His Love is Perfect

Sometimes through trials come the most significant and insightful Words of your life. While this may not be the most significant, it was so profound to me and touched me deeply. I love my husband dearly, he means the world to me. We have a fabulous marriage, and I'm very very blessed to be his wife, that being said though, not every moment is perfect. In one of those less than perfect moments I prayed to God asking Him "God, why are relationships so hard?". I understand that to have a great relationship with your spouse it takes a lot of work and even more patience and understanding. More like all the fruits of the spirit! love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, etc etc. That's not what this is about though. As I prayed I felt the Holy Spirit speaking to me answering my silly and kind of obvious question with "because no love is perfect, except mine!"
After I heard that in my mind, I fell asleep and began dreaming. In my dream God was singing (I could not see God but just knew)And God sang to me "Your grace is renewed. Your grace is renewed." behind Him was a choir of angels singing "His Love is Perfect, His love is Perfect" the song was so beautiful that there is no way it could ever be duplicated on earth. I'm not telling this as a bragging thing, but more so as a reminder to myself the tremendous love God has for me. So I can look back when I'm discouraged and feeling like God isn't there, I can remember, His love IS perfect!
What happened next is so typical of us as humans, and as children born in sin. My husband came in to spend time with me, and show me he loved me. I was woken up from a beautiful song, and my husband didn't say everything I wanted him to say. He didn't apologize like I thought he should, he didn't touch me like I wanted him to. His eyes didn't show the compassion that I was expecting, or wanting. So instead of listening to the voice of the Lord, I was angered at my husband. I was irritated that he wasn't living up to his full potential. This was simply a moment of me being so blinded by the log in my eyes that all i could see was wood, and assumed it was my husbands fault.
After a few minutes of a brief argument followed by: "lets forgive each other and start the day over", we made up and then I remembered my dream and my prayer. I shared it with my husband, and things are back to normal with our date night back on the schedule for tonight.
Why cant we be perfect? Why cant we love perfectly? As much as I like to think I love my husband perfectly, reality is that I don't! And I am human, and I make mistakes, and so does my husband. If I want his forgiveness for being overly emotional, or choosing bitterness over gentleness, then I need to forgive his shortcomings as well. No one is perfect, even though I completely believe my husband is perfect for me. Truth is only God's love is perfect!

Faith in your faith? or Faith in God?

First let me say that since having a computer, I'm now completely confused as to how this whole things works. pictures...? How on earth do i get them here?! The right click thing on my mouse isn't working, and now I'm stuck >.<
So on to what I was going to say, a lot of things in my life right now are requiring lots of faith. From health issues with my grandma, to no job for my husband (still), to seemingly nice opportunities in other states, and we really need to know what way to turn. My husband and I set aside a week to really pray, and for part of it we fasted. We don't want to move if that's not God's will, however our situation right now really seems impossible. Is God the God of the impossible? I believe He is, yet my flesh cries out for something simpler, something that maybe we could do on our own without having to depend on God for every.little.thing. But isn't that how He likes it?
As my husband and I struggled with why we don't have a job, and why my grandma's health has been failing even after so many prayers, and why we still have to live in a small 2 bedroom apartment with four little kids to care for, etc etc. Our conversations had somehow turned to the questions of "do we have enough faith?" . Without realizing it, at our care group the leader said something that hit so hard it's been on my mind ever since. He said "it's not about having faith in your amount of faith, it's simply just having faith in God" oh! DUH!!
So all this time I've been thinking to myself, do I have enough faith? Is it enough for _____ to happen? When all along all I needed to do is know that: it's not about trusting my faith to get the job done, it's just about trusting God to get the job done. Okay, maybe I'm the only one realizing this, but I have to say it was a big eye opener!
Since care group that night my husband and I felt strongly that we knew the answer to if we should move or stay. God has us here for a purpose, and the sooner we accept that, the sooner we can fulfill that purpose. Although to be honest, the grass sure is greener on the other side. But if God is not wanting you to make that decision, or take the step, or make the move, then that grass will soon wither and be scorched with fire.
Just sayin' ;)

Persistence

Right now in my life I would have to say that persistence is one thing I wish would come by me easier than it has been. Persistence, or endurance, or even motivation, would all be very nice if it came gift wrapped with a nice bow on top. Unfortunately it doesn't come like that and more often than it not, those qualities come through hardship, life experience, trial and error, or if your lucky it comes through the persistence of your parents in their ways of raising you. But for those of you who were raised in a more hap-hazard, "go-with-the-flow" kind of life then these qualities are not ones that come by you easily. I've often wondered to myself why I'm not where I thought I was supposed to be in my life. and though I could be wrong, I think a lot of it comes down to my lack of perseverance. my eyes were opened to several examples in the Bible of people who persevered, and didn't give up, and because of that they received what God wanted for them.

