tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10796685780618874162024-03-09T06:47:24.043+10:30A Shepherd after God's own heartFelicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904257725288194080noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079668578061887416.post-31598353621000451042014-03-14T21:42:00.002+10:302014-03-14T21:42:31.599+10:30God with me in the Depths of HellI wrote this post several months ago when I was going through an extremely painful time.
Now I can look at it and say God has held me through this. I have been to hell and back, but God has held me. And when you are going through hell he will hold you too.
"Sometimes things hurt. This evening has been one of those times. Sometimes I wish I could just take people by the shoulders and shake them and say you have no idea how much I'm hurting. You have no idea how it feels to be trapped in my shoes in this situation. Because I can't actually talk about it. But I'm hurting. And sometimes there aren't words to express how I feel, and people look at the outside and think I'm okay now, but I'm not. I'm coping now, and I can find a safe spot to cry in peace, but it doesn't take away the pain, and sometimes even my safe places are invaded. The ones that aren't I can't usually stay in for very long (i.e. church) and some days I wish the office was open so I could just go there, and sit somewhere quiet and cry until my heart felt like it's tears had been heard, but I can't. So I find a quiet place somewhere else and weep in silence. God hears me. God sees my tears, and he's not far off, like it seems like everyone else is when I need a shoulder to cry on, or just some space to live. One day I won't live feeling like my basic needs and emotional safety are constantly threatened by the circumstances thrust upon me."
"Where can I run from your presence Lord? ...if I go to the depths of hell even then you are there."Felicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904257725288194080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079668578061887416.post-57156302864570125422014-03-14T21:30:00.001+10:302014-03-14T21:32:25.680+10:30What is Your Will?Recently I was having a conversation with a friend about my dream to be a doctor and studying.
Lately I've had quite a few knock backs and it hasn't looked very hopeful.
The following is an excerpt from our conversation, and felt it might encourage a few others, so have shared below.
<i>"It's strange. I've asked God several times about it - what do you want me to do? Is this a wrong move? Are you steering me in a different direction? Do I change course? And so on... It took a little while to hear him regarding it, because at first all I could think about was my disappointment, frustration and doubts and wanting to quit because it all felt too hard. However a few days ago my heart quietly whispered to him,"Am I doing the wrong thing? Do I change course? Should I let go of this and work? What is your will for me?" And I felt him whisper back, "I want you to do medicine."
I wasn't expecting him to speak like that to me. It feels as though my dream to become a doctor has changed from being my dream that I didn't want to surrender to him, to it being his dream for me that is a gift, not a cause for striving, and a heavy burden I struggle under.
Honestly I don't know how that will happen, but I know he doesn't call without giving us what we need to follow that call. I guess that give me stability with the uncertainty of it all, and an incredible sense of peace."</i>Felicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904257725288194080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079668578061887416.post-29072225050416346932013-07-17T23:02:00.001+09:302013-07-17T23:02:22.423+09:30Little MiraclesSomething God has been teaching me lately (as in the last few months) has been to ask Him for things, and trust Him to meet my needs where I can't meet them, because I ask...
So I ask for:
Carparks close when I'm in a rush or tired, or just want free parking.
Certain things to come on special.
Grants and Scholarships.
Extra assistance with you name it.
Creative ideas.
A holiday.
A pinup board.
Free gym membership for nearly 2 months.
Clothes.
Work.
Money.
Breaks in the traffic that are big enough my tired brain can see them.
Friends.
Entry to certain classes and courses that are not normally permitted - for credit at Uni.
More free stuff.
Parental figures.
Heck, I ask for a lot...
I used to think it was inappropriate to always be asking God for things, and that I should keep my requests to the "holy stuff". But He's taught me something. In my time of need. When stupid things are bothering me, and stupid things that I can't change, when I'm feeling overwhelmed by life, He understands. And he has an answer for every dumb situation that I find myself in where I think I can't cope. I have honestly been seeing God answer some rather big requests. About one a week. So yes, big problems, bigger God. It's taught me to lean on Him. To trust Him, and rely on Him, and know that where I am at my weakest He is at His most glorious, moment to shine and show off like a peacock, and shows me just how much He loves me.
Just to illustrate the point, I was at a prayer meeting tonight. There was a fellow there who paces... in all sorts of directions at all angles, and he doesn't seem to follow the rules of personal space bubbles, but if you move to give him more space he follows (seriously thought the guy was magnetised to me tonight! Argh!). Anyhow, at best it is annoying. At worst it is totally unnerving - get this guy away from me he's driving me crazy! (Maybe he's ADHD, but regardless, gets on my nerves.) Tonight was somewhere in between, but certainly was distracting. I was thinking here we go, I won't be able to focus on God because I'm constantly aware of this guy who keeps bumping into me or nearly running me over, etc. Then I had this little nudge from God, "Ask me to do something about it."
So I asked, "Um, please move that guy away from me and put an angel there instead."
Next thing, he moves across the room (sorry everyone on that side!) and then one of the pastor's children got a bit upset, so next thing he was standing next to me instead (as I was near his children), so the other dude was kinda stuck the other side of the room for pretty much the rest of the night. So there you have it, my pastor is an angel. :P Um, okay, maybe not, but it was funny answer to prayer, and yes, it was much easier for me to relax after that!
That might sound like a big deal out of nothing, and in a sense, it kinda was. But it was important to me, so it was important to God. Think about it. I couldn't focus. I was feeling unnerved. So God switched it around, and put someone next to me who would have the complete opposite affect. The atmosphere Johnny carries is one of God's presence and peace, not of agitation. As stupid as it may sound, I needed that to be able to relax into God's arms so to speak. So He provided it. Like He does every other little thing I need.
