Treasures on Earth...is this God's Will?
The bible tells us not to store up our treasures on earth, but store up our treasure in heaven. This means that our focus should only be on God and eternal things ( Matthew 6:19). Yet I am sure that many can agree that sometimes we find ourselves seeking to be fulfilled in this life and this life alone, without God! Sometimes we may even think that God is in the midst of our pursuit of the world's riches. Sadly, we don't really see that God wants to be our main affection and wants to see if we will just be willing to know and serve him without the attention and glory for ourselves. Yet instead we idolize things, people, status, and for many Christians even ministry. We claim that we are doing it for the glory of God yet we end up doing it for ourselves and as a result we are not doing things in faith any longer. Rather, we are doing things just to feel good about ourselves or out of fear. As a result, we are burdened for no reason other than for the fact that we have taken it upon ourselves to try and fulfill roles we are not meant to fulfill.
The reason I have chosen to write about this is because I have been seeing this on a consistent basis with many who proclaim to be Christians. We are steadily reaching for the highest status to attain, instead of being content with the fact that we have God. We work hard in ministry, we work hard to please everyone around us but fail to have fellowship with God. Simply, because we are just too busy. Why are we so busy? Many times it is to fulfill a void that we have...a longing for something greater than this world. However, we have to learn to turn our attention back to Jesus. This means that even if we lose everything, our riches, opportunities, family members, degrees, our sanity we should still be able to have joy when thinking about Jesus and the fact that one day he will return to us if we remain in him (John 15). The reason that I speak so freely about this matter is because I have experienced this over the last few years. I have tried to fill voids by doing a bunch of ministry stuff that has served no true profit to my relationship with God although I thought it would. For a while I did not realize that serving God is to be done simply out of gratitude and because the Lord tells us that faith without works is dead. Even then we should not look to be rewarded publicly (Matthew 6:1). Neither should we look to be saved through these things. In addition, on many occasions we are looking for the next biggest thing to happen in our lives or to get our breakthrough but let it be a reminder that Jesus is the biggest and greatest thing to ever happen to us. Our hope is in him and he is our way out of sin and to eternal life, however, we will not be totally set free until we are taken away from this world and given new glorified bodies. Jesus says "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the father except through me" (John 14:6). This means that not even our good deeds that we are asked to do will get us into heaven. What will really matter is whether or not we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior and held on to our faith in him.
This has just been something really heavy on my heart lately. Simply, because I see many growing restless, including myself sometimes, afraid that Jesus will not hold fast to his word and afraid of losing earthly status and a secure future in this world. But I am asking you to let Jesus be enough...do not store up your riches on this earth but in heaven. He will return soon! Yes in the meantime continue to serve him in whatever manner it is that he would have you to do so. But when it is time for you to go, be ready and willing to drop everything you are doing and go! There will be no second chances after this...but of course we cannot say that we were without warning. The bible tells us that he will return like a thief in the night (1 Thess 5:2). We won't know exactly when, but he will return and the only way to be ready is to have held on to the gift of God that we received ...that is our faith in Jesus Christ not our good deeds and works but JESUS CHRIST alone! Ephesians 2:8-9
Hope this encourages someone!
Monday, April 23, 2012
Friday, March 9, 2012
Martha or Mary!
Luke 10:38-42
New International Version (NIV)
At the Home of Martha and Mary
At the Home of Martha and Mary
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
I have chosen these verses to write about simply because I feel as though this story relates to my life right now more than any other story in the bible. It is easy for me to get into a routine of doing things and forget about those things that are most important. In this instance it is simply sitting at Jesus feet waiting for him to give instructions on what to do next. While it is easy to become a Martha, making big meals, washing clothes, and trying to do all of these things to get the house together. It seems nearly impossible for me to sit still sometimes. Here we see that Jesus strictly says that Mary has chosen what is better and that it will not be taken away from her. This is referring to eternal things, things that greatly contribute to the life of a follower of Christ. So while we may think that our duties are truly important to Jesus what really matters is being obedient enough to sit still and listen to him. In essence, our obedience is much better than our sacrifice. This is a recurring theme that both myself and my husband are seeing right now. Sometimes it is better to simply do nothing and honor God than to do a bunch of things which show no reverence for God at all.
Of course, as a wife there are tasks that I have to perform and even in 1 Corinthians 7:28 Paul talks about how married people will have many troubles in this life and in many instances we will battle between pleasing our spouse and pleasing God, but to marry is not sin (let me make that clear). However, it is extremely important to find the balance between being overly concerned with trivial things and not doing anything at all. I also know that God is honored when we submit to our husbands and when husbands are loyal to their duties to serve their wives. Even beyond our spouses we are to take care of our families and help our brothers and sisters in the faith when necessary, this is greatly talked about in 1 Timothy and several other books of the bible.
So what do we do to find a balance between the two?
