This year, for the first time, I’m observing lent. As a somewhat new Christian, I felt called this year to see what lent was all about.
So to observe lent I decided to get into a study and to read a book on my own. I joined the Managing Your Blessings online weekly study of the book Holey, Wholly, Holy: A Lenten Journey of Refinement by Kris Camealy. {It’s not to late for you to join.} Continue reading
Happy New Year everyone! I hope everyone is having an amazing 2014 already. This year I hope to blog more often and connect with more readers. And more importantly, I hope to become even closer to God. 2013 was a crazy busy year. I am still experiencing the fruits of that year – like waiting for my baby to be born (which will be soon).
I’ve returned to one of my favorite places to get closer to God and his word and that is by participating in She Reads Truth. Since finding that web site about a year and a half ago, it has really helped me to deepen my relationship with the Lord. So, I am definitely trying to make time and space for SRT in my prayer life this year. It would be great if you would join us.
She Reads Truth has just launched a new plan. It is called “A Fresh Start.” I don’t know about you but this theme is perfect for my life right now. God always allows us (beckons us) to start anew with Him. So, it is also no surprise that our Day 1 and Day 2 bible readings were in Genesis – chapters 1 & 2. Both chapters showed us how God created everything. He is our Creator. He knew the end of the story in the beginning. He knew we would sin but still gave us life and always loves us. This thought is just too powerful for words.
God also created both man and woman in His image. (Genesis 1:26-27). and he didn’t exalt either sex over the other or devalue the other sex. As a woman, I found these bible verses so comforting and life affirming. One sex is not better or greater than the other. Thank you God!
I was also challenged by the same affirming verse. If we are created in God’s image, what does it mean? My study bible came in handy here. It said that (1) we are reflections of God’s glory; (2) we have the ability to reflect his character in love, patience, forgiveness, kindness, and faithfulness; (3) it is the basis for our self-worth. So if God created me in his image, I have to live up to that. I need to work on being more loving, patient, forgiving, kind and faithful.
I also realized that if we are created in God’s image, we have God’s power in us (the Holy Spirit). Genesis 2:7 says that “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” God breathed us.
God created the entire world with his thoughts and words. And the bible often talks about the power of our words and the renewing of our minds. Being created in God’s image gives us the ability to create through our thoughts and words because of God’s power in us. It is a God working through us. We should be very mindful and prayerful about our thoughts and words this year. This is my goal and prayer.
I’m left with feeling so thankful for God’s constant love and renewal.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Cor 5:17.
Thank you SRT and God for giving me this message. I’d love to hear what is on your hearts and in your minds as you begin 2014. Do you feel a sense of renewal? Are you praying to become closer to God too?
Praying for God’s renewal,
Hope
So, today I’m joining with the ladies of She Reads Truth as they study the Women in the Bible. {Note: I’m playing a little catch-up on the series, so this study was actually a few days ago.} Today, my studies focused on the story of Abigail, which can be found in 1 Samuel 25:2-44. Her story was brand new to me, like so many of the women of the bible. I find myself really looking forward to learning more and more about the rarely told stories of the heroines of the bible.
Abigail’s story really touched me because of her quiet strength, determination, courage, and discernment. A little background (from the words of She Reads Truth): Abigail was gifted with beauty and intelligence, but had the misfortune of having a fool for a husband, the surly and mean Nabal (1 Samuel 25: 3). His foolishness, anger and impulsivity, left Abigail scrambling to try to prevent disaster on her household at the hands of David and his men.
For me, her story is unique. Many biblical stories and teachings call on women to follow their husbands because the husbands are the head of the homes. In this novel story, God used her, and her alone, to become a vessel of truth and speak to David’s heart without her husband’s knowledge or input. Due to Abigail’s careful words to David, humble nature, and quiet strength, she was able to save her entire household from destruction.
Her story has challenged me in so many ways. It has made me really think that women are sometimes called separate and apart from their husbands to serve their households. It also makes me think that God is not calling on us to be weak or in the background. We are to listen for God’s words and learn discernment. We, as women, must know how to listen for God’s call in every situation – whether it is in our households, our marriages, our outside the home. We have to lead and serve when we are called to do so or when our husbands simply cannot. And we have to know when and the difference.
