Ephesians 6:13

    Hello, blog world! I'm so sorry about the absence of the last two posts; something unexpected popped up. But I'm back now!



"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

Ephesians 6:13 (NKJ)

    That last part is really awesome: "having done all, to stand." Because God not only provides us with care and love, but He's given us His Holy Spirit, He strengthens us every day, and He leads us through sure plans step by step. So we don't have to stress about trying to come up with a perfect strategy on our own; the Lord is with us, and He brings the victory!
    Isn't that a confidence booster? :)

Psalm 55:22

 

"Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved."

Psalm 55:22 (NKJ)

    "He shall never permit the righteous to be moved." There's something really powerful about that line. It's got a dramatic tone about it that makes what the verse proclaims even more encouraging! Because it's simple enough to know that the Lord protects us and cares about us, but the wording ("He shall never permit") seems to show something very personal and determined. An unwavering will to ensure that His redeemed stand strong in the face of opposition.
    Isn't that awesome? :D

Psalm 18:29

 

"For by You I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall."

Psalm 18:29 (NKJ)

    What a great confidence-booster here!
    There isn't a single wall, army, or other obstacle that can keep God from doing what He wants to accomplish, and the Lord has taken us under His wing and equipped us so that He can use us to attain some of those accomplishments. So, as this verse boldly proclaims, as long as we're in the Lord's way, doing what He's called us to do, there's literally nothing that can stop us! We can run against the troops, we can get over the walls; we can do everything the Lord has guided us to do, because He's always with us!
    Isn't that empowering? :D

A Couple Thoughts on Reminders

Post-Its and other objects designed
for reminding people of things are
great for bringing up memories . . .

    It would be so awesome to be able to think about the Lord all the time, wouldn't it?
    To never drift off into distracted thinking, to be able to remember God's word on a matter as quickly as a person can remember their name, to just find oneself pondering God's goodness numerous times throughout the day. That kind of mindset is awesome . . . but man, is it tricky to develop naturally.

. . . but it's also really awesome to spot
something completely ordinary, like this
telephone pole, and unexpectedly be
reminded of God and His Word!

    Thank goodness there are reminders, which are really helpful for stirring up the mind. By reminders, I'm not just talking about written notes, but things, practices, objects, and even people that automatically prompt a person to go into deep thought, retrieving memories quickly.
    Objects are the most common things that serve as reminders. Christian artwork can depict God's care and proclaim truths from His word, and pencils with Scriptures printed on them do that too and are able to go with us to school/work. And sometimes there are ordinary objects that aren't meant to bring up godly concepts, but the right timing makes that happen anyway. Like a tree, for example; a person can stop to look at it and remember how in Romans 11:11, new believers are likened to branches being grafted onto an olive tree, made one with all of God's people; a really awesome description that showcases God's wonderful acceptance of us. Objects like this fit in with everyday life as decorations and as multi-purpose tools (well, maybe not the tree . . .), and the inspiration they give can be as close as a few steps away!
    People can act as reminders too. In fact, we believers are supposed to stir up the minds of our siblings in Christ; it's good fellowship, and speaking about something with another person often makes it easier to remember. Having conversations where the word of God is discussed and reflected on is also not only helpful, but it's just really awesome to be able to talk with someone about God, isn't it? And of course, there are also the people outside of church walls who speak good things of the Lord, like a certain aunt who loves to quote the Bible, and radio hosts on Christian channels who speak freely about God's goodness. They speak good words, and unlike objects, we can speak with them as well!
    So those are two kinds of reminders; what are your thoughts on the matter? Do you see a lot of reminders in daily life?

Psalm 59:17

 

"To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; for God is my defense, the God of my mercy."

Psalm 59:17 (NKJ)

    It's cool how the psalmist refers to the Lord as his strength here--especially with a capital S. The Lord is a sure and reliable Protector, and He gives us enough strength to accomplish anything and everything that needs to be done. God's mercy itself is also something that He strengthens us with. Remembering how great His mercy is gives confidence and assurance that God cares, that He has great grace, and that He is (and always will be) with us. So the title of Strength definitely seems appropriate to give to the Lord, right? :)

Psalm 93:4

 

"The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea."

