"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up" 1 Thessalonians 5:11
This week I have been touched by the encouragement I have received through conversations with friends and coworkers. Some were intentionally spiritual conversations. Others just happened to include what I needed that moment. These conversations all helped me stay on track with my new year's goals, connected scripture to life, and most importantly, built me up. They also showed me the importance of making time for conversations. The conversations that impacted me the most happened either when I least expected it, or when I stayed in a situation longer than I had planned to stay. I guess it really shows that I have to make time for God to work in my life. I can't have everything planned to the nearest minute.
Another thing happened through these conversations. I was able to talk about past sins that I had harbored in my heart for fear of judgment from myself and others. And after each conversation, I felt a sense of relief and peace. The conversations helped me apply the scriptures of grace and faith to my personal situation.
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed" James 5:16
Moving forward, I want to be more intentional about building space for Godly conversations. I also want to be more open to the Godly women in my life so that I can receive their prayers. I am very thankful that I had so many interactions this week that touched me.
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Monday, January 5, 2015
Sufficient Grace
I decided to start the new year with a Bible study on grace. Over the holiday season, I realized that I struggle to accept God's grace and forgiveness. I found it hard to believe that ALL of my sins could be FULLY forgiven by an almighty God. I didn't understand that NOTHING I do will be enough, but God's Grace will still be sufficient. After diving into God's word, I can say I feel differently.
In my study Bible, the concordance mentions 56 citations of grace. This is not all, because I found some while reading others. However, I started with these 56 versus; 8 in the Old Testament and 48 in the New Testament. Right away that tells you something...Grace is the new promise. Here are some of my key take aways from this study.
Grace is FREE
Multiple times we are told Grace is a free gift, or that it flows freely from God (Rom 3:24, 11:6, Eph 1:6). We cannot earn God's grace. We are saved by grace alone, not the law (Acts 15:11, Rom 11:6). In fact, trying to live by the law can tear us away from God (Gal 5:4)
We gain Grace through FAITH
We can accept God's Grace by having faith in God (Rom 4:16. 5:2). Having faith does not mean we are perfect,but it means we love and try to follow God in all we do. We must be humble in our circumstances and work to know God better through study, worship, fellowship, and service. Grace increases to cover all sin, however through faith, we will strive to live rightly and honor God (Rom 5:20, 6:1-4).
Grace is SUFFICIENT
2 Corinthians 12:9 tells us that God's Grace is sufficient. This means that when we are weak, God's power can carry us forward. We are told to be strong in grace; rely on Christ's strength (2 Tim 2:1). Sometimes God's calling may seem to be too much. The sinful nature may seem overwhelming. We may feel like we can't do it alone- because we can't do it alone- however we have an amazing God who's grace is sufficient to carry us through.
Grace is VISIBLE
When you have accepted God's Grace and strive to live by faith, God's Grace will be visible to those around you (Gal 2:9). Unless we receive the knowledge of God's grace in vain, it will produce results in our life and change us (2 Cor 6:1, 1 Cor 15:10). Our lips and conversations will display grace (Ps 45:2, Col 4:6). When we are filled with grace, the gifts of grace will overflow and touch many people around us (Rom 5:15). We will be given opportunities to use God's Grace to serve those around us to spread Grace (2 Cor 8:6, Eph 3:7). Ultimately, God's Grace shines through you so others can see Christ in you.
Do you see grace in your life? Do you think others see it in you? Do you have faith that God has cleansed away all of your sins? This study taught me that instead of worrying about past sins, or current ones for that matter, my focus should be on growing closer to Christ and relying on his strength. If I do this, grace will abound.
A song that came on my random playlist tonight. I thought it was fitting!
In my study Bible, the concordance mentions 56 citations of grace. This is not all, because I found some while reading others. However, I started with these 56 versus; 8 in the Old Testament and 48 in the New Testament. Right away that tells you something...Grace is the new promise. Here are some of my key take aways from this study.
Grace is FREE
Multiple times we are told Grace is a free gift, or that it flows freely from God (Rom 3:24, 11:6, Eph 1:6). We cannot earn God's grace. We are saved by grace alone, not the law (Acts 15:11, Rom 11:6). In fact, trying to live by the law can tear us away from God (Gal 5:4)
We gain Grace through FAITH
We can accept God's Grace by having faith in God (Rom 4:16. 5:2). Having faith does not mean we are perfect,but it means we love and try to follow God in all we do. We must be humble in our circumstances and work to know God better through study, worship, fellowship, and service. Grace increases to cover all sin, however through faith, we will strive to live rightly and honor God (Rom 5:20, 6:1-4).
