Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Heart Speaks
If I speak in fear, my heart will fill with holes,
Overcome my life; complicate my soul.
If I speak with jealousy, I'm just wasting time.
God put you on one path, he also gave me mine.
If I speak of past, my hurts, and my pains,
Never forgiving, my legacy is stained.
If I speak in lies, enjoying my deceptions,
Satan owns my tongue, without any exceptions.
If I speak in hate, I leave my good behind,
Thistles choke my heart; contaminate my mind.
If I speak in gossip, soon I'll discover,
My soul starts to wither; I may never recover.
If I speak in pride, shame will conquer me,
I'll be humiliated, for everyone to see.
But if I speak lovingly I am planting tiny seeds,
That one day may grow up, to be flowers instead of weeds.
~ Jules St. Jermaine~
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Love on Assignment
Do you have a person in your life who just always seems to yank your chain? You know, that person you try to be nice to, but they are so difficult to be around.
Mean people and easily offended people are hard to be around. No matter what you say they never seem to like you. Some of the ones I know would probably find something wrong with Jesus himself. If you attempt to be happy or pleasant, they seem to have a need to put you down. If you are having a sad day, they accuse you of feeling sorry for yourself. If you ask them questions, they are overly suspicious. If you give them an honest compliment, they think you want something. If you speak of something good in your life, they think you are bragging. There is no end to the contrary responses they will give you for trying to be a kind, caring and well, just a friend.
In John 13:34, NLT, it states, "So now I am giving you a new commandment. Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. As Christians, we should take this very seriously.
The saying that hurt people, hurt people, is true. Many responses from others come from a place of pain. Instead of letting these people infect our hearts I believe Jesus would want us to pray for them. We could ask God to wrap his loving arms around them, fill them with his love, and give them peace. It's a much better way to handle difficult people than what our natural instincts would have us do.
Love is an assignment God has given to all his people. He never said it would be easy, but as we all know, it's always worth it.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Passive- Aggressive
If they often lie to you, they may be a Passive- Aggressive.
If they don't keep their promises, they may be a Passive- Aggressive.
If you say you want it, and they make sure you don't get it, they may be a Passive-Aggressive.
If you say you don't like it, and they do it more often, they may be a Passive Aggressive.
If they don't tell you what they are mad at, but punish you, they may be a Passive -Aggressive.
If everything is always your fault, they may be a Passive- Aggressive.
If they give you the silent treatment, they may be a Passive -Aggressive.
If they look at you with haughty eyes, they may be a Passive -Aggressive.
If they often speak to you in a mean tone, they may be a Passive-Aggressive.
If they don't mean what they say or say what they mean, they may be a Passive-Aggressive.
If they are often late or, "forgetful," they may be a Passive -Aggressive.
If they are blaming, and won't take responsibility for their actions, they may be a Passive-Aggressive.
If they make you out to be the evil person to their family and friends, while portraying themselves as the sweet one or victim, they may be a Passive-Aggressive.
If the majority of the time they are only nice to you when they want something, they may be a Passive -Aggressive.
If they are making you out to be the crazy one, they may be a Passive-Aggressive.
If they are easily offended by the trivial, they may be a Passive-Aggressive.
If they accuse you of being demanding, controlling, always putting them down, they may be a Passive -Aggressive.
If you aren't married to your Passive Aggressive, I suggest you run! If you have however taken the marriage vows then, you should realize there is probably nothing you can do to change them. They will never admit they are wrong. They will find ways to blame everything on you and nothing, and I mean nothing, is ever their fault. They will not take any responsibility for the relationship. They do whatever they want to do.
Over the years, you may have found that you can communicate with everyone in your life except the PA. You may suspect your PA punishes you, but you don't ever have an understanding as to why. That's because they never tell you. They don't have the courage to speak what they want or mean. Instead, they make you suffer when you disappoint them. Most likely by now you feel exhausted, confused, and broken-hearted. The PA may have become your obsession. Before you give up or just leave, I have a few suggestions for you to try. I hope you will find these things helpful.
First, you need to refocus. You need to stop obsessing about them. Start thinking about yourself, and what it is you can do for you. You may already get accused by your PA of being self-centered because this is one of the many tactics they use to get at you, so this will be nothing new. Begin to focus on your needs and quit thinking so much about them.
Pray and ask God what it is you can do to move on with your life, to show you what you are good at, and how to restore your confidence. You could even ask Him how you could serve His kingdom. God wants to be with you and to help you.
Another thing you need to stop doing is trying to fix your relationship with the PA. Yes, you heard me right, give up. Give up and give it to God. Surrender. He knows what to work on first. Let Him do it.
