Okay, so the title really doesn't have to do with todays devo, but I just sat outside on my porch enjoying the rain fall gently over me while drinking a cup of tea! :)
So the title should really be,
Blessed Assurance, pt. 2
First I want you to read Romans 5:1, 4:1-5, and 4:25.
What word stands out to you in all three passages?
Justification!!
Do you remember the little play on words that was oddly hard to understand on Sunday?
Justified = "Just if I'd" never sinned!
Praise God for that! Can you begin to truly fathom what it means to be declared righteous by God! Ultimately, it means that we get to spend Eternity in His presence, never to be separated from His love and forever separated from pain, shame, grief, guilt, and our sin!
But it also means that you have a freedom from your sins. You do not have to be tied to the identity that your past sins carried. You do not belong to a lifestyle of sin, but one of righteousness. And righteousness is living your life in a way that is consistent with God's character, His faithfulness, truthfulness, justice, love, etc. . . And since you are unable to do that on your own, God's gracious gift of His son, Jesus, does it for you. You can't be good enough to obtain the righteousness of God, but it's through trust in Christ Jesus that you put on His righteousness and begin to be the person that God created you to be through the power of Jesus' sacrifice rather than through your own hard work.
What is this saying to you? How does this change your perception of how you are and how you will live your life?
Go back and read the full chapters of Romans 4 and 5.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Blessed Assurance! Jesus is Mine!!
Hey Ladies!
I hope that the first Monday of your freshman year was amazing!
So last night we talked about Assurance of Salvation! That we can know that we are saved, not by our actions but by the actions of Jesus Christ!
But first a side note from last night's talk: The Jews were circumcised as babies. It represents the covenant that the Israelites made with God to be pure and set apart! So when the Bible refers to someone as uncircumcised, they are out of relationship or covenant with God. Basically, you want to be considered "circumcised" spiritually speaking.
Your assurance is the comprehension or deep understanding of the facts and provisions of salvation through faith in Jesus! This week we are talking about the foundational truths from the Bible about our assurance.
Start by reading Romans 8:32 Even if you were there last night, reread these scriptures and ask God to reveal His truth to you even more!
Foundations of Assurance
The Word of God
1. The Word promises Eternal Life
John 3:36 and 1John 5:11-13
2.Forgiveness of ALL Sin
Acts 10:43 and Colossians 2:13
3. Freedom from Condemnation
John 5:24 and Romans 8:1
If there are words that you don't understand, please ask through the comments.
Share through the comments what these scriptures say to you about your salvation.
How do these truths affect how you live your life?
"Many wise pastors have insisted that the basis for knowing that I am a Christion is not what I do but what God's word says about what Christ has done and contiues to do for those who have believed (John 1:12 and 1 John 5:13). I know I belong to Christ because I have believed in Jesus Christ as my ONLY SAVIOR and REDEEMER from eternal destruction. It's not the evidences of my life that are my basis for knowing that, It's the Word of God! That settles it!"
It's not a matter of clinging to an experience (camp, altar call, great sermon, etc...)but by the sure witness of the WORD OF GOD!!!
I hope that the first Monday of your freshman year was amazing!
So last night we talked about Assurance of Salvation! That we can know that we are saved, not by our actions but by the actions of Jesus Christ!
But first a side note from last night's talk: The Jews were circumcised as babies. It represents the covenant that the Israelites made with God to be pure and set apart! So when the Bible refers to someone as uncircumcised, they are out of relationship or covenant with God. Basically, you want to be considered "circumcised" spiritually speaking.
Your assurance is the comprehension or deep understanding of the facts and provisions of salvation through faith in Jesus! This week we are talking about the foundational truths from the Bible about our assurance.
Start by reading Romans 8:32 Even if you were there last night, reread these scriptures and ask God to reveal His truth to you even more!
Foundations of Assurance
The Word of God
1. The Word promises Eternal Life
John 3:36 and 1John 5:11-13
2.Forgiveness of ALL Sin
Acts 10:43 and Colossians 2:13
3. Freedom from Condemnation
John 5:24 and Romans 8:1
If there are words that you don't understand, please ask through the comments.
