Forever Reign

You are good, You are good,
When there's nothing good in me.
You are love, You are love,
on display for all to see.

You are light, You are light,
when the darkness closes in.
You are hope, You are hope,
You have covered all my sin.

You are peace, You are peace,
when my fear is crippling.
You are true, You are true,
even in my wandering.

You are joy, You are joy,
You're the reason that I sing.
You are life, You are life,
In You death has lost its sting.

Oh, I’m running to Your arms,
I’m running to Your arms,
the riches of Your love,
will always be enough.
Nothing compares to Your embrace.
Light of the world forever reign.

You are more, You are more,
than my words will ever say.
You are Lord, You are Lord,
all creation will proclaim.

You are here, You are here,
in Your presence I'm made whole.
You are God, You are God,
of all else I'm letting go.

Oh, I’m running to Your arms,
I’m running to Your arms,
the riches of Your love,
will always be enough.
Nothing compares to Your embrace.
Light of the world forever reign.

My heart will sing no other Name,
Jesus, Jesus.

Oh, I’m running to Your arms,
I’m running to Your arms,
the riches of Your love,
will always be enough.
Nothing compares to Your embrace.
Light of the world forever reign.

Dont Waste Your Life by Lecrae

Dang I was listening to this song today and it really convicted me. What am I doing with my life? how am I using my energy, time, money, life for the glory of God? Am I? Or am I just simply wasting it on my own sinful desires? What are you doing? Are you wasting your life?

Verse 1
I know a lot of people that are scared they gon' die,
Couple of 'em thinkin' they'll be livin' in the sky
While I'm here livin' man I gotta ask why,
What am I here for I gotta figure out,
Waste my life, no I gotta make it count,
If Christ is real then what am I gon do about,
Everything in Luke 12:15 down to 21 ya really gotta go and check it out,
Paul said if Christ aint resurrected we wasted our lives,
Well that implies that our lives built around Jesus being alive,
Everyday I'm livin tryna to show the world why,
Christ is more than anything you'll ever try,
Better than pretty women and sinning and living to get a minute of any woman and men that you admire
It aint no lie!
We created for Him,
Outta of the dust he made us for Him,
Elects us and he saves us for Him,
Jesus comes and he raises for Him,
Magnify the Father, why bother with something lesser?
He made us so we could bless Him, (Bless Him)
To the world we confess Him,
Resurrects Him,
So I know I got life,
Matter fact better man I know I got Christ,
If you don't see His ways in my days and my nights,
You can hit my breaks you can stop my lights,
Man I lost my rights, lost my life,
Forget the money, cars and toss that ice,
The cost is Christ,
And they can never offer me anything on the planet that'll cost that price

Chorus
Don't wanna waste my life, life, life,
Don't wanna waste my life, life, life,
Don't wanna waste my life, life, life,
Don't wanna waste my,
Don't wanna waste my, (x2)
Don't wanna waste my life

Verse 2
Armed and dangerous
So the devil just can't hang with us
Christian youth they must stand wid us
Livin' n driven, given a vision, fullfillin the commission he handed us
London to Los Angeles
The rap evangelist
My daddy wouldn't abandon us
"I gotta back pack fulla tracts and I gotta Johnny Mac"
So are you ready to jam with us, so lets go
Gimme the word and lets go
Persecution lets go
Tribulation lets go
Across the nation let's go
Procrastination let's go
Hung on the cross in the cold
Died for da young and the old
Can't say you never know
Heaven knows
How many souls are going to hell or to heaven so we gotta go in and get em

Chorus

Verse 3
Suffer, yeah, do it for Christ,
You're tryna to figure out what to do with ya life,
You make a lot of money hope your doin' it right,
Because the money is God's, you better steward it right,
Stay focused, you ain't got no ride,
Your life ain't wrapped up in what you drive,
The clothes you wear, the job you work,
The color your skin, nah you're Christian first,
People think they livin for a job,
Make a little money start living for a car,
Get em a wife, a house, kids and a dog,
Then they retire, they living high on the hog,
But guess what? They didn't ever really live at all,
To live is Christ, and that's Paul I recall,
To die is gain and for Christ we give it all,
He's the treasure you'll never find in a mall,
See your money, your singleness, marriage, talents, your time,
They were loanin you to show the world that Christ is divine,
That's why it's Christ in my rhymes,
That's why it's Christ all the time,
See my whole world is built around Him,
He's the life in my lines,
I refused to waste my life,
He's too true to chase that ice,
Here's my gift and time,
'Cause I'm constantly tryna to be used to praise the Christ,
If He's truly raised to life,
Then this news should change your life,
And by His grace you can put your faith in the place that rules your days and nights.

