Tag: strength

Staying True To Commitments

1 Kings 8:61 NIV, “And may your hearts be fully committed to the LORD our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.”

Yesterday at church the pastor discussed the importance of being committed to Christ. We should be committed to obeying His Word by applying it to our daily lives. We should also represent Christ by staying true to the commitments we make to other people. We should make a habit of following through when we give our word that we will do something for someone. Being committed is a reflection of who we are in Christ.

A couple of years ago, I signed up at church to host a small six week bible study in my home. Although initially nine people signed up, there were about four who were committed to attending every week. I was grateful for those who followed through and faithfully showed up. I remember feeling disappointed about the ones who didn’t come.

About half way through the study, a tenth person signed up. However, she never showed up and never responded to my emails. On week six, the final week, only three people showed up. So I wasn’t able to say my final goodbyes or give them all the little gifts I had for them. I’ve always considered myself to be pretty committed, however this experience reinforced the importance of commitment in my heart.

Sometimes in life things happen beyond our control and we have to change our plans, and that’s understandable. But in general as Christians, we should be people that others can rely on to be honest and loyal, dependable and trustworthy.

I’m asking God to help me to be a woman of my word who follows through on her commitments, so that I will represent Jesus well. His light should shine through our actions, because people are watching us even when we don’t think they are.

Trusting God Through Changes

Psalm 32:8 NLT, “The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”

My daughter and I have been living in Florida for about four years now. She received a scholarship to attend a university here in Miami. So in 2015, we relocated from the Detroit area of Michigan, (where we lived for eleven years), so that she could attend the school. She lived on campus in the dorm all four years, but she’s been back home with me since May, which is when she graduated. Although we had to get used to living together again, it’s been nice having her home.

Earlier this year, she applied for a program to teach abroad in Spain and was accepted. So next month she’ll be leaving for her new adventure in Spain. I’m very excited for her, but of course I’ll miss her. Although her major is in Art History, she has a minor in Spanish Language and Culture. So living in a Spanish speaking country will enhance her Spanish speaking skills. Of course there are many Spanish speakers here in Miami, but living in a place like Spain, where the official language is Spanish, will be a great experience for her.

Well with my daughter leaving, I knew I would end up leaving to. We don’t have any family here in South Florida, and there is no reason for me to remain here. This past Monday, I turned in my resignation at my job. That was a big exciting step for me. I had been praying over it, so I had peace that it was what God was leading me to do. I won’t be leaving my job until October, but I wanted to give my employer plenty of notice.

Once I leave, I’ll be relocating back to Virginia, which is the state where I was born and raised. My mom and many of my other family members live there. It will be awesome to be with family again. I don’t have a job in Virginia yet, but I will trust God. He always provides for me when He takes me through these type of changes.

This season of my life in Florida has been filled with many lessons, and it has not always been easy. Being here has really challenged me in many ways, and caused me to grow in my relationship with Christ. I am so thankful that God kept my daughter and I safe throughout these four years. I’ve had to trust God every step of the way, and pray without ceasing. Prayer, worship, and God’s love letter to us, the Bible, have been my lifelines.

Our lives in Jesus Christ are lived by faith. We have to trust Him completely, even with the unknowns of life. I’ve learned that God usually reveals His will one step at a time. When we take one step of obedience by faith, then He’ll show us the next step.

I’m looking forward to sharing more with you about my time in Florida and my transition to Virginia in future writings. If you’re going through any changes of your own, keep trusting God to direct your paths. Everyday of your life is part of His loving plan for you. Even on the difficult days He works all things together for our good.

As always, thank you for your continued prayers, support, and encouragement.

Hidden Safely With Christ

Colossians 3:2-3 NIV, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”

I’ve been meditating on these verses over the last couple of days. They remind me that my priority should be on eternal things. Earthly things should not take precedence over the things that matter most to the Lord.

It can definitely be a challenge trying to stay focused on what matters most to the Lord. The responsibilities we have in our personal lives, along with the allure of the world, make it difficult to set our minds on things above. It’s like we’re in a constant game of tug of war. Although we want to do what is right, we sometimes choose what is easy instead. Following Jesus is not usually an easy path. Staying committed to Him takes perseverance.

Placing our focus on Jesus, will help us to have a better understanding of what it means to diligently seek God. We will see life and people from His perspective. There will be many impostors throughout our journey, but when our minds are set on Him, we won’t be fooled by a counterfeit.

Our lives are hidden with Christ in God. The covering that the Father has over us, will protect us. The Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth. Don’t be discouraged. When things get tough, look up to Jesus! He is an ever present help in times of trouble.

Random Acts of Kindness Award – 1

Thanks Mrs. Holliman @ God’s Love for this nomination. I appreciate you thinking of me. I’ve never received this award before. I know that you and Mr. Holliman have a heart for the homeless and I think that is awesome, because homelessness is a huge problem. It’s all around us. Therefore, I will share a short version of a story about a homeless lady I met named Susie.