Share through the comments what these scriptures say to you about your salvation.
How do these truths affect how you live your life?
"Many wise pastors have insisted that the basis for knowing that I am a Christion is not what I do but what God's word says about what Christ has done and contiues to do for those who have believed (John 1:12 and 1 John 5:13). I know I belong to Christ because I have believed in Jesus Christ as my ONLY SAVIOR and REDEEMER from eternal destruction. It's not the evidences of my life that are my basis for knowing that, It's the Word of God! That settles it!"
It's not a matter of clinging to an experience (camp, altar call, great sermon, etc...)but by the sure witness of the WORD OF GOD!!!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
With My God I Can Scale A Wall!!!!
First, I want to apologize! Between my car causing an entire day of problems last Thursday and me not feeling very well, I haven't gotten the blog up!
Second, I want to tell you that I love you! The things I see God doing in your lives right now and in the future, gets me so excited!!! So be thinking about what you feel God is asking you to do with your life, this school year, college, career, ministry, etc. . . We are going to be talking about goals tonight and if you have already been thinking about it, our discussion can be that much better! :)
So for today's reading I just want you to read the Psalms for today! Psalm 18, 48, 78, and 108! As you read, take your time, read over the parts that stick out to you, and write down anything that you feel God is saying to you!
I have a really cool idea for Wednesday nights, for those of you that are spending time reading, I would like for you to take turns sharing with the rest of the small group what God is teaching you during your quiet time. Just a mini-devotional, not a whole sermon. ;) This will help you become more comfortable in sharing with others and will hopefully encourage them to begin spending time in the Word and one on one with Jesus! :)
Second, I want to tell you that I love you! The things I see God doing in your lives right now and in the future, gets me so excited!!! So be thinking about what you feel God is asking you to do with your life, this school year, college, career, ministry, etc. . . We are going to be talking about goals tonight and if you have already been thinking about it, our discussion can be that much better! :)
So for today's reading I just want you to read the Psalms for today! Psalm 18, 48, 78, and 108! As you read, take your time, read over the parts that stick out to you, and write down anything that you feel God is saying to you!
I have a really cool idea for Wednesday nights, for those of you that are spending time reading, I would like for you to take turns sharing with the rest of the small group what God is teaching you during your quiet time. Just a mini-devotional, not a whole sermon. ;) This will help you become more comfortable in sharing with others and will hopefully encourage them to begin spending time in the Word and one on one with Jesus! :)
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
A Very Good Place to Start
Good Morning Ladies!
The reading today is John 1:1-34. This passage starts with the creation of our world and ends with the baptism of Jesus. Read through it and write down the parts that stand out to you. If you don't know, John the Baptist is Jesus's cousin. There is more about him in the first few chapters of Luke. You may want to read about him for a little background!
When John is talking about the Word, who is He referring to? What does this passage tell you about Jesus? Why do you think it was important for John to come before Jesus?
John was sent to pave the way for Jesus by calling people to repentance. This was how he was able to point them to the One and Only Begotten Son! How can you pave the way for Jesus in the lives of those around you?
Psalms for today: 10, 40, 70, 100, and 130!
Have an amazing day!
The reading today is John 1:1-34. This passage starts with the creation of our world and ends with the baptism of Jesus. Read through it and write down the parts that stand out to you. If you don't know, John the Baptist is Jesus's cousin. There is more about him in the first few chapters of Luke. You may want to read about him for a little background!
When John is talking about the Word, who is He referring to? What does this passage tell you about Jesus? Why do you think it was important for John to come before Jesus?
John was sent to pave the way for Jesus by calling people to repentance. This was how he was able to point them to the One and Only Begotten Son! How can you pave the way for Jesus in the lives of those around you?
Psalms for today: 10, 40, 70, 100, and 130!
Have an amazing day!
Monday, August 9, 2010
I Am My Beloved's And He Is Mine!
Good Morning ladies!
Small group was awesome last night! I'm so excited to be a part of each of your lives and am looking forward to seeing how God molds you into the women that He created you to be!!!
