Christian Living Archives - Page 9 of 14

Articles, Christian Living, Devotionals, Friendship

Loving the Unlovable

If we are honest with ourselves we can all think of people from different parts of our life that have been hard to love. Examples could be that one person from high school who sought to make your life miserable each day, the neighbor who is always starting trouble, the co-worker that is always pointing out your flaws, or that one family member who is always telling you you are not good enough. Of course there are also extreme examples of those who are hard to love like people who commit murder or those who participate in terrible acts of violence. However, the unlovable may not necessarily be someone that is considered an enemy, but rather an outcast. Maybe befriending and loving that person would make you uncomfortable and force you to step out of your comfort zone. As Christians, the Bible speaks specifically to this topic. God is very clear in His command throughout the Word that we are to love everyone.

No matter who you consider unlovable, or what they have done — God calls us to love them anyway.

I know from personal experience that can be a hard pill to swallow. Certainly God cannot expect me to love someone who made fun of me everyday for years, and made me out to be a laughingstock right? Wrong. In Mark 12:31 Jesus gives the command to, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Also, Matthew 5:44 states, “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Jesus was the perfect example of this. He was persecuted and scorned but He still loved. In John 13 when Jesus washed the disciples feet He knew that some of them in that room would later betray Him. However, He still served and showed them love.

Christ could consider each and every one of us unlovable because it was our sin that He died for, but instead He loves us with an everlasting love that we do not deserve.

Being a friend to the unlovable takes on a whole new meaning when I think of the sacrificial love of Jesus. He is the example we should follow with everyone we come in contact with. Our purpose should be to love like Jesus loves. Instead of treating others as an enemy or outcast, we should look at them from God’s perspective.

Everyone deserves to hear the Gospel and have a chance to know Jesus as their Savior. This includes our enemies, and we need to live our life in a way that would be an example of this.

Take some time right now and search your heart and ask God to show you the person in your life that has been hard to love. Ask God to give you wisdom on how to love this person, and to show you some ways to serve them.

Articles, Blog Fun, Christian Living, Devotionals, Family, Sports

Happy Monday!

Happy Monday, friends. I am sure the talk in your house or work place this morning is about the super bowl’s outcome. I love me some football, and it has been a super weekend celebrating with family (mom, thanks for all the delicious food)! Of course being the Carolina girl that I am, I was cheering for the Panthers. It was sad to see them lose but it has been a great season, and congrats to all the Broncos fans.

I know things have been quiet on the blog since the new year has begun, but my health hasn’t been cooperating. I have had one infection right after the other, but the Lord has been good to renew my strength day after day, and I am grateful for that. I would appreciate prayers for continued healing — that infections and all bowel blockages will stay away. Thanks friends. I greatly appreciate all of your prayers and encouragement as I have walked this journey.

Also, keep watch on the blog this week as I will be posting some new articles as well as information about a new blog series I will be starting soon.

I hope you all have a wonderful day. No matter how busy you are or how overwhelmed life may be — take some time to stop and thank God for the little joys He has given you, and allow His peace to rule in your hearts and minds. God has brought John 16:33 to my mind many times lately and I pray that it encourages you like it has me. Jesus states, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Dwell on these truths today! 🙂

Articles, Christian Living, Devotionals, Holidays

Happy New Year – Hello 2016!

I am currently sitting here with Fox News Channel playing in the background waiting to ring in the new year, and pondering all that has happened in 2015.

2015 was by far the hardest year of my life. If you have followed my journey over the past year, you know that I have had some major health problems. A little less than one year ago I had my colon removed, and following surgery I had some major complications that I am still recovering from to this day. I have never been more thankful to be alive at the coming of a new year than at this one. Even though this year has been an enormous struggle for both me and my family, I can honestly say I am more at peace now that I have ever been, and that is truly a miracle from the Lord.

I have quit striving and living in the “I wants,” and the “what ifs,” and instead am finding my rest in the Lord.

