Step Out With Faith

Well, it's been awhile since I wrote on my blog because I got swept away, not so much in classes but in awe of how much God was moving around me and teaching me through every person I came in contact with.  Before I was uniquely made in my mothers womb, God supernaturally designed what I would be doing on this very day and He never ceases to amaze me.  Two days ago, He brought me home for the holidays and last night I was reunited with two of my dear friends.  I laughed so much that I had to remind myself to breath.  Before the night was over I already had plans for this morning with one of them again.  If you were to ask me beforehand, I would have only suspected for it to be a morning jog with great company and the chance to catch up on our daily lives.  It didn't take long for me to realize God had so much more in mind.

I opened my eyes this morning to a dark sky with many clouds.  Now, anyone who knows me would know that it made me even more excited to go running.  The sound of the rain hitting the sidewalks is so soothing to me and every rain drop reminds me that God is in control.  He knows everything about everything.  He knows where each rain drop will fall and the effects it will have on the plants, trees, animals, and people everywhere.  It reminds me to slow down. We are always rushing to get from point A to point B and then repeat the process all over again the next day.  But what does that really accomplish? 
What we do in this life will decide where we go after we die.  "What are you working towards that the grave can't destroy?" (Reality) So take a moment to reevaluate your motives and appreciate all the things you're taking for granted.  If I were to thank God for everything He has blessed me with, (let's just narrow it down to one specific day) I would be thanking Him until my final breath. 

Okay, moving on...

Just like I anticipated, my friend and I were able to catch up on our last semester while running around the block.  The talk about classes were quick and to the point, but what I really cherished is how we were able to connect about what really makes us who we are;  The interests we have and the people we've met and how they've changed our lives for better or worse.  Every person you meet teaches you something.  As it became more obvious to me how out of shape I've become, we started heading back to my house.  

Before I knew it we were reading Bible passages and in a deep conversation about the Lord's Word.  Where two or more people are joined, God is with them.  Oh, let me just say He was surely with us.  We watched a movie called, "Father of Lights" and I highly recommended it for believers and non believers.  The power and creative design that God has in everything He does was so clearly shown as I watched this two hour film.  It taught me that we need to be brave and step out with faith.
God calls each and every one of us to heal the sick.  So, what's stopping us?  We don't need to have some fancy prayer in order to heal a broken back or take away a sickening disease. We have the Power of Jesus Christ.  The same power that rose Jesus from the dead is living inside us.  And the God of the universe commands that we lay a hand on the place that needs healing and to say a prayer.  It can be as simple as, "In this name of Jesus Christ I command the pain to leave. Get out." Because you know what...that may be simple to say, but it's effects are are so much more.  Anytime you say the name "Jesus Christ" the gates of Hell shake and the demons shiver down to their very core.  If you have God, then you have power to heal.
I was personally convicted by this and I was reminded of all the times I said, "I will pray for you" or "what can I be praying about for you?"  Seven times out of ten, (if you're like me) you'll forget or fall asleep before you even remember asking that question.  

My challenge for you, and this goes for me too, is stop saying you'll pray for them and just do it.  That is when they need it and that is when they asked for it.  Don't be afraid of being awkward or having people stare because if you're feeling weird and out of place, then good. That means you're doing your job.  Jesus Christ never went with the crowd, He was the leader of it.  And more times than not people found Him weird and a bit crazy.  You'll get comfortable with the idea of proclaiming His name in all places of the world and the idea of praying out loud.  God will surely bless you. 
Also, don't let the non believer scary you from praying over them either because they are the ones that need it most.  Ask if you can pray for them and with there approval, lay a hand on there shoulder and ask the Lord to reveal Himself.  
Above all, LOVE.
In this entire movie of incredible healing and remarkable life changing choices, the servants of God displayed Jesus Christ by simply loving others.  We don't need to try and convict other religions into our own or judge those that say they are Christian, but are being un-biblical. Because every person-- this includes gangs, liars, cheaters, murders,...yes, even them is a child of God.  Therefore, He wants you to love each and every one of them.  God doesn't love our choices, but He still deeply loves our hearts.


 

God is real.

God is who He says He is.
God answers the prayers you pray to Him.
God reveals Himself to those who ask.
God gives you power to overcome.
God loves His sons and daughters.
God will always run after you.
God is righteous.
God is real!

Up and down, up and down, side to side, flip upside down.
If you take a step back and look at your life, you'll see that it's been an interesting roller coaster ride. 
I am at a loss of words because of the greatness my God has shown me.--So let the text that you're about to read speak to you from God Himself. 