Today, let's just start with reading from Psalms! Psalm 9, 39, 69, 99, 129. Before you begin reading, ask God to speak to you through His word.
Read it and write down anything that speaks to you or questions that you have about the scripture.
If there is a passage that seems to be jumping out at you, reread it, read it out loud, write it down, try to memorize it(if you want), etc. . .
As for commenting on the blog, feel free to share what God is speaking to you through the scripture, ask a question, answer a question, encourage one another, etc. . .
Father, We ask that You make Your Word come alive to us as we read it today. Transform our hearts and our lives. Cultivate a deep desire in each of us for Your Word and for You. You are so good and so faithful! We love You!!! Amen
Small group was awesome last night! I'm so excited to be a part of each of your lives and am looking forward to seeing how God molds you into the women that He created you to be!!!
Today, let's just start with reading from Psalms! Psalm 9, 39, 69, 99, 129. Before you begin reading, ask God to speak to you through His word.
Read it and write down anything that speaks to you or questions that you have about the scripture.
If there is a passage that seems to be jumping out at you, reread it, read it out loud, write it down, try to memorize it(if you want), etc. . .
As for commenting on the blog, feel free to share what God is speaking to you through the scripture, ask a question, answer a question, encourage one another, etc. . .
Father, We ask that You make Your Word come alive to us as we read it today. Transform our hearts and our lives. Cultivate a deep desire in each of us for Your Word and for You. You are so good and so faithful! We love You!!! Amen
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Your Evangelism Style!
Hey Ladies! Here is the 411 on the different evangelism styles! If you missed group tonight, and want to figure out what your style is text me your email and I will email the quiz.
Confrontational:
Biblical Example: Peter in Acts 2
Theme Verse: 2 Timothy 4v2
Personal Characteristics: Confident, assertive, direct, bold, skips small talk, likes to get right to the point, has strong opinions and beliefs
Cautions: Ask God to help you be sensitive and tactful when you talk to your friends. Avoid judging people who approach evangelism with a different style.
Intellectual:
Biblical Example: Paul in Acts 17
Theme Verse: 2 Corinthians 10v5
Personal Characteristics: Curious, analytical, logical, likes to debate, more concerned with what people think than how they feel
Cautions: Avoid letting discussions become heated arguments. Remember that your attitude is always important.
Testimonial:
Biblical Example: The blind man in John 9
Theme Verse: 1 John 1v3
Personal Characteristics: Clear communicator, interesting storyteller, good listener, open and honest about personal ups and downs, able to see connections between their own experience and the experiences of others.
Cautions: Be careful no to tell you story and leave it at that, challenge your friends to think about how your experiences might apply to their lives.
Interpersonal:
Biblical Example: Matthew in Luke 5
Theme Verse: 1 Corinthians 9v22
Personal Characteristics: Warm personality, comfortable in conversations, friendship oriented, compassionate, sensitive, focuses on people and their needs.
Cautions: Be aware of putting friendships ahead of sharing the truth.
Invitational:
Biblical Example: The woman at the well in John 4
Theme Verse: Luke 14v23
Personal Characteristics: Quick to include others in their activities, hospitable, persuasive, enjoys new people, committed, sees outreach events as a great opportunity for sharing faith.
Cautions: Try to avoid letting others do all the talking for you. Your friends need to hear how Christ has influenced your life.
Serving:
Biblical Example: Dorcas in Acts 9
Theme Verse: Matthew 5v16
Personal Characteristics: Humble, others-centered, patient, sees needs and finds joy in meeting them, shows love through actions more than words, recognizes how small tasks can be meaningful to others.
Cautions: Don't underestimate the power of your actions. Make sure you let people know that Christ is the reason for your actions.
Okay, read your Biblical examples and verses. What have you learned about yourself ? How do you think you can better share your faith? What other thoughts do you have about relational evangelism?
Confrontational:
Biblical Example: Peter in Acts 2
Theme Verse: 2 Timothy 4v2
Personal Characteristics: Confident, assertive, direct, bold, skips small talk, likes to get right to the point, has strong opinions and beliefs
Cautions: Ask God to help you be sensitive and tactful when you talk to your friends. Avoid judging people who approach evangelism with a different style.