No matter how much I dwell on what I wish was happening or what I want my life to be — my life is what it is, and the Lord calls me to be thankful for that. The life I wish could be, or all the “I wants” that I can imagine are not God’s purposes for me right now. Even though my present circumstances are not what I would have initially picked for myself, this is what God desires to be and therefore my life is good.

No dream or purpose for your life will ever be greater than God’s plan and His way is always the best way.

Earlier this year I let everything go and received God’s peace and acceptance regarding the present, and I am truly experiencing the peace from God that passes all understanding. Because of that there is no place I would rather be. Life is still hard and I do not know what is ahead but I can live at rest because God is leading me, and He will never let me down.

As I have thought and prayed over the coming year the Lord has continued to bring to mind a certain word, and that is restore. He has also continually brought me to the following verses, and my theme verses for the year are found in both Luke and 1 Peter. They are:

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” ~1 Peter 5:10

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
~Luke 1:45

I pray that 2016 is a year of restoration and hope in my life and relationship with the Lord, and look forward to all that He will teach me and the promises He will fulfill. As 2016 begins, I have a strong desire to read through the Bible in a year. I have not done this in a long time, and I feel like God is leading me to do so this year. As children of God we are called to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things, and the main way we can do that is by digging in the Word.

My mom and I are doing this together, and I know that this will bring truth and encouragement to our souls. I am amazed that no matter how many times I pick up the Bible, there is always something new to be learned. If you are looking for something specific to do during your quiet times, or have a deeper desire to get in the word — I would urge you to join me in this challenge and read through the Bible. Throughout the year, I will be writing about what God is teaching me and I would love for you to join in on the journey. I will be using The Message Remix – A Daily Reading Bible. The Message is a paraphrase of the Bible and while I do not recommend using it for intense Bible and word studies it is helpful in daily and personal reading. You can find it here. You can also find other reading plans from YouVersion. No matter what you do — always make spending time in the Word your most important priority in the day because that is how you will find ultimate fulfillment and contentment in life.

Happy New Year to you and yours, and I pray that God fills you with His love and joy all throughout the year. Seek His face always. Happy 2016!

Articles, Christian Living, Devotionals, Disability

Do The Next Thing

Hey sweet readers! I hope you are well on this Friday morning.

Thanks so much for your prayers for my doctor’s visit yesterday. It turns out I have a bladder infection and that is one reason my BP has been so high. Another reason is pain from other health problems that I have, and we discussed some ways to help with my pain management. I would like to thank the kind physicians and nurses at Palliative Care in Shelby, NC. They are a Godsend to so many and have been such an encouragement and help to me during this season. Living with a chronic illness and disability is not easy and these wonderful folks help make life so much easier and I am grateful for that.

Also, thank you all for your continued prayers. They are being felt. Yesterday in my quiet time, a poem that Elisabeth Elliot has mentioned frequently in her writings came to mind. So I immediately went on google and found it. It is called “Do the Next Thing.” It is such an encouraging word for those who feel overwhelmed and just do not know where to look next. However, God is right there. Trust Him, and as the poems states — “do the next thing!”

Do The Next Thing

From an Old English parsonage down by the sea

There came in the twilight a message for me;

Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,

Hath as it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.

And on through the hours the quiet words ring,

Like a low inspiration: DO THE NEXT THING.

Many a questioning, many a fear,

Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.

Moment by moment let down from Heaven,

Time, opportunity, guidance are given.

Fear not tomorrows, child of the King,

Trust them with Jesus. DO THE NEXT THING.

Do it immediately; do it with prayer;

Do it reliantly, casting all care;

Do it with reverence, tracing his hand

Who placed it before thee with earnest command,

Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing,

Leave all resultings. DO THE NEXT THING.

Looking to Jesus, ever serener,

(Working on Suffering) be thy demeanor.

In His dear presence, the rest of his calm,

the light of his countenance be thy Psalm.

Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing!

Then, as He beckons thee, DO THE NEXT THING.

~Source Unknown

My heart needed those words this morning, and I hope they are comfort to your soul as well. Also, be sure to check back on the blog Sunday for the next post in the Advent Series I am writing along with my friend Erin. Below are links to our first posts.