If your PA gives you the silent treatment, go on with your life, and enjoy it. Don't waste time feeling sorry for yourself because they won't talk to you. Plenty of people out there will. If you don't have anyone else to talk to, then find someone.
I would suggest you keep your conversations to the necessary. Do not let them know anything you want, or don't want, because they will use that against you. If you find you are being punished, trust God to handle them. It was never their right to punish you in the first place. God commands that we love one another. Nowhere in the Bible does it say we are to punish.
Finally, Speak God's word often. His words are living and powerful. Find his promises in the Bible and say them out loud. Pray for your PA too, and watch what God will do. He doesn't want either of you living pitifully. Our Lord didn't send his only son, Jesus, to die for you, so that you could live pathetic lives. He desires for you to live great lives, having big impacts on other people while filled with the Holy Spirit. And don't forget the most important thing of all, God loves you so! He will never leave or forsake you.
If they don't keep their promises, they may be a Passive- Aggressive.
If you say you want it, and they make sure you don't get it, they may be a Passive-Aggressive.
If you say you don't like it, and they do it more often, they may be a Passive Aggressive.
If they don't tell you what they are mad at, but punish you, they may be a Passive -Aggressive.
If everything is always your fault, they may be a Passive- Aggressive.
If they give you the silent treatment, they may be a Passive -Aggressive.
If they look at you with haughty eyes, they may be a Passive -Aggressive.
If they often speak to you in a mean tone, they may be a Passive-Aggressive.
If they don't mean what they say or say what they mean, they may be a Passive-Aggressive.
If they are often late or, "forgetful," they may be a Passive -Aggressive.
If they are blaming, and won't take responsibility for their actions, they may be a Passive-Aggressive.
If they make you out to be the evil person to their family and friends, while portraying themselves as the sweet one or victim, they may be a Passive-Aggressive.
If the majority of the time they are only nice to you when they want something, they may be a Passive -Aggressive.
If they are making you out to be the crazy one, they may be a Passive-Aggressive.
If they are easily offended by the trivial, they may be a Passive-Aggressive.
If they accuse you of being demanding, controlling, always putting them down, they may be a Passive -Aggressive.
If you aren't married to your Passive Aggressive, I suggest you run! If you have however taken the marriage vows then, you should realize there is probably nothing you can do to change them. They will never admit they are wrong. They will find ways to blame everything on you and nothing, and I mean nothing, is ever their fault. They will not take any responsibility for the relationship. They do whatever they want to do.
Over the years, you may have found that you can communicate with everyone in your life except the PA. You may suspect your PA punishes you, but you don't ever have an understanding as to why. That's because they never tell you. They don't have the courage to speak what they want or mean. Instead, they make you suffer when you disappoint them. Most likely by now you feel exhausted, confused, and broken-hearted. The PA may have become your obsession. Before you give up or just leave, I have a few suggestions for you to try. I hope you will find these things helpful.
First, you need to refocus. You need to stop obsessing about them. Start thinking about yourself, and what it is you can do for you. You may already get accused by your PA of being self-centered because this is one of the many tactics they use to get at you, so this will be nothing new. Begin to focus on your needs and quit thinking so much about them.
Pray and ask God what it is you can do to move on with your life, to show you what you are good at, and how to restore your confidence. You could even ask Him how you could serve His kingdom. God wants to be with you and to help you.
Another thing you need to stop doing is trying to fix your relationship with the PA. Yes, you heard me right, give up. Give up and give it to God. Surrender. He knows what to work on first. Let Him do it.
If your PA gives you the silent treatment, go on with your life, and enjoy it. Don't waste time feeling sorry for yourself because they won't talk to you. Plenty of people out there will. If you don't have anyone else to talk to, then find someone.
I would suggest you keep your conversations to the necessary. Do not let them know anything you want, or don't want, because they will use that against you. If you find you are being punished, trust God to handle them. It was never their right to punish you in the first place. God commands that we love one another. Nowhere in the Bible does it say we are to punish.
Finally, Speak God's word often. His words are living and powerful. Find his promises in the Bible and say them out loud. Pray for your PA too, and watch what God will do. He doesn't want either of you living pitifully. Our Lord didn't send his only son, Jesus, to die for you, so that you could live pathetic lives. He desires for you to live great lives, having big impacts on other people while filled with the Holy Spirit. And don't forget the most important thing of all, God loves you so! He will never leave or forsake you.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Walking in His Word
I have been engaged in many conversations regarding people's beliefs that The Bible must be untrue, is outdated, and is no longer valid. One major reason I hear this repeated seems to stem from people who believe that God loves everyone, therefore, if he created people gay, he must love them the way they are, and what The Bible states about being gay just can't be true. Therefore if this can't be true, The Bible is not true, and has to be disqualified.