Intellectual:
Biblical Example: Paul in Acts 17
Theme Verse: 2 Corinthians 10v5
Personal Characteristics: Curious, analytical, logical, likes to debate, more concerned with what people think than how they feel
Cautions: Avoid letting discussions become heated arguments. Remember that your attitude is always important.
Testimonial:
Biblical Example: The blind man in John 9
Theme Verse: 1 John 1v3
Personal Characteristics: Clear communicator, interesting storyteller, good listener, open and honest about personal ups and downs, able to see connections between their own experience and the experiences of others.
Cautions: Be careful no to tell you story and leave it at that, challenge your friends to think about how your experiences might apply to their lives.
Interpersonal:
Biblical Example: Matthew in Luke 5
Theme Verse: 1 Corinthians 9v22
Personal Characteristics: Warm personality, comfortable in conversations, friendship oriented, compassionate, sensitive, focuses on people and their needs.
Cautions: Be aware of putting friendships ahead of sharing the truth.
Invitational:
Biblical Example: The woman at the well in John 4
Theme Verse: Luke 14v23
Personal Characteristics: Quick to include others in their activities, hospitable, persuasive, enjoys new people, committed, sees outreach events as a great opportunity for sharing faith.
Cautions: Try to avoid letting others do all the talking for you. Your friends need to hear how Christ has influenced your life.
Serving:
Biblical Example: Dorcas in Acts 9
Theme Verse: Matthew 5v16
Personal Characteristics: Humble, others-centered, patient, sees needs and finds joy in meeting them, shows love through actions more than words, recognizes how small tasks can be meaningful to others.
Cautions: Don't underestimate the power of your actions. Make sure you let people know that Christ is the reason for your actions.
Okay, read your Biblical examples and verses. What have you learned about yourself ? How do you think you can better share your faith? What other thoughts do you have about relational evangelism?
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
What comes before Part B?
Part-Ay!
Hey ladies! Im so excited to see you tomorrow night!!
We are not meeting at the church but at mi casa!!
All of the JHigh groups are having their own individual party. So Michelle and I thought that this would be a perfect time to finally tie dye tshirts! If you are wanting to bring other stuff to dye, please remember that the tshirts are first! :)
What do you need to bring?
$10 and a smile!
The money is to cover cost of shirts, dye, and pizza!
Where is my house?
1710 Sheffield Cir.
It is on the east side of town off of Shiloh and Alameda.
If your parents need directions, please call me at 760-2547.
What time should you show up?
6pm! Earlier than normal so that we can have even more fun! If you can't come that early, let me know, but don't let that keep you from coming!
What time should your parents pick you up?
8:30!!
If you or your parents have questions, give me a call. And if you need a ride let Michelle or I know ASAP!
Hey ladies! Im so excited to see you tomorrow night!!
We are not meeting at the church but at mi casa!!
All of the JHigh groups are having their own individual party. So Michelle and I thought that this would be a perfect time to finally tie dye tshirts! If you are wanting to bring other stuff to dye, please remember that the tshirts are first! :)
What do you need to bring?
$10 and a smile!
The money is to cover cost of shirts, dye, and pizza!
Where is my house?
1710 Sheffield Cir.
It is on the east side of town off of Shiloh and Alameda.
If your parents need directions, please call me at 760-2547.
What time should you show up?
6pm! Earlier than normal so that we can have even more fun! If you can't come that early, let me know, but don't let that keep you from coming!
What time should your parents pick you up?
8:30!!
If you or your parents have questions, give me a call. And if you need a ride let Michelle or I know ASAP!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Tuesday Night at Kendalls!
Hey Ladies! We are having a night out at Kendall's in Noble. Katherine's parents are part owners of the restaurant and have informed me that the evening is on them. So all you need to bring is money for tip. Sweet!
We will meet there at 6:15 for dinner. If your parent's can drop you off that is amazing but if you have to have a ride in order to come, let us know on the blog and we will figure it out!! Hannah asked about tye-dying shirts after and I don't think we will have time or the right place to do it now. BUT WE WILL SOON!!!
