The other day I was whining about not feeling pretty, and my dad says be quiet we (talking about himself and my mom) don't make ugly. It made me laugh :). But as I was thinking about that today, it makes me realize what our Heavenly Father says when we start complaining about the things of this world. The Bible says we are created in His imagine.
Genesis 1:27 says, "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."
God's Word also tells us that we should not worry about having the most fancy, trendy clothes either or what we will eat and drink. He will always provide for us what we need.
Matthew 6:25-29 says, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these."
So complaining about what we don't have or about our appearance is kind of a slap in the face to God, to put it bluntly. Think about it, we are created in God's image. Let that sink in for a minute. We've got some VERY big shoes to fill. Obviously we cannot ever measure up to God. Afterall we are only human. But we are called to be His hands and feet and a light in this dark, sinful world. God has called us to be like Him. Being filled with the Holy Spirit, I know I can do ALL things in His strength (Philippians 4:13). But when I try to do things on my own, that's when I start to fail.
Am I gonna still mess up and "slap" God in the face a few more times in my life? DUH! Of course I am. It's human nature. No use lying to myself or anyone else. But I am always striving to do what's right. Yes, the flesh may outweigh the Spirit a time or two, but thank goodness I serve a God full of grace and mercy, and my favorite...unconditional love!
"I know that I'm a princess, because my Father is the King of kings." And He has made me beautiful.
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Through Christ...
These hands are useless without Your touch, but through Christ I can do all things.
These feet wander without Your guidance,
but through Christ I can go wherever He leads.
These ears are not intune with Your Spirit without Your Word,
but through Christ I can listen to His voice.
Let my mouth sing praises to Your Name,
so that all may know and hear and feel Your power!
These feet wander without Your guidance,
but through Christ I can go wherever He leads.
These ears are not intune with Your Spirit without Your Word,
but through Christ I can listen to His voice.
Let my mouth sing praises to Your Name,
so that all may know and hear and feel Your power!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Wondering why you're wandering
Webster's Dictionary defines 'wander' as "to move about without a fixed course, aim, or goal; to go idly about; or to go astray."
Many times it feels like we are just wandering through life. But the awesome thing about being a Christian is we do not have to wander and muddle through, we have Someone who leads, guides, and directs our path. I know all too well how easy it is to stray off the path God has planned for your life. Been there, done that. There are many repercussions and consequences of straying off the straight and narrow path. The hurt, pain, and brokeness is not worth the short amount of pleasure or fun you experience during sinfulness. Take it from me, it is much better to stay in accordance to God's will for your life and to walk in obedience than it is to rebel against all you know to be true and right.
Here's some scripture to ponder on that backs up what I am saying:
"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." Psalm 119:105
Knowing God's Word acts as a light in this dark world.
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:5-6
We must trust in God and not on ourselves. Letting go and letting God is much easier said than done, but it is so worth it in the end. If we finally let go and give God complete control He will make our paths clear and straight. I like how the Message Bible words this scripture.
Verses 5-12: "Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline; don't sulk under his loving correction. It's the child he loves that God corrects; a father's delight is behind all this."
So if you are "wondering why you're wandering," it's time for a spirituality check. I figure it's best to call it that, because I think a reality check has to do more with the world. Get into the Word and see how He speaks to you today. There's no need to wander when we have the "Light of the world" to guide us.
"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14
Many times it feels like we are just wandering through life. But the awesome thing about being a Christian is we do not have to wander and muddle through, we have Someone who leads, guides, and directs our path. I know all too well how easy it is to stray off the path God has planned for your life. Been there, done that. There are many repercussions and consequences of straying off the straight and narrow path. The hurt, pain, and brokeness is not worth the short amount of pleasure or fun you experience during sinfulness. Take it from me, it is much better to stay in accordance to God's will for your life and to walk in obedience than it is to rebel against all you know to be true and right.
Here's some scripture to ponder on that backs up what I am saying:
"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." Psalm 119:105
Knowing God's Word acts as a light in this dark world.
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:5-6
We must trust in God and not on ourselves. Letting go and letting God is much easier said than done, but it is so worth it in the end. If we finally let go and give God complete control He will make our paths clear and straight. I like how the Message Bible words this scripture.
Verses 5-12: "Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline; don't sulk under his loving correction. It's the child he loves that God corrects; a father's delight is behind all this."
So if you are "wondering why you're wandering," it's time for a spirituality check. I figure it's best to call it that, because I think a reality check has to do more with the world. Get into the Word and see how He speaks to you today. There's no need to wander when we have the "Light of the world" to guide us.
"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14
What is right?
What is right? Lately I've been asking myself this. Is what's right for me, always what's right for you? Let's take a look at some scripture that gives us some insight as to what is right in this world.I think Philippians 4:8 is a great place to start on this journey of finding out what is right.
