His love, your love

~Saturday Stories~

"The most important thing that you must understand is that God loves you both. The Bible says that He cares about you so much that He even has the very hairs on your head numbered." - Megan, The Masquerade

"Oh, dear God, please help your children. Please hold them in your hands. Please feed them and show them how much you love them. Amen." - Caitlin, It's My Life

"The most important thing we can do is to love God (and others too), but we need to love God more than anything (more than our family or friends or even our own lives!). Now, loving God may sound simple enough, but it's not that easy to love him above all else." - Caitlin, Becoming Me

How about you? Do you know that God knows and loves you? Do you love God more than anything else? Do you love others?


There is a poll on the left sidebar that I would love if you checked out. It's about how often you think I should post, something I have been thinking about lately and would love your opinion on.

Keep on praying

~Friday for Friends~

"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:14-21 (NIV)

I love when Paul prays over a church. When he shares about the outpourings his heart makes to the Father on the church's behalf. And while we should not necessarily memorize and simply recite these prayers, they are a good reminder for us to pray for our fellow believers. 

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

Who can you pray for right now? 

No revenge

~Friday for Friends~

"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[a] says the Lord. On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[b]
   Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:17-21 (NIV)

To not at least try to avenge something that hurt us - this can be really hard to do. It might be something small that just irks us or something that has been haunting our memory for years. It feels right to do something about it, to make the person pay for the pain they cost us. 

God says, again and again, that we are not to be overcome by this desire to even things out. It is God's to judge. We are to try our best and pray for His help with loving our neighbor, with actions as well as with words. It helps to remember the (oh, so many!) mistakes we ourselves have made before our friends and, more importantly, before God. To remember that God forgives us no matter what because of a sacrifice that cost Him so much. 

I am not saying to let people walk all over you or to keep quiet about abuse or the like. Please don't. But it's important to give the job of avenging to God and remind ourselves that He forgives, so we should too. 

Unstoppable

~Monday Movies & Music~

Matty Mullins features Jordan Feliz in his recent song, "Unstoppable." Here are the lyrics.

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-39 (NIV)

It is with this unstoppable love that Our Savior loves you!

Apply it today

~Friday for Friends~

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Galatians 5:22-26 (NIV)

To whom can you show love? What can you rejoice over? How can you spread peace or represent patience? How can you apply these verses to your life today?  

Fish, scorpions, and God's perfect love

~Tuesday Thoughts~

"“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for[a] a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:11-13 (NIV)

Some of our earthly fathers are amazing or at least good. Still, no father is perfect. And some might not even be good fathers at all. And maybe for some of you, if you ask for a fish he would give you a snake. 

But God is the perfect Father who loves you like crazy. His love knows no measure. And while He is not a machine that just pops out presents when you "pray enough," He does delight in giving good gifts to His children. 

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17 (NIV)

What is a gift God has recently given you? 

How mighty and glorious is our Father

~Tuesday Thoughts~

"Lord, you have been our dwelling place

  throughout all generations.

Before the mountains were born

  or you brought forth the whole world,

  from everlasting to everlasting you are God." Psalm 90:1-2 (NIV)

It's easy to forget just how mighty and glorious our Father is. But He has existed forever and ever. His strength is unending. His holiness is awe-inducing. He is both just and loving, both holy and forgiving of sinners. He is the One who controls the world, and He is the One who He hears our prayers. 

And we should join the chorus praising the One who made us:

"Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb

    be praise and honor and glory and power,

for ever and ever!”" Revelation 5:13 (NIV)

There is only God's love

~Saturday Stories~

"Love isn't about what you do or don't do. It's about who you are. They love you because you're their daughter and sister. Your actions aren't going to change that." -Renee, The Masquerade

“You may have had some small part in setting the events of that night in motion, Kirsten. There are things you could have done differently so perhaps the accident wouldn’t have happened. More than likely it still would have. But whatever your share of the blame . . . why do you think we celebrate our communion and pray in the garden and go on with the work we’ve been given to do? Because we’re all forgiven. There is no shame, Kirsten. There is only God’s love.” -Frankie, The Merciful Scar

"Fighting isn't going to give you true, lasting happiness. Only knowing that God loves you can really do that." - The Fight

How about you? Do you easily forget that you are loved unconditionally - by God? Can you give God your shame and accept his love? 

Free to love

~Tuesday Thoughts~

"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." Galatians 5:13-16 (NIV)

How about you? How can you serve and love someone today?

Whole Heart

~Monday Movies & Music~ 

Brandon Heath has a fun truth-filled song, "Whole Heart." Here are the lyrics. Be sure to check the song out! 

"1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

His love endures forever.

2 Give thanks to the God of gods.

His love endures forever.

3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:

His love endures forever." Psalm 136:1-3 (NIV)

The more we get to know and see God through Scripture and our own lives, the more we want to give Him our entire selves. He is an amazing Creator and Father who has always loved us, even before we loved him. Let us rejoice and rest in this eternal truth. Our Father is so worthy of our praise and love!

How about you? Have you trusted God to see you with all your sins, mess-ups, and disappointments? Have you learned of His unending love and mercy?    

Lofty goals

~Friday for Friends~

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." Ephesians 4:1-6 (NIV)

Those are some pretty lofty goals, aren't they? Let us strive to attain them, all the while seeking God's help! What is something practical you can do in the next 24 hours?

The Gospel

~Monday Movies & Music~

Guys, this is such a great song! Ryan Stevenson recently uploaded "The Gospel" (lyrics).  

"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—" John 1:12 (NIV)

The gospel is such a great thing! How can you let others know about it as you go about your day?

