Stealing That Which Is Already Freely Given

When we sin, we are trying to steal from God what He has already given us for free. However, we fail to hold on to it. We give into the lie that money, sex, popularity or things will bring us joy. It's not that these things are inherently evil, but we think that they are what will give us joy. Instead of joy we get death because these things were not meant to fulfill us in the first place. God is the one who fulfills us. God is the one who satisfies us.

John 10:10, "The thief [satan] comes only to steal and kill and destroy, but I [Jesus] came that they might have life and have it abundantly.

Stress, joy and The Kingdom of God

I am stressed. My stress does not seem to be going away, but it feels like God is giving me glimpses of what is important and through having a better perspective will come less stress and more joy.
"The chief end of man is to glorify god and enjoy him forever." As a christian I am here on this earth to be potent for God's kingdom.

When I am brought before the throne of God and I have to give an account for my life, when I am asked how i took advantage of the grace that i was given, what I did with every day that God blessed me with, what will I say? What will be important to me then? When I look back at high school I laugh and am a little ashamed at how much I worried about insignificant things. When I am in heaven, what will be significant to me? What will I just shake my head at? When I am before the throne of God my car, my degree, my house will not matter. My worldly accomplishments will not matter. All that will matter is how potent I was for the kingdom of God. Thus, that is all that should matter now.

Thoughts On Eternity #2

For those of us who have been saved by God's grace, how can we waste our short time on this earth by spending our time, our life, in pursuit of anything other than the Kingdom of God?

The 5 Love Languages and Our Walk With God

I have been reading the book, The Five Love Languages and I realized the other day how well it seems to work in our relationship with God.

We are created in God's image. Because of this fact, it makes sense that the way that we receive love is tied closely with how God receives love. If you are confused about how you can love God, check these ways out. I would love to hear what you think, especially if you try these out.

Quality Time
Spend time talking to God as well as listening to what he has to say. The book talks about giving your undivided attention to your spouse. God deserves the same from us.

Acts of Service
Serve regularly at church and in your community. This is a great way to love God.

Receiving Gifts
Giving a portion of your income to God shows love to Him.

Words of Affirmation
Praise God for who he is and what he has done in your life. Psalm 118:1 says, "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever."

Physical Touch
I couldn't find something that goes well with this, but someone suggested that maybe us spending time alone in God's creation and experiencing nature might go well for this.

Give Thanks To The Lord!

Psalm 118:1

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

God is not good because he gives us things that we perceive as good, nor is he loving for that reason.
God is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Out of that steadfast love, God blesses us.

As I have come to realize that more, I am able to be more content in difficult situations and praise God even when my world seems to be crumbling down around me. My perception of God's love is becoming less based on being able to see what he is doing. Instead, I know that he is working because he is good, even though I may not see it.


Psalm 118:1

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

Waiting on the Lord

A Page From The Notepad

These notes were from the "What if...?" Series that we finished At
The rock not too long ago. The note that stuck out to me was the first one. I have not invested in God today and that has directly affected my attitude and my relationships with my community. I can only imagine the joy that I am missing out on and the love that I failed to show to others because I did not receive my daily bread. That said, the day is not over and there is grace. It's time for me to seek God's face.