The other way Abigail’s story moved me was her quiet strength and the careful words that she used to speak to David. She spoke in such a way that David’s heart could hear her heart and God’s Truth. I really wish that I could speak that way to everyone that I come in contact with. Don’t you? I know that I haven’t yet mastered the spiritual discipline and practice of going to prayer before speaking and acting, especially in areas of my life where it truly counts. Abigail highlights the power of obedience to God and the beautiful results.
I know that I will meditate on Abigail’s story and God’s words in Proverbs 15:1-4 (ESV):
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh words stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
My prayer: Lord, help me today and every day listen for your call on my life and my tongue. Help me to hear your voice and obey your message. Lord, I ask that you train me to become a speaker of your Truth and impart life to those I meet. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on Abigail’s story and the power of our tongues. What are you praying for?
Wishing you much hope, joy, and peace this week,
Hope
Linking up with this community!
So today I need help with forgiveness Lord.
Although I’ve gotten better with forgiving others, due to the Lord working on me, I’m struggling to forgive others. A certain person has made me so angry and frustrated with their behavior over the weekend. And I’m honestly not trying to “be right.” I just resented the way I was spoken to and treated. It really hurt me. Its challenging to work so hard on a relationship and do what the other person asks, only to have those behaviors become not good enough too. So, I’m feeling very angry and frustrated. And I am having a difficult time moving through it. I’m still processing all that happened.
But I know I need to forgive. I know that I can be stubborn at times. I am usually very slow to anger but also slow to forgive. I don’t have the words in my vocabulary to piece together an apology right now. I feel stuck today. I’m calling on the Lord to really help me.
I was doing the She Reads Truth devotional today, which was designed to help us figure out the toxic people in our lives. And I’m still working on figuring out those. I have distanced myself from some toxic people in my life but I’m not sure {it’s incredibly doubtful} that I’ve forgiven them. I am still holding resentments.
We had to read 2 Timothy 2:14-26. And one verse stuck out to me.
“Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness.” 2 Timothy 2:23-25 ESV
These words just stood out in bold on the page. I know I didn’t correct with gentleness. I was too hurt to do so. And I definitely didn’t call on God before I talked about my feelings and the situation. And I should have… I need to…Maybe if I call on God sooner, then I wouldn’t get so hurt in these heated discussions, and I would be able to forgive a lot quicker.
My prayer today is for God to work on my heart. God, please help me to forgive. Please soften my heart and comfort my soul. Please give me the love, strength, courage, and forgiveness to release this tie on my heart and soul. Please continue to build my forgiving abilities. Thank you Lord for listening and always loving me.
wishing you a week of love and forgiveness,
Hope
Linking up with these communities!
heaven
“Holy, Holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was, is, and is to come!” Revelations 4:8 ESV
Today, as part of the She Reads Truth bible study, we had to read Revelations 4. And I honestly believe this daily bible study is sent straight from God to me (and others too of course – smile). It always deals with something on my heart or a topic I’ve been struggling with. Today’s topic – heaven. I thought I’d share my prayer to God.
Lord, I don’t think I understand Heaven. Is this where you live? I thought you lived everywhere. Lord, I find Heaven super confusing. I don’t have any idea what are 24 thrones, 24 elders, or the animals with all eyes and six pairs of wings. I don’t know much about any of it. I just know that I want to be wherever you are – always…
For awhile my bible study friends were asking me if I believed in Heaven. And like then, as like now, I say I don’t know. It’s not because I really don’t believe in it. And it’s definitely not because I don’t want to be where you are. It’s because Heaven, like you Lord, is so God-big – it’s beyond my humanly understanding.
I’m getting the sense from my prayers and talks with you, Lord, that my lack of understanding of Heaven is OK for now. Because I believe in you, God, and I truly love you.
Any maybe, just maybe, if I continue to praise you, worship you, and follow you with all my heart and soul Lord — I will get a glimpse of heaven.
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Revelations 4:11 ESV
Wishing you peaceful ponderings of heaven,
Hope
I’m linking up with the following communities!
