1.) Who are you letting determine how you act?
2.) Are you a scorner or a wise person?
3.) Do you really want to be wise?
While I was reading my devotional last night, these 3 questions were brought to my attention and made me really think, so I did. Then I prayed about them all, and The Lord answered them with these 3 following Bible Verses: "Are you a scorner or a wise person? You can tell by the way you respond to criticism. Instead of tossing back a quick put-down or clever retort when rebuked, listen to what is being said. Learn from your critics; this is the exact path to wisdom. Wisdom begins with knowing God. He gives insight into living because he created life. To know God is not to just know the facts about Him, but to stand in awe of Him and have a relationship with Him. Do you really want to be wise? Get to know God better and better." That was from Proverbs 9:7-10. Now, my answers to these three above questions were the exact opposite of what the Bible says. For example, Who am I letting determine how I act? My answer was, "Everyone around me, including the people that I work with, and certain customers." I know that I shouldn't let anybody change my mood no matter what the situation is, but it does, I need to learn how to be wise, and to stand firm in my moods and the way that I act sometimes. Nobody ever has a good day everyday, me especially, but you should learn how to act happy with the job that you have, no matter how much you hate it on particular days, I'm trying to be and act happy, but it's really not easy, I'm sure that everyone can relate to how I'm feeling about this, especially if you've worked in retail before, or still working there. Being in retail is definitely not an easy job, but we should be thankful that we even have a job right now, because there are so many people out there who would kill to work in retail, even though it doesn't pay them that much, but so many people would kill to be getting that much money, no matter how little the amount may be, know what I mean?
Example number two is this: Are you a scorner or a wise person? My answer was this, "I want to be a wise person, not a scorner, and finally, number three is this: Do you really want to be wise? My answer was this: "Yes, I do." Here's Bible Verse number two: "The wisdom that we need has three distinct characteristics: (1) It is practical. The wisdom from God relates to your life even during the most trying times. It is not a wisdom isolated from suffering and trials. This wisdom is the tool by which trials are overcome. An intelligent person may have profound ideas, but a wise person puts profound ideas into action. Intelligence will allow someone to describe several reasons why the car broke down. The wise person chooses the most likely reason and proceeds to take action. (2) It is divine. God's wisdom goes beyond common sense. Common sense does not lead us to choose joy in the middle of trials. This wisdom begins with respect for God, leads to living by God's direction, and results in the ability to tell right from wrong. It is a wisdom that James will describe at length in Chapter 3. (3) It is Christlike. Asking for wisdom is ultimately asking to be like Christ as the "wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:24; 2:1-7). "By "wisdom," James is talking not only about knowledge, but about the ability to make wise decisions in difficult circumstances. Whenever we need wisdom, we can pray to God and he will supply exactly what we need. Christians never need to grope about it in the dark, hoping to stumble upon answers. We can ask for God's wisdom to guide our choices." ~James 1:5. My thoughts and reflections on the above Bible Verse will be this: I've had my fair share of trials and tribulations in the past, and even now. For example, I'm struggling so badly trying to find another job that will promise me 22 hours a week, that I'm about ready to just give up, but I know that I can't, because God has a plan for me, and he's never given up on me, even in the toughest of times. I'm so unhappy with my job that I wish I could just quit, but I can't because I have bills to pay, and a future to plan for, Lord, please help, that's all I can say right now, Amen. Anyway, the last and final Bible Verse is this: "Many believers want more of God's kindness ("grace") and peace, but they are unwilling to put forth the effort to get to know Him better through Bible study and prayer. To enjoy the privileges God offers us freely, we must grow in our knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord." ~2 Peter 1:2. "The power to lead a godly life doesn't come from within us, but from God. Because we don't have the resources to live full of "glory and virtue", God makes us "partakers of the divine nature" to keep us from sin and help us to live for Him. When we are born again, God by his Spirit empowers us with his own goodness." ~2 Peter 1:3-4. I'm sorry about all of these Bible Verses, but it is the answer to those questions that I started with in the beginning of this blog, I hope that you all read this, and ask yourselves those same questions, and see what your answers are and so are God's. That's what I did, and I came up with all of this. Anyway, my thoughts and reflections on the previous Bible Verse up above are this: when I was born again, I've never felt so better in my entire life than that very day, when I rose up out of that water. I felt like a whole new person after that had happened, I can only hope and pray that I continue to act like that new person, from that memorable day. However, since then, a lot of changes has happened in my life, not job wise of course, but in other parts of my life, like Derek for example, he has turned out to be the perfect guy for me, even though we have our arguments and disagreements sometimes, but in the end, we still love each other, and work through it every single day, at least we try to work on it every single day.
Life never has been and never will be easy, even with Jesus on your side, life still isn't easy, but it's bearable. God is constantly putting us through a testing period, and it's only because he loves us so much, and he wants to continue to make our faith and relationship much stronger with Him, that's all he wants, he wants a closer and more intimate relationship with you, you just have to want to become closer to Him. How awesome would it be for you to actually sit on Jesus' lap and talk to Him face to face? It would be absolutely amazing, wouldn't it be? I sure think so! Amen!
(This was written by Joyce Meyer.)
~Emily
Monday, June 10, 2013
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Forgiveness
I figured that instead of saying hey all and whatnot, we'll just jump right in to the new blog entry. So, as I was reading my twitter feed a few weeks ago, Joyce Meyer posted about Romans 12:21 and she said after posting it, to reflect on it for a while. So, I did, and as it turns out, it has been weighing on my heart rather heavily. This is what Romans 12:21 says: "Be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good." ~Romans 12:21. "In this day of constant lawsuits and incessant demands for legal rights, Paul's command sounds almost impossible. When someone hurts you deeply, instead of giving him what he deserves, Paul says to befriend him. Why does Paul tell us to forgive our enemies? (1) Forgiveness may break a cycle of retaliation and lead to mutual reconciliation. (2) It may make the enemy feel ashamed and change his ways. (3) By contrast, returning evil for evil hurts you just as much as it hurts your enemy. Even if your enemy never repents, forgiving him will free you of a heavy load of bitterness." Once again this is Romans 12:21. Forgiveness involves both attitudes and actions. If you find it hard to feel forgiving toward someone who hurt you, you can at least try to act forgiving. If appropriate, tell this person you would like to heal your relationship. Give him a helping hand. Send him a gift. Smile at him. Many times you will discover that right actions lead to right feelings." ~Romans 12:21.