There is something so sweet about that place with God. It's sacred. It's not like a vending machine at all. It's much more like asking someone who is trying to win your heart and affection for a favour, and then savouring the moment when they joyfully do the task for you, and whispering a heartfelt thank you, that echoes in both of your hearts, with that shared smile no-one else can enter.Felicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904257725288194080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079668578061887416.post-35297898921487156142013-02-17T03:31:00.000+10:302013-02-17T03:31:03.403+10:30I am a Woman I am a woman.
I am no longer a little girl.
I am a woman.
My heart God's precious pearl.
I am a woman.
I am not a man.
I am a woman.
I am lead by God's own hand.
I am a woman.
A child I'll no longer be.
I am a woman.
With a mothers heart you see.
I am a woman.
I'm strong by God's hand alone.
I am a woman.
For I am now full grown.
I am a woman.
My faith in Him is found.
I am a woman.
Hope and love from God surround.
I am a woman.
My trials I face alone.
I am a woman.
Grace needed is at His throne.
I am a woman.
Scars and pain I face.
I am a woman.
And I trust in His great grace.
I am a woman.
Suffering I know.
I am a woman.
My faith in Him still grows.
I am a woman.
Mistakes and flaws have I.
I am a woman.
In Christ I did die.
I am a woman.
In Christ's death I live.
I am a woman.
With one life to give.
I am a woman.
At His feet I pour.
With all my heart,
Its treasure store.
I am a woman.
With beauty yet unseen.
I am a woman,
Filled with mystery.
I am a woman.
God sees each tear I cry.
I am a woman.
God will not leave me die.
I am a woman.
Given hope anew.
I am a woman.
To prove what He will do.
I am a woman.
My heart, it longs to soar.
I am a woman.
His wings, mine ever more.
I am a woman.
My heart is filled with love.
I am a woman.
And its kept by God above.
I am a woman.
My heart has lock and key.
I am a woman.
My heart God's mystery.
I am a woman.
My heart garden locked away.
I am a woman.
But love flows from it today.
I am a woman.
God holds my garden's keys.
I am a woman.
Til time as He does please.
I am a woman.
Beautiful, strong and brave.
I am a woman,
Who weeps on stranger's grave.
I am a woman.
My heart is blithe and free.
I am a woman.
I am God's mystery.Felicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904257725288194080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079668578061887416.post-13383674617709511992010-09-11T23:14:00.000+09:302010-09-11T23:15:38.770+09:30Let God guard your heartWe have an issue. Girls need to have a better handle on not lying to "protect" their emotions & feelings.<br /><br />It's a bit hard to do that though if you're feeling like God is out to break your heart, and you're running from Him for that reason, and putting up walls around your heart. <br /><br />Most girls I have seen start of in the world as innocent and beautiful. They are open emotionally, but usually they are happy. Then they get older. Someone hurts them. Justice is perverted. It breaks her heart. The smile disappears. They clam up. After a while they learn to smile again, but it's not the same. The innocence is gone. They are a good fake. They grow numb to some extent. They have walls around their heart, and they aren't going to let anyone in. They don't cry, but they don't smile either. Usually they get quite successful though, because they can be tough like the men. There is just one problem... they aren't men, and being tough is killing them.<br /><br />Girls, putting walls up around your heart will starve it of the love it needs. Then you in turn start looking desperately for love, but on the same hand you're pushing it away. It's no wonder boys are confused with girls. On one hand you say you want him, but on the other hand, you are pushing him away. <br /><br />You can't seem to admit the truth of something being wrong because that would be showing weakness, but you still want him to do something about it. When he believes you that "nothing" is wrong you get hurt further, so you build up the walls higher. I know lying is easier than being vunerable and telling the truth. We don't want to be weak, but being like fine china means being breakable. Being soft means being mouldable. Being a flower means you have to open up and risk getting crushed or wilt and die. <br /><br />If you decided to be tough and brittle, it might work, but if you break, you will shatter. If you are soft, yes it will hurt, especially at first, but you will become strong, truly strong, in a way that you didn't realise was possible.<br /><br />Now, I'm not saying you won't ever get hurt. Love hurts sometimes! But He will protect you. He will hold you. If you trust HIM rather than yourself.<br /><br /><br />Phillipians 4:4-7<br /><br />4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! <br />5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. <br />6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; <br />7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.<br /><br />God says to rejoice ALWAYS! These people were being persecuted. They were getting killed. How much more should we rejoice when things go wrong?! Praise God when it hurts. It glorifies Him, and it makes it hurt less. It's like you're a flower that has been crushed, so you give God your full fragrance and say do what you will with it God. I have spoken to girls (and been one myself), who find it hard to trust God in situations like this. We don't want to trust Him, because He might not do anything, and it terrifies us. He is not out to break your heart. Actually God is out to heal your heart.<br /><br />Then He says to let your gentleness be known. Um, sorry to break it to you, but that hard-hearted feminist doesn't cut it. I'm not saying you have to be a pushover, but you do need to be gentle, and it needs to be visible to all!<br /><br />God wants us to trust Him and not fear. <br /><br />I Peter 3:6 (AMP)<br />It was thus that Sarah obeyed Abraham [following his guidance and acknowledging his headship over her by] calling him lord (master, leader, authority). And you are now her true daughters if you do right and let nothing terrify you [not giving way to hysterical fears or letting anxieties unnerve you].<br /><br />Don't fear or let yourself give way to anxieties. Guard your mind. Instead pray, pray, pray! God hears your prayers!<br /><br />Then the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Oh, the peace.<br /><br />Yesterday was such an insane day for me. I was walking home, and I was thinking, it's been such a weird day. I mean, I don't feel bad about it, but seriously hasn't been that great as far as the external. (I guess this was part of the peace that surpasses all understanding is about too.) Then I realised part of the weird feeling was that everyone else was feeling sorry for Felicity (or would if they knew what was happening/happened), but <span style="font-weight:bold;">I wasn't sorry for Felicity, and neither did I want to be</span>. Sure I wanted some things to change, but I wasn't crushed or incenced. <br /><br />In all that I realised that God didn't want my heart to get broken. He didn't want me to feel crushed, and want to throw emotions in a box and hide them in the closet or something as a result.