The Random Acts Of Kindness Awards Rules:

1. Tell who nominated you and why

2. Copy and share the picture that shows the award, posted above

3. Share a paragraph of something that impacted you own life in the way of receiving kindness or how you extended kindness to someone else

4. Nominate anyone or share to your own page. If you choose to participate. Tag pingback to the original person who nominated you, or the original post

My Story:

There are so many homeless people living on the streets of South Florida. Practically every time I go in the store, there is someone asking for money. Even at the stop lights you see people holding up signs that say, “homeless need a meal” or “lost job need help”.

One day I begin to notice a homeless lady who was often sitting at a bus shelter outside of my apartment complex. When I would drive past, I noticed she was reading what looked like a Bible. Long story short, God lead me to talk to her one day after I got home from work. I ended up visiting her at the bus shelter several times. I also was able to take an offering to her during those visits. She was very thankful. She always had her Bible with her.

What made this 64 year old lady so special, is that she had a whole vision of someday opening a shelter for the homeless. Even though she herself was homeless, she said the Lord was using her to preach the gospel to others on the street. She seemed to know God’s Word very well and hearing her speak was an inspiration.

I went to be a blessing to Susie, but she ended up blessing me. She had such a passion for Jesus and was excited about the purpose and vision that was in her heart. She told me she hoped to someday work with Oprah. I have not seen Susie in months, but I think of her often and pray she is safe.

Nominees:

Great is God’s Faithfulness

Theology of a Newfoundland Housewife

WordPress13730Faith2Faith

The F Word

Wise Hearted

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Lamentations 3:22-23 KJB, “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Every morning we can wake up and start a new day knowing that the Lord’s mercy and compassion are with us. He understands what we are going through. The failures we may have had yesterday, do not impact the love He has for us today. He is faithful to us and His love for us endures through all things.

The love and faithfulness that our Heavenly Father has toward us, is the secure foundation that we can stand on. The mercy and compassion that He shows to us, helps to keep us safe from guilt and condemnation. He understands our weaknesses.

Today is a new day. Lean on the love of God. Be filled with joy knowing that our Lord is faithful to us. He will never leave our side.

O Taste And See

I was recently speaking to someone who expressed some concerns about a, “youth fun night” church event she and her family had attended. She stated that she disapproved of the secular music that was being played, and the dancing the young people were doing. She said that because the lights were down low, the atmosphere was similar to a night club. She said it, “just didn’t feel right”, until the very end, when they finally played one worship song to close the evening.

After our conversation this verse in Psalm 34 came to my mind…

Psalm 34:8 KJB, “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.”

When people come to the church, I believe they are coming because they desire to “taste” something different than what they have tasted in the world. We have the privilege of introducing them to the difference they are seeking…Jesus Christ.

It’s easy for us as Christians, to fall into the trap of thinking that by mimicking the ways of the world, we will somehow win people over. Jesus never used worldly tactics to convince people. He always spoke words of truth, and He lived by the words He spoke.

We must believe in our hearts that once people taste what Jesus has to offer, their lives will be changed. The lives we live, will be the first taste of Jesus that many will see. If we do not show them “something different” they will not know how amazing our Lord is. They will not know of His love, grace, and peace. They will not know that during the tribulations of life, He will carry their burdens and heal their broken hearts. If we do not help them to taste and see that our Lord is good, they may never know the joy of eternity in His presence.

Father,

Thank you Father for the difference Your Son Jesus has made in our lives. Help us not to conform to the ways of this world, but instead to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). Teach us to make knowing you and showing the world who Jesus is a priority. Help us not to be afraid to be different, so that we can share the beauty of that difference with others.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Jesus Will Give You Strength

Philippians 4:13 (NLT), “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

There are many things and people that will attempt to distract us as we try to follow God’s will for our lives. But we must stay focused on Jesus. He will never leave us, forsake us, or fail us. Everything we need is found in Him.

Jesus gives us strength to fulfill the purpose He has for us. He gives us strength to stay on the narrow path that leads to life. His strength helps us to endure the obstacles that come against us and try to steal our peace of mind.

On days where we feel like giving up, we can look to Jesus and find the hope we need to keep going. When we feel tired and weak, it’s His Spirit who gives us the power to stay strong. There is no weight so heavy that the strength of Jesus cannot carry it. Cast your burdens on the Lord Jesus, because He cares for you.

Dear Father,

Thank you for the strength we have through your Son Jesus Christ. Thank you for watching over us and helping us to live for you. When we are weak, You are strong. Help us not to fall prey to the ways of this world. Help us to keep our hearts pure, and to keep our eyes fixed on You.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.