The only thing that we really can do is simply trust God and ask him to help us to prioritize our time, recognize that we are finite and that he is infinite. This means that we may not be able to do everything we want or feel we need to do. However, God 's mercies are brand new every morning and we live with the assurance that the Holy Spirit is leading us in all that we do each day. So whether we do a little or whether we do a lot...God is pleased because we chose to acknowledge him first. (Proverbs 4:6-7) Trust the Lord with all your heart, lean not unto your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will show you which path to take. So the point of this article is to serve as a reminder for the Christian to remember the most important things about life that is adhering to God's commands of: loving Him with all your heart and then loving your neighbor as yourself, no matter who that neighbor might be. In Luke 10:40 we quickly see that Martha was lacking in the area of showing respect for her sister and that she was very demanding. At that moment she was not showing very much compassion for her sister. So while she may have had the motives to serve Jesus she was still neglecting to consider her sister and in the midst she also missed out on Jesus and the fact that all he wanted to do was teach her. So even as I serve to remind others of this, I too have to be mindful of this daily! We are simply on this earth to serve God and to serve each other. God takes care of us but only after we humble ourselves we cannot expect everyone else to cater to our needs. I pray that God will greatly encourage you with this word just as he has done with me today.
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
I have chosen these verses to write about simply because I feel as though this story relates to my life right now more than any other story in the bible. It is easy for me to get into a routine of doing things and forget about those things that are most important. In this instance it is simply sitting at Jesus feet waiting for him to give instructions on what to do next. While it is easy to become a Martha, making big meals, washing clothes, and trying to do all of these things to get the house together. It seems nearly impossible for me to sit still sometimes. Here we see that Jesus strictly says that Mary has chosen what is better and that it will not be taken away from her. This is referring to eternal things, things that greatly contribute to the life of a follower of Christ. So while we may think that our duties are truly important to Jesus what really matters is being obedient enough to sit still and listen to him. In essence, our obedience is much better than our sacrifice. This is a recurring theme that both myself and my husband are seeing right now. Sometimes it is better to simply do nothing and honor God than to do a bunch of things which show no reverence for God at all.
Of course, as a wife there are tasks that I have to perform and even in 1 Corinthians 7:28 Paul talks about how married people will have many troubles in this life and in many instances we will battle between pleasing our spouse and pleasing God, but to marry is not sin (let me make that clear). However, it is extremely important to find the balance between being overly concerned with trivial things and not doing anything at all. I also know that God is honored when we submit to our husbands and when husbands are loyal to their duties to serve their wives. Even beyond our spouses we are to take care of our families and help our brothers and sisters in the faith when necessary, this is greatly talked about in 1 Timothy and several other books of the bible.
So what do we do to find a balance between the two?
The only thing that we really can do is simply trust God and ask him to help us to prioritize our time, recognize that we are finite and that he is infinite. This means that we may not be able to do everything we want or feel we need to do. However, God 's mercies are brand new every morning and we live with the assurance that the Holy Spirit is leading us in all that we do each day. So whether we do a little or whether we do a lot...God is pleased because we chose to acknowledge him first. (Proverbs 4:6-7) Trust the Lord with all your heart, lean not unto your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will show you which path to take. So the point of this article is to serve as a reminder for the Christian to remember the most important things about life that is adhering to God's commands of: loving Him with all your heart and then loving your neighbor as yourself, no matter who that neighbor might be. In Luke 10:40 we quickly see that Martha was lacking in the area of showing respect for her sister and that she was very demanding. At that moment she was not showing very much compassion for her sister. So while she may have had the motives to serve Jesus she was still neglecting to consider her sister and in the midst she also missed out on Jesus and the fact that all he wanted to do was teach her. So even as I serve to remind others of this, I too have to be mindful of this daily! We are simply on this earth to serve God and to serve each other. God takes care of us but only after we humble ourselves we cannot expect everyone else to cater to our needs. I pray that God will greatly encourage you with this word just as he has done with me today.
Monday, January 9, 2012
A Woman's Worth
This blog is specifically for those women struggling to find their true identity and to find that mate to love them. I often hear and see on a daily basis women who are struggling with raising kids on their own. Or it may be the case that the child's father is around however, there is a struggle between you and him. You may find yourself going in a cycle and feel completely helpless as to the things that are happening to you. You want to find a way to end all of the drama in your life and to find out who you really are. I have one solution...one of which many people don't like to hear or are afraid to hear and that is...turn to Jesus. He is the only one that is able t o fix our broken lives. There is a very encouraging passage that reads, "Come to me all who are burdened and heavy laden and I will give you rest. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28) However, the sad thing is that many don't turn to Jesus because automatically they associate him with rules and unattainable goals that cannot be fulfilled. However, the truth is God never asks us to do anything that he does not give us the strength to do. However, you have to have faith in him.
