Guthrie vii). We need to realize that the fact that we are living, standing, breathing here today is a blessing from God. Each new day He gives you is a blessing. I am so excited to see what God is going to do in my life this year, but I have to remember to be thankful for each new day and breath that He gives me. I can't just go along living carelessly, taking advantage of the things He gives me.

There is more to a blessing, than God just giving you something for free. I know we all love free stuff, but we can't just walk off with it now in our possession like we do with a free t-shirt. We have to take it in, breathe in every bit of it, and thank God for it.

We all have the opportunity to be a new person this year, to become some one new and better. God will help you do that. Out with the old life and habits, in with the new. Give up the things that you did in your old life, the worldly pleasures and thoughts and habits. Get rid of them. You cannot possibly live two different lives and be happy. You cannot live a life of God with those old ways still on the side. It just doesn't work that way. It is about making sacrifices for God. I mean think about all the sacrifices He has made for you. Don't you think you can stand to give up a few little things in your old life for Him, so that you can become a new person? 

Be thankful that God gives you a fresh start. He gave you the new you as a gift, you didn't even have to work or do anything for it. He just gave it to you. How awesome is that? 

Final Thought: The best free stuff comes from God, be thankful for it; live for Him. What are you going to do with this New Year?