<br /><br />I guess it's about thinking about His protection going further than just not keeping you from getting run over by a car, mugged or whatever, but it's also about Him keeping my heart safe so that I'm not afraid to trust Him with my emotions and feelings. <br /><br />Last night I was just reminded so much in my own life that God is NOT out to break my heart and He is not out to crush my feelings. So often people talk about "break my heart God" and it's supposed to sound holy... but seriously, He wants to protect it, and He wants me, and every other girl to trust Him to protect it rather than feeling like I have to get tough (hard hearted) after things go wrong, and it's just easier to be "mean" and "tough" and that's the only way to succeed in life. That's wrong.<br /><br />Oh, hurting Girls. God loves you and He wants you to trust Him with your heart so that when things go wrong and you're getting pushed around, and your life is blue... (or your clothes!) when your team is losing, when the nation is in turmoil, when no-one likes you, when the electrician fixes everything excepting your problem, and you have a 7 minute walk in the rain. He wants you to be so secure in Him that when it happens, and while you may be flabbergasted and don't like is happening, you are not feeling sorry for you. You have the peace that surpasses all understanding, because God, is your God and He is taking care of you. It's not cliched. I wouldn't say it if it wasn't true in my own life.<br /><br />Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion which can not be moved but abides forever. Psalm 125:1Felicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904257725288194080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079668578061887416.post-38172495757560035292010-08-14T13:43:00.000+09:302010-08-14T13:47:45.039+09:30True LoveTrue love is not based on the merit of the recipient. It instead is based on the purity of heart from the giver. As we learn to love like He first loved us we start to grasp true love. People think that you can not love without getting it in return. To some extent that is true. You cannot love if you do not know how to, and the way we learn to love is because "He first loved us.", however just because one must have love to be able to give it does not mean that one must get it from the recipient. True love's source must be God, because His love alone is pure.Felicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904257725288194080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079668578061887416.post-68432222547349708812010-06-27T12:33:00.003+09:302010-06-27T12:42:02.826+09:30What do They Have in Common?What do Todd Bentley, Mike Guglielmucci, Roco Leo, and Paul Cain have in common?<br /><br />2 Samuel 14:14<br />For we will surely die and become like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. Yet God does not take away a life; but He devises means, so that His banished ones are not expelled from Him.<br /><br />So pray for them. I am.Felicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904257725288194080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079668578061887416.post-42974314815602259302010-03-09T21:11:00.004+10:302010-03-09T21:38:32.868+10:30Rejoice AlwaysA few weeks ago I was on my way to an evening church service on Monday night. I had worked that day and was exhausted. Just to prove the point that I was exhausted, Rebecca drove us there because I was too tired to drive. We had both had long, wearying days, and both were complaining a bit. I was so tired I didn't feel like I could handle her problems as well as my own (i.e. I can complain, but I can't handle you complain - oh dear, you probably can't really handle me complaining so well at the moment either), and so I suggested that we both just keep quiet for a bit. Suddenly I had a thought to sing. Mind you, I didn't exactly <span style="font-style:italic;">feel</span> like singing or praising God, but I thought I would give it a go. I sang one line, "Rejoice in the Lord and again I say rejoice." Suddenly my spirits lifted. I didn't feel so down or worn out. I suddenly felt like the air must have cleared, and started talking as so, and realised that I was the only one who felt the difference.<br /><br />The others had not had the moment of lifting that I had in my Spirit. They didn't lift Him above, and their feelings did not change. In the moment I lifted God above my feelings, my feelings changed. Yet previously I was the tiredest and grumpiest of the lot!<br /><br />God says many times in His word to rejoice always, and to give thanks in all things. I would suggest that this is for more reason than "All things work together for good to them that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose." This is because as we praise Him, we are lifted up with Him. He lifts us up above the circumstances that weigh us down. In worship we are "casting our burdens (cares) upon Him".<br /><br />And lest I make this sound dreary, rejoicing in the Lord is praising Him! It is joyful, and even if you don't feel joyful when you first make the choice to worship Him rejoice, and see how His joy (which is your strength) can make a difference.<br /><br />"If I be lifted up... I will draw all men unto me."Felicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904257725288194080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079668578061887416.post-13182587029998527442010-02-07T13:43:00.004+10:302010-02-07T13:58:04.953+10:30"If I be Lifted Up"Jesus said, "If I be lifted up...I will draw all men unto me."<br /><br />Maybe the reason the church is having trouble drawing people to Him is because we aren't lifting Him up and letting Him do the drawing.Felicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904257725288194080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079668578061887416.post-3371742790729875262010-02-06T22:28:00.004+10:302010-02-06T22:32:57.463+10:30Asking Advice From Whom?I wrote this for someone (haha do that a lot these days) however I decided against actually saying it to them in that context. I realise though, that there are probably a lot of people out there who don't know how to look for an appropriate person to ask advice from. This is for you.<br /><br />Remember not to disregard younger people's advice, and don't just accept older One's advice simply because they are older or younger. ;) Weigh it up against scripture, and take all advice with a pinch of salt. Something I use as a guide with advice is simply who knows what they are talking about.