I always catch myself thinking about heaven and the day when Jesus is to return, and I get really wrapped up in trying to figure it out. Obviously, we won't know til the end, but the Bible tells us of many events (or revelations) that are to take place that we can only imagine details about. It BLOWS my mind. I may just let my fingers get kerried away and hope that I make sense to you. This blog kind-of ties into my salvation blogs...
The book of Revelation in the bible is one of the hardest to read. Not only because it is condeming, but it is flat out scary. Especially when you get to all of God's judgements. First with opening the seven seals, then the seven trumpets, then the Bowl judgements. I mean people are killing each other, the sun turns black and the moon turns blood red, the stars fall to the earth!! This is really going to happen. (I do believe though that the saved aren't here to experience this wrath.) Who's team do you want to be on? Then there is the great white throne judgement where we are ALL judged for our sins on earth and if your name isn't written in the Lambs Book of Life you were judged and thrown into the lake of fire (Hell) But then....the saved see all things made new! A new heaven and earth and a new Jerusalem. We get to walk with God and "...He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will be no longer any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away." Revelation 21 :4. Finally, we can relax from reading the previous chapters that make our hearts beat fast, stomach turn, and our shoulders tense. The reason and truth behind why we are to follow Christ... to have eternal life with Him. Everything on earth is temporary. Now is our chance to be the Christians we are called to be and to help lead others to Christ, so they too will have eternal life. It seems so simple to have our names written in that book of life. The bible says that if we confess our sins and believe that Jesus died for us, and ask Him into our hearts we are saved (saved from Hell). The bible also says that we are to bear fruit in keeping with repentance, meaning the fruit is what is our good works on earth. We have to continuously repent for our sins, because we are sinners. That is why it is so important to grow in Christ and have that relationship with him. We aren't to stay stagnant in our walk, but continue to learn and grow. That is the 'hard' I was talking about in a previous blog. It is a daily battle to win against sin and our flesh, but we have been given a full set of armor. No amount of sin can keep us away from Him, but it is written all over the bible that we are to grow. It also doesn't matter what sin you have committed. Nothing can keep you from the love of Christ. All we are to do is know that He is Truth and admit we are unworthy. Remember when Jesus was dying on the cross and the guy next to him was being crucified for being a thief and he said to Jesus I believe in you and Jesus then said, "today, you will be with me in paradise?" What a statement Jesus made just then. Sure he will be judged (because God is a just God), but he now has eternity instead of death and all he did was acknowledge that Christ was who He said He was. Here is the real verse...Luke 23:42-43 "....And he was saying, 'Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!' And He said to him, 'Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.'"
I think too, we all need to really grasp the reason why Jesus had to die. I think that unsaved...and some saved all know that Jesus died for our sins, but the reasons exactly why are left unclear and it is easy to walk away. It is simple. Our God is a just God. He is perfect. We can't fathom perfection, because we haven't seen it, but He is. When Adam and Eve sinned the punishment was death He warned them of that. That was what we call the "Fall" of man. It is our own fault that disease, death, hunger, sadness, loss, depression, you name it has filled our earth. We did that, not God, He gave us freewill. See, Adam and Eve were made perfect in order to be in His presence. A perfect God can't be with something that isn't. That is why there is separation now. So, God sent a son to die for us so that we have a chance to be renewed and so that He is still just. His son was crucified for you and me!! He took our place so that we don't have to die and get what we deserve...Hell! God loves us, and He made a way and is still a true, good, loving, perfect God. So to answer so many peoples question of "If God loved us why won't He save us?" HE DID!!! Unfortunately, we all have to die on earth, but that isn't our end. There will be a day that Jesus returns and "the dead in Christ (those loved ones who have died that have been saved) will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and we shall be with the Lord." 1Thessalonians 4:16-17
Oh goodness, I could go on and on! I haven't even touched on Paradise and Hades! That is another blog for another day!
