Freedom, Grace, and Love

     So what does freedom, grace, and love have to do with our lives? I have given this a lot of thought lately and I have realized that it has everything to do with us. As almost anyone can see just by reading my blog, I am a Christian and that I believe that Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation. Although many do not hold this view, this is my worldview and because of that I believe that no one can really understand freedom, grace, and true love unless they know Christ. Now this might seem funny or even infuriating to some, but for me it is life and hope. True freedom is only found in Christ because He knows our deepest and ugliest secrets and yet he still chooses to forgive us. I know many times in my life I harbor forgiveness and hatred towards people who I feel have wronged me or offended me in someway, but when I realized  that Christ is holy and that I are constantly sinning against Him and yet He still forgives me, it was a humbling realization. It blows my mind that I cannot forgive others when they offend or hurt me and yet Christ forgave all of my sins by dying on the cross. You see this is true freedom, forgiveness of our sins and debts to God. The amazing thing is we did not even have to work for this forgiveness. He just granted us forgiveness and freedom because of His grace and love. It says “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). You see this is where forgiveness starts, in Christ's grace. We are also told that forgiveness is granted to us by just asking, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). One thing that I have noticed is that many people do not understand that God is full of grace (this does not mean that he excuses sin now! you still need to seek to do right) and not seeking to condemn people. He only seeks to have us restored to him so that be can have a relationship with Him forever. That is true freedom. Now what does grace and love have to do with freedom? It has everything to do with God's character, you see, because Christ is gracious and loving He left His thrown room in heaven to come save wretched sinners like me. Through this love He paid the highest ransom so that anyone who believes in Christ can have salvation and forgiveness of sins. This is true love and grace since Christ paid this ransom with His life. It is hard to understand that magnitude of this, but it is true, the Creator and King of all died to save us because of His love and grace! Therefore, I boast in nothing but Jesus Christ and His sanctifying (redeeming) work on the cross for me! The good news is that Christ defeated death and sin so we can be free in Him to love and embrace His grace.  "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,  not a result of works, so that no one may boast"(Ephesians 2:8-9). So today live in the freedom that Christ has given you, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8::36).

Now if anyone does know Christ Jesus, but wants to be free, forgiven of their sins, and to spend eternity in heaven with Christ Jesus here is all you need to do:

Pray and ask Jesus to come into your life and forgive you of your sins (all you have to do is truly mean it, even if you think it sounds funny). 

Then ask Him to lead and guide your life, show you His truth, and to help you love Him with all your heart! 

And that is it! You can now experience freedom, grace, and love to the fullest. 

Next steps: 

Find a good church- I suggest a Calvary Chapel or a Baptist Church (Here you should find true 
 teachings about Christ). 
Always read your Bible: It is God's words to you! He will tell you what to do through it.
And finally: Do not be afraid to go to church, we love to here how Christ has forgiven you! We are there to help you learn and understand anything that might confuse you! 

God Bless and Enjoy Freedom, Grace, and Love!

Wedding VS. Waiting

So have you ever wondered why all your friends are getting married and your not!?!?! WELL I have a theory....(one of many!) I think its honestly because we haven't met the right guy! Now before you stop reading and judge me as someone to state the obvious, hear me out! When you get married your going to spend your whole life with that special someone right?? If that's the case would you really want to live with someone "till death do you part" that is less then your standards? I know I don't! I want someone perfectly designed for me. I know everyone is a sinner and imperfect, but I still think that God has someone out there made just for me. So even though there are tons of weddings (and I'm still waiting) God will bless those of us who seek His best! Don't give up on God's best for you, just be patient, even if that means your going to another wedding this weekend... like me! :)

For your Maker is your husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and your Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called. Isaiah 54:5

Tea Sets and Times

Have you ever wondered to what happened to all the time you used to have as a child? There was always time for tea parties, dress up, and singing and dancing.  This year of my life has been busy but great! Without time to relax, there has been plenty of VBS planning, Sunday school teaching, and work.  Its busy but a blast.  However, I was able to go back to the simpler times this summer with my adorable niece, we had a tea party (she painted the tea set!) It's was a good reminder, that sometimes I need to slow down and take a breath.  I still need to sit at the Lord's feet and enjoy the time His has given me.  So I want to encourage anyone who might read my crazy, small, random blog to slow down and remember and enjoy the time God has given you.