<br /><br />i.e. I don't take political advice from people who's worldview I don't agree with, and who don't really know the topic. - I take political advice from people who's worldview is similar to mine and who are strong believers in apologetics, study their topic, know their Bible and are likely to know more than I do. I don't take take Biblical advice from people who don't even know who "Ruth" was in the Bible. I ask for advice from people who can spit out the references as fast as you can fire the questions of where was that scripture found, and who understand what they mean, and don't read their own agenda into scripture. I don't take advice on relationships from people who are messed up, but from people who have many godly relationships, and know the godly worldview. (That worldview is incredibly important!) Hopefully you get the idea.Felicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904257725288194080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079668578061887416.post-11084322210177360842010-01-14T17:59:00.002+10:302010-01-14T18:04:22.654+10:30Coping"God won't give us more than we can handle" God has seen it all. He can handle anything. The reason we can't cope is because we don't "cast all our cares upon Him" and let <span style="font-weight:bold;">Him</span> carry our burdens.Felicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904257725288194080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079668578061887416.post-24379539179859641062009-12-20T16:22:00.005+10:302009-12-24T22:17:38.871+10:30What Does Love Look Like?So many people are confused about love. They think they know what it is, but really they don't. The following was written for someone who proved they didn't know what love was about.<br /><br />I'll tell you the truth about love.<br /><br />Love is patient. Love is kind. Love is not rude. Love is not puffed up. Love does not seek it's own (good). Love does not rejoice when it hears of other's shortfalls but rejoices in the truth. Love endures all things. Love believes all things. Love hopes.<br /><br />Love looks like the friend that stays up until 3 in the morning talking to, and praying for the discouraged friend.<br /><br />Love puts aside it's own feelings to help their friend who is grief stricken/broken hearted.<br /><br />Love cares for the least. Love reaches out to the workplace outcast. Love talks to the person who no-one talks to. Love loves the unlovely.<br /><br />Love forgives the "unforgivable".<br /><br />Love protects. Love puts himself/herself between you and trouble.<br /><br />Love defends a friend who's been shot.<br /><br />Love doesn't leave when things get hard. Love doesn't leave at all. In fact love says, I don't care what you do or say, you can't make me stop loving you.<br /><br />Love doesn't betray.<br /><br />Love doesn't lead someone on. Love doesn't go around seeing how many hearts they can break.<br /><br />Love is a refuge and a haven.<br /><br /> Love lays down it's life.<br /><br />Love gives, and gives, and keeps on giving. Mostly in secret, but it can't be hidden, because love just keeps giving.<br /><br />God is Love.<br /><br />Love never fails.Felicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904257725288194080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079668578061887416.post-76051716149821033852009-12-13T20:35:00.004+10:302009-12-13T20:47:48.288+10:30Love the LeastI've decided to do some short posts of two line sort of wisdom instead of always having to have a long <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">explanation</span>. I figure I'm more likely to post then, and even though it is simple it's still good.<br /><br />Love the least. - You never know what affect your actions will have. You probably won't see results immediately, and sometimes you may never see results, but do it anyway.<span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >John 13:35 </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">(<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">NKJV</span>)</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” </span>Felicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904257725288194080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079668578061887416.post-79892648863613782612009-11-26T21:15:00.003+10:302009-11-26T21:23:14.865+10:30The Unseen Affect of Your PrayersI posted this origionally on a facebook group that was just people who are praying for their future spouse. After getting asked by the admin if they could send it to everyone in the group as a message, I thought it might be good enough to post here as a reminder to all of you too. :) I hope it blesses you! <br /><br /><br />I just want to remind you all that even though you probably can't see any results from praying for someone - especially if they aren't in your life at the moment, your prayers can be having an affect beyond what you would think they are. It can get discouraging to pray for someone and not be seeing results, but don't give up!<br /><br />An example of this: Many years ago, when I was still a child I got quite upset about something, and was crying to God about it. (I don't remember what - just that I was pretty distressed.) While I was still crying and praying, He opened my eyes, and I could see and hear the worship leader from church praying for me...<br /><br />Now she probably had no idea why God put on her heart to pray for me, and I never said anything about it to her for years, but God knew...<br /><br />You might not have any idea why you get woken up at some rediculous hour to pray or why God suddenly drops in your spirit that so and so needs prayer, but they probably need it. ;)<br /><br />Personally some time ago there were a few months where the Holy Spirit kept telling me to pray for my future husband - there and then. I have no idea what he was going through, but God knew what he was facing.<br /><br />On the flip side, I know that there have been times that he has been praying for me when I needed it. I know that there have been times God has acted on my behalf as a direct answer to his prayers, and I've very grateful for that.<br /><br />While I may not know who I'm going to marry yet, at least I know I'm gonna marry a praying man. :DFelicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904257725288194080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079668578061887416.post-80283529488389107682009-10-31T16:38:00.007+10:302009-10-31T17:37:19.536+10:30What About the Strong Women?After my previous post I had a bit of of feedback from people and almost everyone said something about women still being strong... as in they felt my previous post was lacking an explanation of where real strength comes from. Thus this post is a response to that.<br /><br />When you have placed your trust in God you will stand stronger than those who are counting on their own will-power and the walls they have built around themselves to "protect" themselves.<br /><br />The best way to explain this is to give another personal example.<br /><br />Just a month ago my family was facing a bit of a mountain - we were getting our kitchen renovated. (Anyone who's been there will understand the pressure.) All the family was under extra pressure, some had assignments in before leaving the house for a week and a half, music exams were coming up... etc.<br /><br />Some of the family were going to visit friends three hours away, and the few boys that needed stay in town were staying with Grandma. Everyone knew where they were going except for me. Because of my work situation I had no idea whether or not I needed to stay, and if I did stay, who with? Work messed me around, not giving me an answer until the last week, and well after they had said they would. I was also in the final stages of applying for a Bible college by correspondence.<br /><br />With less than a week to go I found out that the course program had been changed, and if I wanted to enroll I would be two weeks behind. (Starting that day of course which couldn't happen!) The set up was completely different to what it was previously making it much harder. I went back and forth a bit. (Can I actually pull this off or is it just impossible/improbable?) I'm not someone to not try just because things look hard, and I knew I make it work, but at what cost? Particularly; what cost to my family? To make the decision harder different family members took sides as to whether they thought I should or shouldn't enroll in the course. (Talk about meat in the sandwich!)