I am learning a lot about diabetes. I thought I was knowledgeable having a mother and grandmother with the disease but have come to realize there is a lot to learn. I am grateful that I do not have diabetes and am not insulin dependent I am however, considered pre-diabetic and with my family history at increased risk so drastic changes are necessary.
At my doctors suggestion I began taking injections that would help stabilize my blood sugar. I also changed my diet (what I choose to eat). Both of these have helped but, regular exercise is critical. I have not been consistent with the exercise. I recently read that strength training is very useful for stabilizing blood sugar. God made our bodies so incredibly intricate. I read about King Asa in 2 Chronicles 16:9a, Hanani tells him, "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” I have to be fully committed to all three, medication, diet and exercise, for the program to be successful.
This blog began from my desire to have my physical and spiritual body in balance. I love to exercise but I can never seem to find the time. A friend told me that we make time for those things that have priority in our lives. I agree except I spend a majority of my time at work. As I strive for balance I must dedicate time alone with God, time spent exercising and time spent eating balanced meals. I was encouraged when I read of Elijah in 1 Kings 19:8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. Although this verse talks of being strengthened by food and traveling a long time the incredible part to me is that if you read before this Elijah is mocking the gods of Baal and becomes witness to God performing a miracle calling fire down from heaven consuming an offering. After witnessing this, Elijah is threatened by Queen Jezabel and, in fear, ran for his life. The angel of the Lord had awakened him to eat the food to strengthen him for his journey. It amazes me that after seeing God perform such a miracle that a mere queen would be able to threaten Elijah but the same thing happens to us every day.
Just as Elijah had a moment (he had more than one) of weakness and ran in fear, we too have the confidence of knowing that God will meet us right where we are. He provides all that we need to do His work and accomplish all that He created us to do. Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
I intend to start strength training but have no idea where to begin so, my friends, if you have any suggestions PLEASE send them my way. In the mean time, I now have set up an appointment to meet at the park everyday at 7 to walk--you are welcome to join me anytime. There is nothing like public knowledge for one to be held accountable.
As I take each step I will be praying for strength, health and wholeness through my (and your) inner being. Ephesians 3:16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
Taking every step in faith!
Monday, November 19, 2012
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Barnabas People
Years ago, I had a friend who would call me Barnabette. I always found it funny. When he started calling me it I didn't understand. He said I was a female Barnabas. Barnabas is found in Acts. His name was Joseph, he was a Levite from Cyprus, but the apostles called him Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement) Acts 4:36. Barnabas spent time with Paul teaching others about Christ. After I knew the story of Barnabas I didn't mind being called Barnabette.
We are called to encourage one another. Hebrews 13:3 says, "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness." And I Thessalonians 5:11 says, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
Words....they can build up or tear down. Have you considered whether your words build up or tear down? I have to be honest, I have a teenage daughter; I lover her dearly but in the heat of an argument I saw very hurtful words....words that I cannot take back and that she remembers. I do strive to encourage and build up my daughter and everyone that I am around but on some days I fail miserably.
Paul and Barnabas were great encouragers during their missionary journies. Paul wrote to the church at Phililppi in Philippians 4:4-9 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. What encouragement!
Do you know a Barnabas? Are you a Barnabas? Strive to be a source of encouragement for others.
We are called to encourage one another. Hebrews 13:3 says, "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness." And I Thessalonians 5:11 says, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
Words....they can build up or tear down. Have you considered whether your words build up or tear down? I have to be honest, I have a teenage daughter; I lover her dearly but in the heat of an argument I saw very hurtful words....words that I cannot take back and that she remembers. I do strive to encourage and build up my daughter and everyone that I am around but on some days I fail miserably.
Paul and Barnabas were great encouragers during their missionary journies. Paul wrote to the church at Phililppi in Philippians 4:4-9 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. What encouragement!
Do you know a Barnabas? Are you a Barnabas? Strive to be a source of encouragement for others.