In the mean time, I encourage all of us to examine our lives and make sure that we are glorifying that perfect God who saves us and to read our bibles!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
God Is Love
Well hello, all. So I'm still new to writing down (typing rather) thoughts that sail through my noggin box. In spite of said 'newness', it was easy to decide what to write (type) about. Okay, write = type...
I want to write about my wife. We have only known each other a couple of years, and in that short time together, I have seen her change so much.
Right off it was simple to see that she was a beautiful and amazing creature that would no doubt care for my future children and home. I also was very confident that my spousal relationship would be one of great companionship. I was correct. But underestimate did I. Kerri has become a best friend that boasts of legend. I believe now that it is impossible for me to explain the kind of bond a husband and wife can have. Now don't get carried away. Kerri and I have plenty of work to do in growing in our relationship, but I am saying that I never imagined being this happy. Jesus Christ is the reason being. Kerri and I both knew and talked about what we desired in a marriage while we were dating. We both knew that as long as we kept Jesus Christ in the center, our marriage would flourish. To me, the center means that anytime we 'relate' (touch, talk, listen, act) we emulate Jesus' example. This means loving her unconditionally.
There is a great truth that plays a part here. Kerri is part of God's creation. Furthermore, she is one of his children, a Christian, and therefore my sister in Christ. Under his authority, we are one flesh. God Himself, stepped into our physical realm to sacrifice His Son, so that Kerri could be in fellowship with Him. He did this in spite of all sin Kerri has committed, or will commit. When I focus on this truth, I cannot help but be the sweetest most compassionate husband I can think to be. I see her for what God has made her and in turn can channel His love into her. This is Jesus at the center. However, I can not boast this all the time. Without God I am incapable of love. It takes walking in God's Word and 'relating' with him first to allow His love to pour into her through me.
The changes I've seen in Kerri have everything to do with these things I speak of. I can look back at where we were when we first met and see a constant climb up, striving for a likeness to the love that God showed us. I am so blessed to have her in my life, and I am so excited for the things God has to teach us in the future.
I want to write about my wife. We have only known each other a couple of years, and in that short time together, I have seen her change so much.
Right off it was simple to see that she was a beautiful and amazing creature that would no doubt care for my future children and home. I also was very confident that my spousal relationship would be one of great companionship. I was correct. But underestimate did I. Kerri has become a best friend that boasts of legend. I believe now that it is impossible for me to explain the kind of bond a husband and wife can have. Now don't get carried away. Kerri and I have plenty of work to do in growing in our relationship, but I am saying that I never imagined being this happy. Jesus Christ is the reason being. Kerri and I both knew and talked about what we desired in a marriage while we were dating. We both knew that as long as we kept Jesus Christ in the center, our marriage would flourish. To me, the center means that anytime we 'relate' (touch, talk, listen, act) we emulate Jesus' example. This means loving her unconditionally.
There is a great truth that plays a part here. Kerri is part of God's creation. Furthermore, she is one of his children, a Christian, and therefore my sister in Christ. Under his authority, we are one flesh. God Himself, stepped into our physical realm to sacrifice His Son, so that Kerri could be in fellowship with Him. He did this in spite of all sin Kerri has committed, or will commit. When I focus on this truth, I cannot help but be the sweetest most compassionate husband I can think to be. I see her for what God has made her and in turn can channel His love into her. This is Jesus at the center. However, I can not boast this all the time. Without God I am incapable of love. It takes walking in God's Word and 'relating' with him first to allow His love to pour into her through me.
The changes I've seen in Kerri have everything to do with these things I speak of. I can look back at where we were when we first met and see a constant climb up, striving for a likeness to the love that God showed us. I am so blessed to have her in my life, and I am so excited for the things God has to teach us in the future.
Monday, February 15, 2010
books, books, books
I wasn't ever really much of a reader growing up, maybe because I had to read for school and to read for pleasure just didn't exist. But, I love to read now! I love inspirational, spiritual, fiction, and romantic books. I thought I would let you in on my latest find...
