07-13-2014

Humble Yourself [1 Peter 5:6]

The world tells us that confidence is key to getting what we want. That we need to show everyone we have the confidence to get to the next step. But overconfidence in life isn’t good and there is a point where the confidence that we think is helping us actually makes us seem like jerks. Yes, confidence is important but I venture to say that humility may be even more important.

Being humble includes trusting God in everything. ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heard, and lean not on your own understand’ -Proverbs 3:5 Take a look a Philippians 2:1-11, Christ Himself took on the nature of a servant, humbled himself and was obedient to the point of death. We should strive to have the same mindset as Jesus. We need to trust in God and not in ourselves. Everything comes from Him. Humility is to place our dependence upon Him.

In life, we can humble ourselves before others as well. We aren’t going to know everything and we can learn a lot from other people who have walked before us and done things before we have. Are we admitting defeat? Not at all. We can learn so much from those around us. If we take time to admit we don’t know things, ask for help or even just show an interest in learning from others we are doing so much to improve our lives and theirs.

Filed Under: Faith, Scripture, Verses

06-09-2013

Some inspiration for the day :)

My church is in the middle of a series right now called, Cover to Cover. It is going through the Bible little at a time. They have a corresponding devotional that goes with it each day. Last weeks was to read Job 38:1-18. Now if you don’t know anything about Job, here is a quick run down. Job was a man who lived righteously and lived for God. He was a very blessed man, actually the Bible says that ‘He was the greatest man among all the people of the East’ (Job 1: 4). Satan spoke with the Lord and suggested that maybe Job only serves the Lord because He protects him. Satan said that the Lord should strike everything Job has down and see if Job really praises Him. The Lord agreed to this with the only condition that Satan not lay a hand on Job himself. Job’s life began to fall apart. All of his animals were taken away, his servants were killed, his children died, and all at once everything was taken from Job. What did he do at that moment? He fell to the ground and worshiped the Lord.

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
and naked I will depart.[c]
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
may the name of the Lord be praised.” Job 1:20

It didn’t end there. Job was then inflicted with sores and even when his wife told him to curse God, he didn’t. Instead of cursing God, like Satan thought, Job cursed the day of his birth. He wasn’t happy and he did protest what he was going through but never once did he accuse God of injustice. The next verses are a conversation between Job and his friends regarding the why and how we just don’t know why some things happen the way they do. One of my favorite passages is

“Can you fathom the mysteries of God?
Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?
They are higher than the heavens above—what can you do?
They are deeper than the depths below—what can you know?
Their measure is longer than the earth
and wider than the sea.” (Job 11:7)

Always seems to put things in perspective, doesn’t it? This conversation goes on until verse 37 and then in verse 38, the Lord speaks to Job. This begins the climax of the book of Job as God Himself is speaking.

Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said:
“Who is this that obscures my plans  with words without knowledge? 
Brace yourself like a man;  I will question you,  and you shall answer me.
“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?  Tell me, if you understand. 
Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!  Who stretched a measuring line across it? 
On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone— 
while the morning stars sang together  and all the angels shouted for joy?
“Who shut up the sea behind doors  when it burst forth from the womb, 
when I made the clouds its garment  and wrapped it in thick darkness, 
when I fixed limits for it  and set its doors and bars in place,
when I said, ‘This far you may come and no farther;  here is where your proud waves halt’?
“Have you ever given orders to the morning,  or shown the dawn its place, 
that it might take the earth by the edges  and shake the wicked out of it? 
The earth takes shape like clay under a seal;  its features stand out like those of a garment. 
The wicked are denied their light,  and their upraised arm is broken.
“Have you journeyed to the springs of the sea  or walked in the recesses of the deep? 
Have the gates of death been shown to you?  Have you seen the gates of the deepest darkness? 
Have you comprehended the vast expanses of the earth?  Tell me, if you know all this.
(Job 38:1-18)

What more could Job do but say, ““I am unworthy—how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth.” (Job 40:4). Pretty sure he isn’t the only one who has felt like that! In these short passages God (for lack of a better term) puts us in our place. He is essentially saying, I’ve got this under control. Look at everything else I have done. How often have we done the same thing? We are mad so we complain or we rebel and try to go against His will. We do not know the full plan that God has for our lives, no matter how hard we try to figure it out. Just look at Job 38:4- “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me if you understand.” Quick answer, we weren’t here. The verses go on and it is such beautiful poetry as you hear God speaking to Job, and to all of us. There are so many mysteries in the world, still, that we just don’t know. It shows me just how big God is and just how little I am.