After reading and reflecting on all of those above Bible verses, this is what I received from it: No matter how difficult it is to forgive someone, especially someone who has hurt you greatly in the past, you still need to do the Christian thing, and really be forgiving to others, just as God has forgiven us. You see, you can't live your life holding grudges against certain people, because if you do, then it will weigh on you for the rest of your life, and since you are not able to forgive others, you'll be living your life with constant pain and regret, and that is so not good for you or your health. It can possibly ruin your life, know what I mean? As I've said many times before, you need to learn how to let go and let God take control of your life, because apart from Him we are nothing, and that's the cold, hard, truth. I'm not here to offend anyone or make anyone feel guilty about what they've done in the past, I'm just trying to redirect them down the right path, is that too hard to ask? I sure hope not. For others it might be, but for me, not so much. Before I came to God, I was a very lost and hurt soul, as most of you that know me, knew that, and in the past, no matter how hard any of you tried, I still did whatever I wanted, no matter what. I didn't care and constantly disobeyed The Lord, and my family, and that was a giant, no-no, see what I mean? But then one day, I just got sick and tired of making the same exact mistakes over and over again, so I just decided to let go of everything, and let The Lord take control of my life, because He knows what's better for me and for all of us actually, I just wish that certain people in this life, weren't so stubborn and stuck in their ways, that they will make excuses to not go to church, and whatnot, do you understand what I'm saying here? I sure hope that you do. I'm not saying that I'm perfect, because I'm definitely not, none of us are. The only one that is perfect, is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen?
On a completely unrelated topic, I just wanted to share an experience I had this past weekend, when I was in Rhode Island with my significant other and his mom. Anyway, I never thought that I would ever be able to have a chance to meet this particular person because she lives so far away, but when I did, it was a great blessing because I never knew that she was such an amazing person and a very strong, Christian woman, because my significant other didn't tell me how much his mom was a devout Christian. Back to the experience, I can just imagine how difficult it is for my significant other to say good bye to his biological mom. If it were me, it would be very difficult for me to say good bye to my mom, because without her, I think I'd be lost. When she left to go to Italy, I couldn't help but feel bad for Derek. I just wanted to cry for him, it must hurt greatly. I am really, quite blessed to have Derek in my life, and I can't imagine hurting him like he must have felt when his mom left his father all those years ago. I don't mean to be negative and hurt anybody here, but I just can't help, but feel bad for him. I guess that God had other plans for Derek's biological mom and his dad. His dad is now married to yet another amazing woman, with an absolutely gorgeous family with four dogs and two cats. We are all incredibly blessed. Can you imagine taking someone for granted like your mom, when someone else in this world is praying for an actual mom to come back into their lives and never leaving them again? I can't imagine that, nor would I want to imagine that, it just hurts too much, ya know? I guess this is another example of forgiveness and how hard it can be to forgive those who have hurt me and us in the past.
Derek has turned out to be an amazing and strong, Christian man, and yes, I'm definitely blessed and very thankful to have met him and now he is in my life from now until forever, I hope. Seeing what Derek has gone through and still continues to go through, it makes me want to try and be a better person and woman for him, because he deserves to have a good woman like myself, in his life. I can't be his mom, but I can be an amazing, strong, Christian girlfriend, and hopefully a good wife and mom in the future. Thank you, Lord, I love you, amen! and God Bless you all!
~Emily
After reading and reflecting on all of those above Bible verses, this is what I received from it: No matter how difficult it is to forgive someone, especially someone who has hurt you greatly in the past, you still need to do the Christian thing, and really be forgiving to others, just as God has forgiven us. You see, you can't live your life holding grudges against certain people, because if you do, then it will weigh on you for the rest of your life, and since you are not able to forgive others, you'll be living your life with constant pain and regret, and that is so not good for you or your health. It can possibly ruin your life, know what I mean? As I've said many times before, you need to learn how to let go and let God take control of your life, because apart from Him we are nothing, and that's the cold, hard, truth. I'm not here to offend anyone or make anyone feel guilty about what they've done in the past, I'm just trying to redirect them down the right path, is that too hard to ask? I sure hope not. For others it might be, but for me, not so much. Before I came to God, I was a very lost and hurt soul, as most of you that know me, knew that, and in the past, no matter how hard any of you tried, I still did whatever I wanted, no matter what. I didn't care and constantly disobeyed The Lord, and my family, and that was a giant, no-no, see what I mean? But then one day, I just got sick and tired of making the same exact mistakes over and over again, so I just decided to let go of everything, and let The Lord take control of my life, because He knows what's better for me and for all of us actually, I just wish that certain people in this life, weren't so stubborn and stuck in their ways, that they will make excuses to not go to church, and whatnot, do you understand what I'm saying here? I sure hope that you do. I'm not saying that I'm perfect, because I'm definitely not, none of us are. The only one that is perfect, is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen?
