So I have this devotional, called "365 Daily Answers to What Would Jesus Do?" by Nick Harrison. It's kind of old (1998), but I think it's super awesome. The reading for today really struck me, so I'm putting it up for you guys. =)
1 Corinthians 12:27 - Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
God has created me to do Him some definite service' He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission...
Therefore I will trust Him. Whatever, wherever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him; in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him; if I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. My sickness, or perplexity, or sorrow may be necessary causes of some great end, which of quite beyond us. He does nothing in vain.
--John Henry Newman
WWJD? REFLECTION - Have you considered your part in the body of Christ? We each "were created to do Him some definite service," some work "which He has not committed to another." Often our calling can be found in the daily circumstances in which we find ourselves. Look around. Is your part clearly known? If not, ask Him. He does not play hide and seek with His will for us. And it's in knowing His will that we can best know how to do what Jesus would do.
I think these two, small paragraphs can speak volumes if we will let them resonate in our lives. We are all serving a purpose that God has laid out for out lives. To serve Him better, we should be constantly seeking His face. How else will we know His will for us?
Now, since I know all of you may not have your Bible handy at this very second, I'm going to type out 1 Corinthians 12:12, (The parts that are called, "Spiritual Gifts" and "One Body, Many Parts" in my Bible) because I think it is a fantastic representation of our purposes as Christ followers and it's a great chapter to be familiar with. =)
Spiritual Gifts
(1)Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. (2)You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. (3)Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.
(4)There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. (5)There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. (6)There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.
(7)Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. (8)To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, (9)to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, (10)to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. (11)All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
One Body, Many Parts
(12)The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. (13)For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body-whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free-and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
(14)Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. (15)If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be a part of the body. (16)And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. (17)If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? (18)But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. (19)If they were all one part, where would the body be? (20)As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
(21)The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" (22)On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, (23)and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unrepresentable are treated with special modesty, (24)while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, (25)so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. (26)If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
(27)Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (28)And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. (29)Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? (30)Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? (31)But eagerly desire the greater gifts.
I hope that you realize that you are special, that God gave YOU gifts and a purpose that He hasn't ever given anyone else, and that no one else will ever have. Whatever you go through, go through it with a happy heart and praise God knowing that He has put this in your path for a reason, and that it is all a part of His greater plan.
God Bless,
Taylor
Monday, January 31, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Blessed
I just wanted to take a moment to thank God for all His many blessings. He is so good! I have so many people that care about me and so many people who want to see me succeed in life! I don't know where I would be without them, and I know that God has put all of them in my life for a reason. I have been blessed with many Godly influence, both in teachers and peers, and I can't thank God enough for their impact on my life. But Most of all, I am blessed because God sent His son to die for me so that I might live through Him.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
~Eph. 2:8-10
I don't know why this stuck out to me today, but it is something that I pray for, both for myself and for all Christians. I guess it's something I hope to strive towards in my life.
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
~Eph. 3:15-19
Anyway, I just wanted to thank all of you who have been Godly influences and tell you how blessed I am to have you in my life. That is all for today. =)
If you really want to read something, read my post from yesterday. It's MUCH better than this one. lol. =) I just felt like sharing those verses with you guys. =)
God Bless,
Taylor
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
~Eph. 2:8-10
I don't know why this stuck out to me today, but it is something that I pray for, both for myself and for all Christians. I guess it's something I hope to strive towards in my life.
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
~Eph. 3:15-19
Anyway, I just wanted to thank all of you who have been Godly influences and tell you how blessed I am to have you in my life. That is all for today. =)
If you really want to read something, read my post from yesterday. It's MUCH better than this one. lol. =) I just felt like sharing those verses with you guys. =)
God Bless,
Taylor
Sunday, January 23, 2011
7304 Days
Life is fragile.
Every beat of your heart, every breath in your lungs, every neuron that fires in your brain does so because God tells it to. He loves and cares about us THAT MUCH! It is amazing to me how the Creator of the Universe could love me enough to orchestrate all the tiny things that keep me alive each and every day. He even loves me enough to hold all the tears that I've ever cried! Which... is a load, lemme tell you. lol. =) He's adding a few more to His hands right now. =) It just amazes me how blessed I am. I may not have the latest gadget or the coolest clothes, but I am blessed beyond measure. God has given me everything I NEED! He gave me two Amazing parents who have helped shape me into the woman I am today. He gave me a little sister to look after and be a role model for. He has never left me hungry, without a roof over my head, or unloved.