Monday, November 12, 2012
I Will Not Be Moved
Are you firm in your Christian walk or does it waver like the wind blowing? You may be quick to respond with an affirmation that your walk is solid but stop and answer a few questions. When you or a family member is diagnosed with cancer how do you respond? When your spouse is unfaithful and divorces you do you cling to Christ or leave Him behind in anger? When you have suffered from horrific abuse or a rape what do you do? All of these are very difficult circumstances and I am sure as you read them that you had something in your own life that came to mind. Think of that situation, the circumstances and how you responded.
My sweet brothers and sisters, God's Word is full of promises but He never promised that this life would be free from pain and sorrow. On the contrary, He warns us, following Him will cost and we will suffer.
I Peter 4:12-13 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
Jesus told Peter that He would establish his church. Peter means rock. Matthew 16:18 says, And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I find it interesting that God chose the disciple that denied Him three times. Peter had taken a deep fall when he saw Jesus face to face and realized that he did deny His Savior. (Matthew 26) Take heart, Christ restored Peter and He restores us. Just as Peter stood firm on the rock so can we -Christ is our Rock. We can never be shaken once we stand firm on the Rock. By standing firm you will gain life. Luke 21:19
I Peter 5:10 has always given me great comfort during trials. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. He promises to restore us and make us strong and His promises are sure.
Natalie Grant has a song "I Will Not Be Moved" part of the chorus says, "On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand All other ground is sinking sand I will not be moved..."
Psalm 40:2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
No matter what comes your way may you not be moved from THE ROCK.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyEMJBhCtU8
Natalie Grant - I Will Not Be Moved
My sweet brothers and sisters, God's Word is full of promises but He never promised that this life would be free from pain and sorrow. On the contrary, He warns us, following Him will cost and we will suffer.
I Peter 4:12-13 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
Jesus told Peter that He would establish his church. Peter means rock. Matthew 16:18 says, And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I find it interesting that God chose the disciple that denied Him three times. Peter had taken a deep fall when he saw Jesus face to face and realized that he did deny His Savior. (Matthew 26) Take heart, Christ restored Peter and He restores us. Just as Peter stood firm on the rock so can we -Christ is our Rock. We can never be shaken once we stand firm on the Rock. By standing firm you will gain life. Luke 21:19
I Peter 5:10 has always given me great comfort during trials. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. He promises to restore us and make us strong and His promises are sure.
Natalie Grant has a song "I Will Not Be Moved" part of the chorus says, "On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand All other ground is sinking sand I will not be moved..."
Psalm 40:2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
No matter what comes your way may you not be moved from THE ROCK.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyEMJBhCtU8
Natalie Grant - I Will Not Be Moved
Tomorrow
"The sun will come up tomorrow, tomorrow...". Most of you recognize these words from the song in Annie titled "Tomorrow". The story is of an orphan who finds a home and the song is her way with coping with difficult days. Although you may not be an orphan I am sure you have difficult days.
The truth is we are not promised a tomorrow. Many of us put off things today intending to do them "tomorrow' Proverbs 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.
Earlier this afternoon I found out through a friend that a wife/mother and child would have to go claim their husband/father today. He served our country and lost his life. His child is only two and will grow up not knowing his father. We must learn to treasure every day and seize every opportunity.
James 4:13-14 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Make the most of TODAY.
The truth is we are not promised a tomorrow. Many of us put off things today intending to do them "tomorrow' Proverbs 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.
Earlier this afternoon I found out through a friend that a wife/mother and child would have to go claim their husband/father today. He served our country and lost his life. His child is only two and will grow up not knowing his father. We must learn to treasure every day and seize every opportunity.
James 4:13-14 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Make the most of TODAY.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Come As You Are
Come as you are--think about that for a minute. If going on a date you may primp and take extra time to make yourself ready. When attending a wedding as I did this past weekend, we dress up a little bit more than usual. However, if you run to the grocery store (unless you are my friend Lani) do you get dressed up or do you go as you are? How about for work--do you have a uniform? suit and tie? Depending on the situation or circumstance you prepare accordingly. But God, tells us to come as we are. He doesn't expect us to get 'cleaned up' first. He knows who we are at our worst and our best. Even our very best would not come close to being 'good enough'. Matthew 11:28 Jesus tells us “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. We become weary when we try to carry burdens (shame, adultery, failed marriages, abortions, lust, pride,etc.) that Christ has already died for. There is no sin that you have committed (or will commit in the future by the way) that He did not already die for.