This provokes many questions for me. First, I'd like to know who the specific person is that has proven that people are born gay. What is their name and where is their proof that God created them this way? I know God. I do not know this person who has claimed that people are born gay. How am I to believe an unknown source? Does he have a special book?
Second, Do I think God loves gay people? Of course I do. I think God loves everyone but, God does have rules. He guides us with His Word, the Bible, and even though we may fail, it is in our best interest to try and obey Him. To reject God's Word and worship a god that is only pleasing to us, our desires, and our senses is in essence creating and worshiping an idol god. This shows no respect towards God, as God, but instead, places him closer to the level which we are at; as human. In Proverbs 8:17 NASB it reads; " I love those who love me, and those who diligently seek me find me." We find God in the Bible and we learn about God's character from the Bible. God's Word never changes. People's opinion of God do."This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me with their lips, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men" Matthew 15:8,9 ESV
As I walk through this life with my faith it is my hope and prayer that people will Love the Lord thy God with all their heart, soul and mind, and that we will love each other a we love ourselves; just as The Bible says. The Bible is a book of love, not hate. We should never cause harm to anyone because they are gay. We should pray for them just as we would pray for any other. Each one of us, alone, will have to answer to God one day so it's important to do the best we can to follow Him and seek forgiveness when we fall short. The Bible is and always will be the true source for finding out what God wants for us, what all He has given us and the plans He has for us. Many may say that the Bible is outdated and untrue. One day these people are going to have to stand before God and when he asks the question, "Why did you reject my Word?" I wonder what they will say.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
The Benefit Package
These last few years have been very difficult for many people and those looking for a job are certainly no stranger to the benefit package. Everyone wants to have the best they can get. We all need to have insurance to protect our heath and a good retirement plan secures our future, right?
There is another benefit package that we all should be taking advantage of though and it comes from the promises of God in the bible. His promises will get you through the good times and the bad. Did you know that God has promised to never leave you or forsake you? You may have the best boss in the world, but I doubt that they would ever tell you that.
I have come to understand that when I pray, instead of asking or complaining, I thank God for His promises. I thank God for loving me and for giving me His only son, who took away all my sins. I thank God who in John 14:27 says," Peace I leave with you, peace I give unto you. I do not give as the world gives (Praise the Lord!). Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
God wants us to live in His grace, which is His undeserved goodness and kindness. Would you sacrifice your son on the cross for all the people you know? Would you consider them worth it? God loves us so much that He did that for us so He absolutely considers us worth it.
I would challenge you to go about your prayer time for the next week or so giving thanks for the promises of God. I will list a few at the bottom of this writing, but if you would like a specific promise for a certain difficulty then perhaps you can look some up. I believe that it won't take long before you realize what a great benefit package it is that God offers. I pray that you will enjoy all the benefits that you have been promised and live a life that truly very blessed!
I suggest that you begin your prayer something like this," Dear Lord, I thank you for your promise of _________.
For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord." Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Be strong and of a good courage, be not afraid, for the Lord they God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
I waited patiently for God to hear me then he listened and heard my cry. Psalms 40:1-3
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ. Philippians 4:6-7
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should,go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Psalms 32:8
There is another benefit package that we all should be taking advantage of though and it comes from the promises of God in the bible. His promises will get you through the good times and the bad. Did you know that God has promised to never leave you or forsake you? You may have the best boss in the world, but I doubt that they would ever tell you that.
I have come to understand that when I pray, instead of asking or complaining, I thank God for His promises. I thank God for loving me and for giving me His only son, who took away all my sins. I thank God who in John 14:27 says," Peace I leave with you, peace I give unto you. I do not give as the world gives (Praise the Lord!). Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
God wants us to live in His grace, which is His undeserved goodness and kindness. Would you sacrifice your son on the cross for all the people you know? Would you consider them worth it? God loves us so much that He did that for us so He absolutely considers us worth it.
I would challenge you to go about your prayer time for the next week or so giving thanks for the promises of God. I will list a few at the bottom of this writing, but if you would like a specific promise for a certain difficulty then perhaps you can look some up. I believe that it won't take long before you realize what a great benefit package it is that God offers. I pray that you will enjoy all the benefits that you have been promised and live a life that truly very blessed!
I suggest that you begin your prayer something like this," Dear Lord, I thank you for your promise of _________.
For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord." Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Be strong and of a good courage, be not afraid, for the Lord they God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
I waited patiently for God to hear me then he listened and heard my cry. Psalms 40:1-3
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ. Philippians 4:6-7
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should,go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Hearts and Love
I wonder how much of our lives are spent in an attempt to get others to love us, to accept us, to appreciate us? Do you think it's ten percent, fifty percent; more? If I had a dime for every time time I let someone get to me and take away my feelings of being valued and loved I'd be rich. If I had a dime for every time I allowed myself to become offended I'd have even more.