What else can I do but give Him every second of my life? He gave up SO much for me, I owe Him more than I could ever pay. But I don't have to repay Him, because there is nothing that I am capable of that would even begin to cover my debt. All He asks is that I love Him and follow Him.
"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with this angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.'"
~Matthew 16:24-27
He answered: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind': and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
'You have answered correctly,' Jesus replied. 'Do this and you will live.'
~Luke 10:27-28
So, from this day forward I will do my best (which, is not that fantastic given the frail human that I am) to serve Him with all of my mind, body, heart, and soul. He deserves SO much more than that, but that is what He asks.
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."
-Jim Elliot
Are you giving your all to Him?
Stop and think about it. Take just a minute and think about all the things that He has given you. I can't even begin to list all the things He has blessed me with. Every prayer He has answered, especially the ones that He answered in ways other than what I thought I wanted. I can't even begin to describe how amazing He is.
He has guarded and watched over me every one of the 7304 days that I have been on this earth, not to mention the 9 months before that. My life would be completely different without Him.
Came to my rescue - Hillsong
Falling on my knees in worship
Giving all I am to seek your face
Lord all I am is yours
My whole life
I place in your hands
God of Mercy
Humbled I bow down
In your presence at your throne
I called you answered
And you came to my rescue and I
I wanna be where you are
In my life be lifted high
In our world be lifted high
In our love be lifted high
Where would you be without Him? Thank God for every day He has given you, and continue to thank Him for every day He leaves you on this earth. =) NEVER forget how much He loves you.
God Bless,
Taylor
Every beat of your heart, every breath in your lungs, every neuron that fires in your brain does so because God tells it to. He loves and cares about us THAT MUCH! It is amazing to me how the Creator of the Universe could love me enough to orchestrate all the tiny things that keep me alive each and every day. He even loves me enough to hold all the tears that I've ever cried! Which... is a load, lemme tell you. lol. =) He's adding a few more to His hands right now. =) It just amazes me how blessed I am. I may not have the latest gadget or the coolest clothes, but I am blessed beyond measure. God has given me everything I NEED! He gave me two Amazing parents who have helped shape me into the woman I am today. He gave me a little sister to look after and be a role model for. He has never left me hungry, without a roof over my head, or unloved.
What else can I do but give Him every second of my life? He gave up SO much for me, I owe Him more than I could ever pay. But I don't have to repay Him, because there is nothing that I am capable of that would even begin to cover my debt. All He asks is that I love Him and follow Him.
"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with this angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.'"
~Matthew 16:24-27
He answered: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind': and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
'You have answered correctly,' Jesus replied. 'Do this and you will live.'
~Luke 10:27-28
So, from this day forward I will do my best (which, is not that fantastic given the frail human that I am) to serve Him with all of my mind, body, heart, and soul. He deserves SO much more than that, but that is what He asks.
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."
-Jim Elliot
Are you giving your all to Him?
Stop and think about it. Take just a minute and think about all the things that He has given you. I can't even begin to list all the things He has blessed me with. Every prayer He has answered, especially the ones that He answered in ways other than what I thought I wanted. I can't even begin to describe how amazing He is.
He has guarded and watched over me every one of the 7304 days that I have been on this earth, not to mention the 9 months before that. My life would be completely different without Him.
Came to my rescue - Hillsong
Falling on my knees in worship
Giving all I am to seek your face
Lord all I am is yours
My whole life
I place in your hands
God of Mercy
Humbled I bow down
In your presence at your throne
I called you answered
And you came to my rescue and I
I wanna be where you are
In my life be lifted high
In our world be lifted high
In our love be lifted high
Where would you be without Him? Thank God for every day He has given you, and continue to thank Him for every day He leaves you on this earth. =) NEVER forget how much He loves you.
God Bless,
Taylor
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Unexpected
You never know when you might run across something that God wants you to see. But once you come across it, all you can do is thank God for showing it to you. Some of these things are small and may just bring a smile to our faces for a moment. Others are huge and may change our lives. And still others are ones that just make us stop and think. I think that it is important to take the time to thank God for these blessings because nothing is a coincidence. There is no "chance." God places everything where it should be and He lets us see things when it is time for us to see them.
This weekend I came across something I know God had placed in my path.
