Imagine Jesus saying these words to you:
"Anxiety is a result of envisioning the future without Me. So the best defense against worry is staying in communication with Me. When you turn your thoughts toward Me, you can think much more positively. Remember to listen, as well as speak, making your thoughts a dialogue with Me."
(taken from Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presensce, by Sarah Young)
The Cure for Anxiety, from Luke 12:22-34
"For life is more than food and the body more than clothing....but seek His Kingdom, and these things will be provided for you....For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (verses 23, 31, & 34) In this passage, Jesus has us look at the ravens- they don't store things up for themselves and yet they are always fed. Then he has us look at the wildflowers- they don't labor yet they are always clothed by the grass. Then he reminds us that we are worth much more in God's sight. So if God takes care of all the little things in this world, would He not take even GREATER care of you and me?
Our society has conditioned us to believe that the harder we work and the more money we make, the more stuff we can have, and that will bring happiness. OR maybe you believe that the more money you can save, the more peace you'll have in knowing that your family will be ok for the future. This leads to overworked, overstressed people. This leads to a cycle of work hard, rest hard (or play hard.)
But what if you are unable to find that REST? That peace? What if you toil and toil and never "see" immediate results of your hard work? Do you ever find yourself sitting and wondering, where is this PEACE that God promises?
Well, how hard do you search for it?
Direct your attention back to Jesus' words at the very beginning.
Are you staying in communication with Him?
I've tried to "do life" on my own, with my own strength. We all think we're strong enough....until we crumble. Believing you can do everything on your own is denying the glory of the cross. The power and grace of the cross only comes to you when you acknowledge your weaknesses and lean fully on Him to lift you up.
Forever more, I claim that my strength only comes from my Savior. I've noticed that when I'm constantly talking to God, and taking the time to LISTEN to Him (by sitting in silence, reading His word, or choosing praise/worship music instead of the Top 40 channel) there is a major shift in my attitude. I find peace there. Even if physical rest is difficult to come by, I find rest for my weary SOUL.
Today, I encourage you to stop your busy self! Put off something that really can wait a few minutes.
BE STILL with God for just 5 or 10 minutes.
If you don't know where to begin, try this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbNK50T35wY&feature=related
(If this link is not working, go to YouTube and search "I Lift My Hands Chris Tomlin")
Friday, October 26, 2012
Thursday, October 4, 2012
No Stepping on Toes?
I feel the need to clarify some things-
I have changed the title of this blog numerous times since I started it! I have also created 4 more blogs for different purposes and hobbies. (What can I say? I'm a "blog hound," and I won't apologize for it.) I simply love to express myself in writing. Some people ask me why I don't just journal. The answer is- I do that too. Some people ask me why I don't keep my thoughts private for now and write a book later. The answer is- I would love to publish a book.....one day. But I feel the internet has allowed many people (other blog hounds like me) to express themselves and make opinions more public for a number of reasons:
MY purpose is to share what I am finding TRUE in MY life.
I find truth when I sit down to study God's Word, because the Bible is TRUTH....to me.
Jesus says, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)
The very last thing I want to do is judge you and your personal beliefs. Everyone is certainly entitled to their own opinions, moral standards, & religious beliefs. Everyone that has a personal relationship with the Lord will experience this relationship differently- and our hearts will be convicted differently. The Bible is called the Living Word for a reason; if 10 people were to sit down and read one verse from Scripture, we would all see different meanings and applications for our lives. But the beauty of this concept is that fellowship and Bible Study with others helps us grow stronger.
That being said, I want to raise this question as food for thought:
When it comes to sharing the Gospel and stepping up to the plate as a Disciple of Christ, is it so wrong to step on people's toes along the way?
The last thing I want to do is turn someone OFF by getting in people's face if they're not interested in hearing God's word. My heart aches for those who don't know Him, and we can be disciples simply by LOVING and SERVING OTHERS like Christ did. However, if a religious or world-view debate pops up, I will not sit idly by and only listen to the other person's perspective, nodding my head. I will use the Scripture I have memorized to fight for their heart and soul. (A fight that is happening not only in our earthly language- it's a fight between the Angels & Demons.....between the forces of Good & Evil....)
For further insight, visit www.mycompasschurch.com, click on Messages (archive), and find the series titled "Break the Rules." Also, check out the "Supernatural" series!!
I have changed the title of this blog numerous times since I started it! I have also created 4 more blogs for different purposes and hobbies. (What can I say? I'm a "blog hound," and I won't apologize for it.) I simply love to express myself in writing. Some people ask me why I don't just journal. The answer is- I do that too. Some people ask me why I don't keep my thoughts private for now and write a book later. The answer is- I would love to publish a book.....one day. But I feel the internet has allowed many people (other blog hounds like me) to express themselves and make opinions more public for a number of reasons:
- For "fun"
- To gain followers (and advertise skillsets for profit)
- For social networking (to keep up with friends/family members across the miles)
- To post advice and ideas for different topics (parenting, crafting, photography, art, food, etc.)
- To reach out to communities & groups for different purposes (charities, fundraisers, religion, etc.)
MY purpose is to share what I am finding TRUE in MY life.
I find truth when I sit down to study God's Word, because the Bible is TRUTH....to me.
Jesus says, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)
The very last thing I want to do is judge you and your personal beliefs. Everyone is certainly entitled to their own opinions, moral standards, & religious beliefs. Everyone that has a personal relationship with the Lord will experience this relationship differently- and our hearts will be convicted differently. The Bible is called the Living Word for a reason; if 10 people were to sit down and read one verse from Scripture, we would all see different meanings and applications for our lives. But the beauty of this concept is that fellowship and Bible Study with others helps us grow stronger.
That being said, I want to raise this question as food for thought:
When it comes to sharing the Gospel and stepping up to the plate as a Disciple of Christ, is it so wrong to step on people's toes along the way?
The last thing I want to do is turn someone OFF by getting in people's face if they're not interested in hearing God's word. My heart aches for those who don't know Him, and we can be disciples simply by LOVING and SERVING OTHERS like Christ did. However, if a religious or world-view debate pops up, I will not sit idly by and only listen to the other person's perspective, nodding my head. I will use the Scripture I have memorized to fight for their heart and soul. (A fight that is happening not only in our earthly language- it's a fight between the Angels & Demons.....between the forces of Good & Evil....)
For further insight, visit www.mycompasschurch.com, click on Messages (archive), and find the series titled "Break the Rules." Also, check out the "Supernatural" series!!
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