On a completely unrelated topic, I just wanted to share an experience I had this past weekend, when I was in Rhode Island with my significant other and his mom. Anyway, I never thought that I would ever be able to have a chance to meet this particular person because she lives so far away, but when I did, it was a great blessing because I never knew that she was such an amazing person and a very strong, Christian woman, because my significant other didn't tell me how much his mom was a devout Christian. Back to the experience, I can just imagine how difficult it is for my significant other to say good bye to his biological mom. If it were me, it would be very difficult for me to say good bye to my mom, because without her, I think I'd be lost. When she left to go to Italy, I couldn't help but feel bad for Derek. I just wanted to cry for him, it must hurt greatly. I am really, quite blessed to have Derek in my life, and I can't imagine hurting him like he must have felt when his mom left his father all those years ago. I don't mean to be negative and hurt anybody here, but I just can't help, but feel bad for him. I guess that God had other plans for Derek's biological mom and his dad. His dad is now married to yet another amazing woman, with an absolutely gorgeous family with four dogs and two cats. We are all incredibly blessed. Can you imagine taking someone for granted like your mom, when someone else in this world is praying for an actual mom to come back into their lives and never leaving them again? I can't imagine that, nor would I want to imagine that, it just hurts too much, ya know? I guess this is another example of forgiveness and how hard it can be to forgive those who have hurt me and us in the past.
Derek has turned out to be an amazing and strong, Christian man, and yes, I'm definitely blessed and very thankful to have met him and now he is in my life from now until forever, I hope. Seeing what Derek has gone through and still continues to go through, it makes me want to try and be a better person and woman for him, because he deserves to have a good woman like myself, in his life. I can't be his mom, but I can be an amazing, strong, Christian girlfriend, and hopefully a good wife and mom in the future. Thank you, Lord, I love you, amen! and God Bless you all!
~Emily
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Baptism Part Two
Hi all,
I know that I've written a previous blog entry on Baptism, but in this post, it will be continued, and I hope and pray that the message in this blog entry reaches out to certain people who need to hear the truth about Baptism. This is the Bible verse that I chose for this entry: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." ~Matthew 28: 19-20. However, in other words this verse is telling us this: "The disciples were to baptize people because baptism unites all of the believers with Jesus Christ in their death to sin and resurrection to the new life. Baptism symbolizes submission to Christ, willingness to live God's way, and identification with God's covenant people. How is Jesus present with us? Jesus was with the disciples physically until he ascended into heaven, and then spiritually through The Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4). The Holy Spirit would be Jesus' presence that would never leave them (John 14:26). Jesus continues to be with us today through his Spirit. The Old Testament prophecies and genealogies in the book of Matthew present Jesus' credentials for being King of the world-not a military or political leader, as the disciples had originally hoped, but a spiritual King who can overcome all evil and reign in the heart of every single person. If we refuse to serve the King faithfully, we are disloyal subjects, fit only to be banished from the Kingdom. We must make Jesus King of our lives and worship him as our Savior, King, and Lord." ~Matthew 28:19-20.
My thoughts and reflections on the above Bible verses are this: when I was baptized a second time, it made me really realize that I was getting rid of my old life, washing it away with the water, and starting a brand new beginning, like my boyfriend will be doing this coming Sunday, and I couldn't be more proud of him for doing this. It truly means that he's getting rid of his old life full of sin and turning over a new leaf so to speak. This is quite a big step in his Spiritual walk with The Lord, I can only hope and pray that he will continue to walk down the right path for the rest of his life, no matter what happens, with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I want him to walk and be blessed forever, because he really and truly deserves it. He has gone through a lot of crap in his past, just like the rest of us have, but thank God for saving him and bringing him closer to The Lord than he's ever been before. Now listen, when I first met him, I didn't think that he cared at all about The Lord and my church, but what I soon found out, was the fact that he is learning a lot from the church, and I hope from me, because of God, he called my boyfriend to become more involved with the church, by being a greeter, getting the alter ready, and joining the young adult group with me among others. The group may be small at the moment, but it will grow and revive soon like this world and our church will. In honesty, I prefer it to be a small group because we each get equal attention, and we're not constantly fighting back and forth about getting our group leader's attention. I can only hope and pray that when our group grows, we'll each get equal attention from our leader and from each other. Do you understand what I mean? You most likely do, but you won't comment on it, but that's okay because that's what I figured anyway.
Don't get me wrong, I appreciate all the feed back that I can get, but I also hope that nobody negatively comments on it, because this is such a big part of my life, and any comment that is negative, will probably hurt, but I shouldn't let it get to me anyway. We need to learn how to stand firm and let nothing or anybody move us. We walk by faith, not by sight, got it? I hope so. Anyway, less about me, and more about God, Amen? I think so. Let's get back on subject here, the true meaning of baptism is the fact that you are ridding yourself of your sin in your old way of life, and starting fresh, which means that since you are getting baptized, you cannot fall back to the way you used to live your life, you have to live your life fully according to God's own will, not your own. If God asks you to do something, then you better do it, because if you don't, then you are in big trouble. Don't question it, don't fight it, just go ahead and do it, got it?!? I hope you do. I mean I'm not innocent here, when God asks me to do something, I sometimes question it, fight it, wrestle with it, but then I eventually bite the bullet, and do it anyway, even though I don't want to do it, I still do it, because it's what God wants, not what I want. It's his opinion that matters, not yours. You cannot lean on your own understanding, but God's understanding, because with Him all things are possible, kabiche? Let's hope so. Remember, " I can do all things through He that gives me strength." Amen? Yes, Lord, Amen! In the future, I pray that once my boyfriend becomes baptized, I pray that God effects his life just as much as God has effected my own life, and will continue to bless our lives, because without God, I definitely wouldn't be here right now.
I'd probably be dead somewhere that wasn't as pleasant as it is right here right now. However, all these material things will wash away in the blink of an eye, our prize is what lies ahead of us in heaven with our heavenly father and his son, Jesus Christ, do you get my point here? I hope and pray that you do. The truth is, we have to act and be not of this world, because that is what God wants us to be. CS Lewis says that we're not of this world in the first place, so we better wake up and start acting like it, got it?!? I praise you, Lord, Jesus! Thank you, Lord, I love you, Amen!
~Emily P.