<br /><br />After praying like mad and wishing for a lightning bolt from heaven which never came, I made a choice, and I knew from past experience that I would have to really firm on it, as I would be living with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">everyone's</span> reactions to me not going with their idea for possibly months afterward. So I mentally prepared myself for the onslaught, determined that I was doing the best thing. - Not necessarily for me, but for a particular other family member who probably wouldn't cope with me studying from home like that. And when I made the choice something in me died.<br /><br />Suddenly I went from knowing what was doing until I graduated (1-2 years) to being in total limbo. Anyone who has been in that place probably knows it's not pleasant. It's certainly not where I wanted to be.<br /><br />So, I truly had to be unmoving and firmly convinced that this was where God had me next, therefore I had to trust Him completely and not waver. And trust Him I did.<br /><br />At first almost everyone was telling me that I was mistaken, and trying to push me to change my mind. However, the day before I left to stay with friends for the two weeks (yes, God provided somewhere to stay), my mother said to me, "We're all falling apart and you're going on strong. I applaud you."<br /><br />Now you have to understand a couple of things:<br /><br />A) I was expecting the biggest opposition from my mum. This was a complete 180.<br />B) That was huge praise from her. She isn't liberal with her compliments.<br /><br />So I felt a bit blown away. . .<br /><br />Anyway, the only reason, I repeat; the ONLY reason I was able to be steadfast when everyone else was pulling their hair out was because I was trusting God. I wasn't passively trusting Him. I made a decision to trust Him regardless of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">circumstances</span> and I didn't waver. That is how you are strong.Felicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904257725288194080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079668578061887416.post-37530128905297407742009-10-22T13:36:00.008+10:302009-10-22T16:46:05.670+10:30The 1 Peter 3:3-6 WomenI've finally gotten around to writing the long awaited post on Godly Womanhood.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >1 Peter 3:3-6 (NKJV)</span><p style="font-style: italic;"><sup>3</sup> Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— <sup>4</sup> rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. <sup>5</sup> For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, <sup>6</sup> as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.</p><br />When you have that sweet attitude in adversity it's that same <i>incorruptible beauty</i> of a gentle and <i>quiet</i> spirit. (See, it's a quiet spirit. Not stressed and agitated, but at peace.) The holy women trusted in God. You can't be quiet in spirit if you don't trust God. You can sound quiet on the outside, but be a churning mess inside. God doesn't want us to just hide our feelings, and bottle them up, but to trust Him. If we trust Him we won't be a churning mess.<br /><br />I remember a time in my life when I went through quite a bit of hurt. It was probably one of the worst times I have ever gone through. (Ranks in the top 5) I felt like almost everyone I knew (my family, my friends, my church, etc.) had abandon me to whatever came my way, and I was drowning in fear and hurting badly.<br /><br />After a few months I got tough. I didn't feel the pain as much. I didn't cry anymore. I hardly flinched at pain. My heart was all bricked up. Somewhere after this God told me I needed to soften my heart and let the barriers come down. I told Him I couldn't do it. When I said I couldn't do it, I really meant it. So God broke them down for me. It was like He destroyed in one second all the walls I had built over the months... and turned up the heat on my emotions. I cried so easily for the next few months. Anything would make me cry. I couldn't help myself.<br /><br />The strangest thing I found was I had been proud of the fact that I was finally a tough girl. It was something my older sister seemed to be good at, and was always criticising me for not being tough enough. However God did not want me tough. He wanted me soft hearted, sensitive, vulnerable. I couldn't understand it at first. Why, why why?! When all of the culture around me said that the tougher you are the better? That was my silver lining in all the grey clouds, and God took it away from me because He didn't like it?<br /><br />I remember crying to God one day during this stage saying that I felt like no-one cared about me. No-one would protect me. No-one would stand up for me. Not to mention that I felt incredibly vulnerable - more so than I had been before the whole mess had started.<br /><br />Merriam-Webster's defines vulnerable this way:<br /><br /><b>1</b> <b>:</b> capable of being physically or emotionally wounded<br /><b>2</b> <b>:</b> open to attack or damage<br /><br />I didn't want to be any of that... and I don't know anyone who really likes being hurt.<br /><br />Anyway after I had finished my spill, and started really crying God told me that He would protect me, He would vindicate me, He would provide for me, and take care of me, He cared and He loved me, etc. (A promise I've held on to many a time!)<br /><br />God did keep His word to me. He has protected me, and after He pulled down the walls I had built around myself He did guard my heart and keep me from further pain. Over the next few months He healed the pain and dealt with all the problems that had arisen physically, emotionally, and spiritually.<br /><br />This actually had some interesting "side affects". I used to be a very happy child. (Well... my name says it all!) However over the years I had gotten more and more serious, and it was like I had forgotten how to laugh to some extent. I just didn't have much reason to be happy. Once God healed my heart I was able to laugh - and laugh at lot. I'm one of the happiest people I know now!<br /><br />God had to teach me a different sort of courage. It was several years before I was able to reach the point I have now, where I can truly say I trust God despite circumstances. I can only be at peace because I've put my trust in God completely.<br /><br />It takes more guts to trust God to take care of you, and to love when it hurts than it does to be tough as a man and fight your way to the top. (And God bless the men with their strength. We need them like that, but that isn't how He made us.)<br /><br />So, that is why I've come to the conclusion that God doesn't want us women to be tough like the men. He didn't make us men, He made us women. He made us gentle and breakable. That doesn't mean that our only emotions are those that fall into these categories, but that we shouldn't trample our emotions, and try to be tough like the men.Felicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904257725288194080noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079668578061887416.post-55742288136131051232009-10-14T20:42:00.003+10:302009-10-14T21:25:40.344+10:30God's Worldview Part TwoSo what are these controversial examples of God's worldview?