The Power of the Gospel

Recently I decided to read back through my journal during my devo one afternoon and came across a place where Carrie, the girl who discipled me, and I went through tons of verses that "explained" so to speak, the Gospel.
--Romans 1:16-17
--2 Corinthians 5:18-21
--1 Corinthians 2:1-5
--Psalm 19:7
--Jeremiah 23:29
--Isaiah 55:10-11
--Pauls work--philippians 2:17, Galatians 4:19-20, Philippians 2:12-13, 2 Corinthians 12:14-18, 2 Corinthians 11:23-29, 2 Timothy 2;2, 1 Peter 3:15, and Acts 8:32-35
--philemon 1:6
THE GOOD NEWS--but as I was reading through these passages I was convicted of my apathy in sharing the Gospel to those around me. I don't seriously the fact that there are people going to Hell and I am just sitting around watching. The cool thing about this though was that the next day I had the opportunity to share the Gospel to my speech class and it was so sweet to see God's work in it! I just want to encourage you to step out in faith, share the Gospel, look to things of eternal significance (2 Cor 4:16-18). God will use you mightily if you only follow his calling in faith.

Praise the Lord, Oh my Soul

Wow. I feel like that is all I can say at the moment. I am overwhelmed by the sovereignty and goodness of God. Why He chooses to use a broken vessel like me for HIS glory is beyond me yet he coninues to amaze me through his work in and through me. I am truly humbled. Yesterday I was trying to decide on a topic for my persuasive speech today and my mind kept on wandering back to the topic of Salvation and wanting to share the Gospel to my teacher and classmates, but I, being the stubborn person that I am, tried to ignore that, move on, and find another "more suitable" topic but God had different plans. I couldn't seem to get the idea out of my head so I gave in to what God was doing. I wasn't at all worried about the outcome of the speech: God had given me the idea and I knew that he would be faithful to see me through. He did. This morning I woke up, did some last minute preparations and headed off to class. Little did i know what God had in store. Honestly I expected to be persecuted in some way because of the topic of the speech and the hostility most people have towards is. I was prepared to get a bad grade on my speech, get weird looks, and altogether a poor response. Never underestimate God. I went up to the front and began my speech. Verses I covered were John 3:16-18, James 2:10, Ephesians 2:8-9, and Psalm 5:4-7. Powerful truth. During the speech I actually saw interest and smiles, one girl was even tearing up. My speech teacher commented on a previous speech that I have a positive energy which draws people to me especially when I talk about things that I love and are important to me and that for sure came out today! I love seeing how God can use my personality and joy for Him for His glory and purposes! What a blessing! After my speech my teacher commented on the fact that he was so proud of me for stepping out in courage and for speaking on something im passionate about even though I knew that not everyone would agree but seeing that that didnt matter to me. He said that i balanced my passion with caution to not completely reject those with different beliefs: that I was gracious in my speech. 1 Peter 3:15 says, "but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence." What a blessing to see God accomplishing that today in me! Also, after class four people came up and said how much of a blessing it was to hear my speech and how much they enjoyed it and I am beyond convinced that God did work this morning. I am utterly amazed at the greatness of God and his sovereignty in every aspect of life. To God be the Glory for the great thing he has done. May his will be accomplished.