Freedom
“When we trust in Him, we’re free to say whatever needs to be said, bold to go wherever we need to go.” Ephesians 3:13 (The Message)
I keep reading bibles verses that apply to my life and to my glorious group that is reading “Anything” by Jennie Allen. {It’s still not too late to join, check out my posts here and here.}
I pray that each of us is hearing God’s voice deep within our hearts and souls as we work on surrendering our lives to Him. For in Him, we have great freedom!
blessings,
Hope
P.S. I’m so thankful for She Reads Truth and their Ephesians bible study! Join in.
I’m linking up with the following communities today!
She Reads Truth – Galatians
The online bible study group, She Reads Truth, is always vastly changing my mind about my life with God.
Most recently we’ve been studying Galatians. And the theme is “Faith or Works.” In chapter 3, Paul is discussing how we just need to have faith in Jesus and not rely on our works or actions as previously believed in the Old Testament. And I had several passages make a major difference in my understanding of God.
“Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?” Galatians 3:3 (NIV)
This verse made me realize that we are Spirit first and human second. It’s like the saying that we are spirit beings having a human experience. So, how could we think that entry into God’s world – heaven – or even into relationship with Him – the Ultimate Spirit – could be achieved solely through the flesh’s works? We have to choose him with our spirit selves, in other words, by our hearts — by faith.
An overarching message that I hear almost every time I read the bible is that God wants us. He wants our hearts. He wants our souls. Neither the heart nor the soul refer to our works.
“So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” Galatians 3:11 (NLT)
This teaching makes so much sense to me because if being with God was solely dependent on our human choices and actions, we’d fail over and over again. It would be pitiful!
The only perfect person was Jesus. Thank God we don’t have to rely on our works or being perfect to get to heaven or be in relationship with Him.
The Message version of 3:11-12 states that
“Rule-keeping does not naturally evolve into living by faith, but only perpetuates itself into more rule-keeping . . . . The one who does these things [rule-keeping] continues to live by them.”
Heck, what if we get the “rules” wrong? What if we live the “wrong” rules, but still had Jesus in our hearts? I just can’t fathom Jesus Christ, closing himself off to me because I broke a rule and repented but gave him my heart and my soul — meaning I had complete faith in Him.
I’m good at following rules, well, most of the time. I’ve committed a large portion of my life to studying and obtaining degrees so that I can do “good” works. Yet, I’m not convinced that if I help tell others stories or prevent the earth’s waters from being polluted that I get a pass into heaven. No, I think God wants more than that.
God is bigger than rules.
And if all we needed were rules, why did Jesus come and die on the cross? I love this verse.
“He became the curse, and at the same time dissolved the curse.” Galatians 3:13 (MSG)
Amazing! Christ came to be the curse so that we would not be cursed. His very coming and dying on the cross removed the rule-keeping requirement. He redeemed us. We gained grace and the Holy Spirit because of Jesus — not rules.
In other words, He came to give us grace — if we believe in him … if we have FAITH.
The bible has repeatedly shown us how we, as man, fall short of the rules. Jesus wants us to strive to be more like him and have complete faith in him. We must learn to live like Him… Dare I say, live from our hearts . . . it’s not as simple as complying with “rules.”
Maybe the more we have faith and strive to be closer and better in Christ, our works and actions will also change? What an awesome by-product… now that’s a paradigm shift.
Thank you God. I’m learning and listening.
Wishing you hope, peace, and joy,
Hope
I’m linking up with the following communities!
stitched up heart
“If you have been a fool by being proud or plotting evil, cover your mouth in shame. As the beating of cream yields butter and striking the nose causes bleeding, so stirring up anger causes quarrels.” Proverbs 30:32-33 (NLT).
The Amplified Bible further expands on verse 32 by stating, “If you have done foolishly in exalting yourself, or if you have thought evil, lay your hand upon your mouth.”
As I am following the SheReadsTruth group with reading Proverbs, this verse really speaks to me.