Knowing for sure (that you're loved)

~Saturday Stories~

In my room I sit alone 

Wondering what it feels like 

To know for sure that you're loved 

Because in my mind there's always

The possibility of them just being polite

I'm polite sometimes 

Who is to say my friends

Don't simply feel sorry for 

The girl with the dry humor 

Who does not know when to shut up

Who is to say that the times 

I hug my friends they are not wishing

That I go away and leave them alone

Maybe it would be better for everyone  

If I left before they asked me to

I was told today

That that wasn't true

That when he talked to me

It was because he wanted to 

And not because of duty 

God, I don't even know if I can

Believe that anymore. Open my eyes 

And remind me that Your love is incredible 

And You can use others 

To show me that love on earth. 

Open rebuke

~Friday for Friends~

 "Better is open rebuke

   than hidden love.

 Wounds from a friend can be trusted,

   but an enemy multiplies kisses." Proverbs 27:5-6 (NIV)

How can you apply this verse today?

Special to God

~Saturday Stories~

"You’re special to God, aren’t you? So you’re special to me." -Aleesha, Found in Translation

"He'd tell me I have so much potential and so much to look forward to because God has incredible plans in store for my life." - Unwritten Melody

"You are special in so many ways. You are kind. And you're so sweet with our children. You always put others first. ... But the most important reason is that God made you special, and he loves you so much." -Gloria, The Fight

How about you? Is it easy for you to forget that you are special to God and that He has great plans for you? Can you encourage someone with this truth today? 

"It was Your picture"

~Saturday Stories

“I taught you to look at the special gifts and qualities God gave you. ... Actually, we shouldn’t call it self-confidence. We ought to call it God-confidence.” - Kathleen, Here's Lily

"It's not about being good or living a good life. It's about believing that God is God, that he's good and he loves us, and that we need his forgiveness. That's it!" -Gloria, The Fight

"I couldn’t see the whole picture. You did, though. It was Your picture." -Kim, Found in Translation

How about you? Have you remembered that you are in need of God's forgiveness and that He loves you? Have you placed your confidence in God? Have you trusted Him with His picture? 

Do it this weekend!

~Friday for Friends~

Today, apparently, is National Random Acts of Kindness Day. A kindness I love giving and receiving is encouragement. It means SO MUCH when people take the time to encourage me and let me know they are there for me.

Over February 14th, a number of older people from church gave me gifts and cards, making it easier to be both single and far away from my family on that specific. :)

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

How could you encourage someone this weekend?

End of discussion

~Friday for Friends~

“God must hate me. I hardly ever pray anymore—”
“Lilianna.” Mom never used Lilianna unless she was really serious. “We’re not going to have that kind of talk. God loves you. Period. End of discussion. Now close your eyes. Let’s talk to Him.”"
 -Lilianna and her mom in Here's Lily

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 (NIV)

Always remember - God loves you no matter what!

Loving God and neighbors: Applying Matthew 22

~Tuesday Thoughts~

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”  Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:36-40, NIV).

God’s Word repeats the command to love your God and your neighbors again and again. From the well-known passage in Matthew to John’s love-infused letters, there is no doubt that love should be one of the crucial parts of our lives.

However, sometimes we do not know how to make this feel “real.” How do we imply head knowledge to actions? How do we obey 1 John 3:18, which encourages us not to “love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (New International Version)?

Loving God is something that is both natural and extremely hard. As Caitlin says in Melody Carlson’s Becoming Me, “Now loving God may sound simple enough, but it’s not that easy to love him above all else.” From careers to hobbies to relationships, many things try to steal our attention and love away from where it should be. Church, friends, family, and maybe even a Christian school or college can help us dig deeper into knowing God, encouraging and providing accountability. Yet a lot of the job is for us to do one-on-one with God. It is never too late or too early to start reading the Bible or conversing with our Lord about our lives, this world and its troubles, or anything else.

One of the most important parts of loving God is obeying His commands (1 John 5:3), and one of these commands is loving others. If we love God, we must also love our neighbors (1 John 4:20), which sometimes proves to be a very difficult task. Numerous people annoy us so much or have hurt us time after time. However, we should not settle for tolerance of a person; we should love that person. No one said it would be easy.

We need to remember that loving with only words is almost nothing. Actions, however, do not need to be large to show this love. If we just look around, we will find millions of opportunities to do good to our neighbors. These include spending time with someone, encouraging him when life gets tiring, and reminding him of a love so amazing and great that will always be there for him if only he ask.

We need to remember that God loved us long before we even considered loving Him. “We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19, New International Version). Let us go love others!

Stop judging people already!

~Tuesday Thoughts~

Ever been told "stop judging people already!" or "he/she is big enough to make his/her own decisions" and "not everything that's right for you is right for everyone?" 

Eeeeer. Big, big sigh...  I want to address the first statement in this post. The whole "stop judging, what are you, better than everyone else?" statement. 

Many times when that is said, I'm not actually judging anyone. Sometimes I am, and I am seriously sorry for that. But sometimes I'm just pointing out that a certain lifestyle and/or decision is wrong. That the Bible says so. I don't believe in abortion because the Bible teaches that life starts in the womb. I will not support gay rights because the Bible claims homosexuality - as well as adultery - to be immoral. I don't cheat on tests because I believe I should not lie. I believe that Christianity is the only religion that is right, and that every other religion is wrong. 

I AM NOT saying everyone else is a horrible person, and I'm perfect. No way am I perfect. And I'm really really sorry for those times that I do judge people. Those times do happen, sadly. What I am saying, though, is that some acts and beliefs are wrong. Just... wrong. That's what the Bible says. 

But if I'm not saying all this in love, please tell me. 'Cause that's the way I should be doing it. 

I'd encourage y'all to read this post on criticism and how it should/should not be done. 

How about you? Have you ever been blamed for "judging" others? Have you ever accused someone of it? Have you ever judged others in the wrong way? What are your thoughts on the topic?