Years ago I was under the misconception that I had to get my act together or 'clean up' before I could come to God. The irony of that thinking is that if it were up to my own ability I would have never been saved. Christ dying on the cross would have been in vain. His whole purpose for coming to earth, living a perfect life, dying a horrible death and rising again on the third day was to restore me to relationship with God. There is nothing I can do to restore this relationship on my own but I must humbly come as I am to Christ surrendering all to Him.
As we hold onto things that Christ asks us to give Him our hearts become hardened as stone. Ezekiel 36:26 says, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." Solomon, the king granted wisdom above all others knew the importnace of guarding our hearts. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us how to guard our hearts. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Guarding our heart is crucial for God to make us new and restore us. Whatever is on your heart at this very moment, give it over to God; ask Him to remove it and fill it with His spirit. Ask Him to enlarge your heart. Be willing to come to Him as you are--don't attempt to clean up first.
He makes all things new - including you and I. I now live Psalms 84:2--My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. My you come as you are and yearn for the Lord as never before.
As I sat turning the pages of my Bible recently I was overwhelmed by a thought of how sacred and holy the words were on the pages. It is a privledge and joy to have it to read, to meditate and to understand; it was quite moving.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6U-MSwd6zMU
Come As You Are - Pocket Full of Rocks
Years ago I was under the misconception that I had to get my act together or 'clean up' before I could come to God. The irony of that thinking is that if it were up to my own ability I would have never been saved. Christ dying on the cross would have been in vain. His whole purpose for coming to earth, living a perfect life, dying a horrible death and rising again on the third day was to restore me to relationship with God. There is nothing I can do to restore this relationship on my own but I must humbly come as I am to Christ surrendering all to Him.
As we hold onto things that Christ asks us to give Him our hearts become hardened as stone. Ezekiel 36:26 says, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." Solomon, the king granted wisdom above all others knew the importnace of guarding our hearts. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us how to guard our hearts. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Guarding our heart is crucial for God to make us new and restore us. Whatever is on your heart at this very moment, give it over to God; ask Him to remove it and fill it with His spirit. Ask Him to enlarge your heart. Be willing to come to Him as you are--don't attempt to clean up first.
He makes all things new - including you and I. I now live Psalms 84:2--My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. My you come as you are and yearn for the Lord as never before.
As I sat turning the pages of my Bible recently I was overwhelmed by a thought of how sacred and holy the words were on the pages. It is a privledge and joy to have it to read, to meditate and to understand; it was quite moving.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6U-MSwd6zMU
Come As You Are - Pocket Full of Rocks
Monday, November 5, 2012
DNA
Do you ever just sit in awe of who God is and what He has done? I mean really if you take more than two seconds it is mind-blowing.
I find it fascinating how detail-oriented God is about everything. In my bible study we are going through Genesis. In Genesis 1:27 it says, So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. I've read it many times as I'm sure you have in the past but I am seeing it through new eyes. God creating--bringing things into existence from nothing, from emptiness. And, of all His creations, He CHOSE us to bear His image. Ephesians 1:4-5 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—
Our physical bodies are so complex. Doctors gain new knowledge every day but still don't know how the human body works completely. I've taken a renewed interest in the body, DNA and how it works so that I can better manage my lifestyle changes. I recently learned about laminin. Laminin is defined by the Webster Medical Dictionary as a "glycoprotein that is a component of connective tissue basement membrane and that promotes cell adhesion." In other words, looking at laminin as a kind of glue isn't far from the truth. There are several different laminins. I've put a picture below of what it looks like.
Just as Laminin is essential for our physcial bodies to function and work properly, Christ must be the glue that we cling to so that spiritually we function and work properly. God gave us a body, soul and spirit just as there is the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The Father, the Son and the Spirit are one just as our body, soul and spirit are one. The body is the temple of God according to 1 Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; My physical body is just as important to take care of as is my spirit and soul. Each should be aligned. Is your body, soul and spirit in alignment with God? Seems like an easy question however, how much time is spent reading scripture? Meditating on God's Word? Praying? Exercising? Eating right? How we spend our time reflects whether we are in balance or not. My soul has been parched lately. I hunger and thirst for God's Word and can't get enough. I hope you find yourself with a deep hunger and thirst for it too.