<br /><br />Now I don't want to be accused of putting words in God's mouth. So I'm going to pull things straight out of scripture. If you think you have a valid argument as to why I have taken the scripture out of context you can say something, but I'm not here to have a debate... I'm here to challenge your thinking - to think more like God.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Example One:</span> Marriage. <span style="font-style: italic;">One</span> of the reasons God gives that he wants marriage is that He wants godly offspring. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Malachi+2:15&version=NKJV">Malachi 2:15</a> Ouch... I bet that stepped on a few religious toes. Don't children hinder your ministry opportunities? God thinks not. <br /><br />But did He not make <i>them</i> one, <br />Having a remnant of the Spirit? <br />And why one? <br />He seeks godly offspring.<br />Therefore take heed to your spirit, <br />And let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth.<br /><br />Which leads me to:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Example Two:</span> Divorce. God says He hates it. So much so that He says He <span style="font-style: italic;">will not</span> receive your offerings if you have "dealt treacherously with the wife of your youth". <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Malachi%202:13-16&version=NKJV">Malachi 2:13-16</a> Jesus says that God only permitted divorce "because of the hardness of your hearts". <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2019:3-9&version=NKJV">Matthew 19:3-9</a><br />Jesus also said in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2010:11%20-%2012&version=NKJV">Mark 10:11-12</a><br /><br />So He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”<br /><br />(Do I need to send you back to the ten commandments here?)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Example Three:</span> Global Warming (Oh whoops... this isn't pet doctrine - it's pet ideology.)<br />In <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+8:22&version=NKJV">Genesis 8:22</a> God says,<br /><br />While the earth remains,<br />Seedtime and harvest, <br />Cold and heat, <br />Winter and summer, <br />And day and night <br />Shall not cease.” <br /><br />Don't we believe that God means what He says anymore?<br /><br />I could give many, many other examples, but those who will get the point understand. Please, if you haven't already, read your Bible and actually believe what it says. God and His Word are one. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%201:1&version=NKJV">John 1:1</a>) Some people think that God changes - particularly from the old covenant to the new one. Yes, we are under a new covenant, but He is the same yesterday today and forever. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2013:8&version=NKJV">Hebrews 13:8</a>)Felicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904257725288194080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079668578061887416.post-59639772472353300192009-08-27T15:30:00.004+09:302009-08-27T15:34:45.135+09:30God's Worldview Part One<div>Before we get started let me give some definitions here:</div><br /><div><strong>Worldview:</strong> the way you see the world - this is shaped but just about anything and everything: religion, education, family, culture, friends, etc.</div><br /><div><strong>Beliefs:</strong> the things that you believe. (Truth is not a factor in you believing it.) What you believe shapes your worldview. You usually believe that what you believe is truth, though most people acknowledge the fact that they can not have everything right. (Even though they act like it.)<br /></div><br /><div> </div>God sees this world, and He has a perfect worldview. If you are in Christ you should see the world the way He does, thus have the same worldview as God - not expect Him to have the same worldview as you.<br /><div> </div><br /><div>But I can't understand the mind of God I hear someone say. Well actually - You have the mind of Christ. Just read 1 Corinthians 2: 14-16</div><br /><div> </div>14But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know <i>them,</i> because they are spiritually discerned. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-28405"><br />15</sup> But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is <i>rightly</i> judged by no one. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-28406"><br />16</sup> For <i> “who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?”</i> But we have the mind of Christ.<br /><br /><div>The natural man doesn't understand the things of God because they are foolishness to him. So it makes sense that this world's general view of the world does not line up with God's view.<br /></div><br /><div> </div>It is only by the Spirit of God that we understand the things of God, but we have the mind of Christ. That is Christ has given to us, by His Holy Spirit, His mind.<br /><div> </div><br /><div>So do you want to know God's worldview? Start by reading your Bible. Perhaps starting in Proverbs.</div><br /><div> </div>In part two I will explain with examples of this.Felicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904257725288194080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079668578061887416.post-55308321563828029952009-08-26T13:36:00.005+09:302009-08-26T16:25:32.090+09:30Don't Waste Your Life!As some of you would know I have been a leader in a book club discussion the book: "Don't Waste Your Life" by John Piper.<br /><br />I also have friends that speak wisdom occasionally. - Especially if they are male and I say the word <em>advice</em>.<br /><br />Anyway between reading Piper, and talking to some friends... well maybe brothers in Christ fits better, but whatever the creatures were, I talked to them. *ahem* between reading Piper and talking to <em>them</em> I had a few things to think about while waiting in the airport for two hours and on planes three weeks ago.<br /><br />And think I did. I have one life. Only one. I don't know how long that life is, but I do know that I said it belongs to God. What I do with my time now is what I am spending the one life I have to give on. Is what I am spending my life on worth it in eternity?<br /><br />The more I thought about it the more I realised, <em>"If I don't want to waste my life I need to be brutal with everything in it. If it does not bring God glory, if it is not edifying me and building me up in my walk with Him, then it should be removed immediately."</em><br /><br />"Wow! Isn't that a bit drastic?" I have heard.<br /><br />I suppose it is a bit "extreme" but really, Jesus said if your eye causes you to sin pluck it out. He wasn't joking if you haven't noticed... <strong>What ever is not leading you closer to God is drawing you away from Him - directly or indirectly.</strong> <em>If we want to live in such a way that our short time on earth will not leave us regrets for the rest of eternity, than we need to live every moment of our lives for Him.