Enjoy Every Day God Has Made

Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 KJV

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth? I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

Throw Into Leadership

     During the last few months many changes have happened in my life that where very unexpected.  I was recently offered and internship for the Bible College that I graduated from.  Being very excited I deferred my next semester at jr college.  Although most people would see that as a completely dumb move I have found rest in it because God has completely provided for it as well as given me His complete conformation.  Being an intern to me seems like nothing new except for the fact that I get to mentor people and spend all my time doing what God wants me to do.  I did what He called me to do before, but this time is specifically set so I can just serve Jesus without having to worry about grades or trying to learn physiology or math.  It is quite liberating!
     That being said,  in my new position in life I've been learning a lot about leadership.  I never knew that I was called to be a leader until I was asked to be an inter.  I feel so unworthy to lead anyone.  There are many areas of my life that need work.  I thought this would disqualify me in my ministry however God has shown me that He is so full mercy that He helps me lead others.  This reminds me of 1 Corinthians 2:1,4 "When I came to you... My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power." 
     The Spiritual Leadership that God has called me to is something I cannot take frivolously.  It is my hope and prayer that you will all pray for me in this!

I see the beauty that is coming through leadership! I struggle and don't feel adequate to lead, but I know that Christ has chosen me so that I can grow in who He wants me to be.

Hershey Kisses and Priceless Thoughts

     Priceless thoughts are the thoughts we think, that are only meaningful to to who us.  This Christmas season I have decided to take time to really appreciate the things that God has done for us. He came to earth, leaving all of His power and deity to come dwell among men who didn't love Him. Most of the time I don't take the time to realize what God really did for me.  He came to this world to die on the cross.  Not as a King to rule the earth, but to live a lowly life to die on the cross and save me! What an amazing gift.
     So what are you thinking about this season? How important is it to you? I have been thinking of how busy I've been and how inconvenient it is.  But is that honestly something I should be thinking about? No it's not! The things that I need to be thinking about need to be the priceless gift that God has given to me and all the small and big things that God has blessed me with.  These need to be my priceless thoughts this season.
     Every year I get Hershey Kisses in my stocking, this year I have decided that while I eat them I will think of one thing that God has blessed me with, and then I am going to share that thought with someone in my life! I encourage anyone to join me in this endeavor.  God Bless and never forget the real gift of this season, Jesus Christ His Son, who saves us from our sins.

Take Action Now to help #FreeSaeed #SaveSaeed

This is important guys! We need to take action today to reunite this amazing pastor with his family! All prayers are needed.  We can stand on behalf of this man who is faithfully serving our Lord Jesus Christ, through prayer God can change things! Please take action! Email your representatives! It is very simple it won't take more then a few minutes of your time!

I Am......

     I am faithful.  There are many people in this world and each person has something that they claim to believe in.  Just because they claim to believe in a faith does not make them faithful.  I know that I am faithful.  I believe in the God of the Bible and His Son Jesus Christ.  The thing that makes my faithfulness different then the average faith, is that my faith is based upon a true and intimate relationship with God.  Having a relationship rather then a religion, has given me the opportunity to personally know my Lord and Savior, therefore my faith is not just traditions and laws.  Rather it is intimate and real.  I have a God who is actively working in me, changing me to be more like Him and continually proving Himself to me.  I realize that as a person I must be reassured of who I trust and of who I put my faith in.  Faithfulness to me isn’t just having a faith, so that I can tell people what my view of life is.  When I tell people I am faithful, I literally mean I am defined by my personal relationship with my Lord Jesus Christ.

