Philippians 4:4

"Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS. I will say it again: Rejoice!"

Rejoice. A fairly simple word. Meaning: To be glad; take delight; to make joyful. Sounds easy. So why is it so hard?

We were called to take delight in the Lord. Easier said than done. There are so many things in this world that we don't have or that don't happen to us when we want. WANT, such a dangerous word in our world today. It is also probably one of the most used words too. Why? Because we live in a self-centered world. A world that is so focused and the here and nows of our own lives that we easily forget about the there and futures of others. I am the best at being me focused. And what's worse is that I have even gotten so good at being so selfish that I blame, blame, blame or do something for "others" because it will in some way benefit me. I'm so ashamed of that lifestyle. But, could you imagine what our lives' would be like if we served a God that was that selfish? I don't even like thinking about it. Everything God ever does is out of love. And Love is selfless. There would be no hope, no forgiveness, no life, no renewal, nothing without the selfless love of our Lord. Our Lord who would have found something better to do than die on a cross for a bunch of sinners, if He were a selfish guy. But, He isn't. And we are free! And for that reason we are called to REJOICE! And Paul was serious when he told us to take delight in God. (Hense, the repetition!) Paul of all people would know the effect of rejoicing and giving the glory to God. He is one of the most obvious transformations in the Bible! And God did some amazing things through Him! God is busy in our lives just like he was in Paul's. Our God is alive! And we need to give Him the glory for everything! Even when it doesn't seem easy. James 1:2 says, "Consider it pure JOY my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." More repetition! (Just new wording!) We need to ALWAYS be glad in the God who has given us ALL that we have. The Author and Perfector of our Salvation. The Way, the Truth, and the Life. Rejoice in Him. The Perfect Example of True, Selfless Love. Rejoice in Him ALWAYS! He deserves it!

Give THANKS to the Lord,

His [selfless] love endures forever!

Matthew 6:18-20

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven...For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Why does it feel like everything in this world is based on competition? And why do our wants and desires in this world destroy our motives of a pure, God-filled lifestyle? I don't know how many times I have made complaints about what I don't have in comparison to others. I have also found myself begin to despise others who look "better" or are more "popular" than myself. I have become so accustomed to a world of WANT as opposed to need. This passage in Matthew talks about the danger of storing up earthly treasures and I used to think it only meant "things." But, verse 20 proves those thoughts completely wrong. "Wherever your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Just like 2+3=5 and 3+2=5 as well; where your treasure is, your heart will be and where your heart is, your treasure will be also. Your treasures are not just the tangible things in life, they are anything that you invest yourself into. Anything that your heart desires. So, when Jesus says not to store up earthly treasures, I think He was reminding us to spend a lot less of our energy comparing ourselves to others, and investing our thoughts in what others think about us, or focusing so much on ourselves that we miss opportunities to serve, love, and witness to others. Our treasures and our hearts are so important to God. He doesn't want to lose them forever. So, invest more of yourself into things that bring glory to the One who gave us life!

"Lord, I give you my heart
And the treasures it stores
To use it for Your kingdom
forevermore!"

1 Corinthians 13:12

"Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.

Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."

1 Corinthians 13, also known as the Love chapter, is an amazing chapter on what it truly means to love and the true definition of love is. I like this chapter because it goes beyond the overrated version of "love." I know I have used that word far too many times. "I love Taco Bell" and "I love chocolate." NOT! Love is soo much greater than that. And this chapter proves it! The entire Bible is wrapped in the love of the Author of our Faith. There is nothing that God does or ever did that was not lead by His love for us. And because of that, we can not truly understand the extent of our Creator's character and love. But, that is what makes me appreciate verse 12 so much more. We live in a sin-filled world that makes it hard for us to see God at work in our everyday lives. But, Scripture tells us that this world is just temporary and one day we will see God face to face, in ALL His glory! Then, we will be able to truly understand God's love for us! Verse 10 says, "when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears." The imperfect views we have gained from this world will be wiped out when we are in the presence of the Lord. We see a poor reflection of what God's love looks like. But, one day, we will see God face to face and be able to truly understand Him and fully know His love for us! The greatest thing about God is that even though we are "fully known" His love for us is still so great! I can't even begin to imagine what it is going to be like to know God's love fully. And I am so amazed by the fact that I am fully known. No hiding the real me or pretending to be someone I'm not. God knows me better than I know myself and he still loves me more than I can understand! God's love is soo exciting! And although He is hard to understand fully, He rejoices in our seeking!

Jessica, please help me with your wisdom and skillful articulation. What does it mean to be 'sweetly broken'?

Well, the way I think of it, it means that in order to really allow God to work in your life you must be broken and open to His power. And being 'sweetly broken' comes when you realize that God's work is way sweeter and greater than anything we can do on our own. That might not be right but that's my interpretation!

Care to provide entertainment?!

Genesis 1:1

"In the Beginning, God..."

I feel like this song could really speak for itself. But, there are some things God wants me to talk about.