Grace is SUFFICIENT
2 Corinthians 12:9 tells us that God's Grace is sufficient. This means that when we are weak, God's power can carry us forward. We are told to be strong in grace; rely on Christ's strength (2 Tim 2:1). Sometimes God's calling may seem to be too much. The sinful nature may seem overwhelming. We may feel like we can't do it alone- because we can't do it alone- however we have an amazing God who's grace is sufficient to carry us through.
Grace is VISIBLE
When you have accepted God's Grace and strive to live by faith, God's Grace will be visible to those around you (Gal 2:9). Unless we receive the knowledge of God's grace in vain, it will produce results in our life and change us (2 Cor 6:1, 1 Cor 15:10). Our lips and conversations will display grace (Ps 45:2, Col 4:6). When we are filled with grace, the gifts of grace will overflow and touch many people around us (Rom 5:15). We will be given opportunities to use God's Grace to serve those around us to spread Grace (2 Cor 8:6, Eph 3:7). Ultimately, God's Grace shines through you so others can see Christ in you.
Do you see grace in your life? Do you think others see it in you? Do you have faith that God has cleansed away all of your sins? This study taught me that instead of worrying about past sins, or current ones for that matter, my focus should be on growing closer to Christ and relying on his strength. If I do this, grace will abound.
A song that came on my random playlist tonight. I thought it was fitting!
Monday, December 29, 2014
Accepting Forgiveness
I have discovered a new blog that I keep reading the past few days. To be honest, it has prompted a lot of ideas I want to write about while simultaneously distracting me from writing! So...I finally settled on one idea and here I go.
For a long time, I have struggled with feeling disconnected from God. The past six months, I have drawn closer than I have been in a long time, but I still struggle with insecurities and doubt. How can God really forgive me for all the mistakes I've made? What if I make more mistakes? Will friends, family, and my future husband be able to forgive me?
I think Phylicia put it great in her post "Failing God: Why Accepting Grace will be Your Best Choice This Christmas Season". I hold onto the guilt and the fault from the mistakes I have made. Trust me...I've heard it before- if you don't forgive yourself, you're doubting God's forgiveness. But I still struggle with the idea of completely wiping clean the past.
I have been viewing things as on my record but stamped with "Forgiveness". I constantly remind myself that things are still their for everyone to see and know. I feel like anyone looking at me can see the mistakes I've made instead of the Christian I am trying to be.
Clearly this is an area I still need to work on. I need to better understand God's forgiveness and God's grace. Instead of focusing on the mistakes I've made and living in fear of making them again, I am excited to start this new year focusing on loving God and letting my behaviors stem from that fact.
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments" John 14:15
My focus will be on loving God so I can live in forgiveness and freedom of fear.
For a long time, I have struggled with feeling disconnected from God. The past six months, I have drawn closer than I have been in a long time, but I still struggle with insecurities and doubt. How can God really forgive me for all the mistakes I've made? What if I make more mistakes? Will friends, family, and my future husband be able to forgive me?
I think Phylicia put it great in her post "Failing God: Why Accepting Grace will be Your Best Choice This Christmas Season". I hold onto the guilt and the fault from the mistakes I have made. Trust me...I've heard it before- if you don't forgive yourself, you're doubting God's forgiveness. But I still struggle with the idea of completely wiping clean the past.
I have been viewing things as on my record but stamped with "Forgiveness". I constantly remind myself that things are still their for everyone to see and know. I feel like anyone looking at me can see the mistakes I've made instead of the Christian I am trying to be.
Clearly this is an area I still need to work on. I need to better understand God's forgiveness and God's grace. Instead of focusing on the mistakes I've made and living in fear of making them again, I am excited to start this new year focusing on loving God and letting my behaviors stem from that fact.
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments" John 14:15
My focus will be on loving God so I can live in forgiveness and freedom of fear.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Take Me as I Am
I have always been a people pleaser. Growing up, I tried my best to be the top of class, the best musician, the best leader in youth group. As I continued in school, this drive continued. I wanted to please my parents, my professors, and my friends. I wanted everyone to like me. Unfortunately, this caused another phenomenon; morphing my values and morals to fit those I was around.
Because I felt the need to have a lot of friends, I often drifted between friend groups. It was somewhere in college that I realized I didn't mix my friend groups because they couldn't mix. I had friends who were as opposite as could be, yet somehow I fit with both groups. This applied to my dating life as well. I joke that I have no "type". I have dated someone that falls into almost any category you could imagine.
Self-reflection is a powerful thing. And it's funny what triggers it. Recently. I was trying to prove myself as the best candidate for something. I was stressing myself out and trying to guess what the committee would be interested in. Finally, after a week and a half of stress, I said forget it. I decided to focus on the unique interests, experiences, and abilities that I bring to the table as an individual. As days have past since that decision, I've begun to have further revelations. I don't want to fit with any friend group. I don't want to date someone just because they want to date me. I don't want to change who I am because it's what I think other people want from me.