I know that I've written a previous blog entry on Baptism, but in this post, it will be continued, and I hope and pray that the message in this blog entry reaches out to certain people who need to hear the truth about Baptism. This is the Bible verse that I chose for this entry: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." ~Matthew 28: 19-20. However, in other words this verse is telling us this: "The disciples were to baptize people because baptism unites all of the believers with Jesus Christ in their death to sin and resurrection to the new life. Baptism symbolizes submission to Christ, willingness to live God's way, and identification with God's covenant people. How is Jesus present with us? Jesus was with the disciples physically until he ascended into heaven, and then spiritually through The Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4). The Holy Spirit would be Jesus' presence that would never leave them (John 14:26). Jesus continues to be with us today through his Spirit. The Old Testament prophecies and genealogies in the book of Matthew present Jesus' credentials for being King of the world-not a military or political leader, as the disciples had originally hoped, but a spiritual King who can overcome all evil and reign in the heart of every single person. If we refuse to serve the King faithfully, we are disloyal subjects, fit only to be banished from the Kingdom. We must make Jesus King of our lives and worship him as our Savior, King, and Lord." ~Matthew 28:19-20.
My thoughts and reflections on the above Bible verses are this: when I was baptized a second time, it made me really realize that I was getting rid of my old life, washing it away with the water, and starting a brand new beginning, like my boyfriend will be doing this coming Sunday, and I couldn't be more proud of him for doing this. It truly means that he's getting rid of his old life full of sin and turning over a new leaf so to speak. This is quite a big step in his Spiritual walk with The Lord, I can only hope and pray that he will continue to walk down the right path for the rest of his life, no matter what happens, with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I want him to walk and be blessed forever, because he really and truly deserves it. He has gone through a lot of crap in his past, just like the rest of us have, but thank God for saving him and bringing him closer to The Lord than he's ever been before. Now listen, when I first met him, I didn't think that he cared at all about The Lord and my church, but what I soon found out, was the fact that he is learning a lot from the church, and I hope from me, because of God, he called my boyfriend to become more involved with the church, by being a greeter, getting the alter ready, and joining the young adult group with me among others. The group may be small at the moment, but it will grow and revive soon like this world and our church will. In honesty, I prefer it to be a small group because we each get equal attention, and we're not constantly fighting back and forth about getting our group leader's attention. I can only hope and pray that when our group grows, we'll each get equal attention from our leader and from each other. Do you understand what I mean? You most likely do, but you won't comment on it, but that's okay because that's what I figured anyway.
Don't get me wrong, I appreciate all the feed back that I can get, but I also hope that nobody negatively comments on it, because this is such a big part of my life, and any comment that is negative, will probably hurt, but I shouldn't let it get to me anyway. We need to learn how to stand firm and let nothing or anybody move us. We walk by faith, not by sight, got it? I hope so. Anyway, less about me, and more about God, Amen? I think so. Let's get back on subject here, the true meaning of baptism is the fact that you are ridding yourself of your sin in your old way of life, and starting fresh, which means that since you are getting baptized, you cannot fall back to the way you used to live your life, you have to live your life fully according to God's own will, not your own. If God asks you to do something, then you better do it, because if you don't, then you are in big trouble. Don't question it, don't fight it, just go ahead and do it, got it?!? I hope you do. I mean I'm not innocent here, when God asks me to do something, I sometimes question it, fight it, wrestle with it, but then I eventually bite the bullet, and do it anyway, even though I don't want to do it, I still do it, because it's what God wants, not what I want. It's his opinion that matters, not yours. You cannot lean on your own understanding, but God's understanding, because with Him all things are possible, kabiche? Let's hope so. Remember, " I can do all things through He that gives me strength." Amen? Yes, Lord, Amen! In the future, I pray that once my boyfriend becomes baptized, I pray that God effects his life just as much as God has effected my own life, and will continue to bless our lives, because without God, I definitely wouldn't be here right now.
I'd probably be dead somewhere that wasn't as pleasant as it is right here right now. However, all these material things will wash away in the blink of an eye, our prize is what lies ahead of us in heaven with our heavenly father and his son, Jesus Christ, do you get my point here? I hope and pray that you do. The truth is, we have to act and be not of this world, because that is what God wants us to be. CS Lewis says that we're not of this world in the first place, so we better wake up and start acting like it, got it?!? I praise you, Lord, Jesus! Thank you, Lord, I love you, Amen!
~Emily P.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Feeling Stuck?
Hey All,
I know it's been a couple of months since I've updated this blog, but I'm back now and be prepared because it's a long blog entry. This Bible verse that I used for this blog entry is based off of Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. Enjoy: "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not easily broken." In other words, it's telling us this: "Cooperating with others has advantages. Life is designed not for isolation, but for companionship; not for loneliness, but for intimacy. Some people prefer isolation because they feel that they cannot trust anyone. We are not here on earth to serve ourselves, but to serve God and others. Don't isolate yourself from others and "go it alone." Seek companionship and be a team member instead.
Let's see, where do I even start to relate to this above Bible verse? Well, here goes, I know what it's like to feel lonely, heck, I even know what it's like to "go it alone," so to speak, all my life, I've been lonely and had acquaintances, but not exactly friends. It feels as if, I've been fighting this lifelong battle all by myself, with absolutely no help at all whatsoever, until I found God, because without God, I probably wouldn't be here right now. So, quite frankly, I'm just tired of it and wish that it would just disappear forever. I'm done fighting and trying so hard to be something that I'm just not. I just want to feel relaxed and let God fight the rest of this ugly, messy, battle that's been going on inside me for far too long, do you know what I mean? I sure hope so.
I have this feeling of angst inside me, and I really want to let it go, but for some odd reason, I just can't let it go. The fact that I can't let it go, is literally just killing me and ripping me apart from the inside out. I'm turning into a monster, because of this feeling, and I absolutely hate it, it needs to disappear right here, right now, it isn't pretty, must. go. away.right.now. Please Lord, help this monstrosity disappear from me and my life right now. I feel like it's time to spread my wings and fly, but the question is, what's holding me back and why? Please Lord, give me the answer, so I can get it all figured out, before it's way too late. Help me to spread these wings and just fly, so that I can just live this life the way that you want me to live it, Lord. You put me down here on this earth for a reason, now help me to find that reason, Lord, so that I can live it out for you, Lord, not for me, but for you, my Lord. At the end of my life, on that final judgement day, I want to be able to say that I used everything you've given me, to do for you, Lord, do you understand me, Lord? I definitely hope so. Thank you, Lord, I love you, Amen." Does everybody else out here, understand what this message is trying to say to you from the Lord, through me? let's hope so because that is what I'm trying to do to reach the lost, so they can become saved before it's too late, and you go to straight down to hell, for the rest of your life in eternal damnation. But when you go to heaven, it will all be worth the fighting for in the end.