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Okay, so we are to think on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Well, what in this world that we live in lines up with these truths? Ponder on that for a minute before moving on to the next scripture.
Colossians 3:1-3 says, "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."
What does it really mean to set our hearts and minds on things above? I think it goes along well with the verse in Philippians; the things above are true, nobel, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. So we must not only think on these things, but set our minds on them. Often times I pray "in with the good, out with the bad." We must put good stuff in our minds, like the truths in scripture, so that we dwell on those things and not on the junk of the world. If we continually dwell on the things of this world, then we will eventually act on these thoughts. The Bible says that even if we think something sinful, then we are sinning.
"Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." 2 Corinthians 7:1
It says in 2 Corinthians that we must purify ourselves from everything that contaminates our bodies and spirit and perfect our holiness with God. What contaminates your body and spirit?
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Romans 12:2 tells us that we should not conform to this world. Webster's Dictionary defines conform as, "to be similar or identical." So the Bible says that we should not be similar to the world. The verse goes on to say that we must be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Well let's ask Mr. Webster for a better understanding of the word transformed. Transform - "to change in character or condition." Well how are we to change ourselves and renew our minds? The best way to do that is to read God's Word. We must fill our minds with His truths, and not satan's lies.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Corinthians 5:17
If we really say that we're Christians and love God with all our hearts, then we are new creations. We're not the same ol' sinners anymore. We're sinners that have been forgiven by the grace of Jesus Christ.
"My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified." John 17:15-19
These verses basically tell us that, as Christians, we are in this world, but we are not of it. This world is not my home.
So let's get back to the question: what is right? Here's what God has been showing me.
First let me explain how I used to think about things. Up until recently I thought that Christians who steered clear of certain types of movies, music, or TV shows were crazy and radical. Types of movies, music, and shows that could open up our minds and allow satan to fill our thoughts with evil things and desires. My response would be that it's just a movie. Or I just really like the beat to the song, the lyrics mean nothing to me. I admit now that I was wrong in thinking this way.
Yesterday my sister and I watched several episodes of the "Vampire Diaries." We had been getting caught up on some of the older episodes we had missed. I'll admit that I enjoy watching shows such as this and never really thought about the repercussions it could have on me. So, after wasting several hours of my morning/afternoon watching the episodes, I finally start getting ready for my day. As I was taking a shower, I felt a dark cloud looming around me. I knew instantly that watching this show had caused some sort of evil to invade my mind. I struggled with this realization for a while. I knew and still know there are certain things I have to give up or steer clear of in order to continue living the abundant life God has set before me. My flesh struggled to hold on to the fact that I really wanna go see the new Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn, at midnight.
Now you might say I've become one of those crazy, radical Christians, but for me, watching and listening to things like this allows an avenue for evil to squeeze it's way into my life. Things that do this to you, should probably be eliminated from your life. Maybe you can separate reality from movies/music, that's great; but for me, what is right is to just stay away and to fill my thoughts with things that are true, nobel, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.
I'm sure some of you are thinking, Kathryn has gone crazy. Well you're right, I'm crazy for Jesus. I wanna be able to call myself a Jesus Freak and actually mean it. I wanna be separated from this world, yet be in it enough to be able to bring "outsiders" to the light, to Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit has totally transformed my thinking and my life. Yes I still have A LOT to work on and MUCH to learn, but I know that God is filling me and using me for His glory. I'm overwhelmed by His love and grace and mercy. I wanna share His love with others. I want Jesus to love through me. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
When we're walking in accordance to His plan and living in obedience to Him, He blesses us and works things together for our good. No, life will never be perfect on this earth. We will continually have struggles. And we will continue to sin and mess up, because that's what humans do. But I find it encouraging that we do not have to walk and live this life alone. Jesus is always here to lead, and guide, and direct our paths; and to comfort us and lift us up when we're down. He puts people in our lives to love and encourage us. He loves us so much that He died for all our dirty, messy, disgraceful sins; so that one day we can live in His Kingdom, heaven, with Him for eternity. He died for me, so I'm choosing to live for Him! Who's with me? Who is willing to give up the things of this world to truly seek their Savior? God never said the journey would be easy, just that it would be worth it. I want this to really mean something, and not just be words on a page. I know that someone needs this realization just as much as I do.
I pray that as you read this you will be filled with God's love and Holy Spirit. And that hearts will be convicted. Going through the motions in life is not what God has called us to do. God has called us to preach the gospel and to love others and to treat everyone how we want to be treated. There are so many awesome truths in the Bible. So let's wake up to those truths and start living by them. I love all of you. We need to surround each other with God's love. And be there to encourage and speak into other's lives. Please share this note with anyone you feel needs to hear it. I know that God has given me these words to share for a reason. And I pray I live up to the calling, whatever that may be, God has placed upon my life. Let's just all enjoy the journey and allow Him to use us for His glory!