I still wonder every day what God has in store for me. However, I have realized that he can't really show me what that is when I'm not being true to myself and to him. So...from here on out, my mantra is going to be "Take me as I am". I am not perfect. I have flaws; I make mistakes. But what I am is me. With my experiences, interests, quirks, mistakes, life lessons, goals, values, passions, and hobbies. It's cliche, but it's true...You can't be a first rate you if you're busy being a second rate someone else.
Because I felt the need to have a lot of friends, I often drifted between friend groups. It was somewhere in college that I realized I didn't mix my friend groups because they couldn't mix. I had friends who were as opposite as could be, yet somehow I fit with both groups. This applied to my dating life as well. I joke that I have no "type". I have dated someone that falls into almost any category you could imagine.
Self-reflection is a powerful thing. And it's funny what triggers it. Recently. I was trying to prove myself as the best candidate for something. I was stressing myself out and trying to guess what the committee would be interested in. Finally, after a week and a half of stress, I said forget it. I decided to focus on the unique interests, experiences, and abilities that I bring to the table as an individual. As days have past since that decision, I've begun to have further revelations. I don't want to fit with any friend group. I don't want to date someone just because they want to date me. I don't want to change who I am because it's what I think other people want from me.
I still wonder every day what God has in store for me. However, I have realized that he can't really show me what that is when I'm not being true to myself and to him. So...from here on out, my mantra is going to be "Take me as I am". I am not perfect. I have flaws; I make mistakes. But what I am is me. With my experiences, interests, quirks, mistakes, life lessons, goals, values, passions, and hobbies. It's cliche, but it's true...You can't be a first rate you if you're busy being a second rate someone else.
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Patience and Faithfulness
I love my church. Every time I go to Sunday morning or Wednesday night, I leave feeling refreshed, back on track, and at peace. The past few weeks I haven't been able to be fully present, so this morning was definitely a gift. To top it off, I was blessed to have lunch with my pastor and his wife; a lunch filled with thought-provoking conversations.
Today I was clearly reminded the importance of patience, and the fact that God does everything in his own time. Our Sunday School class is studying the advent, and this is the first time I fully dived into the birth story of John the Baptist. The people of Israel hadn't heard from God in hundreds of years. However, they continued their religious rituals of prayers and burning incense. They patiently waited and prayed; prayed and waited. Finally, when something does happen, it's 9 months before the baby is even born, and then John the Baptist has to grow up in the desert before beginning his ministry. Not to mention, he is paving the way for the true Messiah...Yet more waiting!
I am not a very patient person. I am very well aware of that. I want answers and things right here right now. I am slowly learning to appreciate God's timing, however I sometimes still find it easy to slip off my prayers and Bible study when I don't feel like life is happening how and when I want it to happen. Today's class and sermon remind me to stay faithful and disciplined. God's answer will come when the time is right. So for now...Praying for patience on top of my other prayers!
Today I was clearly reminded the importance of patience, and the fact that God does everything in his own time. Our Sunday School class is studying the advent, and this is the first time I fully dived into the birth story of John the Baptist. The people of Israel hadn't heard from God in hundreds of years. However, they continued their religious rituals of prayers and burning incense. They patiently waited and prayed; prayed and waited. Finally, when something does happen, it's 9 months before the baby is even born, and then John the Baptist has to grow up in the desert before beginning his ministry. Not to mention, he is paving the way for the true Messiah...Yet more waiting!
I am not a very patient person. I am very well aware of that. I want answers and things right here right now. I am slowly learning to appreciate God's timing, however I sometimes still find it easy to slip off my prayers and Bible study when I don't feel like life is happening how and when I want it to happen. Today's class and sermon remind me to stay faithful and disciplined. God's answer will come when the time is right. So for now...Praying for patience on top of my other prayers!
Monday, November 17, 2014
A Call To Service
Over the past few days, there has been a consistent message coming through loud and clear: Serve. Let me clarify...This has come through my Bible study, the church sermon, my psychology reading (Happiness Hypothesis), and my MOOC on emotionally intelligent leadership. Oh, it probably has been mentioned at work, and I was reminded of it when reviewing my sorority core values. As I mentioned...It's been a pretty consistent message.
To go a little into my background, service used to be a solid part of my life. I began volunteering at inner-city VBS programs in 4th grade. In middle school I would regularly go to the food pantry. High school brought mission trips over the summer. Then somewhere in college, things began to get complicated. Which is weird since I have a degree in non-profit management. However, somewhere in college, my service began to be "what's in it for me?" Does it count towards class credit? Can I earn a scholarship with it? Will it help my grad school application? I was still doing service, but I noticed a definite change in my heart.