<br /></em><br />Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying you can't ever have a break, or take a holiday, and you should be a miserable Christian that never does anything happy or fun. I'm on holidays at the moment. When I was in Townsville, I commented to someone about it, and they looked at me sideways, but I went on to point out that I was greatly blessed and edified because I had been able to relax I had gotten in a lot more time than I usually do to pray uninterrupted. I felt like I was close to heaven. (And no it wasn't the sun, pool, and ice cream that did that even though some of you may beg to differ with me on that.) It was the presence of God that surrounded me and made me to be at perfect peace. But things in the physical allowing me to draw near without distracting or interrupting made it very easy to do so.<br /><br />So here is my challenge to you: <strong>Get rid of anything - absolutely anything</strong> (relationships, games, thoughts, habits, etc.) <strong>that is not leading you closer to God.</strong> It might hurt a little bit now, but you will reap the rewards if you are willing to pay the price now.Felicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904257725288194080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079668578061887416.post-82504413928758633542009-05-16T21:07:00.006+09:302009-05-16T22:24:43.757+09:30Hold thy Tongue!Proverbs tells us of wisdom.<br /><br />Proverbs 18:21 "Death and life are in the power of the tongue and those who love it will eat it's fruit."<br /><br />Uh, God, isn't that a bit drastic? Can't you just make it a bit nicer?<br /><br />What sort of Christians are we anyway? Do we believe what God says? (If we don't - why be a Christian - He might not have meant it when He said He took away your sin.) If we do - Why don't we live like it?!?<br /><br />So what is He saying? That what we say has power to give death and life. If you love to talk you will eat the fruit of what you say.<br /><br />Some verses to look at about things to do with the mouth:<br />Psalm 15:1-4 <sup id="en-AMP-14089" class="versenum" value="1"><br />1</sup>LORD, WHO shall dwell [temporarily] in Your tabernacle? Who shall dwell [permanently] on Your holy hill? <sup id="en-AMP-14090" class="versenum" value="2">2</sup>He who walks and lives uprightly and blamelessly, who works rightness and justice and speaks and thinks the truth in his heart, <sup id="en-AMP-14091" class="versenum" value="3">3</sup>He who does not slander with his tongue, nor does evil to his friend, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbour; <sup id="en-AMP-14092" class="versenum" value="4">4</sup>In whose eyes a vile person is despised, but he who honours those who fear the Lord (who revere and worship Him); who swears to his own hurt and does not change;<br /><br />Proverbs 12:3 He who hides hatred is of lying lips, and he who utters slander is a [self-confident] fool.<br /><br />Proverbs 26:22 The words of a whisperer or slanderer are like dainty morsels or words of sport [to some, but to others are like deadly wounds]; and they go down into the innermost parts of the body [or of the victim's nature].<br /><br />Proverbs 31:26 "She opens her mouth in skilful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction]."<br /><br />and<br /><br />Proverbs 31:27 "She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat."<br /><br />Psalm 37:30 "The mouth of the [uncompromisingly] righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks with justice."<br /><br />So for all the maths people:<br /><br />Slander = death<br />Gossip = death<br />Wisdom = life<br />Kindness = life<br />Truth = life<br /><br />And so on.<br /><br />In James 3:2 "For we all often stumble and fall and offend in many things. And if anyone does not offend in speech [never says the wrong things], he is a fully developed character and a perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his entire nature."<br /><br />Last night coming home I was feeling rather cranky. I had a heavy headache, and I had nearly an hour's further drive home by myself at 10:00.<br /><br />So I started complaining to God about it. Pleading with God to get me home sooner. Somehow...<br /><br />After praying (yes I was praying) for a few minutes I had the guts to pray something real and I thanked God for what He had done for me. Then I spoke to my body. I commanded the headache to leave. And told a few other things to be right. (I can't remember what.) But afterward I felt so much better. The heaviness was gone.<br /><br />Now note that while I did pray, I did not ask God to take away my headache. I just commanded it to go. And it left. Why? Because I have power in my mouth, and it had to obey.<br /><br />So if that is what I can do for good, what is all this complaining, finding fault, gossip, slander, etc., doing to us?!<br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%203;&version=45;50;"><br />James 3</a> gives us a lot of instruction on the effect of our tongues. I suggest you go read it now. :)<br /><br />And next time you want to say something bad - about yourself, someone else, a situation, etc., remember you have power in your mouth - power to change that situation.Felicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904257725288194080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079668578061887416.post-52068841255928960682009-04-11T17:38:00.003+09:302009-04-12T13:45:34.116+09:30Peace in the StormLately I've been very busy. Which is partly why I haven't been posting here. I will try to keep up a bit better than I have been in future.<br /><br />Thus I have been thinking about contentment, and peace in the middle of storm. So I thought I would ask you if you know the answer to the question, "What is peace?" God's peace.<br /><br />Jesus said, peace I leave you, my peace I give you - not as the world gives.<br /><br />So why is God's peace different to the world's idea of peace?<br /><br />Peace is an absence of aggression, violence or hostility. (According to wikipedia)<br />The article goes on to say,<br /><br />"[Peace] also represents a larger concept wherein there are healthy or newly-healed interpersonal or international relationships, safety in matters of social or economic welfare, the acknowledgment of equality and fairness in political relationships and, in world matters."(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace)<br /><br />So that is what the world thinks peace is. So now what does God call peace.<br /><br />"Be still and know that I am God."<br /><br />That's it.<br /><br />By the definition of the world around us you can not be at peace if you are in the middle of a war. But by God's definition you could be in the worst turmoil ever known to mankind, and have perfect peace because God promises us,<br /><br />"[He] will keep in perfect peace him who's mind is fixed on [God]."<br /><br />So next time you start to worry think about God. Don't just think about Him though, fix your mind on Him. Fix your thoughts on Him. (Remember, "His burden is easy and His yoke is light.") And know peace.Felicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904257725288194080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079668578061887416.post-56604547000752297472008-12-22T16:49:00.004+10:302008-12-22T17:30:39.714+10:30Getting Answered Prayers!Remember how I was talking about faith.