Saturday, February 20, 2010

Thought this was good!

A friend emailed me this little devo and I really loved it...
just wanted to share!

An Invitation to Desire


This may come as a surprise to you: Christianity is not an invitation to become a moral person. It is not a program for getting us in line or for reforming society. It has a powerful effect upon our lives, but when transformation comes, it is always the aftereffect of something else, something at the level of our hearts. And so at its core, Christianity begins with an invitation to desire.

Look again at the way Jesus relates to people. There is the Samaritan woman Jesus meets at the well. She has come alone in the heat of the day to draw water, and they both know why. By coming when the sun is high, she is less likely to run into anyone. You see, her sexual lifestyle has earned her a “reputation.” Back in those days, having one partner after another wasn’t looked so highly upon. She’s on her sixth lover, and so she’d rather bear the scorching rays of the sun than face the searing words of the “decent” women of the town who come at evening to draw water. She succeeds in avoiding the women, but runs into God instead. What does he choose to talk to her about—her immorality? No, he speaks to her about her thirst : “If you knew the generosity of God and who I am, you would be asking me for a drink, and I would give you fresh, living water” (John 4:10 The Message). Remarkable. He doesn’t give a little sermon about purity; he doesn’t even mention it, except to say that he knows what her life has been like: “You’ve had five husbands, and the man you’re living with now isn’t even your husband” (John 4:18 The Message). In other words, now that we both know it, let’s talk about your heart’s real thirst, since the life you’ve chosen obviously isn’t working. “The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life” (John 4:14 The Message).

Friday, February 19, 2010

Climb EVERY Mountain



"He makes my feet like the hinds' [firm and able];
He sets me secure and confident upon the heights."
2 Samuel 22:34 AMP

We all have our mountains we face in our lives, some may seem a lot larger than others, but be reminded and encouraged that God would never bring you to something that He didn't plan on carrying you through. And know that with every step He is making you stronger and more into His likeness in order to bring you to the very place you were destined for- to reign on the heights with Him! 


 "The Beauty of the Mountain is hidden for all those who try to discover it from the top, supposing that, one way or another, one can reach this place directly. The Beauty of the Mountain reveals only to those who climbed it..." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Refocused

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
Hebrews 12:2-3

This verse has been my biggest encouragement lately.
Allowing this present world to fade away and
fixing my eyes on the hope of eternity.
Just wanted to share! :)

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Sorry it's been so long!

So I'm back!! After a good 2 months of being away I'm back!!!! :)
The Lord has done so much in my life it's hard to know where to begin... so I guess I'll just start with what He's been doing in me this week. 
My motto this week is:
"I'm a work in progress! Praise God He's not through with me yet! He's the potter I'm the clay!"
With reason being, because I have been going through what some would call a "purging" season. I know I'm not perfect-just forgiven- but with that comes a desire for holiness, righteousness, and a desire to be like the one I love. The more I get to know this amazing man, Jesus, the more I see where my heart stands incomparison to His beautiful perfect love. I want to have More of Him in my life and Less of me! I want to love as He loved, with no conditions, limits, or fear. I want the relationships in my life to be consumed with the love of my Saviour... which brings me to the area He's been working on.... friendships.

I found an old sermon I heard once by Brian Houston Pastor of Hillson Church in Australia. It is called A Leader's Friendship. I want to share what I read with you and I pray that in some way it calls you to a deeper level of friendship in your relationships as it has in mine.

-As leaders we must set an example of our friendship for others to follow.
Proverbs 27:6 says "Wounds from a friend can be trusted" The true spirit of friendship is faithfulness, but many times being faithful causes us to have to confront things. This is never easy because it has the potential to would or hurt, but for the sake it may be necessary.
Real life example: Say your friend has something in their teeth. We can either:
A. be a Faithful friend and tell that person
B. be a Faithless friend and say nothing
C. be an Unfaithful friend saying nothing directly to the person then going and telling someone else about it.

Now that may seem like a mundane example but I'm sure we would all hope to have the faithful friend who would risk "wounding" us in order to prevent further embarassment or hurt. And not only would we want the faithful friend, but I hope we would all have the courage and love to BE the faithful friend.
And that faithful friend is one who loves to the utmost degree. Who gives of themselves, and RISKS for the sake of their friends betterment. A faithful friends puts others needs first and foremost. They are one who sticks closer than a brother. A faithful friend is faithful till the end.

So with that said I know I'm a work in progress and I pray  that the Lord would continue to develop His fruits in me so that I can be the kind of friend that He is to me! Thank you Jesus for filling my life with faithful friends who are amazing examples of your love and friendship!