I realized yesterday that I’m keeping score in my relationships. Instead of being appreciative for what others do, I’m comparing what I do for them to what they do for me. I want things to be “equal.” I want to be treated fairly. And I used to not think this way or be this way. In fact, I’ve been told time and time again, that I’m too giving and self-sacrificing…
I think… No, I know why and how I’ve become this person. I’ve been hurt — betrayed — abandoned — taken advantage of — manipulated — and not considered, especially emotionally.
I’m protecting myself from being hurt, used, or even abused, again.
And as much as all of this makes sense to my human mind, I realize that it is not the way to live. In essence, I’ve closed off my heart. Or where there was an opening, a vulnerability, there is now a little scar.
And over time, I’m sure that I’ve amassed several scars. That’s why the picture of the stitched up heart really struck me. I’m sure my heart really looks like this one – a bit beaten up.
I don’t think you can go through life, if you are really living and loving, without getting any scars or places that you need to protect. Places that we may think need shielding.
So, then I read back over Proverbs 30 and saw this verse.
“Every word of God is pure, He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.” (NKJV)
Yeah, that’s right. I’m shielding my own heart. Taking score. Remembering past hurts so that people don’t hurt me again.
I’m supposed to let God shield me … be my shield. Protect my heart, my life, and my soul.
Once again I am reminded of the power of God and this relationship that I am building with Him. I’m reminded of my sin, my errors, and my human frailty. And frankly, I’m reminded of how much I need God.
Last night in my church’s community group, we discussed the power of confessing.
“Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart].” James 5:16 (AMP)
So I am confessing this fault of mine to all that read my blog. Please pray for me. Please pray that my heart can be spiritually healed and restored. [It feels so strange asking, but I know I need to ask and pray anyway.] Please pray that I am able to build a new community where I live in spite of my shortcomings. God knows that I feel alone because I moved and had to leave behind my community.
Hopefully, some of you will share your struggles at this time so I can pray for you too.
Wishing you hope, joy, and peace in God,
Hope
Linking up with my favorite online communities: Ann at The Holy Experience, Unwrapping His Promises (at Scribing the Journey), and Getting Down With Jesus!
Love & Hip Hop Atlanta
So, I have a mini confession. I love reality television. It is my guilty pleasure. I like everything from the Kardashians to the Real Housewives series to the latest Love & Hip Hop Atlanta. My absolute favorite is the Tia and Tamera show, which is honestly pretty positive.
I think a part of my fascination with the shows is that they provide a window into the lives of other people in a different way then the usual made-up fiction on television. I know you are saying outloud or perhaps yelling at the computer screen as you read this — reality tv isn’t real!
Yes, I know it is not real. I have friends who work as producers for several shows – but the storylines, although pumped up and exaggerated for ratings, are based off the lives of real people. I like that part of it.
It’s also just fun to watch really pretty people talk about silly things. It’s a distraction from the “real” things that are occuring in my life where pretty hair and makeup doesn’t fix everything. And it also may be me just missing my pretty Los Angeles too.
The strange thing I discovered as I was watching a Love & Hip Hop Atlanta episode yesterday is how ugly and vulgar the ladies sounded. Almost every word included the “f” word or calling another woman a “B”. And for the first time in a long time, the show left me feeling really disturbed. The emotions were there, bare for all to see. And the words were so hurtful.
You see, over the past week, I’ve been really working on my own speech and my emotional communications, as I discussed earlier. God has spoken to my heart and into my life in this area. He’s trying to clean it up.
In addition to showing me how my words can harm more than they heal the one I love, He is now showing me the ugliness of these types of words and interactions in modern day society. It is simply all around us – from the shows on television to the music on the radio. And this “ugliness” of words goes relatively unnoticed.
Wow, the Lord has been really working on me.
For the She Reads Truth bible study, we’ve been reading and meditating on Proverbs. I am still constantly amazed at how His Word speaks to me amidst all the parables.
And although I am playing a little catch up from falling behind due to my experience with Marley this week, I realized that God’s Word to me is always on time.
Careful words make for a careful life; careless talk may ruin everything. Proverbs 13:3. [MSG]
As I was re-reading Proverbs 13 this morning, I was struck by several passages. Warnings about careless and irresponsible talk and the impact that it has on its life.