Read Erin’s post here.

Read my post here.

Have a great weekend!

Articles, Christian Living, Family, Holidays

Happy Thanksgiving 2015

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” ~Psalm 107:1

Happy Thanksgiving, friends! I hope you all enjoy this day with those you love. As I sit and ponder 2015 thus far, I am reminded of all that I have to be thankful for this year. I am more thankful for life today than ever before. If you have followed my journey, you know that this year has been a rough one for me health-wise. One year ago at this time I honestly did not know if I would live to see another Thanksgiving, but because of God’s lavish grace on me, I am here.

I am thankful that I get to spend today around family whom I love dearly, and enjoy being in their presence. Our family is extra grateful this year because my uncle Lewis has had his own health battle with cancer, but thankfully it is in remission. We are a tight-knit group, and his and my health problems have been hard on us all. My Aunt Ellen and I were talking the other day about how we are extremely blessed to be together this Thanksgiving because six months ago we did not know if that would be possible. Although, I am so glad that we serve a God that makes the impossible possible. Even in the midst of hardships, I can honestly say that the Lord is good, and that the He is faithful. We may not always understand why certain things happen or why we face certain trials, but the Lord is still good and He deserves all of our praise. We live in a fallen world and because of that — bad things happen, sicknesses occur, and sometimes life does not work out the way we think it should. However, I have learned from experience that through all of the uncertainty, we can be confident that God never changes. He promises to never leave or forsake us. This is why I can believe Psalm 107:1 to be true.

I will give thanks to the Lord today because He is good, and I know that His love does endure forever. His goodness and love are what gives me the strength to press on during the hard seasons.

Spend time with Jesus today and thank Him for who He is and what He has done for you.

Articles, Christian Living, Holidays

In Everything Give Thanks

One verse that God keeps bringing to my mind over the past year has been 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” As mentioned in yesterday’s post, because of who Jesus is we have many reasons to be thankful every day, not just in a certain season. No matter what trial or hardship one may be facing, God still calls us to be thankful in all things. Recently, I came across a list of Biblical reasons to be thankful that really encouraged me. I wanted to share it with you, and I pray it will remind you of the reasons God gives us to be thankful as we continue in this week of Thanksgiving. Have a blessed Tuesday!

God sent Jesus to Die for Us (John 3:16): “God so loved the world that he sent his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Regardless of what may happen to us in this life on earth, God has laid out a path for eternal life through the death of Jesus. Through Jesus, God reconciles us to himself, restores our broken past, forgives us our sins, and invites us into an eternal life with us as the heirs to His Almighty kingdom.
He Makes Us New (2 Corinthians 5:17): “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away, the new has come.” No matter where we’ve been or what we have done, God makes us new again. We are washed clean and made new, and his mercies are new each morning.
He Grants us Peace (Colossians 3:15): “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body, you were called to peace, and give thanks.” God’s divine peace transcends all circumstance and guards our hearts and our minds in Christ. Seek his peace in your heart.
He Makes All Things Good (Romans 8:28): “We know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him.” God makes all things good, and brings beauty from ashes. We can rest assured that in the wake of disaster, loss, pain, suffering, disease, calamity, destruction, brokenness, etc. that God will work it all for good in the end.
He will never leave us (Deuteronomy 31:8): “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.” Regardless of who and what we have lost in our lives, God will never leave us or forsake us.
He is unchanging (Hebrews 6:17): “Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath.” Unlike our circumstances, relationships, even ourselves, God is unchanging. He never wavers and is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. When everything in our lives seems unstable or ever-changing, God is the one thing that will never change.
He provides and He is good (James 1:16-18): “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting sand.” God provides for those who love Him and He rains down His love by bestowing us with gifts from above.
He is sovereign (1 Timothy 6:15): “He who is the blessed and only sovereign one, the King of King and Lord of Lords.” God is in control of EVERYTHING – of time, circumstances, relationships, and our health. Turn over what little control you think you have and realize the maker of heavens and earth and of humankind has every little detail of your life under control.
He created man in his image (Genesis 1:27): “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” We were created in the very image of God, in his likeness. We are divinely inspired and a mirror of his divinity. Try to wrap your mind around the fact that of all of His creations, he chose US to resemble him.
He created all things (Genesis 1:1): “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Everything we know and see was created by God. Take a moment to stare at the majesty of the heavens and earth that he created and let it inspire awe in your heart and mind.