Romans 6:13 tells us, Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. The greatest offering that we can give to God is giving back our body, soul and spirit; completely. Is your body an instrument of righteousness?
This body that God intricately designed was created to please Him. In Hebrews 12:1, Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. God gave me the body I have, it is my responsibility to take care of it to the best of my ability and to offer it back to Him.
As you begin (or end) your day I pray you can say that your body is/was an offering to God today.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=fvwp&NR=1&v=qGQaIsEkT4s
Offering Third Day
Perseverance
On my last weekend serving Tres Dias the Lord led me to start blogging again. Since that time I have tried writing daily but have encountered many obstacles. One computer had a hard drive that ran out of memory. The hard drive crashed on a laptop. Another laptop had locked up. Iniatially, I became frustrated and upset...it seemed futile and became increasingly hard to focus. Then, I realized, God has called me to do this. I respond in obedience...the attack begins. There are a numerous places in scripture that reference persevering through circumstances. My computer issues are minor. I know families that are struggling financially, are homeless, have special needs children, currently jobless. All of these are real life challenges that can be overwhelming. God calls us to persevere.
Perseverance is defined as steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success; continuing in a state of grace to the end. Perseverance is pushing through when you want to give up; it is the drive necessary to overcome obstacles to live a life of grace. Romans 5:3-5 says, "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Perseverance is essential ingredient in this life if you desire to live a life that reflects Christs' image.
Christ is our example for everything including perseverance. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 says, "May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance." Christ persevered through horrid circumstances--none of which He deserved and all of which He knew were coming. If we take an honest look at ourselves some of the things that happen to us we could say we deserve (you speed breaking the law and get a ticket you must pay).
In Hebrews 12:1 it says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Take notice that it says to leave the sin behind and RUN with perseverance. I have the physically fit side of this blog that has been sorely neglected for a while but with my recent diagnosis I have stepped up my exercise. I began walking Matzke park with my best friend again. I love walking with her-we take one entire lap and pray for whatever God leads. It is great physically and spiritually but as I read Hebrews 12:1, Galatians 2:2, Galatians 5:7 and 1 Corinthians 9:24 I have a new desire to take up running. God tells us to run; run to win a prize..THE PRIZE. Each one of us has a purpose, a course for our lives that God has set in motion.
Christ persevered to the cross. We must be prepared to persevere through our circumstances so that we will be complete in Christ. James 1:4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
May you persevere and run the race that God marked out for you when He knit you in your mother's womb (actually before time began). He has a plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11) persevere so that you can see it through to the very end and receive the crown of life. James 1:2 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3CVlv2dz3w
Mandisa He Is With You
Perseverance is defined as steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success; continuing in a state of grace to the end. Perseverance is pushing through when you want to give up; it is the drive necessary to overcome obstacles to live a life of grace. Romans 5:3-5 says, "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Perseverance is essential ingredient in this life if you desire to live a life that reflects Christs' image.
Christ is our example for everything including perseverance. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 says, "May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance." Christ persevered through horrid circumstances--none of which He deserved and all of which He knew were coming. If we take an honest look at ourselves some of the things that happen to us we could say we deserve (you speed breaking the law and get a ticket you must pay).
In Hebrews 12:1 it says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Take notice that it says to leave the sin behind and RUN with perseverance. I have the physically fit side of this blog that has been sorely neglected for a while but with my recent diagnosis I have stepped up my exercise. I began walking Matzke park with my best friend again. I love walking with her-we take one entire lap and pray for whatever God leads. It is great physically and spiritually but as I read Hebrews 12:1, Galatians 2:2, Galatians 5:7 and 1 Corinthians 9:24 I have a new desire to take up running. God tells us to run; run to win a prize..THE PRIZE. Each one of us has a purpose, a course for our lives that God has set in motion.