In the beginning God...He was there, He existed, He created, He designed, He decided, He...
This all-powerful God, of everything, got this universe started. The story is told over and over again but never loses its importance. On the sixth day, God knelt down in the dirt and designed humans. An image made in His very likeness made from God's very own hands. You know, I used to have this image of God on the 7th day kicking back and taking a little nap after all His hard work. But, that image has changed into a deeper understanding. I believe that God took a day of rest so He could spend that time strolling in the Garden with His creations. He took time to build a connection with them. However, the thing I truly desire about God is that His story does not stop there. It continues. God reveals Himself and continues His work over and over again. The sad thing about our world today (myself included) is that we so easily fail to realize the power and presence of our wonderful God. Sometimes it is easy to act that He was the God of the Bible times and is not present today. But, that is SO not the truth. God is EVER-present, ALL-powerful, and FOREVER-faithful. He desires our hearts, our minds, our lives. I know sometimes it seems like a lot. But, "God always works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose." His purpose for our lives is so much more effective then our own purpose in life. So, the question is, are you willing to lay your life down at the feet of such an amazing God? Can you handle the transformation, love, and purpose in your life? What do you really have to lose? (Nothing that will last forever anyway). Give your life over to the One who created you with the same hands He holds you in today. Surrender to the God of Genesis...Revelation...today...and FOREVER! It's worth it!

Numbers 14:24

"But my servant sees differently and follws me completely."

Caleb follows God with all that He is. He is an example of what surrender looks like.
"Only surrender can help you now."

"

Matthew 28:19

"Then Jesus said to them...GO and make disciples of all the world..."



Dear Jesus,
You said to GO! You commanded it. So why can't I? What is that has been completely standing in my way and keeping me just standing where I am? Whatever it is, can you get rid of it, for good? I don't want it in my life anymore. I'm stuck. Stuck in my own selfish mind. Stuck in all the distractions of this world. Stuck in my own desires and plans. Stuck in the confusion of who I'm supposed to be. Stuck in the false hope in the the things of this life. Stuck in my confortable own skin and mindset. Stuck in the same lame excuses over and over again. Stuck listening for Your drowned out voice. Stuck trying to find myself in the midst of all the lies. Stuck searching for your footsteps that seem too distant. Stuck gasping for air, for feeling, for renewal. Stuck waiting for something to stir up inside me. Stuck with the me that I am sick of being, living the life I'm sick of living, and forgetting the ONE that I am soo sick of forgetting. I need you. Unbind these chains. Set this Spirit free within me. Help me to fall back in Love with You. But I cannot be stuck where I am any longer. I want You, I need You. Nothing else will satisfy. You are all that I need to keep me going. So Lord, please get me out of this trap. Set me free. I want to be able to walk in step with You. But, I need to be taught how again. I have forgotten how to walk because it has been so long since my last step forward. So release me from myself and into Your hands. Heal me. Renew me. Stir up a new heart within me. Hold me close. And never let go. I need You.Teach me how to love You. Be first in my life, so I will not get stuck in myself again. Help me to get up and GO! just as You commanded.

Love,

Your Child.

PS: Thank you for never leaving my side!

Psalm 33:11

"But the Lord's plans will stand forever; His ideas will last from now on." NCV

His plans will stand forever...We serve a neverchanging God. How great is that?! God does all that He does and plans all that He plans for us because of His love for us. And His plans never change, so His love never changes! Part of me is amazed by this fact but, my other half begings to feel horrible. I am soo not deserving of His love...forever! I think it would only be fair for Him to love me less when I deserve that. But, He doesn't! Why? Because it isn't in His plan for us. He loved us before time began and He will love me until forever ends. That is WAY more love than I could EVER deserve or give in return. It's a good thing no one EVER said God's love it fair. Because, they would have been lying! There is no way all good deeds combined in the world could ever earn the amount of love God has for us forever and ever. It truely blows my mind!

"His love endures FORVER!

and so do His plans for us!"

1 Peter 3:15

"But in your hearts, set apart Christ as LORD. Always be prepared to give an answer...for the hope that you have."

God has been teaching me a lot about finding answers lately. I never realized how much I believe but can't back up completely. I form a lot of opinions and stand up for them without I strong enough foundation to back it up. I know that there is a reason why I feel the way I do about certain situations. I just need to make the effort to step back and focus on what it is. God has filled this world with so many amazing things and He wants us to enjoy them. But, He truly desires for us to enjoy them through His eyes. Jesus was such an amazing example because He wasn't afraid to share what He knew was the truth. He shared His saving grace with everyone, answered questions, and led by example. Now of course, it was probably a lot easier for Jesus to answer questions because He knew everything. But, God calls us to be follwers of Christ. That means we need to be constantly learning so we can build a strong foundation in Christ. "Because the Bible says so" is an easy but not a good enough answer. We must dig deeper into our faith if we want to bring others to Christ. Live a set apart life. People will see your example and wonder why you are the way you are. Be ready to give answers!

Luke 6:46-49

"I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it because, it was well built..."

The passage continues to talk about a man who did not build his house on a firm foundation. But, that tends to be what most people focus on because they don't want that to represent them. However, as I was reading over this passage a few simple words hit me. The man "dug down deep..." I have so often expect God to be my shelter to hide me from the storms without having to really do anything except call on Him. Jesus never said that was the case. These words prove that. In order to truly build a solid foundation, the man had to go DEEP. If we don't continue to dig deep, we will never make it to the Rock. I used to always wonder about the people in the gray areas, the sometimes do-sometimes don't people. But, now God is showing me that it is either "do or drown." You have to get deep. Barely digging just isn't going to cut it when it comes down to it. Also, rarely doing what God says is not going to work either when the floods come rushing in. Floods cause so much destruction. So, what kind of flood insurance are you building up?