First lets look at Joseph:

You could look at his life and say either he had terrible luck, or he had great luck, depending on how you view it. He was thrown in a pit because of a dream he had, he was thrown in jail because of his stand for purity and justness, but then he was made second in command at a very crucial point in time. Through all of it though, he kept his belief, he had a good work ethic, he didn't throw up his hands in despair. He never gave up! However, it took years and years and years of one seemingly hopeless situation after another for him to be put where God wanted him. He kept a good attitude and therefore everyone around him respected him.

Second example would be David:

There was a reason God picked him for king. We all know the tale of David and Goliath. But what if David had been afraid just as his brothers? What if he didn't speak up? He didn't stop at asking questions about why no one would fight Goliath, he didn't simply do his job. He had good work ethics. David did above and beyond what was asked or required of him. David brought food to his brothers in the camp, But tried urging them to do their job in fighting Goliath. (although to no avail)So David took it upon himself to face the giant, and in coming at him in the name of the Lord, David killed Goliath. No fear, No waiting and pondering and wondering, no sitting for days fasting about what to do. David knew what he needed to do, and did it. David went on to become the greatest king in all of Israel.

Third person to look at is Elijah:

Elijah is respected as a great prophet. He did many wonderous signs and miracles in the name of the Lord. At one point a widows son had died and the widow who had been taking care of Elijah (although she was very poor and had nothing in her house but flour and oil) Her son died from sickness. She blamed the man of God for reminding her of her sins and bringing this upon her. Elijah went right away taking the boy and cried out to God. He stretched his body out on the boy and prayed. But Elijah didn't do this just once or twice. He did it three times each time pleading with God to give the boy his life back. This man of God did many many miracles that he only needed to say once for it to come to pass. I don't know if he was surprised about the boys life not returning immediately but usually his words came to pass right away. He didn't give up in asking God until God listened to him and it was granted.

One last example and I will leave you to your thoughts:

Just after God revives the life of the widows son, [1 Kings chapter 17, 18]God spoke to Elijah telling him that rain would soon be coming and to present himself to king Ahab (who had been seeking Elijahs life). So Elijah, unafraid Went before kind Ahab and told him to send the prophets of Baal to build an alter. Elijah mocked the prophets as they chanted and danced but their god could produce no fire. After Elijah had prayed for the peoples hearts to be turned back to the One True God, Elijah built his alter to God filling it with water and of course God sent down fire so hot that it even burned the stones! Well God had promised rain. Elijah full of faith believed God, and told king Ahab to go get food because rain would be coming. Elijah goes up Mount Carmel to pray for rain. Stop right there! God had promised rain, why is Elijah now on his hands and knees praying for it? Elijah sends his servant to look over the mountain for any sign of rain. Nothing. Elijah gets down on his hands and knees again. sends his servant up again to see any sign of rain. Still nothing. Elijah doesn't get discouraged. he doesn't stop at three times. And he doesn't stop praying until he sees the cloud. Is that what God wants from us? to not stop asking until we receive what He has promised? It's not until Elijah has sent his servant (and had bowed on his hands and knees to pray) Seven times that finally the servant reports that he see's a small cloud. Remember that God had promised rain to Elijah, So why didn't Elijah just "walk in faith" and "believe" God for the rain? ... No Elijah did something about it, and didn't relent until the promise was fulfilled! Elijah beseeched God seven times for rain. No giving up, no waiting, no just walking around knowing it will happen. Elijah PRAYED.

Now when hardships, trials, unemployment, failing marriages, poor health and anything else comes your way, if God has promised you something different from what you have, don't just wait. PRAY! don't just believe, pray! and don't just pray, DO!!!!