Irresponsible talk makes real mess of things, but a reliable reporter is a healing presence. Proverbs 13:7 [MSG]
So I read my study bible a little closer and discovered notes on self-control. For Proverbs 13:3, it states that “You have not mastered self-control if you do not control what you say. Words can cut and destroy. James recognized this truth when he stated, ‘The tongue is a little member and boasts general things’ (James 3:5). If you want to be self-controlled, begin with your tongue. Stop and think before you react or speak. If you can control this small but powerful member, you can control the rest of your body.”
But I began asking the Lord, but what about emotions? What about anger and sadness?
And then I turned to my favorite daily bible, Jesus Calling, as I read through Proverbs 12 and 13. It had a whole section on Self-Control. [Yes, the Lord always answers my questions through his Word.]
The bible pointed me to Ephesians 4:26-27. [NKJV]
“Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.”
And then it pointed me to …
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” Ephesians 4:29. [NKJV]
For many schooled Christians these passages may already be well known, but for me, they were the perfect words for a glimpse into understanding the connection between anger, words, emotions generally, and self-control. They are all connected.
My Jesus Calling bible further assisted with a message to ask the Holy Spirit to help me whenever I speak. So, in addition to being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, I should call on the Holy Spirit before using this powerful ability to verbalize – recklessly. I love it.
“So then my beloved brethen, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” James 1:19-20 [NKJV]
As for the reality television guilty pleasure, I’m not sure that it will go away anytime soon. They aren’t all bad. Hey, I’m just being honest. It is, however, losing some of its appeal, as I continue to work on having my words draw people closer and bless them instead of harming them. This is my prayer Lord.
I’d love to hear what you think. Please drop me an email or comment.
Wishing you hope, peace, and joy,
-Hope
Linking up with Ann too!
I am new to the Christian walk, and each day I am learning something new.
By participating in the She Reads Truth online bible study and journaling group, I am getting deeper and deeper into understanding how to live God’s way.
We are reading the book of Proverbs, which I discussed earlier, is the Manual for Living.
And God will not let me simply read about the ways to live without showing me if I am really listening.
Well, He tested me this week. And when I’m quiet with myself, I know that I failed.
See, I got into a disagreement with my significant other and said some words and things that I am not proud of. I actually cursed at him. And truthfully, this was not the first time. We had established this pattern of arguing, which included cursing and yelling.
Before this week, I’d really thought nothing of it. I would justify it with – well.. he upset me, so he deserved it. Or more commonly, I’d think – he said those words to me or he started it. And he may have! Somehow now, after reading Proverbs and getting closer to Christ, those excuses don’t amount to anything. They are just that – excuses.
This past week Christ showed me an ugliness in myself that I want to fix. My mouth, and how I emotionally communicate. I want to get better for myself and to live more like Christ. And I’m sure it will benefit all of my relationships too.
It’s hard to admit these faults to myself and to my online readers, but I’m striving to be honest and authentic in hopes of encouraging others through my struggles. Maybe you can identify with me?
With God, we are never alone. He is always with us – listening, guiding, and advising.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 [NKJV]
The funny thing is that God had been putting resources in my path the whole time. I’d seen Lysa TerKeurst‘s new book, Unglued: Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotions, a couple of weeks ago and thought about reading it. And several of my girlfriends had been emailing about the exact issue – our mouths, our words, our emotions.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 [NKJV]
Well, it’s time to work on this area of my life. So, I purchased the book and began reading it. And I already feel a sense of healing as I’m learning more about myself and how to deal with emotions. In discovering this book and listening to other women’s stories, I also realized that I am not alone and not crazy. It is simply an area to work on. We all have places where God shows us “the brokenness” to make us better and closer to Him. I’m accepting this challenge to improve in this area.
I’d love to hear if you also struggle to communicate better emotionally. And if you are interested in an online bible study for Unglued, I’m thinking of starting one here – online! Please reply in the comments or email me. In the meantime, check out Lysa TerKeurst’s video for her book and bible study. Amazing!
Wishing you hope, joy, and peace,
-Hope
[I’m linking up with the following soul affirming places.]
hope joy peace 