My mother-in-law got me a book called "Redemption" by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley, it is part of a series (The Redemption Series). I read it, loved it, and went to get the rest! I am almost finished with the third ( I have a problem of starting several books at the same time so sometimes it takes me a while to finish) there are five in the series. I keep thinking that it is going to get slow and boring, but she really keeps you wanting more! It is inspirational, spiritual, fiction, and romantic! My favorite combination! This is my first time reading her work and I want to read every book she ever wrote. I haven't met anyone who doesn't love them. I need to give some credit to Gary Smalley too, I am eager to read some of his books as well.
I am also loving the devotional "Jesus, 90 days with the One and Only" by Beth Moore. It is great for busy people because there isn't much homework and it is like a nice wind down for evenings before bed.
I have a GIANT book list, I have a goal to read 8 books by Easter. Hoping by letting others in on my goal I will actually do it. I hate when I say I will do something and start out real strong and then fall off. It gets on my own nerves. So, I will let you know when I finish!
If you have favorite books, comment and tell me! I love to hear peoples favorites!
My mother-in-law got me a book called "Redemption" by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley, it is part of a series (The Redemption Series). I read it, loved it, and went to get the rest! I am almost finished with the third ( I have a problem of starting several books at the same time so sometimes it takes me a while to finish) there are five in the series. I keep thinking that it is going to get slow and boring, but she really keeps you wanting more! It is inspirational, spiritual, fiction, and romantic! My favorite combination! This is my first time reading her work and I want to read every book she ever wrote. I haven't met anyone who doesn't love them. I need to give some credit to Gary Smalley too, I am eager to read some of his books as well.
I am also loving the devotional "Jesus, 90 days with the One and Only" by Beth Moore. It is great for busy people because there isn't much homework and it is like a nice wind down for evenings before bed.
I have a GIANT book list, I have a goal to read 8 books by Easter. Hoping by letting others in on my goal I will actually do it. I hate when I say I will do something and start out real strong and then fall off. It gets on my own nerves. So, I will let you know when I finish!
If you have favorite books, comment and tell me! I love to hear peoples favorites!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
ANGELS!
Angels are cool. I love to just let my mind go and try to contemplate them. Of course, I am talking about God's angels, not evil angels (demons), they give me the creeps and I do not think good things about them. The verse in Hebrews says that we may entertain angels without even knowing! I think about that a lot! Goes along with what I was talking about the other day with being kind and loving others. Also reminds me of the story of "Beauty and the Beast."( only we don't get turned into a beast, just judged in the end). I sometimes go overboard and think that I can catch them....for instance, I went to wal-mart (imagine that) one day just to pick up a couple of things. I left Audrey with Spence hoping it would be a quick trip. So, I had that wal-mart attitude to avoid everyone, stay focused, and get out. I came to the checkout only to have the chatty cashier, of course, right?! She was that sweet girl that was overboard with peppiness, I got annoyed fast. A few minutes into her compliments and short talk it dawned on me....she could be an angel and I am being rude!! I immediately changed my attitude and enjoyed the last minutes with her, walking out confident that I just met an angel. I get home and tell my husband what I found, he just chuckled. We later had the conversation again only to remind me what the verse said, we don't know that we entertain them and that it was probably my conscious (the holy spirit) that was telling me to be nice. I felt very silly, I really did think I caught one in disguise. I can't wait to really see one! I've been studying a little about them, they are just neat to learn about. They are all around, protecting us, watching, and even disguising themselves. It is overwhelming if you really start thinking about that spiritual warfare going on all around us. I look forward to the day that we too will join in with our Maker and fight for victory!
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2
Monday, February 8, 2010
Good = Hard
Losing weight, exercise, studying, working, eating healthy, relationships, quitting harmful habits ( I'm sure you can add to the list)...what do these things have in common? They are all good for us, but require self-disipline and hard work, right?
For me, relationships, is one I have the hardest time with. Over the years, I have learned a few reasons why, but I still need to be reminded. It is an amazing gift just to be able to 'relate' to one another in the first place.