Articles, Christian Living, Holidays

Thanksgiving Every Day

Thanksgiving week is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the family time, food, and the fellowship. It is such a joyful time for me, and this year I am more thankful for the life God has given me than ever before. Leading up to Thanksgiving, I have been reading and journaling about the goodness, power, and majesty of God. I have been reminded during my time with Him that He alone is worthy to be praised, and if I had no other reason to be thankful — He is ALWAYS enough! He is worthy of all my praise and thankfulness each and every day of the year.

During my time in the word over the last week I have settled on Psalm 104 over and over again. The first couple verses of this passage always draw me in:

Psalm 104: 1-2, 5:

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

O Lord my God, You are very great:
You are clothed with honor and majesty,

Who cover Yourself with light as with a garment,
Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain.

You who laid the foundations of the earth,
So that it should not be moved forever.

And then verses 31-34 :

May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
May the Lord rejoice in His works.

He looks on the earth, and it trembles;
He touches the hills, and they smoke.

I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
May my meditation be sweet to Him;
I will be glad in the Lord.

The entire passage displays the great power of God in creation, and gives a glimpse of His glory and majesty. When I read verses such as these I am humbled because it shows me how great my God is and how small I am. It is easy to get consumed with current circumstances and forget to praise the One who gives us the strength we need to press on. We may pray, but at times, I think we have all been guilty of pouring out our needs to Jesus but not actually praising Him. I have noticed that the more I read about who God is and spend time in His presence giving Him praise — my worries and circumstances no longer seem as overwhelming.

Because of who Jesus is and what He did for us on the cross, He deserves to be thanked and praised every day and not just on Thanksgiving.

No matter what may be going on in our lives, the Gospel alone is enough for me to give Him praise for because that is the best gift I will ever receive. Spend some time today in the word reading Psalm 104, and praise Jesus for who He is and for His great power. Make it a habit to start thanking Him daily. I can assure you that the simple act of praising Jesus will always give peace to your overwhelmed heart.

Articles, Christian Living, Devotionals, Disability

Stand Firm in Trials

Happy Friday, my friends! I have not been able to blog the past couple of weeks because my computer has been in the shop, but it is back now working wonderful thanks to the lovely folks at Apple. 🙂

I was reminded recently of a sermon I heard from Pastor Eric Ludy several years ago titled “Hold The Position.” It was an excellent sermon for those who are currently facing trials, or for when you face them in the future. This sermon hit home for me, and gave me some much needed reminders. In his sermon notes, Eric lists what he calls “12 Musts For the Hour of Trial.”

They are as follows along with Scriptures I have added that have brought encouragement to me when I have faced trials.

1. Reckon Yourself in Christ – You are secure.

“Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.” ~Proverbs 14:26

2. Get the Grace Needed – You have the grace for help in time of need.

“But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” ~2 Corinthians 12:9

3. Maintain Priority Throughout – Don’t alter your God-assigned priorities.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” ~Matthew 6:33

4. Rouse your Soul to Rejoice – Cherish this opportunity to get more patience.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” ~James 1:2-4

5. Offer Thanksgiving, Sing Praises – for the victory is the Lord’s. He will prove the Champion every time.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” ~1 Thessalonians 5:18

6. Garrison the Mind – Check EVERY thought at the door. Frisk every thought to see if they have a trace of anxiety or fear in them. None of this can be allowed in.

“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.” ~Philippians 4:6-7

7. Garrison the Tongue – When under siege, the soul is sensitized and softer than usual. Over-statements and flesh-statements mustn’t fly. The tongue is owned by the Spirit of God, and in a time of crisis must make a firm resolve to remain the vessel of Spirit Truth.

