my--

10-30-2014

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:2 NIV)

God is my foundation on whom I rely for all things. He is the source of my blessings and he carries me through hardship. he comforts me when in times of desperation. he is there when evil calls and gives me the strength to persevere and overcome. because of him, no obstacle is too great for me. 

because I can rely on God for all things, I need not worry. in good time, in his time--I'll get things done.  I'll fulfill his promise according to his designs and his pace of change.

I will study and fear not and sleep reasonably.

Made Complete By Him: By Faith

10-29-2014

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8, 9 NIV)

God gave me the gift of life through him and it is by faith in his power that I have received this and not by any actions of mine.  he gave it to me though I don't deserve it.

I must pass it on and fulfill my duty as a Christian to spread the word and fish on his behalf and to believe and witness in my life. we're back to it--stop the profanity.... remember to rely on him for strength and have faith in his power to help you because without him you are nothing and have nothing of which to boast. you are made whole in him alone. he completes you.

that's tomorrows goal. and to focus on studying for Fridays exam with faith in you and how everything will be okay. 

Sacrifice for Eternity

10-28-2014

Matthew 16:26  NIV

26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

what good would it be if someone only acquired earthly riches but lost their humanity in the process to sin and evil.  gold and material possessions are temporary but forever is a relationship with Christ our Lord.

I ought to be sacrificing everything I have for god and for my relationship with him. it doesn't matter the discomfort of a career completely pursuing him and saving his children and working in constant danger and fear. he's there for me and ultimately it's most important if I can service him. and honestly its the same right now with the homeless shelter. keep going and have no fear because God will protect you and open doors such that you can share love with the women there.

just keep going and same on the daily mechanisms by which you can connect and fellowship with God.

A Necessary Peace of Me

10-27-2014

John 16:33
“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.”

JOHN 16:33

life can get unreasonably nerve-racking.

Christ told us things about what is to come so that we take heart, are brave, and know that with him, we're capable of overcoming the world.  with him, anything is possible.  with him, you can most certainly do great things beyond others' imagination.

somehow you have been blessed despite unfaithfulness, but that cannot continue any longer.  certainly you must get right back on track!!!  this is the week for that to happen.  yesterday's shortcomings must be resolved today.  this is a fresh page and mistakes and forgetfulness of the past will be "excused," but forthcoming it will be rectified immediately as soon as it is noticed and there shall be no procrastination because the peace of Christ is a necessary entity of feeling with which to exist.  without it I am so so lost.

return "home" today and immediately set about finishing your letter to the one true God.  return home and do your devotional. think more about your testimony.  write down the blessings that he has imparted upon you this day.  fill yourself with him and be satiated by him alone.

Come One, Come All--all the time

on behalf of 10/26/2014

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.  (Galatians 6:10 NIV)

Unselfishly bring your knowledge to the benefit of others and other Christians.

we have a duty to share and love one another.  it's not tough love, its real love and we should care for our brothers and sisters and do everything in our power as potentially more mature believers to stop their stumbling.  we should also do our best to make everyday count and start everyday remembering God and by starting now and not worrying about the past, have more momentum going forward and just make this a new page.  and others, when they see us, ought to recognize that we're believers.

love others.

welcome everyone. play a more active role in inviting people to church.  pursue God and grow. grow, grow, grow.  try the Thursday bible study on campus with pastor mike.  i think you'll grow more.  study beforehand.  you don't want that to inhibit you from growth.  there should always always always be time for God.

TRANSCRIBE,PRAY,COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS,DAILY DEVO.

there aren't that many things, and yet its so hard ): that's not cool. God wants us to fellowship with him.  moments like this spent with him are so precious.  don't let it escape from you.

Recognizing

10/21/2014

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them

JOHN 3:3

whoever recognizes Christ has a place in the kingdom of God, but whoever does not believe and recognize Christ will not be able to join God's kingdom and will instead face the wrath of God. God's wrath will remain with them--implying that such is our natural punishment under circumstances.  for we are not normally under God's  graces, and it is only by him that we can come to experience life.  full covering and death to sin.  

what do we do as a result of our imperfection and shortcomings?   well, place God over social gatherings.  or basically anything and everything else.  that's one way to do it.

a new house

10-14-2014

A New House

Haggai 2:9  NIV

9 ‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the Lord Almighty.”

the new city which the lord erects will be more beautiful and perfect than the current city which we observe here.  not only this, but this new city will experience a peace and harmony like none other and people will exist together.

this city is the new Jerusalem. this city is the new people that we become on knowing him. our new selves are more beautiful than anything we could have imagined. our new selves will better reflect his image. our new selves will be peace makers and glorify the lord. 

become your new self. live for God. shhhh. other people don't need to know. be the new you--a new house for the spirit of God to live within. 

without reluctance

10-16-2014

Malachi 3:10  NIV

10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.

put 10% of what you have into the storehouse --the temple of god--and trust God for it to all work out. see if he won't just unleash all blessings unto you for your faith and pour out his love to the point where there's no room for anymore in his stores.