Psalm 93: 4 (NKJ)

    God is incredible; stronger than anyone could imagine, able to do anything. He can (and has, in fact, as Matthew 8:24-26, Mark 4:37-39, and Luke 8:23-24 state) easily calm a raging storm.
    "The noise of many waters" and "the mighty waves of the sea" can be likened to fear, and the things in life that prompt fear, can't it? Because  the sound of water crashing against things close to a person, sloshing around their feet, and churning into powerful currents tumbling at them is frightening, and it threatens to damage anything it touches.
    But God is more powerful than the things that can make us afraid, just as He's greater than the oceans He created. He's far mightier than fear, able to conquer it, and this same God who's stronger than fear is willing to deliver us from it.
    And this in itself can strengthen us in hope; the Lord's invincible strength. It's so marvelous, isn't it?

1 Chronicles 16:27

 

"Honor and majesty are before Him; strength and gladness are in His place."

1 Chronicles 16:27 (NKJ)

    God is so great. Among many, many, many pure virtues, the He has invincible strength, and He has perfect joy. This truth is a delightful and comforting thing to know, and 1 Chronicles 16:27 is good for remembering that.
    And in addition to that, this verse also points out another wonderful truth: as we walk through life with the Lord, and spend time with Him, He makes us stronger and more glad! As we read the Bible, He helps us remember His word and strengthens our spirits; as we worship Him, our hearts come alight with joy.
    God is great, and He's also so generous and kind! He is good, isn't He?

Psalm 37:39

 

"But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in the time of trouble."

Psalm 37:39 (NKJ)

Proverbs 1:33

 

"'But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.'"

Proverbs 1:33 (NKJ)

    The speaker of this quote in Proverbs is a personification of wisdom; which I've heard, though the personification's female, can also be viewed as a representation of Christ, the wisest of all.
    Which gives yet another context to this comforting verse. Viewing the speaker as a personification of wisdom, it would be an exhortation to act wisely, which would keep one out of the troubles that unwise actions provoke. But in addition, if one were to look at this verse as Christ speaking, they would hear the encouraging fact that hearing and believing His words will keep us from having to be afraid of the inevitable problems in life. That absolutely trusting in God gives absolute peace.
    Have you ever thought of Proverbs's personification of wisdom as an analogy of the Lord? Do you think that's what the Father had in mind when this was written?

Micah 7:8

 

"Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; when I fall, I will arise: when I sit in darkness, the LORD will be a light to me."

Micah 7:8 (NKJ)

    Rising after a fall, light in the darkness. The very concepts of those two things are exhilarating! It's dramatic and encouraging to think about: a dire situation in which everything seems lost, but then: hope.
   God gives us all strength to get up again when we stumble, and when things seem to go wrong, He's always there with us. He's our living hope!
    Isn't it awesome how this verse illustrates that? :)

2 Peter 1:2

 

"Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,"

2 Peter 1:2 (NKJ)

    Isn't that an awesome truth? That our sense of peace and grace grows stronger and larger as we learn more and more about the Word?
    It makes a lot of sense, considering that the Bible is God's story. As a person reads more and more of it, they get to see more and more of the Lord's character through the things He says and does in various points in time. Which, of course, constantly shows that God is gracious, loving, and kind.
    Having that knowledge gives unspeakable joy and peace; don't you agree? :)

Staying Watchful

    "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NKJ). It's a wonderful Bible verse to know. It's strengthening, encouraging . . . and vital, really.
    The Lord is coming back soon, and as we wait for Him, we should be doing what we can to tell others about Him, spreading the truth of God. As this happens though, there seems to be (actually, there is) a conscious effort on multiple levels to try to deter us. Like when a serious case of anxiety or a spout of anger erupts, or when a huge life crisis occurs. Backsliding can occur, and that's such a horrible thing to happen.
    That's why this exhortation to watch is so great and helpful, I think. Because when we're alert and aware, these spiritual problems don't sneak up on us. We can identify problems immediately and take them to God for help.
    So how is a person to watch in the walk of life?
    I think reading the Bible is a huge factor. It's God's actual words, His absolute truth. Reading through the Word, we understand God's character and the way He wants us to be. Likened to water, it can make us see things clearly and understand. Reading it constantly is also an extremely effective reminding system, warning of actions or behaviors to avoid, and which virtues should be built up. The Bible is really perfect; reading it is a wonderful gift.
    Prayer is also a fantastic blessing. It's talking to the Lord and knowing that He's listening! And it's also a way to be watchful. In addition to giving God thanks and worship, praying for others, and praying for aid ourselves (all really important things to do), we can ask God if there's anything in our lives He wants us to change or build on. A clear Voice probably won't always answer (though sometimes He does), but asking Him gives a chance to search one's life and say, "Lord, what about this?" and think of things in the Bible that deal with the topic.
    The Word and prayer are ways I use to stay watchful. Can you think of any others?