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” ~Ephesians 4:29

8. Be Bold to do the Difficult Things – Don’t avoid the difficult solution. Do what needs to be done without hesitation. Sometimes life and death is defined by doing what must be done in the moment, even if it is the most difficult thing you have ever done.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” ~ Philippians 4:13

9. Enter the Searchlight – Be slow to expose the faults of others, be quick to expose your own personal faults. Take claim to whatever your responsibility might be in the situation. Allow the searchlight of the Spirit to start with you. If you are wrong in any matter, then repent, confess, and make things right quickly.

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” ~Psalm 139: 23-24

10. Choose Weakness – Accept a weakened posture and a humble approach. Wield Love as your battle-ax. Wield Gentleness as your weaponry. Fast and increase prayer. Consider how you may bless those attacking, those opposing. In weakness there is spiritual power.

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” ~Matthew 5:44-45

11. Get in the Shoes of Everyone Else – Seek to be presidential. Seek to bring order and peace to the ruffled souls around you.

“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” ~2 Corinthians 13:11

12. Save the Big Life Decisions for Later – If possible, wait for circumstances to calm before making large-scale life-directing decisions.

“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” ~Psalm 27:14

I pray that whatever trial you are going through today that you remember you are not fighting this battle alone. God is with you and He will get you through it.

Take some time and get the comfort you need by spending time in His word and talking to Him. If you would like to watch the sermon that was mentioned above you can do so here.

Articles, Christian Living, Devotionals

Saturday Devotional – Esther Ahn Kim

Happy Saturday, friends! Yesterday in my post, I mentioned Esther Ahn Kim who is one of my heroes of the faith. SetApartGirl wrote a lovely article detailing her story on their website and I wanted to share that with you. Read and be encouraged.

To read the article visit here.

Also, I am having some issues with my MacBook and am shipping it off to Apple for repair so it may be a few days before I am able to post again, but I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and upcoming week!

Articles, Christian Living, Devotionals, Disability, Uncategorized

Courage, Dear Heart

“Courage, dear heart.” That is one of my favorite quotes from C.S. Lewis, and I have been reminded of it many times recently.

When I think about people who have courage, I think about people such as Corrie Ten Boom who was imprisoned in a concentration camp, Elisabeth Elliot who ministered to the people that murdered her husband, Esther Ahn Kim who stood up for her faith to the Japanese who took control of Korea, Amy Carmichael who moved to India alone and rescued orphans, and the list could go on and on.

All of those women displayed courage in major ways, and when I was younger those are the people I wanted to be like. I still want to be like them. They are some of my heroes. I’ve had the thoughts many times, “if only I could go overseas and be a missionary then I would really be courageous — then I would feel purposeful,” or “If only I were married and serving my husband and the ministry God has for a family then I would be living a fulfilled calling,” or if only I were able to travel more and not be bogged down with health problems then I would meet more people and have more career opportunities — then I would be secure.”

None of these things mentioned are bad and to certain people they are God’s calling. However, right now in my life, they are not my calling. I can live in the “if-only’s” all I want, but that is not going to change the now. I was praying the other day and said, “God, if only I was in better physical health right now, just think of all I could do for you and all the places we could go. Lord, if you would let that occur that would be wonderful.” Yes, it would be wonderful, but the Lord whispered back, “Yes, my child, but what about the now. What if the calling I am asking of you is this hard season, right here, right now. It takes just as much courage to stay put in the hard as it takes to be on the go doing something else. That “something else” has its hard as well.” The Lord reminded me he does not want me to live in the “if onlys,” but He wants me to live in “the now.”

He has as much purpose in “the nows” as He does in the “if onlys” even though our human hearts do not always believe that to be true. In those quiet moments the Lord said, “Take Courage, dear heart, take courage, your life is worth a great price to me and you have an enormous purpose today. Believe that, daughter.”

Friend, if you are struggling like me right now, and if your life has not turned out the way you thought it would — God still has a plan and a purpose for you, you just have to be willing to accept what He has given you and rejoice in the now. As I am learning, He will use you in ways you least expect it so be encouraged in that today.

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