My dear child,

I have made you. I knew from the very beginning what your heart would feel and where life on earth would take you. This is why I have come to save you.  When my perfect Son died, so did true love. But the power that rose Him from the grave was also invested in that love--That everlasting love became so powerful that nothing could harm it. 

I have given you that love, my child.--When you realize that I am the truth, the way and the light. 
Admit that you're a sinner in need of a savior and believe that I, Jesus Christ, am God. I died on the cross to save you from your sins and nobody gets to the Father except through Me. Choose to follow me...I can fill your voids and love you like nobody else. 
Take my love and be protected from what this world might throw at you.  With Me as your armor not only will you be protected, but you will experience the God that everyone around you is talking about. Ask questions as they arise and get to know me better each day, because I already know you.  

I know your struggles and the burdens you carry. I know what and/or who make you smile and when you feel the most beautiful.  I know what makes you feel worthy in the eyes of Christ.  I know the health problems your family member is facing.  I know where you will find the money in order to keep a roof over your head and food on the table. I know who will always be there for you until the end.

I know the feeling because I've been through it. When I died on the cross I felt all that pain at once, so that you wouldn't have to go at it alone. 

I did this for you.

Remember that one season in your life. Where your smile lasted through the night and continued to shine in the morning light. Where anything could go wrong and you would be okay because you had ___________.  I gave that to you so that you would praise Me and know that I am the Ultimate Giver.
But just as I give to you, I can take away.  The reasons may vary depending on what area in your life we focus on, but remember that I am doing what's ultimately best for you. Nothing in My plan can be taken away or added to it.

Well that time may have past, but those memories still remain.  All this is in my divine plan for you. There is a purpose and I just want you to trust Me. Give me a chance. Stop trying to fix it yourself because you're not better off.  I see the past, present and future.  I already know when the struggles your facing now will end.  And there are blessings in both the time of "struggling" and the resolution of it all.  
So, I invite you to live in the moment. Live for today and what it has to offer because I have it all under control.  

I know...sometimes that's easier said than done. So, talk to me. Pray and tell me what your concerned about.  This is why there is prayer, to benefit you. I may already know what you need, but this is a direct way to talk with Me and strengthen your heart while you wait on Me.  I will take care of you. So rejoice and thank me as you would your friend for doing you a favor. Because I am doing this out of love for you.  There is none like you.  You are important and valuable. You are enough!

Much love,

Your God, the creator of love.

Not Home Yet

Summer is ending. School will begin. For some of us it sounds like the same ole’ routine year after year, but not for me.  I attend my classes and I have a job to pay for them just like the previous years-- but my heart, mind, and soul are not what they used to be.  No way.  For the past year and a half, I’ve had more conversations with God than ever before.  Life couldn’t be any sweeter than those moments spent with Him.  My eyes have been opened and joyful tears have fallen down my cheeks.

Something I’ve always known since I began a relationship with God, was understanding that this life is only temporary.  But it wasn’t until about an hour ago that that Sunday school statement really took an impact on my life.  Up until this point in my life, I’ve prayed that everything I’d faced would shape me more into a God-fearing woman who glorifies the Lord with her heart, mind, and soul.  My motives were in the right place, but they lacked a valuable detail.  

Why did God send His Son to die on the cross for me? So that I could live in eternity with Him!! It could be because I’m blonde that I missed this or because I’m simply human. BUT if He sent Jesus Christ to die so that I could live with Him then--why am I worried about who I am going to marry in this life? Where I am going to live in this life? How I am going to pay for all the finances in this life?
God has spoken many times that He wants us to be fixed on our eternal rewards.  And when the Bible says, “Don’t be anxious about anything,” it actually means it.

I’ve been reading C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters and in it he writes this, (keep in mind these sentences are supposed to be spoken by a demon). “There is nothing like suspense and anxiety for barricading a human’s mind against the Enemy [God].  He wants men to be concerned with what they do; our business is to keep them thinking about what will happen to them”
I’ve been trying my best to focus on what I am doing and if it’s pleasing to God, but at the same time I am so excited for my future in this life to unfold that I am doing the opposite of what God asks, being anxious.  God wants me to be happy and excited for the plans He has for me, this is true--But not to the point that it gets me anxious and if my mind focuses only on that.  If that’s the case then I’m missing out on all the blessing right in front of me.  Everything I do should be more eternity minded, which will ultimately change my daily choices.  As God made this so perfectly clear to me, the next four songs that played on Air1 was a sweet conversation between me and the Savor to the world.

“Don't close your eyes

Don't close your eyes

This is your life

Are you who you want to be?”