Relationships with others are needed in our lives and can be blessing. And a relationship is required to know our Creator. A relationship is being connected to someone, whether it be romantically or platonic. ( Just to clarify though, I am not speaking of boyfriend/girlfriend or marriage relationships in this blog) Sometimes there are relationships that are a little more challenging than others, and frankly I think we, Christians, have fumbled at being examples of how to love the unlovable (hard to love). We can only do this in Christ, not on our own, "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides (remains) in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." John 15:5. For those who are skeptical of Christianity because of hurt feelings and such, know that "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..." Romans 3:23 , it is "hard" to be Christlike and easy to fall into sin. "For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it." Matthew 7:14, meaning that it is real hard to follow Christ, but don't the things that we work so hard for always result in victory and accomplishment? Through the Word of God (the bible), we have all the information, inspiration, motivation, guidelines, and examples to learn how to truly love each other.
Back to those difficult relationships... We are commanded to love one another, but we can't without loving God with our everything..."'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:37-39.
These are commandments. I need to learn to love others with patience, forgiveness, kindness, and goodness, like Jesus showed so that I may show my love to Him. "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34 &35. And to love those unlovables doesn't neccessarily mean you have to fully engage with them, it may mean just showing kindness, and maybe forgiveness in your heart towards them. To love others is just to love. God is love, so if I am following Him that love should radiate. For example, a few months back I went to the tag agency to get a tag for our car. I am new to this town and I am not familiar with the set up in this particular agency. There were several lines filled with people, so I just sat (I had Audrey with me) to wait on the lines to clear. I got sidetrack looking out the window and staring that I hadn't noticed I was being called to the front. "YO", yelled the worker trying to get my attention, and oh man did my blood begin to boil! I went to her practically growling and corrected her by saying, "you call me ma'am!". Throughout our transaction, she continued to be extremely rude and I left so angry and upset at how I was treated, my first reaction was to call her manager....and I did. I called only to find out she was the manager, and talked to someone under her, only to feel pathetic and embarrased. I hadn't done anything but give her the point for getting under my skin and ruining my day and if she had known I was a Christian, I just ruined my witness. What I should have done was be patient and understanding. For all I know she could have been having a horrible day, much less life. I had no idea what her homelife was like, and her job had to be boring and repetitive. Instead I ruined my chance to show her that true love, that hope. It sounds corny, but it is true and what we are all called to do. That is loving the unlovable (because it is so hard, it reaps good things). I could have prayed a silent prayer and left saying, "I hope you have a better day, " rather than, "I am calling your manager!" Oh goodness, I feel worthless. haha! That is only one example too...there are so many times that I reacted out of selfishness, and what am I left with...nothing.
Like I said, I am in practice at learning how to respond in a Godly love rather than a foolish love.
For me, relationships, is one I have the hardest time with. Over the years, I have learned a few reasons why, but I still need to be reminded. It is an amazing gift just to be able to 'relate' to one another in the first place.
Relationships with others are needed in our lives and can be blessing. And a relationship is required to know our Creator. A relationship is being connected to someone, whether it be romantically or platonic. ( Just to clarify though, I am not speaking of boyfriend/girlfriend or marriage relationships in this blog) Sometimes there are relationships that are a little more challenging than others, and frankly I think we, Christians, have fumbled at being examples of how to love the unlovable (hard to love). We can only do this in Christ, not on our own, "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides (remains) in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." John 15:5. For those who are skeptical of Christianity because of hurt feelings and such, know that "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..." Romans 3:23 , it is "hard" to be Christlike and easy to fall into sin. "For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it." Matthew 7:14, meaning that it is real hard to follow Christ, but don't the things that we work so hard for always result in victory and accomplishment? Through the Word of God (the bible), we have all the information, inspiration, motivation, guidelines, and examples to learn how to truly love each other.
Back to those difficult relationships... We are commanded to love one another, but we can't without loving God with our everything..."'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:37-39.