     My faith in God, has brought me to a realization that I am not perfect.  I struggle with the concept of not being perfect, everything in me wants to be perfect so that I don’t have to look  down on myself,  judge myself, or fall into the category of  imperfect.  But I ultimately know that I am not perfect.  I am a sinner and I cannot be perfect enough to achieve salvation or heaven by  myself.  Overcoming the fact that I am not perfect has been a great challenge because it means admitting to myself that I need help.  God provides that help and all I have to do is grasp that free gift of salvation.  God has graciously give me this opportunity.  Faith is believing in something that is not seen and is the realization of things hoped for.  Hope literally means knowing what’s going to happen and placing all your trust into that coming hope. I am only defined as faithful because of the grace of God and the gift He has given to me through salvation.

     I am faithful, but my faithfulness is not defined by traditions.  My faithfulness is defined by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit who enables me to live out my faithfulness everyday.  In God’s mercy and love He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within those who truly believe in Him.  My faithfulness is directly derived from God, who has blessed me with faith.  I cannot achieve faith by myself.  It’s impossible, for I am too basic and simple to have this kind of strong faith in my life, if I didn’t have the true living God, indwelling in my heart.  

    Faithfulness is a blessing, I am convinced of my faith in God.  A few of the reasons that I am convinced that my God is the God of the universe who came down and died for me so that I might have a restored relationship with Him, are that He actively speaks to me, He gave me His Word (the Bible), and that God proves Himself through answered prayer and prophecy.  My faith is established when I spend time with the Lord and He speaks to me the things I need to do or truths from His Word.  Many times I think that God is silent but, but rather that I’m the one that’s not silent.  When I don’t hear from God is when I am too busy to want to hear Him.  When I take the time to listen and seek the Lord, He speaks!  When God speaks to me it is very precious and it strengthen my faith in Him and instills a greater love for Him in my heart.

    Without God my heart has a hole in it.  People say there heart has a hole in it quite often and I know that that hole in their heart just needs to be filled by God.  God made me in His image which I find profound.  He made us to be able to love and to ultimately be His bride.  Every time I realize this I am awe struck!  How could such an glorious God chose to love me so much!  I was made for God’s pleasure (Psalm 147:11, Psalm 149:4) and this I cannot comprehend.  I am not even worthy or close to being worthy of this blessing.  It makes me so joyful that I have been blessed with His favor that I just want to glorify the God who lovingly made me.

    I adore my God, I love who He is.  He is a God who is personal, that speaks, and that cares.  I am faithful, but I am still a sinner and fool.  Without God I am nothing, but another lost person with no meaning in life or purpose, because of the mercy of God I have faith.  Faith in the one true God is not disappointing to me, it is rather exhilarating and consuming.  When I take the time to sit before the Lord and have Him speak to me I learn directly from Him and His Word.  Scripture speaks of the greatness, compassion, and of how wonderful the God I put my faith in is.  Through the Scriptures, I came to a true understanding of my relationship with God (my faith).  I know that God wants to spend time with me and when I do spend time with Him I become aware of the fact that God has good plans for me.  God loves me so much, that I cannot comprehend it.  This is the reason why I am a faithful, the God of the universe sent His Son to die for me, before I loved Him or even desired to have a relationship with Him and once I understood this, there in no way that I could not love a God so loving, merciful, and compassionate to me.  Once I understood this, the Lord instilled faithfulness into my heart and that is why I am a faithful person.  God is my victory, He defeated death and sin for me.  Faithfulness defines me because it declares God’s love and victory in my life.  He is near to me and I know this because of His promises that I will never be left alone or abandoned.  Honestly, if I decided to abandon my faithfulness I would have nothing to hope in or have a purpose for my life.  Faith gives my life purpose and that purpose is to serve my God where ever I am and to share the amazing grace, love, and victory that I have found in Him.  

     Finally the only thing left to say is that I am faithful by the grace and mercy of my Savior Jesus Christ and that in Him I have found meaning and purpose for my life and He defines everything about me.

Hebrews 11:1, 6

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him