Just then some men brought to Him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic, "Have courage, son, your sins are forgiven." At this, some of the scribes said among themselves, "He's blaspheming!" But perceiving their thoughts, Jesus said, "Why are you thinking evil things in your hearts? For which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? But so you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins," --then He told the paralytic, "Get up, pick up your stretcher, and go home." And he got up and went home. When the crowds saw this, they were awestruck and gave glory to God who had given such authority to men.
-Matthew 9:2-8
God,
Let my prayer be that my sins are forgiven, not that my imperfections are made perfect. Let me praise You for the wonderful thing you did for me on the cross, rather than all the wonderful things You do to* me everyday, like fill me with peace and joy. I love that You love to show me Your love. But my first desire is to be thankful for Your sacrifice, then to be reminded of Your victory (which begets my victory!) through all the loving things you do to* me. Thank You that you don't need to heal my infirmities for me to have life!..And thank you that you heal them anyway. You are so good.
<3>to me I mean also for me, in the present. It is simply a way to differentiate
the reason I love the Lord (His sacrifice on the cross a really long time ago allows me to have life now and forever); and
the reason I seek the Lord (wisdom-knowledge-peace-joy in The Holy Spirit, The Bible, prayer, visions, prophesies, community, healing. Comfort, happiness, fulfillment, life to the full)
And I quote John 10:10 once again
"I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full."
Food for thought: If you were to evaluate your life right now, would you say that you have "life to the full?" If not, I have the answer for you! It's the only answer! Do you want it?! -- Seek Jesus! I pinky promise you'll love Him if you get to know Him.
---------------
"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people!"
James 4:6
I want their hearts to be encouraged and joined together in love, so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding, and have the knowledge of God's mystery--Christ. In Him are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden.
-Colossians 2:3
"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through Me."
-John 14:6
------------------------------
Man, my wisdom is so scarce. I want itttt, I want morreee!!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Simplicity, Satisfaction
Simplicity. mmm...close my eyes, alone in a dark room and listen to Shane and Shane's "Psalm 145"
"For You open Your hands and satisfy the desires of all things"
Satisfaction? I want growth, yeah, so dissatisfaction to some extent. But I nearly cried on the train a few days ago watching a mentally handicap man sit alone, unable to hold his head up for more than a few seconds at a time..uncertain of how he would know where to stop as no one was traveling with him. I put my hand on his arm and said, "Hi, I hope you have a wonderful day." I knew he wouldn't be able to respond to question such as "how are you?" He didn't realize I had spoken to him, or even held his arm until about 5 seconds later.
Before I approahed him I gave a few smiles from my seat..he couldn't smile back :(
I wandered..
"who is he traveling to see? who's life is he a part of? does he do this every thursday? everyday? what are the people who care about him like? how many random people besides me has he truly touched? does he know the Lord loves him? i want to tell him. wait (looking around)..do any of these people know the Lord loves them?"
I started thinking about the term "quality of life." I'm a marketing major. To sell, we make our audience believe that whatever product or service we offer will improve their quality of life. But seriously what's wrong with the quality of life we have now? Aren't I given food to eat every day and a cozy bed every night? Don't I have people in my life to share good and bad things with? Aren't I able to feel, to see, to taste, to smell, to hear? Don't I have two legs and two arms that help me do things I enjoy like dance and play guitar? Isn't my mind functioning enough to understand that MY GOD IS GOOD. ?
When I got off the train I pulled out the journal my sister got me upon leaving, and started reading over some prayers and scriptures that are special to me..that is how I improve my quality of life. Yes, I have an abundance, but if I must want something (our nature says we always do, always have, and always will) ..I'm gonna want more of Jesus <3 What else are we missing???. . .
------------------------
You open Your hands and satisfy the desires of all every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all His ways and loving toward all He has made. The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them. -Psalm 145:16-19
..for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret to being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. -Philippians 4:11b-13
"For You open Your hands and satisfy the desires of all things"
Satisfaction? I want growth, yeah, so dissatisfaction to some extent. But I nearly cried on the train a few days ago watching a mentally handicap man sit alone, unable to hold his head up for more than a few seconds at a time..uncertain of how he would know where to stop as no one was traveling with him. I put my hand on his arm and said, "Hi, I hope you have a wonderful day." I knew he wouldn't be able to respond to question such as "how are you?" He didn't realize I had spoken to him, or even held his arm until about 5 seconds later.
