Dedicate Your life to GOD

 Have you ever been hurt by someone you love? How did you respond to the situation? I spent most of my life trying to please others, that in the process; I almost lost myself.  Here is an example, my late mother and I were close. Often times we were mistaken as sisters. As long as I did everything she said, I was okay. But after her death I realized that I needed someone to account to. So I looked into other people but it did not work. What works for one person(s) child may not necessarily work for another. Simply because everyone is different. You have those who don't want you to do better than their children. You also have those who look for your idiosyncrasies and will say, "I will make sure my child doesn't end up like that if I die." (HARSH) After years of going through that, I then came to the conclusion that the only validation I needed was God's. It's difficult when one has to risk relationships because that person or persons are being antagonistic toward you. God wants His children to get along - He mentions it over and over again in scripture, "as much as possible live in peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18). We can try it. It is a difficult thing to do, but the reward that you will gain is so much greater than what you will lose. (POWERFUL). You can repair an old relationship or begin a new one.

The Blame Game

Individuals have a tendency to blame their despondent lives and dismal failures on everything from bad parents to lousy government to an inferior educational system. And the blame game seems to be quite effective, too. Why? Because as long as we point the finger at someone or something else, we keep the spotlight off of ourselves. As long as we make excuses, we don't have to change. In fact, some people argue that we can't change. Our circumstances keep us from getting out of our messes. The result of the blaming phenomenon is an entire culture of complainers. Everybody's whining and few people are willing to take responsibility for their lives.
Jesus doesn't want us wallowing in self- pity or bitterness. In John Chapter 5 1:15 - Jesus comes to us, as he came to the crippled man by the Bethesda pool, and asks, "Would you like to get well?" It is a sobering question with profound implications. When we are ready to quit blaming and making excuses and willing to trust and obey the Lord, then (and only then) can we experience change and growth.

When Words Aren't Enough

This morning I woke up and after eating breakfast I was led to Psalm 77.  I titled this blog, 'when words aren't enough' because there are times when words just ARE NOT enough. At times words just cannot express how one is feeling.  That's when a a groan or a big sigh comes in handy.  Think of a time when you were upset. Now decide if the groan or sigh was appropriate. In fact, I just let one loose just by the thought. Many people don't think that you're suppose to make a sound like that when you are dialoguing with God.  But, of course, they've never read the book of Psalms.
Apparently God thinks it's OK to groan and sigh when His children are talking to Him. The Psalms are filled with them. Let's look at Psalm 77 for instance. "Loudly I cried to God," Asaph says, "so that he would open his ears to hear me." He goes on to say that he sighs as he remembers God (verse 3) and is so upset that he cannot speak (verse 4).
By telling God his true feelings, Asaph gave God the chance to make him feel better.  And it worked.  As he pondered on the difficult situations that had taken place in his life, yet he remembered all the good things that God had done also. 
The 77th chapter of Psalms is great! Verses 7-10 really stood out to me. The writer understood rejection, even by God.  I can attest that I too, have been rejected from several things. Which is why I pray for guidance or help, and sometimes it seems as if I am not getting an answer. However, it does not mean that I am being abandoned by God. But what it means is that His timing differs from mine, and the solution to the problem may differ from the solution that I have chosen.  Although Asaph expressed his dismay; He didn't give up on God. We as His children should continue to wait on Him. God will NEVER reject one of his children.

Don't give up...YET!

All week the story of 'David and Bathsheba' had been on my heart. King David, committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, the Hit-tite (II Samuel 11: 1-5). We have the ability to make choices and we should choose them wisely. For example: David SAW Bathsheba. The text did not say he was looking for her. Her saw her on a balcony. Yes, she was bathing; remember this is during the Bible days. David could have walked away but he didn't. He began to ponder on what he had visualized, "he sent an inquired about this woman" (II Samuel 11:3). Eventually he sent for her, sinned with her, and suffered serious consequences for that sin. Did David sin because he glimpse at Bathsheba? He sinned when he failed to take his eyes off of her.  David had Uriah killed by sending a letter that stated, "Set Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retreat from him, that he may be struck down and die" (II Samuel 11:15). He then married Bathsheba and they had a child together. God takes great intense interest in how we behave as children of God. After the seventh day the child died and David was told. He, "arose from the ground, washed and anointed himself, and changed his clothes" (II Samuel 12:20). Notice, he didn't give up or cry until after he heard the news. Still then he washed his face and moved on.  God does not owe us His grace. David knew he was wrong, yet he pleaded for God's mercy on his child and still DID NOT BLAME GOD! David and Bathsheba later had Solomon. We can see how sufficient our Lord's grace is and how much he loves us. Don't give up!!!