Then came grad school. Service outside of what was required for my job or what would benefit me really seemed to go out the window. Yes, I served (and still serve) as philanthropy advisor for chapters of my sorority, but that is more sharing knowledge on event planning. I wasn't (and still don't much) serving my community. I used the excuse of no time and no money. Nothing was convenient. I knew I should volunteer, and I regularly researched opportunities, however I never stepped up.
Now the message is clear. I need to serve my community. The Bible calls me to it. Psychology says I will be overall happier if I do. Emotional Intelligence says I will be a better leader and improve the lives of those I work with professionally. It's time to stop making excuses and respond to the call.
To go a little into my background, service used to be a solid part of my life. I began volunteering at inner-city VBS programs in 4th grade. In middle school I would regularly go to the food pantry. High school brought mission trips over the summer. Then somewhere in college, things began to get complicated. Which is weird since I have a degree in non-profit management. However, somewhere in college, my service began to be "what's in it for me?" Does it count towards class credit? Can I earn a scholarship with it? Will it help my grad school application? I was still doing service, but I noticed a definite change in my heart.
Then came grad school. Service outside of what was required for my job or what would benefit me really seemed to go out the window. Yes, I served (and still serve) as philanthropy advisor for chapters of my sorority, but that is more sharing knowledge on event planning. I wasn't (and still don't much) serving my community. I used the excuse of no time and no money. Nothing was convenient. I knew I should volunteer, and I regularly researched opportunities, however I never stepped up.
Now the message is clear. I need to serve my community. The Bible calls me to it. Psychology says I will be overall happier if I do. Emotional Intelligence says I will be a better leader and improve the lives of those I work with professionally. It's time to stop making excuses and respond to the call.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Pruning
Sometimes I really wonder what I'm thinking when I volunteer for things or commit to new things. Shortly after joining my church here in NC, I agreed to teach the young adult Sunday school (as in...within 6 weeks of visiting for the first time). Now, this was huge because I hadn't regularly attended church in over 3 years. I'm not quite sure what they were thinking agreeing to let me teach. BUT...sometimes they best way to learn is to teach.
This past week, the lesson really stuck out to me. It hit close to thoughts I've been having and gave a Biblical basis to my thoughts. I guess God was helping me discern what he was already telling me.
John 15 shares the story of Jesus being the True Vine. Jesus provides us sustaining life such as the vine provides water and nutrients to the grapes. The story continues that God is the gardener. God removes the branches that bear no fruit, and prunes those that produce fruit.
Wait...God prunes his children. Pruning still involves cutting and trimming! That's painful! However, while I don't know much about gardening, I do know that pruning removes dead or sick parts of a plant to allow the good fruit and branches to grow and thrive. That is what God does for us. He prunes the things in our life that hold us back and make us spiritually sick. It might hurt at the moment, but it allows our True Vine to provide more nutrients to the healthy parts so that we bear more good fruit in the world.
I had already realized areas in my life that needed pruning. From still using alcohol as a coping mechanism some times, to knowingly fostering and seeking the wrong types of friendships, I still have a lot of room to grow in my Christian life. Lately, I've felt my depression slowly creeping back into my life. I think this is God's way of showing me that it's time for a pruning. Sometimes God prunes by force, but I think other times God opens our eyes so that we work with him. I'm beginning to make more conscious decisions about how I spend my time, who I spend it with, and how I cope with frustrations. It's a slow process, but it's time to prune the sick, damaging parts of my life out so that I can bear more of the good fruit!
I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit.
John 15: 1-2
This past week, the lesson really stuck out to me. It hit close to thoughts I've been having and gave a Biblical basis to my thoughts. I guess God was helping me discern what he was already telling me.
John 15 shares the story of Jesus being the True Vine. Jesus provides us sustaining life such as the vine provides water and nutrients to the grapes. The story continues that God is the gardener. God removes the branches that bear no fruit, and prunes those that produce fruit.
Wait...God prunes his children. Pruning still involves cutting and trimming! That's painful! However, while I don't know much about gardening, I do know that pruning removes dead or sick parts of a plant to allow the good fruit and branches to grow and thrive. That is what God does for us. He prunes the things in our life that hold us back and make us spiritually sick. It might hurt at the moment, but it allows our True Vine to provide more nutrients to the healthy parts so that we bear more good fruit in the world.
I had already realized areas in my life that needed pruning. From still using alcohol as a coping mechanism some times, to knowingly fostering and seeking the wrong types of friendships, I still have a lot of room to grow in my Christian life. Lately, I've felt my depression slowly creeping back into my life. I think this is God's way of showing me that it's time for a pruning. Sometimes God prunes by force, but I think other times God opens our eyes so that we work with him. I'm beginning to make more conscious decisions about how I spend my time, who I spend it with, and how I cope with frustrations. It's a slow process, but it's time to prune the sick, damaging parts of my life out so that I can bear more of the good fruit!
I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit.
John 15: 1-2
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