Before I approahed him I gave a few smiles from my seat..he couldn't smile back :(
I wandered..
"who is he traveling to see? who's life is he a part of? does he do this every thursday? everyday? what are the people who care about him like? how many random people besides me has he truly touched? does he know the Lord loves him? i want to tell him. wait (looking around)..do any of these people know the Lord loves them?"
I started thinking about the term "quality of life." I'm a marketing major. To sell, we make our audience believe that whatever product or service we offer will improve their quality of life. But seriously what's wrong with the quality of life we have now? Aren't I given food to eat every day and a cozy bed every night? Don't I have people in my life to share good and bad things with? Aren't I able to feel, to see, to taste, to smell, to hear? Don't I have two legs and two arms that help me do things I enjoy like dance and play guitar? Isn't my mind functioning enough to understand that MY GOD IS GOOD. ?
When I got off the train I pulled out the journal my sister got me upon leaving, and started reading over some prayers and scriptures that are special to me..that is how I improve my quality of life. Yes, I have an abundance, but if I must want something (our nature says we always do, always have, and always will) ..I'm gonna want more of Jesus <3 What else are we missing???. . .
------------------------
You open Your hands and satisfy the desires of all every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all His ways and loving toward all He has made. The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them. -Psalm 145:16-19
..for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret to being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. -Philippians 4:11b-13
Saturday, August 28, 2010
"Empty Isn't For Me"
(c) 2010 Laura K Webb
Out in a big field pickin strawberries
nobody's wonderin what or where is Jesus now
cause we've got Jesus now
Long for the day when they whole world's singin
Jesus praise and the world aint bringin' hurt no more
all people hurt no more
empty, feelin guilty? or lonely, are you empty?
empty. . .
An empty grave has claimed my victory
an empty heart now filled completely
an empty life, now satisfied
An empty promise put to death
an empty mind now understands
that being empty isn't for me
empty isn't for me
Out in the ocean wandering deeper
bind my wondering heart to thee Lord
hear me sing this hymn of offering
Prone to wander, Lord I feel it
prone to leave the God I love
here's my heart, Lord, take and seal it
seal if for thy courts above
empty, feelin guilty? or lonely, are you empty?
empty. . .
An empty grave has claimed my
victory
an empty heart now filled completely
an empty life, now satisfied
An empty promise put to death
an empty mind now understands
that being empty isn't for me
empty isn't for me
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Just Being With the Lord
You know how there are like a thousand scriptures that tell us the Lord is good?? God really must want us to know He's good. Seriously, every time I look to Him or surrender something new rather than wallow in self-pity or become angry etc. etc., the Lord does something unthinkable that just makes me say, "Wow God, you are sooooo good! LORD ahh you are so good! why are you so good to me(mid sentence): ..ahh yeahh, because You LOVE me! yeah, You love me a really really..lot." haha!
Choosing to be in an environment where spirituality is scarce teaches me the importance of just being with the LORD. His presence is so peaceful, so fulfilling, so delightful. And when we don't spend time daily, hourly even, with GOD (who "knows when we sit and when we rise, who knit us together in our mother's womb") we forget just how beautiful and phenomenal the very presence of the Holy Spirit is. Who on this earth could be a better friend? Who on this earth can understand exactly what we're thinking and feeling all the time? Who on this earth even cares that much??? - yeah, no one! We like ourselves. We listen to our own thoughts and ponder our own feelings, wish for things subconsciously and consciously..for ourselves. What do I wear today? What do I want to eat? Does he or she think I am cute? I want to travel the world. I need a job. I am not feeling well.
It's nice to know that although it is our very nature to be all about us, we can just be in the presence of God. ("Come just as you are") And when we deliberately just be in the presence of God, we are all about HIM being all about us.
