God Is Amazing

I know I've said it before (at least in my mind) that God is amazing.  I don't always understand what He's doing or even agree with His course of action.  He sometimes lets me sit in my pain for longer than I'd like or let's me wallow in my sorrow until I just about break or even leaves me in a confused state of mind until it's uncomfortably awkward.  But - the truth is - He's still amazing!

Even when I don't hear from Him - I know He's there.  Even when I don't necessarily feel His presence - I know He still loves me.  There was a time in my life when, admittedly, I wasn't completely sure of this truth.  My insecurities played a big part in this.  I mean, really, I'm quite flawed.  I couldn't fully see what He might see in me. 

I'm older and wiser now.  I know God loves me.  I am certain of it.  How do I know this is true?  It's because I've seen (and felt) Him work in me.  I've felt the molding hands of the potter forming me into a new vessel.  Although it hurts sometimes (that reshaping), He always molds with gentleness.

You see, anybody can be a potter - even the devil.  But not everyone molds with the kind of love God does it with.  I've experienced the molding hands of the devil before (him trying to get me to believe a certain way or do certain things).  There is no love there - only condemnation.

Yes - God loves me!  I know because He takes the time to care.  He takes the time and the effort to shape me.  If He didn't love me, He would leave well enough alone because, frankly, sometimes the experience isn't pleasant for either one of us. God goes all-in and gets His hands dirty because He truly, deeply loves. 

And those silly, little, annoying flaws I have.  Well, they give me character.  I once saw them as something bad but now, I think God sees them as what makes me uniquely me.  In fact, it gives us both something to work on - together.  I think He might even enjoy the challenge.  And that, my friend, is one of the many reasons I think God is amazing!!  I mean - who goes to that much trouble?  God does!

Memory Verse Challenge - Week 4

This week's verse is an oldie but a goodie (well - I guess technically they're all old.  he he).  This verse conveys the desire God has that we not get weighed down by life's burdens.  He offers peace and comfort if we'll only come to Him with our troubles and most importantly - with our praise. 

Week 3 – Ephesians 6:11  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

Week 2 – Romans 10:17  Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ.

Week 1 – Psalm 9:9-10  The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a shelter in times of trouble.  Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Sunday Blogvotional: A Little Praise

Father I praise you and glorify you because your wisdom and love surpasses my understanding. Your kindness and mercy I will never fathom. I am so happy that you are the judge of everyone and I am not. In my imperfect understanding I would be tempted to condemn quickly. I am grateful that you look at the heart of each one of us and see what is really there. You see our struggles and our keen desire to overcome and be your obedient children.

You also see when we are hurting and desperately trying to hang on. There are times when you sorrow as you see us turning away with a hardened heart. I love you because you care. You do not give up on us. One of the verses in your word that I love is Psalm 103:14. You know how we are formed, you know that we are dust. Therefore your great compassion is always evident. We are blessed to be your children. Praise be to your Holy Name.

One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving. Psalm 62:11, 12

Encouragement for the week: Praise God because he is the final judge. He sees and knows all. Take time to feel His love and to count His blessings. What a great God we serve!  Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done.

This week's blogvotional contributed by my Mumsy.  Thanks Mom.

This Blip Called Life

Not too long ago our minister provided our congregation with an illustration.  He produced a long rope on stage which represented eternity and at the beginning of the rope was a very small section painted red.  The red part represented our lifespan.

 
Our lives, in truth, are just a blip in the scheme of things.  Once our earthly lives are over we begin to travel along the span of time called eternity.  And the farther through eternity we travel the section that was our earthly life appears to get smaller and smaller - eventually disappearing from our sight and memory.

Does that sound depressing?  I hope not.  But I do think it gives us a different perspective on the things we place our importance on.  Halfway through eternity are you even going to care about your car, house, or all those other things you possessed (or wanted to possess)?  What about the trials we go through?  Sometimes our trials last for weeks or even years.  They seem like they'll never end.  But one day they will be a far distant memory. We spend an awful lot of time worrying about things that essentially last less time than it takes to blink.

I think the most important revelation of this illustration for me is thinking about how I live this blip called life.  It's so easy to get caught up living this life for me - thinking the prize is my pleasure.  But the prize is eternity with God.  And it last a whole lot longer than any pleasure I can have in this earthly life.  I have a very short time in order to make a difference in this crazy world.  I want to make that little bit of time count. I want my life to be a light for God and not for myself.

My take-away is this:  We are given two lives.  One on earth and one in eternity.  Focus on the one where you'll be spending the most amount of time.  Make decisions with that mindset and the blessings of God will be upon you.

Memory Verse Challenge-Week 3

Last week I mentioned I was embarking on a Memory Verse Challenge in order to get the Word of God firmly planted in my heart, mind and spirit.  Each Monday I will post the new verse for that week.  I hope you will join me in this challenge.  The more we have God's word in us, the more peace we'll have in our lives.  That's the power truth has over lies.

This week's verse reminds me that God gives us the weapons we need in order to fight against any and every attack from the devil.  God never leaves us without help or support.

 

(Continue reading verses 12-18 to find out what makes up the full armor of God.)

Week 2:  Romans 10:17  Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ.

Week 1:  Psalm 9:9-10  The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.  Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.