Heaven is going to be one very large, unending party. That sounds good, right? The answer is yes because in Heaven, you'll see Jesus and His heavenly father, all of their angels, and the best part is the fact that you'll be reunited with all of your friends and family, and loved ones, who left too soon, and went before us, including all of the pets you've had before they died. They're waiting to greet you, once you've gone home to The Lord at the very end of your life. Got it? Good! Now repent and change your ways immediately, he's waiting! Amen?!?!? I say, Amen!!! To be continued...eventually.
~Emily P.
I know it's been a couple of months since I've updated this blog, but I'm back now and be prepared because it's a long blog entry. This Bible verse that I used for this blog entry is based off of Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. Enjoy: "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not easily broken." In other words, it's telling us this: "Cooperating with others has advantages. Life is designed not for isolation, but for companionship; not for loneliness, but for intimacy. Some people prefer isolation because they feel that they cannot trust anyone. We are not here on earth to serve ourselves, but to serve God and others. Don't isolate yourself from others and "go it alone." Seek companionship and be a team member instead.
Let's see, where do I even start to relate to this above Bible verse? Well, here goes, I know what it's like to feel lonely, heck, I even know what it's like to "go it alone," so to speak, all my life, I've been lonely and had acquaintances, but not exactly friends. It feels as if, I've been fighting this lifelong battle all by myself, with absolutely no help at all whatsoever, until I found God, because without God, I probably wouldn't be here right now. So, quite frankly, I'm just tired of it and wish that it would just disappear forever. I'm done fighting and trying so hard to be something that I'm just not. I just want to feel relaxed and let God fight the rest of this ugly, messy, battle that's been going on inside me for far too long, do you know what I mean? I sure hope so.
I have this feeling of angst inside me, and I really want to let it go, but for some odd reason, I just can't let it go. The fact that I can't let it go, is literally just killing me and ripping me apart from the inside out. I'm turning into a monster, because of this feeling, and I absolutely hate it, it needs to disappear right here, right now, it isn't pretty, must. go. away.right.now. Please Lord, help this monstrosity disappear from me and my life right now. I feel like it's time to spread my wings and fly, but the question is, what's holding me back and why? Please Lord, give me the answer, so I can get it all figured out, before it's way too late. Help me to spread these wings and just fly, so that I can just live this life the way that you want me to live it, Lord. You put me down here on this earth for a reason, now help me to find that reason, Lord, so that I can live it out for you, Lord, not for me, but for you, my Lord. At the end of my life, on that final judgement day, I want to be able to say that I used everything you've given me, to do for you, Lord, do you understand me, Lord? I definitely hope so. Thank you, Lord, I love you, Amen." Does everybody else out here, understand what this message is trying to say to you from the Lord, through me? let's hope so because that is what I'm trying to do to reach the lost, so they can become saved before it's too late, and you go to straight down to hell, for the rest of your life in eternal damnation. But when you go to heaven, it will all be worth the fighting for in the end.
Heaven is going to be one very large, unending party. That sounds good, right? The answer is yes because in Heaven, you'll see Jesus and His heavenly father, all of their angels, and the best part is the fact that you'll be reunited with all of your friends and family, and loved ones, who left too soon, and went before us, including all of the pets you've had before they died. They're waiting to greet you, once you've gone home to The Lord at the very end of your life. Got it? Good! Now repent and change your ways immediately, he's waiting! Amen?!?!? I say, Amen!!! To be continued...eventually.
~Emily P.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
What is Passion?
I honestly don't know how to start this blog entry, so I'm just going to jump right into it. Here goes: What is passion? I honestly don't know how this title goes with this blog entry, it just came to me last night as I was praying, reading, and reflecting on my devotional for the night. I'm going to base this blog entry on Genesis 49:4-28, I know I know, this is quite the long Bible verse, but I'll try to explain it as best as I can okay? "Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou it; he went up to thy couch." Now you're all probably thinking, what on earth is this verse supposed to be telling us? "The oldest son was supposed to receive a double inheritance, but Reuben lost this special honor. He was very unruly and untrustworthy, especially during his younger days, he had gone so far as to sleep with one of his father's concubines. Jacob could not and would not give the birthright blessing to such a dishonorable son."
To me, the above verse means that the decisions, that were made in your past will become what might or might not happen in your present and also in your future. If God is not pleased with what you have done in the past, he will try to redirect you to your present and future decisions, but before this happens, you have to come to him and repent and turn completely away from what was your past. If you still live in the past, then you cannot move ahead to the future, your past is what will hold you back in all choices you make, you need to take a very bold step ahead. If God wants you to do it, then you better obey and do it. You need to be ready to say yes and leave everything that you have behind, so that your future can be full of blessings and rewards. If God is all you have, then you have all that you need, Amen?
" I have waited for thy salvation, O Lord." "In the middle of his prophecy to Dan, Jacob had exclaimed, " I have waited for thy salvation, O Lord." He was emphasizing to Dan that he would be a strong leader only if he trusted in God, and not in his own natural strength or ability. Those who are strong, attractive, or talented often find it much easier to trust in themselves rather than in God, who was the one who gave them these gifts. You must always remember to thank God for what you are and have, so that your trust does not become misplaced." Know what I mean? Anyway, my opinion of this above verse is the fact that you cannot be selfish, and give yourself all the Glory, because it is not all about you, it's all about God, it always has been and always will be exactly like that.So, let's keep it that way, got it?!? I certainly hope so.