Believers :
There is an entire world right in front of you and stretched our farther than you can imagine..an entire world of people who NEED LIFE. They don't know. The don't understand. They are lost sheep and it is not God's will for them to perish. How about we stop thinking about ourselves???..and contemplate acting upon the reason we are living. WHO gives us life? WHO gives us freedom? WHO gives us peace? WHO is for us (on our side)??...Isn't the same God also for them?
Let's stop judging outside of the church,
start being accountable inside the church,
seek what more we need to surrender,
act on His Precious Word,
and let's take on the characteristics of Jesus so we can live Our Best Life (as Luke Williams calls a spiritual life).
I'll help you and you help me, deal?...and both of us have the LORD!!! yessssss!!!!!!
I woke up groggy tuesday morning, and just didn't feel like opening my Bible, or praying or doing anything good...but did ..and ended up crying I was so filled with joy because I have Life. andddd AMEN. (If you want it, ask me about it!)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LORD, You have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I stand up;
You understand my thoughts from far away.
you observe my travels and my rest;
You are aware of all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue,
You know all about it, LORD.
You have encircled me;
You have placed Your hand on me.
This extraordinary knowledge is beyond me.
It is lofty; I am unable to attain it.
Where can I go to escape Your Spirit?
Where can I flee from Your presence?
If I go up to heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in Sheol, You are there.
If I live at the eastern horizon or settle at the western limits,
even there Your hand will lead me;
Your right hand will hold on to me.
If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light around me become night" --
even darkness is not dark to You. The night shines like the day;
darkness and light are alike to You.
For it was You who created my inward parts;
You knit me together in my mother's womb.
I will praise You, because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made.
Your works are wonderful,
and I know this very well.
My bones were not hidden from You when I was made in secret,
when I was formed in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw me when I was formless;
all my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began.
God how difficult Your thoughts are for me to comprehend;
how vast their sum is!
If I counted them, they would outnumber the grains of sand;
when I wake up, I am still with You.
-Psalm 139:1-18
Therefore, God's chosen ones,
holy and loved, put on
heartfelt compassion
kindness
humility
gentleness, and
patience,
accepting one another and forgiving one another..
-Colossians 3:12a
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
-Proverbs 18:24
The LORD is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made.
-Psalm 145:9
Give thanks to the LORD for He is good; His love endures forever.
-Psalm 136:1
I said to the LORD, "You are my LORD, I have no good besides You."
-Psalm 16:2
"I am the Good Shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know Me."
-John 10:14
"I am the Bread of Life"
"I am the Light of the World"
"I am Resurrection and the Life"
woahhh COME ON, LORD!!
Choosing to be in an environment where spirituality is scarce teaches me the importance of just being with the LORD. His presence is so peaceful, so fulfilling, so delightful. And when we don't spend time daily, hourly even, with GOD (who "knows when we sit and when we rise, who knit us together in our mother's womb") we forget just how beautiful and phenomenal the very presence of the Holy Spirit is. Who on this earth could be a better friend? Who on this earth can understand exactly what we're thinking and feeling all the time? Who on this earth even cares that much??? - yeah, no one! We like ourselves. We listen to our own thoughts and ponder our own feelings, wish for things subconsciously and consciously..for ourselves. What do I wear today? What do I want to eat? Does he or she think I am cute? I want to travel the world. I need a job. I am not feeling well.
It's nice to know that although it is our very nature to be all about us, we can just be in the presence of God. ("Come just as you are") And when we deliberately just be in the presence of God, we are all about HIM being all about us.
Believers :
There is an entire world right in front of you and stretched our farther than you can imagine..an entire world of people who NEED LIFE. They don't know. The don't understand. They are lost sheep and it is not God's will for them to perish. How about we stop thinking about ourselves???..and contemplate acting upon the reason we are living. WHO gives us life? WHO gives us freedom? WHO gives us peace? WHO is for us (on our side)??...Isn't the same God also for them?
Let's stop judging outside of the church,
start being accountable inside the church,
seek what more we need to surrender,
act on His Precious Word,
and let's take on the characteristics of Jesus so we can live Our Best Life (as Luke Williams calls a spiritual life).