People talk about loving their families, but I don't know too many families that are very loving. I did not come from a particularly loving family and I certainly did not marry into one. But inside my heart I felt love, and I always seemed to have enough to give out. So this being the case, where did all my love come from?
We tend to associate love with the human heart, don't we? For the most part we believe that hearts are red. Red is also the color of spilled blood. We mostly think of spilled blood when one is hurt or wounded. When one is hurt or wounded is it generally because of an accident or incident, both of which lead us to believe that the spilling of blood is not good. So if all this is true then why do we associate the human heart, with being red, and with love?
There can only be one reason. Because God sent his son, Jesus, to die on the cross for us, to shed his red blood in forgiveness of our sins, because He loves us from His very big heart.
If you are not loved by a single soul on this earth, you can always know that God loves you. He fills your heart with His love even if you don't ask for it and refills it as you need it. It doesn't take another person to fill your heart with love. It only takes God and Jesus!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Reasons to love being a Christian
Reasons to Love being a Christian
I love being a Christian because we can believe in what the bible says. It never changes and never will. Because it never changes we can rely on it. If it changed to satisfy us, it would be no more dependable than the daily news or our government. We may not always understand it, but it does have the answer for everything. It shows us the character of God and allows us to decipher His voice from ours, and from Satan's. We may not like what it says, but if that's the case, we are not seeing it from the heart of God's love. God's word always has our best interest at heart.
I love being a Christian because we can know how much God loves us! We can really know this! He loves us so very much even though we're so imperfect. We make so many mistakes. We do so many things wrong. We hold on to so many wrong thoughts. If I was Him I would be disgusted by all the things we have done. But He loves all his children and wants to save us from ourselves. That's why He gave us His son, Jesus. God wants to see us in Heaven! I truly believe that he leaves a whole in our heart that can only be filled up by Him.
I love being a Christian because we can know and love Jesus! He died on the cross-for us! He took all our sins with Him when he died, and He gave us the opportunity to accept his death, as our gift, as our means to get to Heaven. It's the only way to get there. And when we arrive, because we accepted Jesus gift, we will all arrive sin free!
I love being a Christian because God gave us Jesus who understands our human experience. Jesus lived in this world, but was not of this world. Some people didn't like Him, Jesus was tempted, some rejected Him, some betrayed him, some didn't understand Him, some didn't appreciate Him, some were downright cruel to Him, some wanted to see Him dead, some killed Him. Jesus understands what we go through, so I love it that as a Christian, we can all get through this life with Him.
The Holy Spirit! Oh, how I love The Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit tells our hearts when we are doing something wrong and it prompts us to do many things right. We as Christians benefit so much by listening for this voice. The Holy Spirit is powerful! The Holy Spirit gives us gifts! The Holy Spirit lifted up Jesus and transported Him up and into Heaven. The Holy Spirit is a powerful friend!
I love being a Christian because God allows bad things to happen so that we can learn good things from every bad situation. This helps strengthen our character. Being a Christian is not for the weak because you will come under Spiritual Warfare with the dark side. For anyone who thinks that only weak people believe in God, they couldn't be more wrong. Satan doesn't come against those who are already his. Satan comes after Christians. We are only weak in that we allow God to aid us in fighting Satan; in this, God becomes our strength. Jesus defeated Satan at the cross! Jesus has already won! Satan had already been conquered! Now, Satan is just a big nuisance!
I love being a Christians because there is so much to know and understand about God that it would take more than just this one lifetime to get it all. Christianity is an exciting journey of learning and growing and becoming better than we were yesterday.
I love being a Christian because God is all about Grace. Grace is God's goodness and kindness, directed at us, as undeserving people. He doesn't want us to live in condemnation. He gave us the 10 commandments to show us that none of us could keep them, on our own strength. He gave us the 10 commandments to show us why we all need Jesus. Jesus was sent to provide us with forgiveness for our sins! Jesus is the only way for us to get into Heaven! It's because of God's grace that we were given Jesus! As Christians we have the abundance of God's Grace everyday and we have the gift of righteousness through Christ blood on the cross.
I love being a Christian because I am living in this world, but I am not of this world. This can be difficult at times. It encompasses everything we encounter in this life. Each of us will have to fight our own strongholds such as addiction, anger, fear, jealousy and offense, but the Trinity is here to help us. It should be our goal to proceed in life with faith, and to become as Christ-like as we possibly can. This makes the life of a Christian exciting!
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