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Okay, so we are to think on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Well, what in this world that we live in lines up with these truths? Ponder on that for a minute before moving on to the next scripture.
Colossians 3:1-3 says, "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."
What does it really mean to set our hearts and minds on things above? I think it goes along well with the verse in Philippians; the things above are true, nobel, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. So we must not only think on these things, but set our minds on them. Often times I pray "in with the good, out with the bad." We must put good stuff in our minds, like the truths in scripture, so that we dwell on those things and not on the junk of the world. If we continually dwell on the things of this world, then we will eventually act on these thoughts. The Bible says that even if we think something sinful, then we are sinning.
"Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." 2 Corinthians 7:1
It says in 2 Corinthians that we must purify ourselves from everything that contaminates our bodies and spirit and perfect our holiness with God. What contaminates your body and spirit?
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Romans 12:2 tells us that we should not conform to this world. Webster's Dictionary defines conform as, "to be similar or identical." So the Bible says that we should not be similar to the world. The verse goes on to say that we must be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Well let's ask Mr. Webster for a better understanding of the word transformed. Transform - "to change in character or condition." Well how are we to change ourselves and renew our minds? The best way to do that is to read God's Word. We must fill our minds with His truths, and not satan's lies.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Corinthians 5:17
If we really say that we're Christians and love God with all our hearts, then we are new creations. We're not the same ol' sinners anymore. We're sinners that have been forgiven by the grace of Jesus Christ.
"My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified." John 17:15-19
These verses basically tell us that, as Christians, we are in this world, but we are not of it. This world is not my home.
So let's get back to the question: what is right? Here's what God has been showing me.
First let me explain how I used to think about things. Up until recently I thought that Christians who steered clear of certain types of movies, music, or TV shows were crazy and radical. Types of movies, music, and shows that could open up our minds and allow satan to fill our thoughts with evil things and desires. My response would be that it's just a movie. Or I just really like the beat to the song, the lyrics mean nothing to me. I admit now that I was wrong in thinking this way.
Yesterday my sister and I watched several episodes of the "Vampire Diaries." We had been getting caught up on some of the older episodes we had missed. I'll admit that I enjoy watching shows such as this and never really thought about the repercussions it could have on me. So, after wasting several hours of my morning/afternoon watching the episodes, I finally start getting ready for my day. As I was taking a shower, I felt a dark cloud looming around me. I knew instantly that watching this show had caused some sort of evil to invade my mind. I struggled with this realization for a while. I knew and still know there are certain things I have to give up or steer clear of in order to continue living the abundant life God has set before me. My flesh struggled to hold on to the fact that I really wanna go see the new Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn, at midnight.
Now you might say I've become one of those crazy, radical Christians, but for me, watching and listening to things like this allows an avenue for evil to squeeze it's way into my life. Things that do this to you, should probably be eliminated from your life. Maybe you can separate reality from movies/music, that's great; but for me, what is right is to just stay away and to fill my thoughts with things that are true, nobel, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.
I'm sure some of you are thinking, Kathryn has gone crazy. Well you're right, I'm crazy for Jesus. I wanna be able to call myself a Jesus Freak and actually mean it. I wanna be separated from this world, yet be in it enough to be able to bring "outsiders" to the light, to Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit has totally transformed my thinking and my life. Yes I still have A LOT to work on and MUCH to learn, but I know that God is filling me and using me for His glory. I'm overwhelmed by His love and grace and mercy. I wanna share His love with others. I want Jesus to love through me. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
When we're walking in accordance to His plan and living in obedience to Him, He blesses us and works things together for our good. No, life will never be perfect on this earth. We will continually have struggles. And we will continue to sin and mess up, because that's what humans do. But I find it encouraging that we do not have to walk and live this life alone. Jesus is always here to lead, and guide, and direct our paths; and to comfort us and lift us up when we're down. He puts people in our lives to love and encourage us. He loves us so much that He died for all our dirty, messy, disgraceful sins; so that one day we can live in His Kingdom, heaven, with Him for eternity. He died for me, so I'm choosing to live for Him! Who's with me? Who is willing to give up the things of this world to truly seek their Savior? God never said the journey would be easy, just that it would be worth it. I want this to really mean something, and not just be words on a page. I know that someone needs this realization just as much as I do.
I pray that as you read this you will be filled with God's love and Holy Spirit. And that hearts will be convicted. Going through the motions in life is not what God has called us to do. God has called us to preach the gospel and to love others and to treat everyone how we want to be treated. There are so many awesome truths in the Bible. So let's wake up to those truths and start living by them. I love all of you. We need to surround each other with God's love. And be there to encourage and speak into other's lives. Please share this note with anyone you feel needs to hear it. I know that God has given me these words to share for a reason. And I pray I live up to the calling, whatever that may be, God has placed upon my life. Let's just all enjoy the journey and allow Him to use us for His glory!
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