Just so you know, I have been working on tonight's blog but have been drawn into Bachelor! I love this show, even though it is so ridiculous! lol! So check again later tonight or tomorrow for the devo!
I love you girls so much!
We will meet there at 6:15 for dinner. If your parent's can drop you off that is amazing but if you have to have a ride in order to come, let us know on the blog and we will figure it out!! Hannah asked about tye-dying shirts after and I don't think we will have time or the right place to do it now. BUT WE WILL SOON!!!
Just so you know, I have been working on tonight's blog but have been drawn into Bachelor! I love this show, even though it is so ridiculous! lol! So check again later tonight or tomorrow for the devo!
I love you girls so much!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Faith?
What is faith, really?
Webster's definition is an allegiance to duty or a person, loyalty, fidelity to one's promises, and sincerity of intentions. It goes on to say that it is a belief and trust in and loyalty to God, belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion, a firm belief in something for which there is no proof, and finally, complete trust!
Without using any of our "Christianese words," write out your own definition for faith?
In the Word, the writer of Hebrews says, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (11:1) We can read all throughout the Bible about people who had great faith and trust in God and acted in accordance to that faith. Take a few minutes and read through Hebrews 11(the "Hall of Faith"), the entire chapter. Write down anything that sticks out to you. Reread it. Ask God to speak to you about what it means to have faith that is alive and active. Any questions? Thoughts?
I am starting this blog with Faith because that is where we start with God, Faith. You can't believe He is part of your life without faith. But how far do we take our faith. Do we stop at the foot of the cross with the belief that Jesus died for our sins? Or do we worship at the foot of the cross and then pick up our own cross and follow Jesus daily through a life that we won't always understand? A life that will hurt, disappoint, and leave us utterly broken. Just like those that are written about in Hebrews, we won't see everything that we are hoping for. But God is faithful beyond words. His loving-kindness reaches into our lives, our hurts, disappointments, and our borkenness to bring healing, health, and wholeness in ways that we could have never imagined for ourselves.
But it is the Faith that we have in Him, in His faithfulness that enables us to live for Him each day! Ask Him what it will look like in your life to live each day by faith. Write down what He is speaking to you and put it into action!
Webster's definition is an allegiance to duty or a person, loyalty, fidelity to one's promises, and sincerity of intentions. It goes on to say that it is a belief and trust in and loyalty to God, belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion, a firm belief in something for which there is no proof, and finally, complete trust!
Without using any of our "Christianese words," write out your own definition for faith?
In the Word, the writer of Hebrews says, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (11:1) We can read all throughout the Bible about people who had great faith and trust in God and acted in accordance to that faith. Take a few minutes and read through Hebrews 11(the "Hall of Faith"), the entire chapter. Write down anything that sticks out to you. Reread it. Ask God to speak to you about what it means to have faith that is alive and active. Any questions? Thoughts?
I am starting this blog with Faith because that is where we start with God, Faith. You can't believe He is part of your life without faith. But how far do we take our faith. Do we stop at the foot of the cross with the belief that Jesus died for our sins? Or do we worship at the foot of the cross and then pick up our own cross and follow Jesus daily through a life that we won't always understand? A life that will hurt, disappoint, and leave us utterly broken. Just like those that are written about in Hebrews, we won't see everything that we are hoping for. But God is faithful beyond words. His loving-kindness reaches into our lives, our hurts, disappointments, and our borkenness to bring healing, health, and wholeness in ways that we could have never imagined for ourselves.
But it is the Faith that we have in Him, in His faithfulness that enables us to live for Him each day! Ask Him what it will look like in your life to live each day by faith. Write down what He is speaking to you and put it into action!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Hello My 8th Grade Beauties!!!!
So I don't have the brain capacity to write anything for you yet! But I am so excited about doing a daily devo for you! I will get started as soon as the brain fog clears! And in the mean time, please pray for me to get better! Doctors appt. numero dos is tomorrow morning! I love you all and hope you are having a great week!
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