Let's move on to verses 23 and 24: "The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him. But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel)." These verses express God's repeated rescues of Joseph when his enemies were attacking him. So often we struggle without thinking that God is able to fight our battles, whether they are against people with weapons or against spiritual forces. Joseph was able to draw closer to God as adversity had mounted. To trust God to rescue you shows that you have great faith. Can you trust him when injury or persecution is being directed at you? Such spiritual battles require teamwork between courageous, faithful people, and a great and mighty God." Amen?!? Amen!
My thoughts on the above verses are this: In these past few months,I've been facing a difficult decision about what I should do next in my career path. I've been praying about it every night, and I still can't figure out what to do next. I'm not entirely sure what my next step should be after this. I know I should probably learn how to drive and such, but I feel like there's no time and money in order to do that. Since I don't drive, I'm very limited in what I can do and where I can go in order to find a new job. I'm getting older, we're all getting older, so now would be the time to start changing things for the better. I can't work part-time for the rest of my life, it's not getting me anywhere. I need health insurance and I need to be able to save up for a future wedding, house, and family. But I can't do any of that until I get driving and get my own car, because of my accident back in 2008, I really hate cars, money, and driving, none of those are fun at all. It just seems to get me into more trouble, which I'm trying to avoid. What I mean by that is no more accidents, and no more stupidity. I need to start making a lot wiser decisions. I hate feeling useless and helpless, it's really dragging me down. There's so much that I could be doing if I only had a full-time job, a car, and I know how to drive. It gets really old having to rely on everyone else around you to get you to the places that you need to go.
You can call me a hypocrite, I don't even care anymore, I'm letting this fear stand in the way of my life. I need to stop that right away, but it's not easy to just change in the blink of an eye. These changes take a whole lot of time to start working in this life I'm supposed to be living for God, but let's be honest here, am I really living the way that God wants me to live my life? Somehow, I doubt it. I feel like I'm trying so hard, but it's not getting me anywhere fast any time soon. I as well as the rest of you reading this, wants to see the Church grow and revive, and we also want to see all of these changes in America. We need God in America again. We always will be and always have been "One nation under God, not One nation under man." This world is just a mess, and something good better come out of this soon, or else this world will be going to "hell in a hand basket." Are you catching my drift here? I do hope so. God Bless America! Amen!!!
~Emily
To me, the above verse means that the decisions, that were made in your past will become what might or might not happen in your present and also in your future. If God is not pleased with what you have done in the past, he will try to redirect you to your present and future decisions, but before this happens, you have to come to him and repent and turn completely away from what was your past. If you still live in the past, then you cannot move ahead to the future, your past is what will hold you back in all choices you make, you need to take a very bold step ahead. If God wants you to do it, then you better obey and do it. You need to be ready to say yes and leave everything that you have behind, so that your future can be full of blessings and rewards. If God is all you have, then you have all that you need, Amen?
" I have waited for thy salvation, O Lord." "In the middle of his prophecy to Dan, Jacob had exclaimed, " I have waited for thy salvation, O Lord." He was emphasizing to Dan that he would be a strong leader only if he trusted in God, and not in his own natural strength or ability. Those who are strong, attractive, or talented often find it much easier to trust in themselves rather than in God, who was the one who gave them these gifts. You must always remember to thank God for what you are and have, so that your trust does not become misplaced." Know what I mean? Anyway, my opinion of this above verse is the fact that you cannot be selfish, and give yourself all the Glory, because it is not all about you, it's all about God, it always has been and always will be exactly like that.So, let's keep it that way, got it?!? I certainly hope so.
Let's move on to verses 23 and 24: "The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him. But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel)." These verses express God's repeated rescues of Joseph when his enemies were attacking him. So often we struggle without thinking that God is able to fight our battles, whether they are against people with weapons or against spiritual forces. Joseph was able to draw closer to God as adversity had mounted. To trust God to rescue you shows that you have great faith. Can you trust him when injury or persecution is being directed at you? Such spiritual battles require teamwork between courageous, faithful people, and a great and mighty God." Amen?!? Amen!
My thoughts on the above verses are this: In these past few months,I've been facing a difficult decision about what I should do next in my career path. I've been praying about it every night, and I still can't figure out what to do next. I'm not entirely sure what my next step should be after this. I know I should probably learn how to drive and such, but I feel like there's no time and money in order to do that. Since I don't drive, I'm very limited in what I can do and where I can go in order to find a new job. I'm getting older, we're all getting older, so now would be the time to start changing things for the better. I can't work part-time for the rest of my life, it's not getting me anywhere. I need health insurance and I need to be able to save up for a future wedding, house, and family. But I can't do any of that until I get driving and get my own car, because of my accident back in 2008, I really hate cars, money, and driving, none of those are fun at all. It just seems to get me into more trouble, which I'm trying to avoid. What I mean by that is no more accidents, and no more stupidity. I need to start making a lot wiser decisions. I hate feeling useless and helpless, it's really dragging me down. There's so much that I could be doing if I only had a full-time job, a car, and I know how to drive. It gets really old having to rely on everyone else around you to get you to the places that you need to go.
You can call me a hypocrite, I don't even care anymore, I'm letting this fear stand in the way of my life. I need to stop that right away, but it's not easy to just change in the blink of an eye. These changes take a whole lot of time to start working in this life I'm supposed to be living for God, but let's be honest here, am I really living the way that God wants me to live my life? Somehow, I doubt it. I feel like I'm trying so hard, but it's not getting me anywhere fast any time soon. I as well as the rest of you reading this, wants to see the Church grow and revive, and we also want to see all of these changes in America. We need God in America again. We always will be and always have been "One nation under God, not One nation under man." This world is just a mess, and something good better come out of this soon, or else this world will be going to "hell in a hand basket." Are you catching my drift here? I do hope so. God Bless America! Amen!!!
~Emily
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Saving the lost.