I'm a firm believer that you should back up your beliefs and your actions with scripture. God wants us to know for ourselves why we do things. He gave us His Word so that we could look things up for ourselves and not just believe what other people tell us. The issue with that is, I, myself, haven't always been so studious in looking up scripture to back up what I believe. But this weekend while looking around on facebook, I came across a note that one of my FB friends had written about why he believes what he believes. After reading it I was really impressed at how he had taken the time to look up the verses and really explain his beliefs. It's good enough, I think, that I wanted to share it with you guys, and he has given me his permission to do so.
So, this is the note "Why I Believe What I Believe" By Spence Gourley
Hello again,
So, I figured I was at a point in my life where I am mature enough to completely think about why I do what I do and believe what I believe; because mom and dad said is no longer a good enough reason. I love the Bible as much as the next Christian, but the truth is that not everyone listens to the Bible. So I will give both sides of my beliefs.
I have never tasted alcohol before in my life. It used to be because I was scared of Mom's wrath if I did. Now that I am on my own and I need to know why I don’t feel like it’s right. Let’s start with the Bible because it always comes first. Ephesians 5:18 “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.” Well, there you go. That’s pretty self-explanatory. I’m not saying that drinking is bad if you are remaining under control. But I have always believed that if something has the chance of getting out-of-hand I don’t want to put myself in the situation. Now for the life experience explanation. I never got to meet my great-grandpa because when some friends and him were out one day they got drunk and his friends literally beat him half to death then finished it off with a truck in the middle of the road. Alcohol ruins lives; I have seen it many times.
Now for smoking and other recreational drugs. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” This is saying this body we control was not made by us. We are to honor the Creator of it by keeping it healthy. I personally believe all of those things are disgusting. Here is a list of crap in cigarettes:
Ammonia: Household cleaner.
Arsenic: Used in rat poisons.
Benzene: Used in making dyes, synthetic rubber.
Butane: Gas; used in lighter fluid.
Carbon monoxide: Poisonous gas.
Cadmium: Used in batteries.
Cyanide: Lethal poison.
DDT: A banned insecticide.
Ethyl Furoate: Causes liver damage in animals.
Lead: Poisonous in high doses.
Formaldehyde: Used to preserve dead specimens.
Methoprene: Insecticide.
Maltitol: Sweetener for diabetics.
Napthalene: Ingredient in mothballs.
Methyl isocyanate: Its accidental release killed 2000 people in Bhopal, India, in 1984.
Polonium: Cancer-causing radioactive element.
That’s disgusting. As for the other drugs that put you in an alternate state of mind. My state of mind right now is just fine. Thanks.
Mmmm, cussing. Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” Cussing never helps someone. I don’t care what anyone says, (makes you cool, makes people listen, gets your point across stronger) cussing has no benefit to the human race in anyway, end of discussion.
Why am I not gay? Well, for me personally I don’t need a Bible verse to make up my mind on whether it is right or wrong. Some people really do struggle with this though, and I do not judge nor condemn them because I am not perfect. 1 Corinthains 6:9-10 “9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” To clear up a lot of questions, this verse is by no means saying that if you have ever committed this sins that you will not go to heaven, will get to that later. My personal opinion is that woman is God’s greatest creation. Women are gorgeous and men are ugly.
Why must I be born again to claim the title and lifestyle of a Christian? There are lots and lots of “Christians” in this world. Here’s the truth (I shall use the Romans road). Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Not a few, not you, not I, but all. We are all at fault. I have messed up in my life and I know it. Romans 3:10 “As it is written: “ There is none righteous, no, not one;” God makes it apparent that we have screwed up. I accept that I have. Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Wow, death. That is powerful, but the good news is that we can receive a gift. That is so awesome. That is why I choose to be born again. Because who doesn’t want something that is free? Especially something like a one-way ticket to heaven? I have chosen to be born again and be saved. It was simple; I put my faith in the fact that God loved me so much He sent His son to die for us and raise from the dead. It’s so great. The least I can do is live my life according to His plan and tell others of this good news praying they will see the joy I have also received.
People think that salvation can be lost. I would have to disagree due to some sweet facts found in the Bible. 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” When we accept the gift of salvation God says we are a new creation. We have new lifestyles, new ideas, and new standards. If we could lose our salvation God would have to take back everything new He instilled within us. Also Jesus was the only sinless person who could pay the price to earn eternal life for all of us. The sin-debt was paid 2000 years ago. So if he holds it in His hands we cannot lose it. Basic logic tells us we cannot lose our friend’s basket at his house while we are at our house. So if we are not holding our salvation we will not lose it. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” This is a promise to us from God that we can have eternal life if we believe in Him. A promise from God. He has never gone back on a promise, and He never will. 1 John 1:8 ” If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” This shows that we will continue to sin after our salvation. But if we are truly saved it will hurt us to do so and we will repent.