Switchfoot - This Is Your Life

“All I know is I'm not home yet

This is not where I belong

Take this world and give me Jesus

This is not where I belong”

Building 429 - Where I Belong

You'll never make it to the great unknown till you

Keep your eyes open, my love

So tell me you're strong, tell me you see

NEEDTOBREATHE - Keep Your Eyes Open

Get me outta my mind and into Your heart

It's not about me, it's not about me

So I'm gonna start

Playin' my part in Your design

Now is the time

Get me outta my mind

Outta my mind

There's a bigger picture on display

And it's starting to come in focus

Causing me to see to see the ones in need outside my little world

Gotta try, just to say

O God, what can I do

Doesn't matter what it takes

I wanna lead them all to You

Anthem Lights - Outta My Mind

Live with eternity in mind!  Remind yourself that this life is only temporary.  Be excited for Jesus Christ and His Kingdom! Because this life is already taken care of if you've given it to Him. (:

Thinking of the Kingdom,

Kristen :]

Don't stop. Keep walking(:

Has holding out for God's will made you stop living your life? 
As I talk to more and more people, I realize that we're around that age where our decisions have more impact on our lives than ever before.  From the day you moved out of your parents house, freedom has had a whole new meaning.  With that freedom comes decisions and with those decisions come outcomes, whether they be good or bad.  More of my friends have told me recently that they're waiting for God's will to reveal itself than any other time in there lives. {{I am definitely guilty here too.}} But could we be waiting around for something that has already been revealed to us.  I recently read my previous blogs and realized that I spoke then too about "the answer being right in front of us."  I am a firm believer in free will & during this life there are many choices we will face---that have many paths we can chose to walk down for answers.  Are we so set on the one thing we think God has for us (or the one we want Him to have for us) that sometimes we're too naive to see the other options?

Each situation is different, I understand that, but what doesn't change is God's desire for us to grow closer to Him and more like Jesus Christ.  This will happen as we go through life's journeys.   
We increase our faith by going through good and bad moments and experiencing God's faithfulness to us.  If we sit around waiting for God to direct us with a flashing arrow pointing in the direction He wants us to take or for God to talk through a burning bush again... not only will it not come, but we will be missing out on all the blessings right before our eyes because we're too focused on the next step.  

C.S. Lewis once said, 

"It is better to see the next three steps, 

then a glimpse of the horizon"

Accept the blessings that are happening right now and keep walking in your faith! Because the longer you sit still (all those times without praises and being thankful/content), the greater chance the devil and his demons have to attack. 
Have faith in God and know that He will not let you go astray.
"Be strong and courageous" (Dt. 31:6, Dt 31:7,23, Jos 1:6,7,9,18, 10:25...) just as it was encouraged in the bible over 15 times! Don't allow fear of man, self-pride, loneliness, etc. stop you from taking chances you heart is calling you to.  
"So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves" (Gal. 5:16)

Love your God with all your heart, mind and soul. <3
You'll have everything to gain. 

~Kristen~

Being content. Who is that really up to?

Be content, is that something easier said then done for you? But does it have to be?

What if I told you that someone out there listens to your heart.  Who not only listens carefully, but also desires to fix what feels broken and strengthen what is not.  So that--when you’re faced with heartache, fear, doubt, worry or anxiousness you will not be moved, but instead will stand strong.  God is that someone. And He is alive. It’s easier to be content knowing that our God hears our cries, answers them, and showers His blessings on us. 

The Lord knows you better than anyone. After all, He made you! He knows what you want in life and not just the big goals, but also the small accomplishments throughout each day.  He is always with you and freely giving His guidance and strength.  The Lord has the power to calm the seas within and wants to help you through anything you may face.  Why?....because of His pure and unconditional love for you.  He is not only there when times are hard, but He is the creator of all things good.  Every moment that brings happiness, joy and laughter is from our Lord.

Being content also comes easier when we speak praises more than complaints.  If you constantly heard someone telling you all the things that are going wrong in their lives, wouldn’t that bring you down?  Then why at times do we find it okay to think that about our own lives? Or maybe we’re the ones speaking negativity to others?

It starts with our own heart and mind.  If we choose to look through God’s eyes then we can see that there is a purpose for the struggle we are going through and that is a blessing in itself.  Trust that God sees the bigger picture and that He is using your experiences to bring you closer to Him.  "Every past experience was once a present choice."  It’s up to you whether or not you’re going to focus on all that needs fixing or…experiencing the joy that God has laid before you each step of the way.

“Experiencing genuine joy and contentment when life is difficult is only possible when you lean on God’s strength instead of your own.”

If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior then you have MORE than enough.  End of story.  Don't let the devil trick you into thinking that God isn't listening or answering your prayers.  Because God answers each prayer on His timing. 