Good afternoon all,
While I was talking to a friend of mine, he suggested that I write a blog entry on lost souls, because sadly there's way too many of them out there in this mess of a world. Here's the Bible verse that I'll share with you: "And he spake this parable unto them, saying, "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance." ~ Luke 15:3-7. In other words, this verse is trying to say this: "It may seem pretty foolish for the shepherd to leave the 99 sheep to go search for just one. But the shepherd knew that the 99 would be quite safe in the sheepfold, whereas the lost sheep was in danger. Because each sheep was of high value, the shepherd knew it was worthwhile to search diligently for the lost one. God's love for the individual is so great that he seeks each one out and rejoices when he or she is found. Jesus associated with sinners because he wanted to bring the lost sheep-people considered beyond hope-the Gospel of God's Kingdom. Before you were a believer he sought you, and is still seeking those who are yet lost." "We can perhaps understand a God who tenderly searches for sinners and then joyfully forgives them must have extraordinary love! This is the kind of love that prompted Jesus to come to earth to search for the lost people and save them. This is the kind of extraordinary love that God has for you."
However, my thoughts on the above verses are simply this, I once was lost, but now I'm found, like the song called "Amazing Grace." Before I came to the Lord and was saved, I was a huge mess, and full of sin. Until one day, I finally decided that this way of life has got to stop, because I need to be a good role model for the Lord, my family, my church, Derek, and especially for my nephew, Eliot. Everyday, I thank God that he's a very loving, forgiving, and understanding, God. If it wasn't for the Lord, then I'd probably be dead by now, and would have nothing left of this life. Also, if I hadn't changed, when I did, then I'd probably lose everything and then some. So, thank you, Lord, for giving me this life, and please forgive me if I don't love it enough. I'm a human, we're not perfect. Nobody's perfect. We fail him daily, but luckily for us, he forgives us and loves us daily. Does everybody understand where I'm coming from here? I sure hope so. But anyway, do you see how important repentance is? I sure do. You need to fully repent of your sins, and change your lives immediately, and please for the love of God, don't go back to the way you used to live, it was awful for me, what about you guys? You need to let go and let God, because we can't keep living our lives this way, it hurts him very deeply. He doesn't want to see his sheep suffer anymore, it's ruining what God wants you to be. He has a much bigger plan for us, but he can't show us what exactly that plan is, until we are open to him, so that he can help to change our lives, to be more like him. We cannot be selfish and ungrateful, we have to rejoice and praise him in everything that we do, we have to be very thankful for him, because without him, none of us would exist, this world wouldn't even exist without him.
After all, he was the one who created this world in 6 days. Imagine what he can do with us in a matter of days, months, years. You just need to be selfless and at your breaking point, to come to him. The sooner that you come to him, the better, got it? I certainly hope so. I got it. Although, some of the time, I don't understand it, I still do it because it's for the Lord, and to please him. It's not what you want, it's what he wants. Less of us, and more of him, kabiche? That's what I thought. The lord wants revival, so we need to work together as a team to give the Lord what he wants. Do not disobey him, for you'll be severely punished. I learned that the hard way. So, you all better wake up and do something about your lives, or this world will be going to hell in a hand-basket. Got it? You better. Thank you, and God bless!
~Emily
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Have you lost your zeal for God?
Hey Everybody,
How's everyone doing? Well, I hope. It has been quite a while since I've updated this blog, life has just been pretty busy and chaotic, I'm sure that you all can relate to that right? Anyway, that's enough babbling for now, here are the verses that I'd like to share with you all: "Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." ~Revelation 2:4-5. Here is what these verses are trying to say to us all: "Just as when a man and woman fall in love, so should new believers rejoice at their new found forgiveness. But when we lose sight of the seriousness of sin, we begin to lose the thrill of our forgiveness. In the very first steps of your Christian life, you may have had enthusiasm without any knowledge. Do you now have knowledge without enthusiasm? Both are necessary if we are able to keep love for God intense and untarnished. Do you love God with the same vigor as when you were a new Christian?"
Now, I asked myself that same question as I mentioned in the above paragraph. My answer was this, no, I don't. I can't lie to myself and I can't lie to God, because God already knows this. It's always better to be honest than to lie. Have you all asked yourself that same question? I bet that a whole bunch of you, answered yes to that as well. Come on, none of us are innocent here. Anyway, that's not my point for this blog entry. My point for this is the fact that, we can't just lose our zeal for God. What we need to do is to go back to that place before when you became a new Christian, and rekindle that flame. I know that it's hard to get back to that place because of the way that this economy is and our financial issues, job issues, family issues, etc. But you need to learn how to put all of that stuff aside, and rekindle that flame you once had, when you became saved. There are a couple of ways to go about doing this: (1). Pray; (2). Read the Bible; (3). Get back to church. Now, your all probably thinking, "ew, I don't want to do that, that's for wimps who can't deal with their own lives, why would I go and do those things? It's for wusses, well guess what, I'm not going to show them that I need God back in my life, I can take care of myself and do this on my own."
Well, guess what? I've got news for you, God is not for wusses, he helps those who can help themselves. When Jesus was here on earth, he was no wimp, he was one of the strongest men I know. Yeah, he was this thin, little guy, but trust me, he didn't just sit there and let people walk all over him. He stood up for what was right, he was the one who died on that cross for our sins. It was a very slow, and painful death, I wouldn't want to do what he did. I don't do well with pain, but he did, he still does daily. You may not see him, but he is there, he's waiting to hear from you. Now, go and do it. You all need to pick up your crosses daily and follow him. It is because of Jesus, that I am alive today and happy. Yeah, not all days are perfect, but who cares, you just let it go. Stuff happens. Get over it. Stop pitying yourselves and do something about it. That's what I did, if I can do it, then you can do it. God uses the weak to lead the strong, understand? I bet you do.