God loves us and wants us to first turn to him. He doesn't ask us to get ourselves together first before we come to him. And anyone who teaches this is not teaching the true gospel. Many say "God helps those who help themselves but this is a lie." God is willing to help anyone who has a willing heart." So I do not write this letter to try and condemn anyone but to simply say, consider Jesus. Not church...because those things only truly matter after someone decides that they want Jesus, otherwise it is just a religious act done to please man. But if you really feel as though you want to have a relationship with God he is willing to meet you where you are. God loved the world so much that he was willing to give his only son so that whoever believes in him shall not die but have eternal life." John 3:16
If you want to receive him he says that all you have to do is confess your sins and believe in your heart the Jesus is Lord and was raised from the dead and you will be saved. Romans 10:9-10. It doesn't mean you have to go up in front of the altar, you can simply do this where you are. He will come into your heart and change your life if you would allow him to. It is important to note however, that Jesus is not just some way to fix you up and make you feel good about yourself, he may point out your sin but he is also gentle and humble and gives us life that cannot be attained any other way. You will have joy and peace in him, but you also may be disciplined as well. However, he still loves you no matter how you feel. Even the times as a Christian when we feel life is unfair or that he is punishing us even our circumstances can be a sign of his grace as crazy as this sounds. But God does chastise those he loves.
Some may ask what does this have to do with a woman's worth...I would have to say everything. Your worth is found truly in God first. For charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised. ~Proverbs 31:30~ Look to him for assurance and love, for he is worthy to receive your heart!
May all who read this be encouraged and if you don't already have one...seek a relationship with Christ. Most of all may God be glorified!
God loves us and wants us to first turn to him. He doesn't ask us to get ourselves together first before we come to him. And anyone who teaches this is not teaching the true gospel. Many say "God helps those who help themselves but this is a lie." God is willing to help anyone who has a willing heart." So I do not write this letter to try and condemn anyone but to simply say, consider Jesus. Not church...because those things only truly matter after someone decides that they want Jesus, otherwise it is just a religious act done to please man. But if you really feel as though you want to have a relationship with God he is willing to meet you where you are. God loved the world so much that he was willing to give his only son so that whoever believes in him shall not die but have eternal life." John 3:16
If you want to receive him he says that all you have to do is confess your sins and believe in your heart the Jesus is Lord and was raised from the dead and you will be saved. Romans 10:9-10. It doesn't mean you have to go up in front of the altar, you can simply do this where you are. He will come into your heart and change your life if you would allow him to. It is important to note however, that Jesus is not just some way to fix you up and make you feel good about yourself, he may point out your sin but he is also gentle and humble and gives us life that cannot be attained any other way. You will have joy and peace in him, but you also may be disciplined as well. However, he still loves you no matter how you feel. Even the times as a Christian when we feel life is unfair or that he is punishing us even our circumstances can be a sign of his grace as crazy as this sounds. But God does chastise those he loves.
Some may ask what does this have to do with a woman's worth...I would have to say everything. Your worth is found truly in God first. For charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised. ~Proverbs 31:30~ Look to him for assurance and love, for he is worthy to receive your heart!
May all who read this be encouraged and if you don't already have one...seek a relationship with Christ. Most of all may God be glorified!
Saturday, January 7, 2012
My Purpose
The purpose of this blog is to share who I am as a a believer with the world. In addition to my being a believer, I am a woman who is now married and I would like to share some of the truths about my life as a woman called to submission to both God and my husband. Though this journey is not always easy and I often find myself, struggling to trust both individuals...I also find beauty in knowing that outside of marriage I am a child of God and with God I am able to be that wife he has called me to be...In Ephesians 5:24-25, Paul takes a strong stance on the context of marriage. If it is not enough that Paul mentions this...make note that Jesus too speaks of marriage in Matthew 5. Other books are Malachi 2, 1 Corinthians 7
This truth is daily being pushed to the back by the world and sadly even some Christians. Many suppress the truth and encourage divorce, especially if it seems that it will benefit the parties involved. However, I've found that marriage is not all about us. Rather it is to glorify our maker...our King! It's a representation of the relationship between the church and Jesus Christ. And so to encourage someone to get a divorce is a false representation of the Church and Christ...it suggests that Jesus is fickle and one day can just pick up and change his mind and leave us. As for the woman it says that it is okay to break away from that true love granted by God. It even says that the man and woman that is married has chosen to break the vows that he or she made before God. Marriage is a three party covenant not two people. Therefore, with all of that said...I have decided to blog about some of my experiences as a wife and I pray that this page will assist those considering marriage, those that are married, stay at home wives, and even those that are divorced. May God speak to your heart.
This truth is daily being pushed to the back by the world and sadly even some Christians. Many suppress the truth and encourage divorce, especially if it seems that it will benefit the parties involved. However, I've found that marriage is not all about us. Rather it is to glorify our maker...our King! It's a representation of the relationship between the church and Jesus Christ. And so to encourage someone to get a divorce is a false representation of the Church and Christ...it suggests that Jesus is fickle and one day can just pick up and change his mind and leave us. As for the woman it says that it is okay to break away from that true love granted by God. It even says that the man and woman that is married has chosen to break the vows that he or she made before God. Marriage is a three party covenant not two people. Therefore, with all of that said...I have decided to blog about some of my experiences as a wife and I pray that this page will assist those considering marriage, those that are married, stay at home wives, and even those that are divorced. May God speak to your heart.
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