I'll help you and you help me, deal?...and both of us have the LORD!!! yessssss!!!!!!
I woke up groggy tuesday morning, and just didn't feel like opening my Bible, or praying or doing anything good...but did ..and ended up crying I was so filled with joy because I have Life. andddd AMEN. (If you want it, ask me about it!)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LORD, You have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I stand up;
You understand my thoughts from far away.
you observe my travels and my rest;
You are aware of all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue,
You know all about it, LORD.
You have encircled me;
You have placed Your hand on me.
This extraordinary knowledge is beyond me.
It is lofty; I am unable to attain it.
Where can I go to escape Your Spirit?
Where can I flee from Your presence?
If I go up to heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in Sheol, You are there.
If I live at the eastern horizon or settle at the western limits,
even there Your hand will lead me;
Your right hand will hold on to me.
If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light around me become night" --
even darkness is not dark to You. The night shines like the day;
darkness and light are alike to You.
For it was You who created my inward parts;
You knit me together in my mother's womb.
I will praise You, because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made.
Your works are wonderful,
and I know this very well.
My bones were not hidden from You when I was made in secret,
when I was formed in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw me when I was formless;
all my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began.
God how difficult Your thoughts are for me to comprehend;
how vast their sum is!
If I counted them, they would outnumber the grains of sand;
when I wake up, I am still with You.
-Psalm 139:1-18
Therefore, God's chosen ones,
holy and loved, put on
heartfelt compassion
kindness
humility
gentleness, and
patience,
accepting one another and forgiving one another..
-Colossians 3:12a
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
-Proverbs 18:24
The LORD is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made.
-Psalm 145:9
Give thanks to the LORD for He is good; His love endures forever.
-Psalm 136:1
I said to the LORD, "You are my LORD, I have no good besides You."
-Psalm 16:2
"I am the Good Shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know Me."
-John 10:14
"I am the Bread of Life"
"I am the Light of the World"
"I am Resurrection and the Life"
woahhh COME ON, LORD!!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
The Lord answers prayer, no really..He does!!
I don't know how long I've been praying Lord please bless this and that and give me this and give this person that and open my eyes and protect us and let Your name be lifted high...without any expectations really. But I've come to find more and more that the Lord really does hear me, and He really does answer my prayers. And every time I'm astounded, so thankful and amazed..which is good, but honestly..did I not expect God to actually give me peace when I prayed for peace??..Did I not expect Him to actually give me an opportunity to speak truth with boldness to specific friends??..Did I honestly not expect God to actually take care of me financially when I ask Him to be Lord of my finances, then wake up to a random email saying I get $500 extra scholarship?? I'm like wow, God!! to sooo many things!! I can't tell you how many prayers have been answered specifically since I've been in Australia...and I'm not talking about general things like "Lord, I know wisdom is a good thing to pray for so I ask for wisdom"..I'm talking,
"Lord, give me an amazing opportunity to share The Gospel with [this person]" ..and two hours later having a question/answer session about Christianity
"Wow, Lord..how about a few opportunities to mention Your goodness to [this other person]"..and without thinking twice, mentioning God's faithfulness and love easily in conversation for the next three days straight.
"Jesus, help me and [this diff person] to find community, and raise questions that You will give me the answers to for [this diff person specifically]" ..and having the chance to speak truth into the lies satan has been adamantly telling, having talked about a serious struggle then walking into church and within 5 minutes hearing truth spoken specifically to that struggle, taking the next step to say "have you asked Jesus into your heart, for salvation, freedom, life?"
The list goes on and on...I ask Him to take my burdens, He takes them, I ask God to humble me and lift His name up, He does it, I give my ongoing difficulties with class transfers, He fixes everything
The Lord is so faithful, I just want everyone to know...I want everyone to feel what He makes me feel, to understand what He allows me to understand...and the best thing is He has sooooooo much more!! Wow..I really do have a reason to live, to sing, to eat, to speak, to dance, to love, to surrender!
MY GOD IS SO GOOD!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
But when he asks he should believe and not doubt..
- James 1:6a
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
- Psalm 37:4
May he give you the desires of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
- Psalm 20:4
But the Lord is faithful, he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:3
Praise the LORD.
give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
His faithful love endures forever.