If you don't know Jesus Christ then my prayer for you is this--- You would be willing to open your heart up and hear what He has to offer because He is so loving and powerful that He alone can give you everything you ever wanted.  God loves you more than anything and He already knows you. So, go get to know Him.

Completely content,

Kristen :]

If it’s His will…it will happen.

Within this last year, God has clearly revealed His great deeds and plans for me.  I’ve seen His workmanship and art displayed in my life like never before and it’s caused me to see through His eyes.  It’s simply breathtaking to see God’s will for my life show itself in such intricate and personal ways.

Now don’t get me wrong, there has also been a great deal of confusion but nevertheless---He has opened doors, changed hearts, and given a whole new perspective to answering prayers.

The thing about God’s will is that more often than not He opens many doors for us and it’s up to us to choose.  The Lord gives us free will to decide for ourselves and whichever door we choose He will bless us.  If we come to a door that’s shut, then it’s simply not in His plan.  But you better believe that He has other doors open for you.

Two weeks ago God made it obvious to me what I had to take care the moment summer began.  The thought of what I was going to do was bittersweet; I knew deep down inside that I wanted/needed to do it, but was I strong enough to face such a challenge? You better believe it because God won’t tell me to do anything that He hasn’t been prepared me for.  So it was obvious to me that if He was telling me to do it, that I would succeed with the power of the Holy Spirit.  God broke down any walls of self-pride along with fear of man and just to make sure it was His will for my life and not the flesh, I prayed for direction, strength, and humility.

Let me tell you---when the time finally came---never in my whole life have I faced a situation where every single step I took and word I said had to be that of God’s or this situation could not happen.

As I took a leap of faith, literally everything fell into place so I knew this was time and I knew this was God!

So, don’t underestimate the power you have in Jesus Christ. =)

“You may have to step out to find out the right thing to do. If you don’t hear clearly from God, just step in the direction you think you should go, and wait for the peace.  If you lose your peace, back out of wherever you were headed”

Let God be your guide because each day is a new start and there will always be new plans for your life just waiting to unfold day by day.  I myself have many questions about the future, but I’m learning patience and, “not [to] be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).

  

Clothed with His strength,

Kristen (:

Worrying is a waste of time.

Do you ever have those sleepless nights where it's not homework or a sleepover that's keeping you awake, but instead those thoughts of worry rushing through your head like a river current with no end? I do. It took me three hours after I laid my head on the pillow to fall asleep last night because it felt impossible to 'stop thinking' and stop worrying.  The lack of sleep and constant worry resulted in a headache the next morning that then lead to a stomachache because of the pain. Not fun.

This all began because of a worry I had. 

As I rushed to class in hopes that the ibuprofen would kick in immediately, I was prompted to open the Internet and look up bible verses dealing with ‘worry’.  On Biblegateway.com I saw the verse,

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34).

I absolutely love this verse and when I finished reading it, I heard myself saying, “duh!” in the back of my head.  This is the verse I am always saying to anyone in my current situation.  I’ve written it down in so many places that it was almost comical that I didn’t think of it myself.  The worry had been so overwhelming and the pain in my head was just a reminder of the thoughts that kept me tossing and turning the night previously that--- it was the little thing I was so used to saying that had completely slipped my mind.  But God knew I needed to hear it.  God knew that the devil was going to keep playing games with me so the Lord intervened and won the battle. 

My God is the ultimate Healer.

The Holy Spirit encouraged me to look up the Word of God and to focus my attention on the one I always knew in my heart to be true.  He finds unique ways to communicate to us and they speak to each one of us a little differently.

After reading this verse, I mediated on it for a few minutes but was then forced to leave class early because of the physically pain I was experiencing.  On my way back to the dorms, I stopped to get food.  While waiting for the meal to be prepared I received a text from my high school bible study leader.  It was a prayer for me. <3 She wrote out the prayer that she had said that morning and it was to give me the strength I needed.

There are no coincidences. This time was God’s timing.

As I began to leave I ran into another dear friend who happens to be a brother in Christ.  He asked how he could be praying for me this morning.

---My morning just started and already God has given me numerous reasons to know that He is alive and He is listening.

God doesn’t sleep nor slumber; He is always taking care of His children.  Within the next 15 minutes, my physical pain had subsided and by the next hour it had completely disappeared.  Glory to God!  It is our God who encourages us to give Him our burdens and take up His own because His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30).

So I encourage you this afternoon, run to the cross! Run to the cross and lay down any worries, fears, or doubts you may have.  The Lord of Lords wants to take care of them for you because He loves you unconditionally.  God is love.  Please feel free to leave any prayers requests you may have.

Strong in Him,

Kristen D.