Baptism. Romans 6:3-4 “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” This shows me that baptism can only be done after salvation has come into effect. Throughout the Bible everyone that was saved was baptized immediately after. Because it represents loyalty to our God after we accept Him into our lives.
Dagum, I’m done, for now. Once again the point of all of this is to maybe help someone, never to receive personal Glory. Please don’t let this stop here. Use these points I have made or even make up your own. But please always be able to back up your opinions with scripture or they will be pointless.
After reading this the first time, I thought about doing the same thing: going through the Bible, finding the corresponding verses, and writing out my thoughts and beliefs. But then I realized that it would be so similar to Spence's note that it would be better to give him the credit and use his words. Plus it's well written and I think it's much more succinct than anything I would have written (which I figure may give you a break from my usual blogs with lots of ranting... =).
So, I'm done for now. I hope that you really think about what you believe and what you do. I know that there are things I need to work on. But the fantastic thing is that with God's help I know I can be who He wants me to be and do what He wants me to do. I just have to be willing to say yes to Him.
Which of these things do you agree with? How are you living them out?
God Bless,
Taylor
This weekend I came across something I know God had placed in my path.
I'm a firm believer that you should back up your beliefs and your actions with scripture. God wants us to know for ourselves why we do things. He gave us His Word so that we could look things up for ourselves and not just believe what other people tell us. The issue with that is, I, myself, haven't always been so studious in looking up scripture to back up what I believe. But this weekend while looking around on facebook, I came across a note that one of my FB friends had written about why he believes what he believes. After reading it I was really impressed at how he had taken the time to look up the verses and really explain his beliefs. It's good enough, I think, that I wanted to share it with you guys, and he has given me his permission to do so.
So, this is the note "Why I Believe What I Believe" By Spence Gourley
Hello again,
So, I figured I was at a point in my life where I am mature enough to completely think about why I do what I do and believe what I believe; because mom and dad said is no longer a good enough reason. I love the Bible as much as the next Christian, but the truth is that not everyone listens to the Bible. So I will give both sides of my beliefs.
I have never tasted alcohol before in my life. It used to be because I was scared of Mom's wrath if I did. Now that I am on my own and I need to know why I don’t feel like it’s right. Let’s start with the Bible because it always comes first. Ephesians 5:18 “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.” Well, there you go. That’s pretty self-explanatory. I’m not saying that drinking is bad if you are remaining under control. But I have always believed that if something has the chance of getting out-of-hand I don’t want to put myself in the situation. Now for the life experience explanation. I never got to meet my great-grandpa because when some friends and him were out one day they got drunk and his friends literally beat him half to death then finished it off with a truck in the middle of the road. Alcohol ruins lives; I have seen it many times.
Now for smoking and other recreational drugs. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” This is saying this body we control was not made by us. We are to honor the Creator of it by keeping it healthy. I personally believe all of those things are disgusting. Here is a list of crap in cigarettes:
Ammonia: Household cleaner.
Arsenic: Used in rat poisons.
Benzene: Used in making dyes, synthetic rubber.
Butane: Gas; used in lighter fluid.
Carbon monoxide: Poisonous gas.
Cadmium: Used in batteries.
Cyanide: Lethal poison.
DDT: A banned insecticide.
Ethyl Furoate: Causes liver damage in animals.
Lead: Poisonous in high doses.
Formaldehyde: Used to preserve dead specimens.
Methoprene: Insecticide.
Maltitol: Sweetener for diabetics.
Napthalene: Ingredient in mothballs.
Methyl isocyanate: Its accidental release killed 2000 people in Bhopal, India, in 1984.
Polonium: Cancer-causing radioactive element.
That’s disgusting. As for the other drugs that put you in an alternate state of mind. My state of mind right now is just fine. Thanks.
Mmmm, cussing. Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” Cussing never helps someone. I don’t care what anyone says, (makes you cool, makes people listen, gets your point across stronger) cussing has no benefit to the human race in anyway, end of discussion.