from bad to worse, to God's mercy

This day has been quite the trying day! I think I'm overly sensitive or something today, and my husband is too... maybe it's the full moon. but one argument about stupid things after another, getting more and more heated as the day wears on. We had a birthday party for our sons best friend to go to at 5. by 5:30 i was seconds away from texting her and letting her know we couldn't make it. but as it would turn out God had a plan. i didn't want to go because I was in a bad mood by then, and my husband was in the same boat. But when we got there the people welcomed us in with loving arms. In fact the whole place, and atmosphere reminded me of home. The home i remember fondly. The people the way they talked their culture was my culture. I've not been able to quite fit in as nicely with my husbands family as i like, still lost on how to play their game. Saying the wrong things at the wrong time. Something about this family was so familiar with my own that i could dive right in as if I already belonged to the family. I connected with the people there and genuinely enjoyed myself. I don't know if God was using me to help or be there for others, or if He was using others to help and be their for me, either way I was humbled by the fact that after a day of yelling and bickering and quite honestly, not walking in love, God still did not leave me. After the party as my husband and i were putting the children in the car, I looked up at him and asked "are we ok?". Though it had been a rough day emotionally for the two of us, this party was a relief. It helped us to forget our differences, remember that we are a family, and remember why we work so well together. I know that this was something God wanted us to attend, but surely satan was trying to keep us from going. I'm thankful to God for His mercy, and His grace! Where would I be without it? tonight is a peaceful night, with happy hugs and affectionate pats. Not silent glares and slamming doors. I'm trying to get the point across that God didn't leave me, even when i covered myself in sin and anger. There's a verse in the Bible that says "be angry and sin not" ... I think I ignored the "sin not" part. I was angry and vengeful, why would God still choose to help me? That party was a bit of home to me. Anyways, I am thankful for all this. Thankful for the chance to see how merciful God is, how Loving God is, and how God will still turn the worst of days into a good day! just thought I would share that tidbit.

Meaningless superstition? Or a god in your life?

I just saw something the other day that said that archeoligist found that the Tower of Babel did indeed get finished. Its final height was just over 300 feet. Inside the tower was a room devoted to the gods of the time, and apparently the gods of ths tiime too! They were the common astrology symbols all in one room. Those gods have been around since before jesus came to earth! But that's not so big a deal, there are lots of things like that, but what worries me is the amount of Christians who see astrology as something like that of an old wives tale. They don't take it serious. These are powerless gods who have been around for a very very long time, but as christians when we participate in the things of other gods where are we giving our loyalty?
1 Timothy 1:4, 6 NIV

or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God's work—which is by faith. Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk.

I am showing you that because you've probably said "its not a big deal." But that meaningless thing:checking your horoscope, or proudly claiming yourself as a:... Gemini, Cancer etc etc is participating in the rituals that the pagens did to their gods... The same gods you are identifying yourself with!
Ephesians 6:12 NIV

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Romans 12:2 NIV

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.

Our thoughts determine what kind of life we live! It will decide our attitude, our actions,it will effect our friends and it will effect the war that's being waged agains our soul. If you want God to move in your life, get rid of the other gods occupying your thoughts. Its not as minor as you are making it out to be. These are strongholds that keep you in the dark. And really if its not that big of a deal, if it really is something minor like we often tell ourselves, then it shouldn't be such a sacrifice to get rid of it. Nothing good comes from reading your horoscope! But everything good comes from reading Gods word!

I hope you see the importance of this. A few years ago I had to make the decision to not read my horoscope, and I thought it wasn't a big deal at the time but knew I needed to... Turns out it was a lot harder to resist the temptation than I anticipated. Seeing the gemini notifications in my inbox, or friends posting theirs on fb. Eventually I was able to overcome the desires. I am freer now because of it.
But. Look at Gods word, does it say anything about allowing those kind of thoughts? Check yourself, and check Gods word. Ask God to reveal the truth about astrology to you.

Hope this sheds a bit of light on the subject :)

Battle Cry

In sorrow I'll still smile,
In fear I'll still laugh,
In anger I will be a light
I'll shine out the darkness of wrath.

With boldness I'll bring hope,
With courage I'll carry peace,
With power I'll fight and win,
Being no longer held by a leash.

All chains have been broken,
To bring the love of Jesus to the hopeless

All burdens have been lifted,
The gold has been sifted.
To the top we rise
To our calling we move,
To our flesh we die,
To the hurting we bring truth.

No weapon has been fashioned
In steel or in spirit
That can stand against Gods Word
And those who really hear it.

Into the battelfield we march,
Into the darkness we shine,
And to the lifeless...
We bring life.

My commitment is this:
To stand and not back down,
To run and not be weary,
Because in everything I do,
My God and Savior is always near me!

More love = Greater reward = More of God.

I've had a hard time with the verse that says to store up for yourselves treasures in heaven in Matthew 6:20, because if I do something nice for someone, either its just for them, to make them happy or help them, or its for God. I don't want it to be selfish and do it so I can have a bigger mansion, or prettier windows in heaven. So that verse has always perplexed me. How do I store up treasures and still make God happy? Maaybe this is my up bringing shining through on this. But I really want to do something just for God and not with some ulterior motive of greater riches in eternity.
That being said, last night at care group, our care group leader pointed something out that finally made sense to me. Read below.