- Psalm 106:1
So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD, it will be provided."
- Genesis 22:14
(Yahweh-Yireh) (Jehovah Jireh) = The LORD Will Provide
"For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
-Matthew 7:8
"Lord, give me an amazing opportunity to share The Gospel with [this person]" ..and two hours later having a question/answer session about Christianity
"Wow, Lord..how about a few opportunities to mention Your goodness to [this other person]"..and without thinking twice, mentioning God's faithfulness and love easily in conversation for the next three days straight.
"Jesus, help me and [this diff person] to find community, and raise questions that You will give me the answers to for [this diff person specifically]" ..and having the chance to speak truth into the lies satan has been adamantly telling, having talked about a serious struggle then walking into church and within 5 minutes hearing truth spoken specifically to that struggle, taking the next step to say "have you asked Jesus into your heart, for salvation, freedom, life?"
The list goes on and on...I ask Him to take my burdens, He takes them, I ask God to humble me and lift His name up, He does it, I give my ongoing difficulties with class transfers, He fixes everything
The Lord is so faithful, I just want everyone to know...I want everyone to feel what He makes me feel, to understand what He allows me to understand...and the best thing is He has sooooooo much more!! Wow..I really do have a reason to live, to sing, to eat, to speak, to dance, to love, to surrender!
MY GOD IS SO GOOD!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
But when he asks he should believe and not doubt..
- James 1:6a
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
- Psalm 37:4
May he give you the desires of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
- Psalm 20:4
But the Lord is faithful, he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:3
Praise the LORD.
give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
His faithful love endures forever.
- Psalm 106:1
So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD, it will be provided."
- Genesis 22:14
(Yahweh-Yireh) (Jehovah Jireh) = The LORD Will Provide
"For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
-Matthew 7:8
Monday, August 9, 2010
Born into sin, not homosexuality
Yesterday I got the opportunity to explain the difference between religion and Christianity. For some people, having a relationship with God is a completely foreign idea..it's hearbreaking. I wish they could know how much they're missing out on. Anyways, I spoke with two people from different countries about several different ways of thinking. It was very nice..they were asking me questions and I was taking my time to answer them carefully, although I am not wise, nor do I claim to be. It was great to flat out say, "Yes, I believe in the Bible. I believe that the Word of God is truth, and not just stories for us to learn from." Several parts of the 2-3 hour long conversation proved breakthrough in the boldness I had been praying for because I usually shy away from touchy subjects in the event that I might offend someone -- One was agnosticism, and another popular one..
"Do you believe homosexuality is wrong?..What about people who were 'born' with it?"
We are born into sin. And yes, homosexuality is wrong.
"Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters not adulturers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders will inherit the kingdom of God."
-1 Corinthians 6:10
"If a man lies with a man, as a man lies with a woman, both of them has done what is detestable.."
-Leviticus 20:13
Homosexuality is a sin, no greater than any sin I've commited..one is not born homosexual. If the enemy is attacking a person with the sin of homosexuality, he or she should pray victory over that part of his or her life...The Lord designed him/her to serve himself..he has more for that person.
The problem is, as a general, the lost world doesn't know Jesus, and doesn't know that satans exists. Therefore we get teach silly answers for twisted feelings.
To the person who struggles with thoughts of being gay or who acts upon those thoughts. You were not born gay. The devil wants to destroy you. The Lord loves you. He has more for you than that.
As a testimony, one of my dear friends struggled with feelings of homosexuality for many years as a young child. She knew it was wrong to act upon it, but the thought consumed her. She finally sought spiritual counsel and the Lord made her free. She is one of the strongest, funnest Christian girls I know and has absolutely no desire to ever look at or be with a woman. Praise the Lord.
Then after desire is conceived, it gives birth to sin, when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death. Don't be deceived, my dearly loved brothers. -James 1:15-16
He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of his love, in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgivness of sins.
-Colossians 1:13-14
"Do you believe homosexuality is wrong?..What about people who were 'born' with it?"
We are born into sin. And yes, homosexuality is wrong.
"Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters not adulturers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders will inherit the kingdom of God."
-1 Corinthians 6:10
"If a man lies with a man, as a man lies with a woman, both of them has done what is detestable.."
-Leviticus 20:13
Homosexuality is a sin, no greater than any sin I've commited..one is not born homosexual. If the enemy is attacking a person with the sin of homosexuality, he or she should pray victory over that part of his or her life...The Lord designed him/her to serve himself..he has more for that person.
The problem is, as a general, the lost world doesn't know Jesus, and doesn't know that satans exists. Therefore we get teach silly answers for twisted feelings.
To the person who struggles with thoughts of being gay or who acts upon those thoughts. You were not born gay. The devil wants to destroy you. The Lord loves you. He has more for you than that.
As a testimony, one of my dear friends struggled with feelings of homosexuality for many years as a young child. She knew it was wrong to act upon it, but the thought consumed her. She finally sought spiritual counsel and the Lord made her free. She is one of the strongest, funnest Christian girls I know and has absolutely no desire to ever look at or be with a woman. Praise the Lord.
Then after desire is conceived, it gives birth to sin, when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death. Don't be deceived, my dearly loved brothers. -James 1:15-16
He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of his love, in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgivness of sins.
-Colossians 1:13-14
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Wonderful things in store for you
Several of my friends struggle with anxiety, worrying about the future, financial concerns, temporary struggles, etc. I've been in a place where thoughts of the future drown my head and heart..and while my burdens were always on my mind, I didn't realize just how much the enemy was using them to separate me from the fullness of joy the Lord wanted for me...wants for us. If there is something, anything that we think about more than 3-4 times a day, it is really likely that we still need to give that something to God, even if we feel like we already have. The thing with sacrificing burdens or allowing the Lord to "break off more of ourselves," is that if satan believes he can get us to pick up those things again and head back to square one..he'll do absolutely whatever it takes to make sure we do so...or on the other end of the spectrum..while we're working on giving one the to God, he'll slip right underneath our feet to snatch something else. On that note, I encourage you to never not pray against something you don't struggle with at the moment.
ex. I don't drink and I don't plan on drinking, it doesn't even sound appetizing..so I don't need to pray for protection in that area.
I've never had a problem with looking at people lustfully, so I'll skip that prayer.
etc, etc, etc.
....that is exactly the mindset satan wants us to have, if you aren't aware of that.
Back to worrying..Jesus really does have more for you that you can't see if your head is filled with doubts. He really does want to carry your burdens..yes, all of them. You see the thing is, He really does love you..soooo stinkin much. <3
God has WONDERFUL things in store for you. The key to really seeing those things fulfilled is being fascinated with Jesus..
-dig into the Bible and meditate on His words
-memorize scripture to say aloud or in your head when something you struggle with pops back in your mind
-turn on worship music in your room, and just sit there and soak in the presence of the Lord.
-lay your selfish fears of rejection or lack of wisdom aside and bring up Jesus in a conversation..remember what we're created for.
let go!! God really does know better than you. He has better for you than what you have planned for yourself, so lay it down!
In his heart a man plans his course, but it is the Lord who determines his steps. -Proverbs 16:9
Keep asking and you will receive, keep searching and you will find, keep knocking and the door will be opened to you. -Matthew 7:7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. -Philippians 4:6
I sought the LORD and He heard me, and delivered me from all of my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant, their faces are never covered with shame. -Psalm 34:4-5
"Be still and know that I am God.." -Psalm 46:10a
The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. I have come that you may have life, and have it in abundance. -John 10:10
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart. I will be found by you," declared the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity.." -Jeremiah 29:11-14a
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory which far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen; for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. -2 Corinthians 6:17-18
As a testimony, these are all verses I have memorized..and I cannot tell you how many times they have been incredibly useful for kingdom work. memorize, memorize, memorize. Bad memory you say? ..Take it one step at a time, and pray that God will seal the words in your heart and mind. I promise you will have the opportunity in your mind.
On so many accounts, I've said, "oooohhhh my gosh, I wish I knew that verse to tell you because I know it would help a lot."
Know the word, know the truth.
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