Why am I not gay? Well, for me personally I don’t need a Bible verse to make up my mind on whether it is right or wrong. Some people really do struggle with this though, and I do not judge nor condemn them because I am not perfect. 1 Corinthains 6:9-10 “9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” To clear up a lot of questions, this verse is by no means saying that if you have ever committed this sins that you will not go to heaven, will get to that later. My personal opinion is that woman is God’s greatest creation. Women are gorgeous and men are ugly.
Why must I be born again to claim the title and lifestyle of a Christian? There are lots and lots of “Christians” in this world. Here’s the truth (I shall use the Romans road). Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Not a few, not you, not I, but all. We are all at fault. I have messed up in my life and I know it. Romans 3:10 “As it is written: “ There is none righteous, no, not one;” God makes it apparent that we have screwed up. I accept that I have. Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Wow, death. That is powerful, but the good news is that we can receive a gift. That is so awesome. That is why I choose to be born again. Because who doesn’t want something that is free? Especially something like a one-way ticket to heaven? I have chosen to be born again and be saved. It was simple; I put my faith in the fact that God loved me so much He sent His son to die for us and raise from the dead. It’s so great. The least I can do is live my life according to His plan and tell others of this good news praying they will see the joy I have also received.
People think that salvation can be lost. I would have to disagree due to some sweet facts found in the Bible. 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” When we accept the gift of salvation God says we are a new creation. We have new lifestyles, new ideas, and new standards. If we could lose our salvation God would have to take back everything new He instilled within us. Also Jesus was the only sinless person who could pay the price to earn eternal life for all of us. The sin-debt was paid 2000 years ago. So if he holds it in His hands we cannot lose it. Basic logic tells us we cannot lose our friend’s basket at his house while we are at our house. So if we are not holding our salvation we will not lose it. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” This is a promise to us from God that we can have eternal life if we believe in Him. A promise from God. He has never gone back on a promise, and He never will. 1 John 1:8 ” If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” This shows that we will continue to sin after our salvation. But if we are truly saved it will hurt us to do so and we will repent.
Baptism. Romans 6:3-4 “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” This shows me that baptism can only be done after salvation has come into effect. Throughout the Bible everyone that was saved was baptized immediately after. Because it represents loyalty to our God after we accept Him into our lives.
Dagum, I’m done, for now. Once again the point of all of this is to maybe help someone, never to receive personal Glory. Please don’t let this stop here. Use these points I have made or even make up your own. But please always be able to back up your opinions with scripture or they will be pointless.
After reading this the first time, I thought about doing the same thing: going through the Bible, finding the corresponding verses, and writing out my thoughts and beliefs. But then I realized that it would be so similar to Spence's note that it would be better to give him the credit and use his words. Plus it's well written and I think it's much more succinct than anything I would have written (which I figure may give you a break from my usual blogs with lots of ranting... =).
So, I'm done for now. I hope that you really think about what you believe and what you do. I know that there are things I need to work on. But the fantastic thing is that with God's help I know I can be who He wants me to be and do what He wants me to do. I just have to be willing to say yes to Him.
Which of these things do you agree with? How are you living them out?
God Bless,
Taylor
Friday, January 7, 2011
God's Love
Romans 8:37-39 - Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
There is nothing that you can do to make God love you any more than He already does. His love is perfect, never ending, unchangeable.
There is nothing that you have ever done or will ever do that could make God love you any less.
His love is perfect, never ending, unchangeable.
We're His children, and He loves every one of us. We all sin and have come short of His glory, but that's one of the MANY amazing things about God: He can separate US from our SIN! God hates sin with a perfect hatred, but He still loves us with a perfect love.
We have to be willing to accept His love for what it is. He is able to forgive and forget our sins, but oftentimes we aren't able to forgive ourselves. If the God of the universe is able to see the goodness in us, why can't we see it in ourselves? We have to learn how to forgive ourselves and let go of the wrong that we've done. If we keep piling junk onto our list of sins then we're discrediting the death that Jesus died on the cross. He DIED to forgive us of our sins. It doesn't do us any good to try and hang on to the past. God has forgiven us, so it's time to forgive ourselves.
Nothing can separate us from God's love, but we can separate ourselves from God by hiding in shame. God knows everything about us. There's nothing that we can hide from Him, though we may try. Let your sins go, forgive yourself, and run to God with open arms. He's waiting, and He loves you no matter what.
Psalm 103
1Praise the Lord, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits--
3who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6The Lord works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.
7He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel;
8The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
9He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10he does not repay us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
11For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for hose who fear him;
12as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
13As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
14for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.