C.S. Lewis: The Way You Carry the Load

"It's not the load that breaks you down. It's the way you carry it."

~C.S. Lewis

    Perspective is vital. It can determine whether a person breaks down with pressure or if they get through problems with minimal stress.
    It's a choice. A decision to be either pessimistic and anxious or optimistic and at peace. One can either focus on the negative aspects and the possibilities of failure or choose to put their faith in the Lord and look for the positives. It's really easy to slip into the negativity choice, but it causes a lot of harm. And it means not trusting God when He says He's working everything out for our good.
    "A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones." (Proverbs 17:22, NKJ) Choosing to be positive and to trust in the Lord really does help immensely. It relieves stress, strengthens faith, and it can make a tense situation all right.
    C.S. Lewis sure does have a lot of great quotes. Do you know any by heart?

James 1:2-3

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience."

James 1:2-3 (NKJ)

    Some trials aren't dangerous problems with high stakes. Many are, but others can be less important . . . and far more annoying.
    Those can be the ones that really stretch a person's patience. They prompt irritation, frustration, anger, and bitterness; and all those emotions are poisonous. But this Bible verse is a good safeguard against building up those feelings. Remembering over and over again that trials strengthen patience can be extremely helpful, and can make a person feel calmer, more peaceful. Which is definitely better than feeling annoyed, right?
    Hope you all have a wonderful week! :)

Moving On

    The heart doesn't let go of things easily. Especially when it's something or someone you've been with for a long time.
    The school year is ending about this time. Some are leaving a particular school for another, some are leaving school for good, and some are just moving up one grade within the same school. In all of those cases, moving on is difficult. Leaving behind a small era of life can be really hard to do, because usually one never gets to experience it in person again.
    But an age doesn't last forever. Life is always changing and moving forward. It's an indisputable fact that can't be ignored.
    Fortunately, we Christians have a major comfort; Someone who never changes: God. He is our Anchor, our Rock. He's always been the same Person He is, has always been here, and He'll continue to be with us throughout our entire lives, guiding us, speaking to us, comforting us. He gives us the strength to move on in life and to grow stronger in Him, going "from glory to glory" (2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJ). When change comes, He guides us in making good changes.
    So moving on can be hard, but it can also be good. Knowing that the Lord will help us through gives the needed assurance and the ability to do it.
    Well, hope you have a wonderful rest of the week. :)

Isaiah 41:10

"'"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."'"

Isaiah 41:10 (NKJ)

    Don't you love these verses where the Lord speaks directly to His people? There's more than a few of these in the book of Isaiah--it's so cool! We not only get to see His immeasurable strength and hear of His incredible acts, but we also get to hear Him say soft, kind, loving things like this. Here He personally tells us not to be afraid, and promises to make us stronger. He's actually saying He'll hold us up, supporting us, protecting us.
    Do you know any Bible verses from Isaiah by heart? :)

Psalm 55: 22

 

"Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved."

Psalm 55: 22 (NKJ)

 

    Physical burdens are difficult, but emotional ones can be heavier and even more difficult to get rid of. Stress, worry, fear, sadness. They're not fun, and you can't just wish it away.

    But amazingly and wonderfully, the Lord says that He'll take them! He promises us rest in Matthew 11: 28, and since God is all-powerful and unchanging, security is assured.

    Prayer and just trusting in God are two ways to cast our cares upon Him, and they work wonderfully. Don't you agree that it gives peace?

    Hope you have a wonderful week! :)

Proverbs 3:5

 

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;"

Proverbs 3:5 (NKJ)

Psalm 46:1-3

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah."

Psalm 46:1-3 (NKJ)

Having Christian Friends

    Friends. Are. Awesome. The time you spend with them can give you wonderful memories you'll keep all of your life. You may have a friend you've known for years; a friend who's like a sister or brother to you. You might have friends you've gone on adventures with, have laughed with, and have done projects with. When you're with a friend, things can be great for everybody--especially if that friend is a Christian like you, because that makes you siblings in Christ!
    Another wonderful thing about that besides having wonderful times together is that you can also get through tough times with each other. When you're discouraged or afraid or downhearted, a friend who's also a follower of Christ can comfort you, encourage you, and pray for you!