<br /><br />I don't actually have trouble having faith. It's just that sometimes I'm not totally convinced of God being more sovereign than what I am looking at. So thus I need to learn to become totally convinced and persuaded of God's sovereignty.<br /><br />Let me explain. Last week I realised that it hadn't rained for a while. (Who cares that it is summer.) So I did what I always do when it's a bit dry...<br /><br />"God some rain would be good. Thanks. Oh, could you make it rain for a few days? Hang on, make that a week. Oh, but with intervals so it soaks in a bit and they* don't get wet tonight. Thanks"<br /><br />And I expected it to rain. It always does when I pray. In fact I can always get made to order weather. I don't have any trouble believing for the weather. Like I said, I always get what I ask for. I pray and God does it. You saw the gist of my prayer... nothing special. Just faith.<br /><br /><span id="en-NIV-30356" class="sup"></span>James 5:17-18<br /><br />Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. <span id="en-NIV-30357" class="sup"></span>Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.<br /><br />Interestingly the verse before says:<br /><br />James 5:16<br />Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.<br /><br />And to prove the point Elijah and the weather is used. He prayed that it wouldn't rain, and it didn't. But then he prayed again. (This time it is mentioned in 1Kings 18.) And it rained all right!<br /><br />After praying, the next thing they predicted rain for the next week. (Yep, just as I had prayed.) I was wondering what the weather would be like as soon as the week was up. In the low Thirties.<br /><br />Meanwhile everyone else was saying about how strange the weather is... I started agreeing with one person and God reminded me, "This is what you asked for!"Oh, yeah whoops... I nearly forgot. I mean, once I prayed I knew I would get it so I didn't think about it anymore.<br /><br />So Curry Blake says we should apply the same to all of our Christian walk... (Don't worry; I didn't tell him about what I do to the weather guys here.)<br /><br />I had a cut, so I prayed for it... well more like told it to stop hurting and heal quickly in Jesus name. Well it stopped hurting. The next day I looked at it. I could see the new skin coming up already. (It was cut like you get from a knife. However I can't remember how I cut myself.) Normally takes a few days to heal... and stings because it takes a while for the new skin to grow up. I was pretty happy with that result.<br /><br />So I'm learning.<br /><br />*My family, who were out in the open that evening.Felicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904257725288194080noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079668578061887416.post-18835989143627547292008-12-13T19:48:00.001+10:302008-12-13T19:51:36.796+10:30What Would Jesus Have me Do? (Part 3 of 3)Our next question should be then:<br /><br />"What does God want me to do?"<br /><br />Paul said, "Imitate me as I imitate Christ."<br /><br />So we should imitate Christ.<br /><br />Jesus said, "If anyone hears My Words and does them I will liken him to one who built his house on the rock..."<br /><br />And obey Him.<br /><br />Often called the great commission:<br /><br />Mark 16:15 - 18<br /><br />15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.<br /><br />16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.<br /><br />17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;<br /><br />18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.<br />I can't believe this... what do I have to do!!! Oh, hang on, those signs will follow me. Hmm does that mean if I go, and I believe (according to 1 John 5: 14 -15*) that they will follow me?<br /><br />1 John 5:14 -15<br /><br />14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:<br /><br />15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.<br /><br />That means that God will do anything for us if it is in line with His will and we ask with confidence (in Him)<br /><br />His Word is His revealed will. So I guess He is saying that if we preach they will believe, and if they believe than those mentioned signs will follow. I guess they will follow me too, if I believe. Which I do!!! (Just in case that needed to be mentioned.)<br /><br />So what would Jesus have me do?<br /><br />Obey Him, and fulfill the great commission.Felicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904257725288194080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079668578061887416.post-22530006890412861012008-12-07T13:46:00.004+10:302008-12-11T20:56:40.576+10:30What did Jesus Do? (Part 2 of 3)First off I will start by saying that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. So therefore if we want to know what Jesus would do we should be asking, "What did Jesus do yesterday?" because that is what He will be doing tomorrow.<br /><br />So this is what I found:<br /><br />Jesus only did what He saw The Father doing.<br /><br />Jesus fulfilled God's Word.<br /><br />Jesus healed all who came to Him.<br /><br />Jesus set the captives at liberty.<br /><br />Jesus preached the good news to the poor.<br /><br />Jesus raised the dead... when He came across them.<br /><br />Jesus blessed the children.<br /><br />Jesus promised us that we would always have the poor with us. (I thought I would chuck that one in for good measure.)<br /><br />Jesus bore our griefs and carried our sorrows.<br /><br />Jesus bore the chastisement for our peace.<br /><br />Jesus' wounds heal us.<br /><br />Jesus died on the cross for our sins. (Just in case you missed that before.)<br /><br />Jesus rose from the dead.<br /><br />Jesus defeated death and hell.<br /><br />Jesus fulfilled the will of God.<br /><br />Jesus gave His disciples the great commission. (If we are His disciples we have the same commission.)<br /><br />Jesus told His disciples to wait until they received the Holy Spirit.<br /><br />Jesus ascended into heaven and is now seated at the right hand of The Father. (Oh, and some angels told His disciples that He will return as He left.)Felicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904257725288194080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079668578061887416.post-62615033808214635612008-12-06T22:39:00.007+10:302008-12-11T21:09:28.662+10:30What Would Jesus Do? (Part 1 of 3)I remember when the whole WWJD movement started. Oh how I hated it! What would Jesus do if he saw the poor and hungry? What would Jesus do if he was walking down the main street? What would Jesus do if he saw an old man with a walking frame trying to open a shop door?<br /><br />I remember the things that people said, and still do say about that.<br /><br />Well, we should do what Jesus would do, so we should sponsor a child, smile at the people we walk past, and open the door for the man. Right? Wrong!<br /><br />Let me tell you what Jesus did.<br /><br /><ol><li>He multiplied the food for everyone! (With leftovers)<br /></li><li>He cursed the fig tree on one of His visits. He also generally preached where ever He went. Oh, and He "healed all who were oppressed of the devil for God was with Him." </li><li>I guess that means he would have healed the lame man... like He did on many different occasions.</li></ol><br />I guess being like Jesus has a different meaning to what we have been taught...Felicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904257725288194080noreply@blogger.com2