15As for man, his days are like grass,
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.
17But from everlasting to everlasting
the Lord's love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children's children--
18with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.
19The Lord has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all,
20Praise the Lord you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey his word.
21Praise the lord, all his heavenly hosts,
you his servants who do his will.
22Priase the Lord, all his works
everywhere in his dominion.
Praise the Lord, O my soul.
God Bless,
Taylor
There is nothing that you can do to make God love you any more than He already does. His love is perfect, never ending, unchangeable.
There is nothing that you have ever done or will ever do that could make God love you any less.
His love is perfect, never ending, unchangeable.
We're His children, and He loves every one of us. We all sin and have come short of His glory, but that's one of the MANY amazing things about God: He can separate US from our SIN! God hates sin with a perfect hatred, but He still loves us with a perfect love.
We have to be willing to accept His love for what it is. He is able to forgive and forget our sins, but oftentimes we aren't able to forgive ourselves. If the God of the universe is able to see the goodness in us, why can't we see it in ourselves? We have to learn how to forgive ourselves and let go of the wrong that we've done. If we keep piling junk onto our list of sins then we're discrediting the death that Jesus died on the cross. He DIED to forgive us of our sins. It doesn't do us any good to try and hang on to the past. God has forgiven us, so it's time to forgive ourselves.
Nothing can separate us from God's love, but we can separate ourselves from God by hiding in shame. God knows everything about us. There's nothing that we can hide from Him, though we may try. Let your sins go, forgive yourself, and run to God with open arms. He's waiting, and He loves you no matter what.
Psalm 103
1Praise the Lord, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits--
3who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6The Lord works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.
7He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel;
8The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
9He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10he does not repay us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
11For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for hose who fear him;
12as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
13As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
14for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.
15As for man, his days are like grass,
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.
17But from everlasting to everlasting
the Lord's love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children's children--
18with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.
19The Lord has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all,
20Praise the Lord you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey his word.
21Praise the lord, all his heavenly hosts,
you his servants who do his will.
22Priase the Lord, all his works
everywhere in his dominion.
Praise the Lord, O my soul.
God Bless,
Taylor
Saturday, January 1, 2011
New Beginnings
As we ring in yet another new year, we can take time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. I urge you to take one more look at your past year and see all they ways that you have changed, all the ways that you have grown.
Then really look at where you are now.
Think about the changes that you want to make in your life... friendships, relationships, attitudes, your walk with God, anything else that is big in your life. Some of the things you want to change may seem impossible, but I have great news about that. We serve the God of the IMPOSSIBLE!
Mark 10:27 - And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
And if that's not enough, we can also find this truth in the Bible.
Philippians 4:19 - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
So we can take comfort in the fact that God will give us exactly what we need as long as we are walking with Him. If you don't have it, then you don't need it. And if you Do need it, then God will surely give it to you.
Psalm 84:11 - For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
I know that one of the big things that I hope to change in my life this year is not taking the little things for granted. It seems like life goes by so fast, but I need to slow down and really look for God in the world around me, because He is everywhere.
So what do you want to change this year? Your major? Your friendships? Your campus? Your community? The world? With God's guidance and support, anything is possible. We as Christians would be better off as a whole if we would simply remember that.
I pray that you make the changes that God wants you to make this year, just as I pray that God will help me to do the same.
Happy New Year everyone!
God Bless,
Taylor
Then really look at where you are now.
Think about the changes that you want to make in your life... friendships, relationships, attitudes, your walk with God, anything else that is big in your life. Some of the things you want to change may seem impossible, but I have great news about that. We serve the God of the IMPOSSIBLE!
Mark 10:27 - And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
And if that's not enough, we can also find this truth in the Bible.
Philippians 4:19 - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
So we can take comfort in the fact that God will give us exactly what we need as long as we are walking with Him. If you don't have it, then you don't need it. And if you Do need it, then God will surely give it to you.
Psalm 84:11 - For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
I know that one of the big things that I hope to change in my life this year is not taking the little things for granted. It seems like life goes by so fast, but I need to slow down and really look for God in the world around me, because He is everywhere.
So what do you want to change this year? Your major? Your friendships? Your campus? Your community? The world? With God's guidance and support, anything is possible. We as Christians would be better off as a whole if we would simply remember that.
I pray that you make the changes that God wants you to make this year, just as I pray that God will help me to do the same.
Happy New Year everyone!
God Bless,
Taylor
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