Matthew 5:46 NIV

If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?

Matthew 6:20-21 NIV

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Genesis 15:1 NIV

After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision:
"Do not be afraid, Abram.
I am your shield,
your very great reward."

Love= Reward= More of God.

Basically God is our reward. More of God, more knowledge and understanding of God. Now every one has different views on this I'm sure, but for me, I felt like, there is no greater treasure than to experience God Himself, and I will be glad to store up the treasure of more of God because I know he wants one ness with me.
I don't have a greek or hebrew understanding, so maybe treasure meant literal treasure, or reward means treasure. I don't know. When those verses were put together that way it shed light on something that placed a desire to REALLY store up treasure. I want more of God. In my life here and in heaven. And if giving to the poor, and feeding the homeless means I receive more of the greatest relationship in my life, I'm all for it!

Respect: To the Ladies

1 Peter 3:6 MSG
Sarah, for instance, taking care of Abraham, would address him as "my dear husband." You'll be true daughters of Sarah if you do the same, unanxious and unintimidated.

I'm not about to get up and say Ive got this figured out, or that Im good at this, so dont think Im trying to preach. Well maybe I am... but to myself more than anything.
In our society I've noticed things are a bit backwards in the roles and relationship between a husband and wife. Women have begun to demand respect from their husband, yet lack in giving respect to them. Instead women have been Loving their husbands (and of course this is great!) But have almost completely elliminated respect from the relationship. WhileIve seen the men giving respect to the women, placing their opinions as greater than their own, taking their advice (at least while they are being watched) and in general submitting themselves to their wife.
I'm on a journey to discovering what true respect is. I have been shown a great deal of respect from my Husband, and I love it. He values what I have to say, taking my opinion into consideration. He respects my body. He doesn't demand from me what I don't want to give. He respects my food choices however absurd they can be sometimes, and will buy me what I like. I love being respected. I love that he can admit when Im right and he's wrong (who wouldn't?!) But am I doing what God called me to do as a wife? Am I respecting him?
Here are a few things that I notice a LOT of women doing that are disrespectful:
1: Complaining about their husband to their friends.
2: Ignoring what their husband asks and does what they want instead.
3: Nagging. Example: he said he would take the trash out hours ago, so u complain at him for not taking it out, getting irritated because after saying he will still do it, it still hasnt been done, keep bugging him about it until he gets angry and refuses, or takes it out just to shut you up.
4: Arguing with him in front of other people. (There is a time and place for disagreements, but when you are around other people dont disrespect him by making him look bad by having an unruly wife, somethings cant wait to be discussed, thats when the two of you excuse yourself and discuss it in private)
5: Holding grudges. Example: he did something wrong last week, maybe hurt you by saying something he shouldnt have, or maybe he looked at porn. So you deny him your body. You dont sleep with him because he hasnt earned the right.

Ephesians 5:24 MSG
So just as the church submits to Christ as he exercises such leadership, wives should likewise submit to their husbands.
Okay, so there are 5 examples that I see happening all the time. I've been guilty sometimes, but Im actively working at changing that.
Respect should not just be given when its demanded. And though respect is really hard to give when you cant find a reason to respect your husband, it doesn't mean you are off the hook.
1 Peter 3:1-4 NIV
Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.
Don't go on a theological debate about wether or not we should wear makeup, or nice clothes.
This verse is about being beautiful on the inside, so much that your husband is completely in love with who you really are, not how you look. Because like it or not, LOOKS always faid! And if you want your husband to love you forever, make sure your beauty is the kind that lasts forever! This kind of beauty is enhanced by our respect for our husband. Just like we like being respected. We dont want our husbands laughing at our expense to their buddies, we shouldnt either.
Women talk... women talk about other people, its our natural tendancy (in general), but complaining about our husbands, or how "he always say's he's going to do ____ for me, but never does" or "he's so crude when hes around his friends it's disgusting" how about "he said _____ to me last night, he's such a jerk! I dont deserve to be treated like that!"

Think about it, check the motive of what you are telling your friends. Are you slandering him behind his back? Sometimes we need to get it off our chest. We need to talk. But check your motives first. And even still, when things are at its worst, try to find at least one positive thing about your husband that you can share.

Oh! And dont tell everyone! One or two good friends that will pray with you or give you Godly counsel is fine, but don't tell all your girlfriends.