For example, some people may view me as pretty weak, well guess what? I am, but I don't even care because like I said, God uses the weak to lead the strong. That's what I'm trying to do, I'm trying to lead the strong, and I hope and pray that it's working, if not, then I'll keep working at it, it will take a lot of time, but in the end, it's worth it, just trust me. I am going to share with you all another part of verse 5, and try to explain what that one means also. "For Jesus to "remove thy candlestick out of his place" would mean that the church would cease to be an effective church. Just as the seven-branched candlestick in the Temple gave light for the priests to see, the churches were to give light to their surrounding communites. But Jesus warned them that their lights could very easily go out. In fact, Jesus himself would extinguish any light that did not fulfill its purpose. The church had to repent of all its sins." In my own words, I guess what this verse is trying to say to us is the fact that, if you keep on sinning, then the church won't be able to revive. You must be able to repent of your sins, wholeheartedly, and live out your life the way that Jesus wants you to live it. It's being able to serve him, and not let anything stand in your way, when it comes to that part of your life. Also, once you repent of your sins, you can't just repent and keep sinning, you need to be fully ready to commit your entire life to God, and be prepared for whatever it is that he sends your way. You can't be all like "oh that's not what my plans are for my future, I don't want to do that." Well, guess what? God doesn't care, if he asks you to do something he expects you to do it. When the Lord calls, you have to answer. You can't just not do it. Got it? I sure hope so.
Honestly, I'm still not really sure what he wants me to do with my life, but I look forward to finding that one out. All I can do, is keep praying about it, and listen very carefully for his call to do whatever it is that he needs me to do, no matter how difficult it may seem. Even if it is really difficult, he will help you do it, just ask him and he will definitely help you out, but you've got to be 100% ready for whatever it is that he sends your way. To conclude this blog entry, I just want to say thank you, and God bless! God loves you all, Amen and Amen!
How's everyone doing? Well, I hope. It has been quite a while since I've updated this blog, life has just been pretty busy and chaotic, I'm sure that you all can relate to that right? Anyway, that's enough babbling for now, here are the verses that I'd like to share with you all: "Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." ~Revelation 2:4-5. Here is what these verses are trying to say to us all: "Just as when a man and woman fall in love, so should new believers rejoice at their new found forgiveness. But when we lose sight of the seriousness of sin, we begin to lose the thrill of our forgiveness. In the very first steps of your Christian life, you may have had enthusiasm without any knowledge. Do you now have knowledge without enthusiasm? Both are necessary if we are able to keep love for God intense and untarnished. Do you love God with the same vigor as when you were a new Christian?"
Now, I asked myself that same question as I mentioned in the above paragraph. My answer was this, no, I don't. I can't lie to myself and I can't lie to God, because God already knows this. It's always better to be honest than to lie. Have you all asked yourself that same question? I bet that a whole bunch of you, answered yes to that as well. Come on, none of us are innocent here. Anyway, that's not my point for this blog entry. My point for this is the fact that, we can't just lose our zeal for God. What we need to do is to go back to that place before when you became a new Christian, and rekindle that flame. I know that it's hard to get back to that place because of the way that this economy is and our financial issues, job issues, family issues, etc. But you need to learn how to put all of that stuff aside, and rekindle that flame you once had, when you became saved. There are a couple of ways to go about doing this: (1). Pray; (2). Read the Bible; (3). Get back to church. Now, your all probably thinking, "ew, I don't want to do that, that's for wimps who can't deal with their own lives, why would I go and do those things? It's for wusses, well guess what, I'm not going to show them that I need God back in my life, I can take care of myself and do this on my own."
Well, guess what? I've got news for you, God is not for wusses, he helps those who can help themselves. When Jesus was here on earth, he was no wimp, he was one of the strongest men I know. Yeah, he was this thin, little guy, but trust me, he didn't just sit there and let people walk all over him. He stood up for what was right, he was the one who died on that cross for our sins. It was a very slow, and painful death, I wouldn't want to do what he did. I don't do well with pain, but he did, he still does daily. You may not see him, but he is there, he's waiting to hear from you. Now, go and do it. You all need to pick up your crosses daily and follow him. It is because of Jesus, that I am alive today and happy. Yeah, not all days are perfect, but who cares, you just let it go. Stuff happens. Get over it. Stop pitying yourselves and do something about it. That's what I did, if I can do it, then you can do it. God uses the weak to lead the strong, understand? I bet you do.
For example, some people may view me as pretty weak, well guess what? I am, but I don't even care because like I said, God uses the weak to lead the strong. That's what I'm trying to do, I'm trying to lead the strong, and I hope and pray that it's working, if not, then I'll keep working at it, it will take a lot of time, but in the end, it's worth it, just trust me. I am going to share with you all another part of verse 5, and try to explain what that one means also. "For Jesus to "remove thy candlestick out of his place" would mean that the church would cease to be an effective church. Just as the seven-branched candlestick in the Temple gave light for the priests to see, the churches were to give light to their surrounding communites. But Jesus warned them that their lights could very easily go out. In fact, Jesus himself would extinguish any light that did not fulfill its purpose. The church had to repent of all its sins." In my own words, I guess what this verse is trying to say to us is the fact that, if you keep on sinning, then the church won't be able to revive. You must be able to repent of your sins, wholeheartedly, and live out your life the way that Jesus wants you to live it. It's being able to serve him, and not let anything stand in your way, when it comes to that part of your life. Also, once you repent of your sins, you can't just repent and keep sinning, you need to be fully ready to commit your entire life to God, and be prepared for whatever it is that he sends your way. You can't be all like "oh that's not what my plans are for my future, I don't want to do that." Well, guess what? God doesn't care, if he asks you to do something he expects you to do it. When the Lord calls, you have to answer. You can't just not do it. Got it? I sure hope so.
Honestly, I'm still not really sure what he wants me to do with my life, but I look forward to finding that one out. All I can do, is keep praying about it, and listen very carefully for his call to do whatever it is that he needs me to do, no matter how difficult it may seem. Even if it is really difficult, he will help you do it, just ask him and he will definitely help you out, but you've got to be 100% ready for whatever it is that he sends your way. To conclude this blog entry, I just want to say thank you, and God bless! God loves you all, Amen and Amen!
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