Restless by Audrey Assad

You dwell in the songs that we are singing
Rising to the Heavens, rising to Your heart, Your heart
Our praises filling up the spaces
In between and frailty and everything You are
You are the keeper of my heart

And I'm restless, I'm restless
'Til I rest in You, 'til I rest in You
I'm restless, I'm restless
'Til I rest in You, 'til I rest in You
Oh God, I wanna rest in You

Oh, speak now for my soul is listening
Say that You have saved me, whisper in the dark
'Cause I know You're more than my salvation
Without You I am hopeless, tell me who You are
You are the keeper of my heart
You are the keeper of my heart

And I'm restless, I'm restless
'Til I rest in You, 'til I rest in You
I'm restless, I'm restless
'Til I rest in You, 'til I rest in You
I wanna rest in You

Still my heart hold me close
Let me hear a still small voice
Let it grow, let it rise
Into a shout, into a cry

Still my heart hold me close
Let me hear a still small voice
Let it grow, let it rise
Into a shout, into a cry

And I'm restless, I'm restless
'Til I rest in You, let me rest in You
I'm restless, so restless
'Til I rest in You, 'til I rest in You
Oh God, I will rest in You

Bold: Miriam

Proverbs 28:1 says, "The wicked man flees although no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion."
1 Corinthians 16:13 says, "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong."


When i asked you which one displayed boldness, a young boy speaking his mind unecesarily, or a dedicated Chrisitan sharing his faith, what would you say? The answer would be both. The young boy displayed what is called immature boldness, speaking before thinking in an outspoken, showy way. The dedicated Christian displayed mature boldness, knowing when to speak and use boldness, not using it unecesarily. In boldness, an action is required, just not required all the time, meaning to be be bold you must act, but a mature boldness doesnt require action all the time. For example, when i was younger, i was a much quieter person (if you can imagine). Talking to people was a scary thing for me. I had to be BOLD in order to reach out and talk to those around me. This doesnt mean i was talking unecesarily and all the time, i just didnt hide in the corner and watch as people walked by. Also, theres an aspect of gentleness in mature boldness. One who uses boldness correctly will use it with gentleness, the least ammount of force necessary.

Devoted: Mary the Mother of Jesus

"Behold a bondslave of the Lord, may it be done to me according to your word. My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, for he has regard for the humble state of his bonslave."

What if this was our attitude towards the plan of God? Often times i throw a fit if things dont turn out the way i want them to. When God decides to move me to Tyler, Texas and take me away from all my friends in California. When He decides to take my dear friend Jimmy to be with Him. When He decides that its not yet my time to move off and go to college but that my place is here at home. BUT when these thoughts go through my head, I am reminded of Gods faithfulness and power. God has revealed to me a part of his plan in those times and it causes me to be thankful. I am now blessed with an amazing group of close friends who push me toward truth and who always have my back. I am now blessed with the thought of my dear friend in complete and total joy and satisfaction in the presence of God, worshipping Him face to face, the time he always longed for. I am blessed with another year at home to love on my family and show them how much i care.

This is who we are: bondslaves of the Lord and if we lived our lives reflecting on that, what a difference we would make in this dark world. This humble statement of Mary's reflected the devotion she had to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was devoted, continually pursuing a relationship with Christ. If only that could be said of us. 1 Corinthians 7:34-35 says, "An unmarried woman of virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs, her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. I am saying this to you, for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way, in undivided devotion to the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:8-9 says, "Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord, so whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him." This is what devotion should look like.

A Gentle and Quiet Spirit...

Some people would say to be gentle is to be weak, this however is not the case. Lets say you are holding a newborn baby, what would be the gentle way to hold him or her? Would it be up tight and close, squeezing the baby? Would it be limply holding your arms out with barely enough support. The answer is neither. The first would be overpowering, brutal. The second would be weak and careless. The definition of gentle is: using the lease amount of force necessary. You cannot be too gentle or not gentle enough because when that happens, the action becomes something else. Gentleness is a huge strength. It takes alot of strength to know what the right amount of force necesary is and to act upon it. Often gentleness requires being more or less forceful then you normally would be. Therefore gentleness is not natural and takes alot of strength.

Is God Fair?