God surprises us and he loves when we need it most and when we don't know what we need and he fulfills us in just every way. God is incredible. give and see his glory unfold before you. I plan to go with something to that a effect, anyhow. 

trust God with every part of your life and see how he changes you for the better. just let him take care of it, don't try and hold back certain areas. you have to throw yourself into God completely. no half way. give him your anxieties for the chemistry exam. and trust him with your time and to bring you where you need to go, academically and otherwise. 

a double edged sword

on behalf of 10-15-2014

As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. (Psalm 18:30 NIV)

god is the pinnacle of perfection and protects everyone who seeks him out. the word is golden and both a weapon and shield. a double edged swords

for that weaponry it's necessary that time and dedication be applied. refuge in God must occur actively as the first line of both defense and attack. pray remember and love. first go to God. with anything, happy sad or otherwise. know this. 

on my own

10-13-2014

On My Own

For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. (James 3:16 NIV)

being jealous of others and wanting to achieve goals on behalf of ones self leads to evil and sin of every kind rather than any benefit or achievement.

better it is to practice living for the sake of God and keep ones sight on action for him only. love him and be sure to keep him as your reason. not self glory or power or recognition or praise or gain.

and honestly, your best avenue for demonstrating that living for God is by straight up humility. that's one of your biggest pitfalls. you need not tell--God and Lydia are sufficient ears. they will love you unconditionally and understand and appreciate. 

know this. shy from the evil of arrogance.

nothing else

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. PSALM 34:8

live fully for God and observe in full how wonderful he is.  see his majesty.  his power.  his wonder.  the full extent to which his blessing stretch.  live to see him refill your cup many times over and be thrilled by his overwhelming grace.  allowing him to be your protector is the best thing for your life like ever.

there's no place that I'd rather be than here with you oh God. you are everything. 

all the time

on behalf of 10-11-2014

Habakkuk 3:17-18  NIV

17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord ,

though the situation seems grim and the harvest bad and famine prevalent and no animals to be eaten and life around you seems to generally suck, you ought to rejoice and be cheerful in the lord.

the will of god depends on that which he's provided and he will always provide the necessary seed for that which he has planned. that is how we are to know what he has in mind for us. be happy in good times but especially in bad times! bad times are the ones in which gods wonders reveal themselves the most.

what does that mean for me? even in stressful times remember to honor god and prioritize him. MAKE THE TIME in both good times and bad. 

inside [him]

on behalf of 10-10-2014

Nahum 1:7  NIV

7 The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,

the lord is so good to me and he is righteous and he is a safe haven in himself when I'm having a rough time of trouble or anxiety or desperation. trusting in him is the absolute best thing. 

I have a business exam tomorrow and the absolute best thing I can do is stay away from anxiety and trust everything that I have in the lord. in this way, the benefits will be much much greater than worrying for absolutely nothing. because god is so generous and good and whatever will be will be and god is watching over me and has everything along the way under utmost control.

have peace of mind and take shelter in him and his protection. know security through God. 

tonight I compel myself with this--study hard and after Tucson meet yourself, look at the old exams and maybe go to UMC and watch the old lecture. don't allow distractions to come between you and the books or to detract from the peace of god in focus.

Far from the Faulty and Defective

10-7-2014

The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. (Proverbs 15:29 NIV)

God is the farthest thing imaginable from the wicked but he acknowledges the prayer of those who are righteous and truly looking to live a life pleasing to him. he distances himself from evil but is the ever present rock and strength of those after his own heart.

wow....I outright lied about being a Midwestern visiting student today. FLIP. if questions get asked, I'm so screwed. ok. um. so try and fix it and everything and be up front and no more of this working around in an unethical manner. just be real and get things the legitimate way. otherwise there'll definitely be problems. learn from this scare and God I just pray that you give me a chance to redeem myself from this pitfall. ugh. please don't let it hurt too bad, if at all. :3 gosh, I hadn't done something super shady like that in a long time and it's actually insanely difficult to lie through my teeth like that. gosh. God is far from the wicked. at the core I.... I'm so bad and faulty an defective. but.... does it count for anything that right after I wished I'd just said that I'm a wildcat? because then I would have been telling the truth without providing details. idk.... what I do know, though is that I can mostly fix this and be better in the future. that, I DO know for sure, and I will most certainly be working towards a holier reflection of you. 

but seriously, feel free to jump in and help at any time.