There have been so many times where I looked back on a hard situation and once I was on the other side I saw God’s hand on all of it. I saw the way that God was working in me for something in the future that I had no idea of.

Looking at the end of Job, the Lord blessed him more than he had ever been blessed before. He had more animals and more servants, he had more sons and daughters. All of this because he was faithful to the Lord.

Filed Under: Faith, Inspiration, Verses Tagged With: job, scripture, verses

06-02-2013

Bible Verses for Worry

I find great comfort in the Bible and especially in certain verses that help me with whatever I am dealing with. I have been known to worry a time or two and the Bible is a great comforter when you are worrying. Worrying is something that women (and men!) tend to struggle with. There are so many things outside of our control that it can feel overwhelming sometimes. I have been meaning to post these verses for a while and just discovered my sheet again and wanted to post them. I figured some of you may find comfort in them. This list was compiled by Women’s Bible Cafe.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matt 6:34 NIV

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Phil 4:13 NIV

Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31 NIV

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
Matt 6:25-27 NIV

But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves.
Luke 21:14 NIV

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22 NIV

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV

I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.. Psalm16:8 NIV

Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 62:6 NIV

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings
Psalm 17:8 NIV

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Psalm 91:4 NIV

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 NIV

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 NIV

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
Psalm 28:7 NIV

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2 NIV

They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
Psalm 112:7 NIV

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding
Proverbs 3:5 NIV

There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.
Deut 1:31 NIV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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.
Phil 4:6-7 NIV

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7 NIV

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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1 NIV

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.”
John 14:1 NIV

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matt 11:28-30 NIV

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
Psalm 56:3 NIV

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Deut 31:6 NIV

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10 NIV

Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
Proverbs 24:14 NIV

I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
Psalm 34:4-7 NIV

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 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.
1 Peter 5:7-10

As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.
2 Samuel 22:31 NIV

“The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
Exodus 15:2 NIV

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
Hebrews 6:19 NIV

The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6 NIV

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27 NIV

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:5-6 NIV

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Romans 4:22-24 NIV

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26 NIV

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 NIV

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 NIV

As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30 NIV

Are God’s consolations not enough for you, words spoken gently to you?
Job 15:11 NIV

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.
Psalm34:17-19 NIV

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalm 25:5 NIV

They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17:8 NIV

For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.
Psalm 33:4-5 NIV

Filed Under: Faith, Verses Tagged With: Bible, comfort, scripture, verses

03-17-2013

What is Your Life Verse?

How would you answer the question if someone asked you, What is your life verse and why is it meaningful to you? How would you answer that? I don’t think that you have to have one specific life verse that is your only life verse per say but that you may have different verses that are currently your life verse at different times in your life. I think your life verse can change depending upon what you may be currently going through or dealing with or what trials you are having. I have had different verses in my life that I have considered my verse at that moment but none have continued to speak to me and to be laid upon my heart like the one that I consider to be my life verse.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice Evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (KJV)

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

The entire chapter of 1 Thessalonians 5 is one that is quoted often regarding final instructions that Paul was giving the church of Thessalonica to clear up some information about not only the return of Christ but also on holy living. This is where my life verse comes in. It is a verse that I keep close to me as a way to live each and everyday, no matter what. It is instructing us to be joyful in all circumstances, always pray and no matter what happens be thankful. No matter what we are going through peace is going to come through giving thanks to our Father.

Being joyful always doesn’t mean just when we feel like it but all the time. Of course we are going to be grumpy sometimes and upset others but I feel when I keep this verse as my life verse and use it as an instruction to live (the Bible is Life’s Greatest Instruction Book then I keep it at the forefront of my life to be joyful, pray always and give thanks to my Father for everything. Not just the things I am happy with but everything. God doesn’t ask us to be joyful only when things are going our way or when we are given things but to be joyful because everything comes from Him. Us having joy doesn’t come from what we get but it comes from God alone.

We can also look to Galatians 5:22 to see the fruit of the spirit and see that Joy comes from the spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

What about you? Do you have a life verse?

Filed Under: Faith, Verses Tagged With: inspiration, life verse, scripture