What does fair mean? A working definition of fair is "equal treatment". Looking at that defintion, does that define God? some wold say yes, that God equally loves us no matter what we do. Altghough I agree that God does love us despite our actions, he does not show that love equally. He loves us each differently. Blowfish gave an example. Lets say there are 18 girls in the room and you have eighteen apples BUT one of the girls hasnt eaten in a long time and needs the food more than the rest of us, what would be the FAIR way to distribute the apples? Some say it would be fairest to give extra to the one girl because she needs it more, but that turns the action into love, not fairness. Fair is giving everyone equal treatment. Love is often in direct opposition to fair, therefore God is not fair because God is love.

Beautiful: Phil Wickham

I see Your face in every sunrise
The colors of the morning are inside Your eyes
The world awakens in the light of the day
I look up to the sky and say
You're beautiful

I see Your power in the moonlit night
Where planets are in motion and galaxies are bright
We are amazed in the light of the stars
It's all proclaiming who You are
You're beautiful, You're beautiful

I see You there hanging on a tree
You bled and then You died and then You rose again for me
Now You are sitting on Your heavenly throne
Soon we will be coming home
You're beautiful, You're beautiful

When we arrive at eternity's shore
Where death is just a memory and tears are no more
We'll enter in as the wedding bells ring
Your bride will come together and we'll sing
You're beautiful

1 Peter 1:3-9, 13-19

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY." If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.”

Proverbs 31: A Woman who Fears the Lord

What does it mean to fear the Lord?
Do not fear to draw near to God, but keep the fear of God before your eyes, lest you run away (lest you fall into sin). God is a joy to be near and a terror to those who flee. If you are running from God because you are afraid of him, then you are not yet as afraid as you should be. The fear of the Lord is the fear of fleeing out of his fellowship into sin. (Isaiah 8:13, Psalm 34:7, Psalm 103:11-13, Psalm 145:19)

Why should we praise one who fears the Lord?
Psalm 37:4- delight yourself in what God delights. When we praise one who fears the Lord, we praise God.

What does a woman who fears the Lord look like?
1. not anxious about the future (prov 31:25)
2. has practical wisdom (31:26)
3. strong (31:25)
4.will not live for herself but for others (31)
5.lives for the good of the needy (31)

1 Peter 3:3-4 Word Study

"Your adornment must not be merely external--braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God." ~1 Peter 3:3-4

Greek/Hebrew Dictionary:
~Hidden: inward, secret (kruptos)- Matthew 6:4, Matthew 6:6, Matthew 10:26, Mark 4:22, Luke 8:17, Luke 12:2, John 7:4, John 7:10, John 18:20, Romans 2:16, Romans 2:29, 1 Corinthians 4:5, 1 Corinthians 14:25, 2 Corinthians 4:2

~Imperishable: uncorrupted, not liable to corruption or decay, immortal (Aphthartos)- Romans 1:23, 1 Corinthians 9:25, 1 Corinthians 15:52, 1 Timothy 1:17

~Gentle: Mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit, meekness (towards God is that disposition of spirit in which we accept his dealing with us as good and therefore without disputing or resisting) (in the OT the meek are those wholly relying on God rather than their own strength to defend them against injustice) (thus meekness towards evil people means knowing God is permitting the injuries they inflict and that he is using them to purify his elect, and that he will deliver his elect in his time) (Isaiah 41:17, Luke 18:1) (Praus)- 1 Timothy 6:11

~Quiet: quiet, tranquil (Hesuchios)- 1 Timothy 2:2

~Precious: requiring very great outlay, very costly, excellent, of surpassing value (Poluteles)- Mark 14:3, 1 Timothy 2:9

From a Normal Dictionary:
Gentle: Genrous, kind; tame; kindly, patient; not harsh or rough; of the upper classes.
Quiet: still, motionless; not noisy, hushed, not speaking, silent; not easily excited; not showy; not forward, obtrusive, peaceful, relaxing.

Prayers for the Glory of God

These are prayers found in Scripture and have helped me recognize what I should and shouldn't be praying for. Most of what I've said is from the verses listed but some of it is from different parts of the Bible so don't get confused when you read through these. I hope that these would be as beneficial to you as they were to me! Dig in!