Cry Out to Jesus

on behalf of 10-8-2014

Jonah 2:2 NIV

2 He said: “In my distress I called to the Lord , and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.

when lost and in need he called to the lord for help and the lord answered. no matter how far or how deep in he is, the lord is there.

remember the lord is always there and ready to help you even when things are good. he is the best friend you'll ever have, the best back up in the world, the best first assist, the best guide for your life path. hes hiked this trail before. he knows what's up and how to make you better.

what doe that translate to for me? wake up and praise the lord for all the beauty he's propagated in your life. the most incredible 18 years I could have possibly imagined. no questions asked, hands down.

pray all the time. gong to sleep, getting up. before meals. whenever having a free moment. always looks to God for direction. pray about classes!!! this I do ask in your sons name.

continue trying to live a life fully pleasing to him. study early. keep this body a proper temple, home away from home but becoming a truer home everyday.

Pathways

10-6-2014

May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NIV)

this is a full fledged thank you to the lord in appreciation of his greatness and  a plea for direction towards his love and persistence in sharing with people.

do I strive enough for your perfection? not mine, but the values you put forward and hold to the highest degree of righteousness? and do I persevere through the pains of life to do what you would ask of me and want for me? I should hope so.

my objective today: be worry free, trust you and restrain myself from dependence on anything but him (like food), remember to ask for wisdom and peace of mind for this looming day ahead. it's terrible.

Trajectory to Righteousness

on behalf of 10-5-2014

I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. (Psalm 119:7 NIV)

you are holy and good and I have such an infinite amount to learn from you.  there is nothing more fitting than to praise you as I learn either

You move at your own pace and move me along with you but all in good time and as I'm sitting here waiting--patience certainly isn't the easiest thing and waiting is quite excruciating--im honestly just confronted by how lacking I am so many capacities.

what I said before--just this sense of inadequacy for certain things, goals.  I've never seen school as a difficult thing. nothing that required TRULY LEGITIMATE FULLY FLEDGED EFFORT; it was just taking like ten minutes to read over notes I'd taken. NOW THOUGH, its like just spending a sheer amount of time in order to read and memorize things... it's insane. more than like an hour and it's ridiculous and blows my mind and pisses me off because of all that work T-T

The Fault in My Stars

on behalf of 10-4-2014

 "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him" (John 14:23).

One who truly loves Christ and understands the parameters of his operation and the way in which he carries out his life and keeps his word--such a person, God will love and welcome to his home.

I think you already know what I must do at the point. and possibly get some sleep. man that'd be really nice right about now.

Ours

10-3-2014

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6 NIV)

God has given us his son, to bear the weight of the world and show us how we ought to rule and he is our mighty God, our direction, our father, our harmony.

I should treat him with all due respect always. pray before each meal and give that. pray before sleeping. as you wake up. for he is your king.

More Being

10-2-2014

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12 NIV)

when hoping, have joy thanks to God. when suffering, be patient. when praying, believe your prayers will be answered.

be hopeful about "the situation". and have joy. no matter what, God is here and for you. whatever the anxiety of waiting for a response, be patient because it's all in His plans. when you pray, remember that he'll answer you. in his own way. eventually you know whether or not this is for you and whether or not there's even any potential. according to him. all you can do is have prayerfully patient hope for the future.

don't think about him. just waitttt.

A Mind United

10-1-2014

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. (1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV)

we're supposed to be in agreement with one another on what we say --we being Christians--and we ought to not form factions against one another. mind and thought. this is difficult to wrap my brain around. what is the difference even between mind and thought. is there one? the mind simply seems to be an aggregate of thoughts in all honesty. it's hard to wrap my brain around... I mean, I guess that makes some degree of sense since that would indicate unity of the entire component, but it's still a strange idea of separation btwn singular and plural thoughts/the mind.

well apart from the context of your word. honestly--agreement with others on ANY subject is difficult to come by. no less agreement with mom. so... what I rly need is my passport. ohhh my gosh. like it just keeps coming back to that. I have a duty, agreeing with mom enough in thought and mind to effectively convince her to give me that pesky document. and at that point, I will be absolutely thrilled and keep the darned thing because it's only a month in between for which I would be keeping it and I like it that way. after I get it, I think theres no way they could convince me to give it back and I'll just be way to busy to go home or be visited. I'm sure that they would come to see me but I'll still find a way to just meet them not at the dorm or like to have it put away somewhere else so that I don't have access when they come and ask me. 

perfectly united in mind and thought. with no divisions. I'll work on amending divisions between us. that's something I _could_ do.