These are commandments. I need to learn to love others with patience, forgiveness, kindness, and goodness, like Jesus showed so that I may show my love to Him. "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34 &35. And to love those unlovables doesn't neccessarily mean you have to fully engage with them, it may mean just showing kindness, and maybe forgiveness in your heart towards them. To love others is just to love. God is love, so if I am following Him that love should radiate. For example, a few months back I went to the tag agency to get a tag for our car. I am new to this town and I am not familiar with the set up in this particular agency. There were several lines filled with people, so I just sat (I had Audrey with me) to wait on the lines to clear. I got sidetrack looking out the window and staring that I hadn't noticed I was being called to the front. "YO", yelled the worker trying to get my attention, and oh man did my blood begin to boil! I went to her practically growling and corrected her by saying, "you call me ma'am!". Throughout our transaction, she continued to be extremely rude and I left so angry and upset at how I was treated, my first reaction was to call her manager....and I did. I called only to find out she was the manager, and talked to someone under her, only to feel pathetic and embarrased. I hadn't done anything but give her the point for getting under my skin and ruining my day and if she had known I was a Christian, I just ruined my witness. What I should have done was be patient and understanding. For all I know she could have been having a horrible day, much less life. I had no idea what her homelife was like, and her job had to be boring and repetitive. Instead I ruined my chance to show her that true love, that hope. It sounds corny, but it is true and what we are all called to do. That is loving the unlovable (because it is so hard, it reaps good things). I could have prayed a silent prayer and left saying, "I hope you have a better day, " rather than, "I am calling your manager!" Oh goodness, I feel worthless. haha! That is only one example too...there are so many times that I reacted out of selfishness, and what am I left with...nothing.
Like I said, I am in practice at learning how to respond in a Godly love rather than a foolish love.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
The Joys of Motherhood
I love being a mommy so much! I was thinking the other day of all the JOYS that come with motherhood...like...
- the ability to do squats with 17lbs in one arm 1000 times a day
- the ability to use my feet and toes like two extra hands
- seeing your baby pick up something you do (like waving)
- the ability to eat while feeding her
- the ability to sleep anywhere and anytime
- folding her little clothes
- watching her grow and learn
- getting a nice headbutt when she loses balance
- always wearing clothes with spit up or slobber on them
- running to wal-mart all the time for something
- picking out outfits and trying them on her (may not be her favorite)
- laughing with her
- getting my face pulled and tugged on
- being the one she needs
- rocking her to sleep
...there are so many more little things that I could add to the list, but it would be way too long. I am so thankful for our daughter.
- the ability to do squats with 17lbs in one arm 1000 times a day
- the ability to use my feet and toes like two extra hands
- seeing your baby pick up something you do (like waving)
- the ability to eat while feeding her
- the ability to sleep anywhere and anytime
- folding her little clothes
- watching her grow and learn
- getting a nice headbutt when she loses balance
- always wearing clothes with spit up or slobber on them
- running to wal-mart all the time for something
- picking out outfits and trying them on her (may not be her favorite)
- laughing with her
- getting my face pulled and tugged on
- being the one she needs
- rocking her to sleep
...there are so many more little things that I could add to the list, but it would be way too long. I am so thankful for our daughter.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Worry
I feel like the queen of that title, worry. It's no wonder with what is happening all around us. We have fallen on extremly hard times. I feel like there is no escaping. As I grow my family, my worry seems to sometimes overtake the joy of having a family, and I begin to doubt the Truths that I know. So, this blog is dedicated to those truths in the Bible to remind me/us that we aren't to worry and that God loves us and wants us to enjoy life. No matter what happens, good or bad, all the glory goes to Him. I need to praise Him for the difficult times just as much as the good times. Here are some verses that I lean on to help me remember that I don't have to worry...
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10
You must not fear them, for the Lord your God Himself fights for you. Deuteronomy 3:22
Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18
Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10
You must not fear them, for the Lord your God Himself fights for you. Deuteronomy 3:22
Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18
Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
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