Love

Scripture of the day:

If anyone claims, “I am living in the light,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is still living in darkness. Anyone who loves a fellow believer is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble. But anyone who hates a fellow believer is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness. (1 John 2:9-11 NLT)

We are called to love. Even when we don't feel like it. 

Chose to love. 

Peace

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27 KJV)

Peace. 

It shall be well. 

~John 4~

The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?” 

(RACISM. It can be so engraved in us that we use it against ourselves. When God includes you in a group... His group.... Don't exclude yourself.) 

Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” 

(Do we even know the gift God has for us?... Yes, we may submit to Christ as Lord, but we often forget and are ignorant to the fullness of His being... When we think and try to rationalize the gift of God, we put it in a box... Not because we want to, but because He's infinite and we're not)

“But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? 

(In a box...)

And besides, do you think you’re greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?” 

(And besides, do you think you're greater than: 

My job, who gives me a paycheck...

My parents/mentors who taught me what I know...

My intellect, that got me a degree

My boyfriend/girlfriend who is always there for me... ??

Yes. God is greater than all the above. In fact, the name Jesus is above every name.)

(John 4:9-12 NLT)

Go Boldly to the Throne of Grace

It's so easy for us to put our head down in shame/ defeat when we go to God because we know we are not perfect... But we must remember that God is for us and he Fathers us... Righting our wrongs 

Scripture of the day!

So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (Hebrews 4:14-16 NLT)

Cain. Abel.

This scripture always bothered me... 

It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith. (Hebrews 11:4 NLT)

I could never understand how Abel's offering was by faith... But look at this:

Scripture of the Day:

Later she gave birth to his brother and named him Abel. When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain cultivated the ground. (Genesis 4:2 NLT)

Abel chose the same occupation Christ had... Tho he could not see Christ. Cain chose to work the dirt.. His daddy had just been cursed to do so. By choosing to cultivate the ground, Cain said, "I'm cursed... Let me go on with the ways of the world.. I could go in faith and walk in the ways of redemption, but nah... I'm going to do my own thing and tell God to bless it." So when he offered his offering, God was like... No... 

It wasn't offered in faith. Cain was chasing his own agenda... Yet wanted God to bless it.. Like saying, "Lord, I know you want me to do x... But I'm going to do y, soooo..." 

How often do I do that in my own life... I know God wants me to forgive people... But I chose not to... And then take that choice, that bitterness to God as an offering... That's not right... 

I need to walk in faith as Abel did... Not go by what I can see, but instead model after the visible image of the invisible God, Christ. 

Prayer of the day:

Father, help me see You and help me see myself created in that image. Less of me. More of You. 

Trouble Don't Last Always

Life gets rough. 

Sometimes the demands on humans seem like it's too much to bear... When we feel overwhelmed we look for outlets to ease the pain. Alcohol... Drugs... Cigaretts... Sex... Chocolate... Whatever floats your boat... These outlets are nothing more than a bandaid on a wound. They do not heal. They can numb us towards reality to make it "easier" to go on. If I may, I would like to encourage us to not give up and not give in to the pressures of this world. Yes, it gets hard! That does not mean we have to force ourselves to do something unhealthy to get through... Jesus promises to help us out. 

Scripture of the day!

In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. (1 Peter 5:10 NLT)

Happy New Year

I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord ’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! (Psalms 34:1-8 NLT)