The gift of Single-ness

If you've ever wondered about dating and love, Songs of Solomon speaks of intimacy and love.  God is the One who designed us to enjoy love, but the right way.  Somehow, we have let our intense feelings take over, and now it seems as if everyone is going off of their emotions and they aren't actually learning how to date. Very few people get lonely. Those people who do not get lonely posses the gift of single-ness. A person who has that gift has a life filled with activities. It does not mean that they don't need or want anyone, however, what it does mean is that they do not need anyone to make them feel complete. If they were to get married the relationship would complement itself, but so many people cannot stand to be alone and realize who they really are. Individuals who have to constantly be in the company of someone else assumes that a single person is miserable.Especially those in the chruch, they are always trying to marry someone off; they are the worst, "girl you need a man, you should just hurry up and marry" what happen to seeking God first?  So many people are getting married premarturely and then getting divorced within the first year. Anytime a person comes up to you and says, "you are so fine, girl you are a dime; hit me up with those digits." Now I am looking at you like you are crazy, because you don't even know me! So what if I was 325 pounds, I don't think you would have taken a second look at me. Today's society only looks at the outward appearance, to be completely honest.  Sex gets old, if I am dialoguing with someone and all they are talking about is SEX! I will simply walk off from the conversation, because now I know how you think.  A person should ask, "what do I have to offer this man or woman? If I get sick will he or she be able to take care of me?" Will you be able to handle the responsiblility? Consider the cost, what do I have to offer and what will I get in return?  People ask me everyday, "I don't see how you can stay single for so long." If I get married, GREAT! If not, then I will continue to serve God, but for now; I can PATIENTLY WAIT UNTIL THE LORD BLESSES ME WITH MY HUSBAND! People who have the gift of single-ness end up getting married eventually and they live great lives, I have witnessed it myself with friends that I know.  Marriage is a beautiful thing, at times we do not see God as "romantic" but Songs of Solomon is filled with many portrays of a godly husband. Solomon said, "Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm..." (Song of Solomon 6:12).    Solomon said that love is overpowering as death and that it burns like an almighty flame. God designed this love to be expressed between a MAN and a WOMAN in marriage.(NO COMMENT!)  The wise thing to do is pray for God's help so that you can honor Him by being faithful to your present and future marriage.

The Epistle of James - A life transforming class

I took the book of James during fall break.  Talk about a life transforming class, I'll say! The controversy about James is whether or not he is the brother of Jesus.  The answer is, yes. At first, James rejected Jesus as Messiah.  If my brother came up to me and said, "Krissy, I am the Lord."  I would have second thoughts as well.  It wasn't until after the resurrection  that James believed that Jesus is the Messiah.

James is one of my favorite books of the Bible.  One of the significant things that James presents in this Epistle is “Trials.” Trials takes us out of our comfort zone but James says, “my brethern count it all joy when you fall into various trials” (1:2). Count means to evaluate or to consider. God knows the outcome, and as Christians we have to look beyond the circumstance and look for the spiritual benefit.  God uses both trials and suffering to test our faith, so that we may learn to patiently endure.  My favorite verse of all is, “for when your faith is tested your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when our endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything” (1:3-4).  I was the type that would worry about certain situations.  James makes it clear that instead of worrying one should start praying immediately.  

I had an encouraging teacher he pulled me aside after one class and said, “Kristina you thought you were taking this class to get your internship cut in half, but God had you to take this class for another reason.” He was right, I can’t tell you how many times I cried in class or while I was studying.  Our teacher stated, “I’m not teaching this class just to give you a grade.” Speaking of grade, I ended up getting a good grade.  God was really ministering to me in this class. If I were to break the book of James down it would consist of:  Trials and Temptations, Faith, and The Untamable Tongue.  

Temptations:  God allows temptations but does not allow sin.  James says, the enemy will tempt us becuase he knows what we are lured by. e.g., physical desires and temptations.  We sometimes do things to applause man instead of God. 

Faith:  faith produces works.  Satan is always there to trick you.  James says, “What does it profit a person to have faith, but no works?  Unbelievers want to see by our actions (live it out).   

Untamable tongue:  The tongue can do a lot of damage.  As proud as you may think you are, your tongue can do a lot of damage. Have you ever thought of a small spark in a fire that cannot be put out?  It can be started carelessly.  Fire is a good thing, but it can escape and get out of control.  Our tongues can also be like fire. (DANGEOURS).  James is not saying to be quiet but to be controlled, “when someone talks about somebody chances are they are talking about you.”  

An Undivided Heart

    Commitments are hard to make.  They're even hard to keep.  Some people avoid marriage commitments by changing their vows for "As long as we both shall live" to "As long as we both shall love."  It's a way out for them in case marriage gets too tough.
    It seems as if individuals just don't want to be committed anymore. People’s commitments are only as strong as their feelings.  When their feelings change, their commitments change, too.  But the problem is because feelings always change.  Have you ever had someone disown you for no reason?  How did it make you feel?  Perhaps you might have even wondered if I saw that person, what would I say?
   My paternal father and mother were never married, but ended their relationship when I was two.  My father was very abusive to my mother.  I may have been two, but some things you don't forget.
    Forgiveness is one of God's most wonderful attributes. I had to forgive my father it wasn't easy but I did it three years ago.  Not only did I forgive him, but also his mother (my grandmother) because in my mind I thought it was wrong of her to disown her granddaughter just because the parents were not getting alone.  Which it probably was, but that was not for me to judge. I had to continue to pray.
    I received a call last night saying that my father is sick, and the doctor's aren't sure if he will make it.  Not only that but my father is scared to sleep at night because he is afraid to die, and that if he wakes up; he may not wake up in heaven.  Due to all of the things that he had done in his lifetime.  Immediately, I started praying and I am still praying.  Please pray with me.
   Being truly committed to someone means you hang in there even when the feelings leave.  This should also describe the commitment you have with God.  When you feel close to him, it's easy to stay committed.  But you also need to remain committed when you don't feel like it.  David reaffirmed his commitment to the Lord in Psalms 86 saying, "No god is like you,O Lord" (verse 8).  "You alone are God" (Verse 10), and "I will honor you forever" (Verse 12). 
    How do you need to reaffirm your commitment to God today?  It is by being more committed to your church? My father is a deacon and he is afraid of dying. Or spending more time in prayer? I would choose prayer!  Maybe it's even making a sacrifice and getting rid of that sin you enjoy.
   Hell is real!!!  It is a terrible place of torment, most thinking people should be interested in what they can do to avoid going there. Psalm 86:3 tells us that God's mercy is great and that he had rescued David from hell.  God not only judges those who sin, he also offers a way to escape punishment.  Following Christ is our hope.