Now I was given a book about how to respect your husband, written by a lady who had a very "grandma" hair cut, long dress, with no skin showing. She wore simple pearl earrings and almost no makeup. I couldnt finish the book. It's not me at all. I wear makeup, i dont think i should be someones doormat, im opinionated, I wear sexy outfits for my husband when he comes home. I speak up and I like to debate! I'm not naturally submissive!! Im not a quiet church mouse. For me... submitting and respecting my husband are not easy. But if I can manage... I think you can too... come to think of it, maybe my husband should have written this. Lol. He would be able to tell you the do's and don'ts. Take a few tips from here, and apply it. See if your attitude changes towards your husband, and if his changes towards you.
We are all Gods creation, we are all loved by God, we are called to love others and Christ did. And Divorce is caused by a hardened heart. So pray that your heart would be changed and moved to be open to your husband, and his too.
Dont let lack of respect for your husband push him to hide things from you.
And I will be revisiting this to read it myself when i need to, I'm sure. No one is perfect! But lets all try to do our part in our marriages!

Daniels and Elijahs part 2

Daniel, a man who God regarded as very precious, a man who was given visions so mighty that he lost his own strength, a man who God trusted to obey every Word He Divinely spoke. A prophet of His time, very highly respected. In a place of authority at his job, and this was one man that faced opposition on everyside. But he did not waver, he did not back down, and he did not cower in fear. I was going to take one particular event thats written in Daniel and use it to make my point, but everything is so amazing, that i couldnt just take one thing.

The first thing that i wanted to point out, or draw attention to, is the beginning of the book. First: he's strong, wise, skilled... and good looking. He is chosen by the king in order that whats written in Isaiah 39:7 would be fulfilled. (I noticed that it doesnt actually say what the kings actual intent was in bringing these boys in for training) So he is brought in and placed in front of him are meats and wines, things that as we know, smell amazing! However great this temptation might have been, he decided that regardless of what their rules were, he was not going to eat the foods that according to Moses' Law would defile his body. That's such a great act of boldness for the sacrifice of doing what's right! He put his faith to his words! He told the prince of the eunichs that was guard over them that he and his servants would prove to be wiser in better health, and look better eating the foods which would not defile them.

So a test was set up, and of course Gods Chosen four were healthier/wiser/better looking at the end of the ten days. This act of boldness from Daniel was one that I admire. Instead of looking around at his peers he stood up for what he believed and he knew God's way is far better then man's ways. But at the end of the trial, God blessed him with an extaordinary gift of visions and the interpertation of visions and dreams. But it took an act of boldness and sacrifice before he recieved that.
The other thing i wanted to point out was later on in Daniels life he is the wisest and most favored man in the Kingdom, and at the time the king was thinking of putting Daniel in charge of the other princes in the kingdom because Daniel was wiser than any of the others, so to keep their position of power, the other princes conspired against Daniel to get him thrown in the Lions Den. (Sound familiar?)

Soo they get the king to sign a decree stating there will be no prayers made to anyone but the king for 30 days, or they will be cast into a den of lions. In my carnal mind, I wonder if I would ever be as faithful and bold as Daniel is in this situation... I hope so. Daniel doesnt seem moved bythis at all. Instead, he continues as he always has, praying on his knees 3 times a day in front of an OPEN window!
I think to myself, how hard would it have been to keep the window shut for just that month? But Daniel had strength and courage, and didnt change a thing! Even in the face of death! He trusted God, just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego when faced with a furnace said : our God will save us, but even if He chooses not to, we will never bow to any one but Him. A willingness to sacrifice their lives in order to do whats right. Each of these men knew the consequences if they didnt follow the law of the land, but that did not deter them.

In each case, these men were exalted for standing up... did it go to their head? Did they said "yea, im so good, i dont do what they do, look how good i am at following God's law". No! they were humble. Daniel repeatedly tells the king "it is not I who tells you the meanings of these dreams, but the God of all who has shown me". That kind of humilty is so rare these days! Almost unheard of actually. Even amongst preachers and self proclaimed prophets. They say things acting on their own opinion and boasting of the gifts they are given. God loves the humble! Read a couple of proverbs and you are given many examples of what happens to the proud. It's become a disease in America. Everyone walking around boasting about their great deeds. Even in the church, people boasting of what they fast and how hard it is, Jesus had a name for people like this...

Anyways, this could easily turn into a book, so I think i will stop with this. But if anyone is looking for an exciting book in the Bible, Daniel is one of the great ones! This book has helped me place my priorities in the right place. I want to be like Daniel... I'm far from it now, but I wont stay the same forever. God doesnt let me. Haha.
God bless you, and I hope this was at least entertaining :)