If you ever feel down, lost, hopeless, confused, empty, lacking, broken, alone, numb, unloved… just anything negative I suggest going through Ephesians 1-2 and underlying all the things the Bible says you are and the promises you have in Christ. You will overflow in the things you lacked. I have to go through this a lot. Doing it tonight and probably again tomorrow :) #bible #holy #Holyspirit #Godisgood #Godsword #God #instamood #instaGod #quote #book #ephesians #life #inspiration #reading #read #words #truth #jesus #Christ #Christian #hope

James 1:12. I have the best lunch date with God right now. Feeding on His word and truth. God is good! #bible #Godisgood #God #lunch #Scripture #devotional #reading #truth (at Electronic Arts)

God really is the God of comfort.

As of late, I’ve been struggling with valuing myself and seeing myself in God’s eyes. It really warped me and put me in despair which bled out into my relationship with those around me. After things that happened last night (that I won’t get into now) God gave me today to just really strengthen me and fire me up. I want to be close to him again and I know he wants the same.

Today I decided to not wear make-up until I do see myself the way God does, as his precious daughter. I was sure I’d be good to go but not even an hour later, I was already questioning and doubting it.. thinking of making allowances and compromises. I was first told to wear make up so that I’d look more “adult” and professional at work. I didn’t start wearing it until about 3-4 years ago.

When I thought I’d go back on my word, I get this random text from a friend. We barely talk and hang out, but God really used him to minister to me this morning. I just wanted to share how blessed I am by him and my Savior.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18 (NLT)

Happy Friday!! Here’s some scripture:

Philippians 1:27 

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.

“Abraham was old, Jacob was insecure, Leah was unattractive, Joseph was abused, Moses stuttered, Gideon was poor, Samson was codependent, Rahab was immoral, David had an affair and all kinds of family problems, Elijah was suicidal, Jeremiah was depressed, Jonah was reluctant, Naomi was a widow, John the Baptist was eccentric to say the least, Peter was impulsive and hot-tempered, Martha worried a lot, the Samaritan woman had several failed marriages, Zachaeus was unpopular, Thomas had doubts, Paul had poor health and Timothy was timid. That’s quite a group of misfits, but God used each of them in his service. He will use you too.” - Rick Warren

Accomplish impossible things through Christ!

It’s Not Fair

I see a lot of Facebook statuses and other social networking posts that reflect this type of frustration.

Something unexpected or un-welcomed happens in our lives and we feel:

• We don’t deserve it
• We are not equipped to overcome it
• It should be happening to someone else
• I’d rather have X person’s problems because it’s easier to deal with

You may or may not have your own additions to that list, but realize that once we’re in that frame of mind, we’re really just in self-pity mode. At that point we’re admitting defeat and lose all motivation to carry on. When you do choose to move, you turn to empty things for fulfillment.

Realize this- having a pity party is a very big indication that we are relying on our own strengths which will always fail us in the end. We might ace a test, but go on to fail the class. We might stay in a relationship an extra month longer than expected but only to separate from that person with only anger left.

I’m not trying to encourage your pity party. I’m just sharing something with you that might help you out. This is something God taught me. We are already victorious (Romans 8:31).It’s hard being as weak as we are, but it doesn’t mean we’ve lost. It’s just the best opportunity we can have to experience God’s power and faithfulness firsthand. 

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

God makes us strong. God is always fair.

It’s very easy to listen to the voice that says nothing is fair in life. We can be tempted to turn away from what we already know as truth, however, if we give temptation enough fire it can consume our thoughts. It will redirect our actions and demand worship. Fires don’t like to be starved. 

Before you were born God had a plan for you. He already knew everything about you. He knew that the thing you struggle with most right now (temper, drinking, smoking, lust) could easily become an idol in your life. God knew that you would go to it to fulfill your needs and find comfort instead of him. Well, our Father is wise. Knowing you so well, he made you so that your body/soul/mind would experience consequences for the choices you made so that you would always rely on him. He uses it to teach us that only He could fill our hearts, heal us emotionally, etc. If it was able to provide for us, then why would you need God?

Instead of having the “It’s not fair” attitude, let’s remember what James 1:3-4 says:

“…because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

“Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and he will life you up.” James 4:10. I drew this months ago, its one of my favorite verses. Im going through James again and read through James 4 last night. Today the guest pastor is preaching about James 4. Coincidence? I don’t believe in coincidences. It’s God reaching out to me. :) #God #instamood #instaGod #bible #bibleverse #inspiration #quote #church #sunday #truth #christ #jesus #holyspirit (at Great Commission Church)

I am LOVED in Christ. Ephesians 1:4 Decided to pull out this reminder I made myself months ago. #blessed #ptl #God #bible #Jesus #Christ #Scripture #quote #instamood #instaGod #ephesians #loved

How God revealed His glory to me today. I couldn’t even ignore how beautiful this was despite the business at work. No filter BTW! :) #plant #God #love #Jesus #Christ #flower #picoftheday #nofilter #instagram #instamood (at Maxis)

Worship & Praise. #church #God #jesus #JesusChrist #Jesusfreak #holy #bible #verse #scriptures #scripture #band #instagood #instagram #instamood #instalife #instagreat #instadaily #instalive #ignation #ig (Taken with Instagram at Western Hills Church)