~Matthew 6:5-14: "Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors." Do we really wish that? that God would forgive us as we forgive those who have sinned against us? Do we wish for the same tratment? I know i don't. How often do I ask for forgiveness from God when I have not forgiven the sins my brother has committed against me? This should humble us to repentance. You and me both.

~John 17: Oh Lord, my prayer for us is that you would sanctify us in the Truth, for your Word is Truth. Let us not be of the world but a wittness to thosee who do not know you.

~Romans 15:30-32: Dear Father, rescue me from the enemy's hand and let me fnd peace in You and rest in the comany of fellow believers.

~Ephesians 3:14-21: Oh God, grant me power through the Spirit, also that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith, that we may be rooted and grounded in love,that we may comprehend the "breadth and length and height and depth" of God's love, and that we may be filled with the fullness of God.

~Philippians 1:3-11: Dear Father, I pray that "He who began a good work in me will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus", that our love may abound more and more in knowledge anf discernment, that we may approve what is excellent, that we may be sincere and blameless, and that we may be filled with the Fruit of the Spirit.

~Colossians 1:3-14: Oh Lord, I pray for those new to the faith that they would be strengthened in your word, for the knowledge of God's will, that we may walk in a manner worthy of the You, that we may live a life that pleases you, that we may bear fruit as evidence of our salvation in Christ, that we may increase in the knowledge of God, that we may be strengthened in God's power, and that we would be steadfast, patience and joyful.

~2 Thessalonians 1:11-12: Dear Father, I pray that you would count us worthy of the calling, that we may lives lives that glorify you and you alone, and that we may be glorified through you because of our inheritance through faith.

WHY ME?

I am overwhelmed. Why would God choose to use a sinner such as I as an instrument for his glory? BUT he does and continues to do so. One such instance was at a camp I attended not too long ago. I dont know about you but my natural tendency in new groups is to find people like me who I would get long with, not those who actually need a friend. But God chose to change that sinful inclination for one week. Throughout that week at camp God gave me eyes to see those who were left out, those who sat at the end of the table instead of joining the group, those who were more quiet and didnt jump into conversations but instead sat there awkwardly overwhelmed by us extroverts, those who just wish they could dissapear. It was then that God worked. It's not that I intentionally ignore those who are left out but alot of times I dont keep an eye open for them which is just as bad in my opinion. But I met so many people that week that I wouldnt normally hang out with and God was really using me to be an encouragement to those around me which in turn was an encouragement to me. At the end of the week I could see the plentiful harvest God had reaped and what a blessing that was! Isaiah 55:10-11 says, "For as the rain and snow come down from Heaven and do not return there without watering the earth and making it bear and sprout and furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so will my word be which goes forth from my mouth, it will not return to me empty without accomplishing what i desire and succeeding in the matter for which i sent it." Holy Cow what an encouragement! GODS WILL WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED NO MATTER WHAT! Glory Be to God!
I want to encourage you guys to be available for God and look for ways God can use you to further HIS kingdom and glorify HIS holy name! Live like there is no tomorrow. Every day counts. DONT WASTE YOUR LIFE!
P.S. I am by no means telling you this story to say "look at what I did" "look God chose ME" but instead that it might be an encouragement to other believers and that God would recieve the full credit for what HE has done! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

A Divine Slap in the Face

God works in mysterious ways! He suprises me every time. I think I have it all together and then WHAM God puts me in line. This happened at Teen Pact Staff training this year. Aaron Watson was listing some characteristics that are found in a leader and one of them was flexibility. I thought to myself that I have that one down pretty well. I'm the kind of person that generally goes with the flow and is pretty laid back. BUT the next day we were having class at the capital and i was super excited about eating in the super wonderful cafeteria there but IT WAS CLOSED! I was frustrated when i first found out and then seconds later after the fact I checked my heart and realized that was NOT being flexible. It was a slap in the face from God. I felt like laughing out loud though for the way God put me in my place and showed me who was boss! It was definitely a humbling moment and a good learning experience! God reminded me that even the things i think I have all together, i really dont. My life is in a continual process of sanctification. Amen!