Christ persevered to the cross. We must be prepared to persevere through our circumstances so that we will be complete in Christ. James 1:4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
May you persevere and run the race that God marked out for you when He knit you in your mother's womb (actually before time began). He has a plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11) persevere so that you can see it through to the very end and receive the crown of life. James 1:2 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3CVlv2dz3w
Mandisa He Is With You
Friday, November 2, 2012
Life....Happens
How do you see your life? Is it a roller coaster with ups and downs or is more like a merry-go-round? Is it a tornado--full of chaos? Is it militant-very orderly and 'controlled'? Life can be tough but God is good. Sometimes it takes many unexpected turns that you don't plan on. This week I had my Jeep broken into and almost everything stolen and later in the week I started taking shots to help regulate my blood sugar. Did I mention I HATE needles? Then tonight, I attended a wonderful appreciation dinner held by my church and enjoyed music and singing by a very talented group of men. What a blessing to end the week!
There is a movie from 1989 called Parenthood that I often think of a particular scene. The grandmother talks about how she liked the roller coaster. It really sums up life. If you have time, watch it (3 minutes).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z18vJwmxFFY&feature=fvwrel
I never liked the roller coaster when I was younger. Growing up I practically lived at Astroworld. It had roller coasters and thrill rides that are typical of theme parks. I didn't like them but occassionally would be pressured into riding them. Looking back now, I have to laugh. I see my life as one big roller coaster ride not the merry-go-round (grandma's reference in the movie clip).
Through all the ups and downs I've clung to Christ. I've been at the top soaring with God (Isaiah 40:31) and I've plummeted down to the depths (Psalm 139:7-8) and He was still with me. In Deuteronomy 31:8 it says, The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” It gives me great comfort and peace to know that no matter what I go through in this life that God is right there with me.
Isaiah 41:10, 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. Each event whether painful or joyous God has used for His glory. I pray that I and you will remain moldable in the potter's hand. Isaiah 64:8 Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9 As you live your life allow the One who created you to transform you into His image. 2 Cornithians 3:18 says, And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
I am truly encouraged during a trial when I can open up God's Word and find countless times that He is with me, leading me, guiding me and sometimes even carrying me through the storms of this life.
As your life happens and you hit a rough spot (as well as the mountaintops) remember that He is right there with you and will see you through. When I do encounter a trial I am quickly reminded of all the past dips in the roller coaster and that I came through with God leading the way. And as I remember my Ebenezer's I find peace that I was transformed and molded by a Holy God through the event. Whatever you choose to do in this life be changed by a perfect God! By the way, all the twists and turns that our lives make--God turns them into beauty.
Perfect People - Natalie Grant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7D-ONj8PO8
There is a movie from 1989 called Parenthood that I often think of a particular scene. The grandmother talks about how she liked the roller coaster. It really sums up life. If you have time, watch it (3 minutes).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z18vJwmxFFY&feature=fvwrel
I never liked the roller coaster when I was younger. Growing up I practically lived at Astroworld. It had roller coasters and thrill rides that are typical of theme parks. I didn't like them but occassionally would be pressured into riding them. Looking back now, I have to laugh. I see my life as one big roller coaster ride not the merry-go-round (grandma's reference in the movie clip).
Through all the ups and downs I've clung to Christ. I've been at the top soaring with God (Isaiah 40:31) and I've plummeted down to the depths (Psalm 139:7-8) and He was still with me. In Deuteronomy 31:8 it says, The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” It gives me great comfort and peace to know that no matter what I go through in this life that God is right there with me.
Isaiah 41:10, 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. Each event whether painful or joyous God has used for His glory. I pray that I and you will remain moldable in the potter's hand. Isaiah 64:8 Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9 As you live your life allow the One who created you to transform you into His image. 2 Cornithians 3:18 says, And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
I am truly encouraged during a trial when I can open up God's Word and find countless times that He is with me, leading me, guiding me and sometimes even carrying me through the storms of this life.
As your life happens and you hit a rough spot (as well as the mountaintops) remember that He is right there with you and will see you through. When I do encounter a trial I am quickly reminded of all the past dips in the roller coaster and that I came through with God leading the way. And as I remember my Ebenezer's I find peace that I was transformed and molded by a Holy God through the event. Whatever you choose to do in this life be changed by a perfect God! By the way, all the twists and turns that our lives make--God turns them into beauty.
Perfect People - Natalie Grant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7D-ONj8PO8
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