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Monday, August 17, 2015

Do we really understand?


           Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
                                                                                                             1 Corinthians 13:4

                      What does the word "date" mean to you? I mean in terms of being in a relationship with a man or woman. Not the fruit. Well, to me it seems to have become like a a game. I've heard so many people say they're dating someone and they end up breaking up days, weeks, months or even years later, none the wiser. 

                           You gotta be kidding me

                   Dating is so childish nowadays. The relationship between a man and a woman has wandered far from the path. It is not as it used to be.  The one thing I hear a lot is;
                 
                             " Let's take a break for awhile. I need time to think..."

                    Seriously? Think about what? I'm sorry If I sounded harsh, this just boils my blood. It got me thinking after reading that in the newspaper from a person writing a letter to the 'Dear ____counselor person.' I thought,

                              Why do we say that to boyfriends and girlfriends? We don't say that to our siblings or parents. Or even friends. If we want to think about something we just go and do it. We think through life in relationships. Why is it different with a dating relationship?

       It is not rude, it is not self -seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
                      1 Corinthians 13:5

                            The reason for that excuse of taking a break and putting the relationship on hold is because it becomes to much. Or that's an excuse to ease out of the relationship. When did people start saying that? I'm sure it would be hard to figure out when exactly. But, I can guess those cliche's came up when the world became more fast paced. People jump into relationships so quickly and not knowing exactly why they're jumping in can get confusing and scary fast. How do we get away from this way of thinking? From toying around with God's metaphorical  relationship of himself that is so beautiful and mysterious? We need to step back and see what God has to say.

                     Three times in the Song of Songs this phrase is uttered;
                               'Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.'

                      I strongly believe that many men and woman awaken love in their hearts before God so desires it. The one love that we should desire above all is God's love. He will not disappoint, rush, confuse or control you. His love is patient, kind and ever filled with grace.  I'm not saying that the love between a man and woman is ridiculous but it's the way people go about it. Dating is meant to be a means to get to know someone so that you can know if you want to marry them. It's not a game or a comfort thing.  You should take your single days as the time to find who you are. Get to know the Lover of your soul! It can be for deepening your relationship with your parents and/or siblings. Even though I can't guarantee that when you meet the man you want to marry that everything will be perfect, hopefully you won't 'take a break' or 'place a hold on the relationship.' I hope that you can work though it with him, whatever it may be, because if you're going to marry him, you have to share life with him. 

                                Love never fails.
                                               1 Corinthians 13:8           

                   

Monday, August 10, 2015

Always there


                                        Nothing can separate us from our Fathers love.
                                                                                                                    Roman's 8:39

                      Today started off okay. It got worse as it went. My sin was just crowding me all day. I wanted to do the right thing but, the sin was there. 

                      Falling into sin is so heart wrenching and discouraging. I would hate myself for being so weak ! We have all been through that. I'm thankful that I have my sisters to turn to. They are my best friends! The best thing of all, they encourage me back to my Fathers arms. No matter how ashamed or embarrassed I am. 

                      I am weak because of my sin and most of all; because I'm human. I hate that! I want to be strong and fight Satan off myself and be the warrior. But, God comes through and reminds me that he protects me. He is my warrior. He will fight against Satan for me (James 4:7).  

                     In my weakness he is strong, when I am lost he guides me. When I am hungry he feeds me. When I am naked he clothes me. He is My All and All. My Friend, my Counselor, my Rock, Redeemer, and My Greatest Love. He is always faithful. Ever loving. And patient. He is my God.   

                  I am so glad that whatever sin I fall into God will always be there.

            If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
                                1 John 1:9
      

Sunday, August 2, 2015

The Barlow Girl Challenge: Day Fourteen

                                                                   


                        "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
                                                                                            Deuteronomy 31:8

                               There are many times in your life when you've felt isolated emotionally and physically. At times in our life we could even feel alone spiritually. It can make you wonder if God does ever leave at times? Can we trust how we feel? 

                                                                      

                                 We cannot follow how we feel! God is there always.

                                  I challenge you today that however your life looks now. If you are suffering the lose of a loved one, a lose of a job, the breaking of a friendship, a divorce, what ever it may be. Big or small, read God's word and draw near to him. He is always there. Don't ever lose sight of that. 

                                  Today marks the last day of the Barlow Girl challenge. I am so glad for those of you who have joined me in this. God has stretched me through this and I hope the same went for you.   

Saturday, August 1, 2015

Barlow Girl Challenge: Day Thirteen

                                                              

                    But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--By grace you have been saved...
                               Ephesian 2:4-5

                  Love can be a complicated thing now-a-days. One group of people say love is loose, and fun, others say it has to be earned. What is love truly? Have we confused the word and now it's lesser then what it actually means? 

                                                                                                                   

                        Love is so different from what the world says. Love is so much more then just a feeling. Love is an action!

                         I challenge you today to read 1 Corinthians 13. Instead of applying your name to the part where it lists off what love is ; say Gods name. He is the only one who actually know's what love is. Ask God to open your heart to see love and live it in action.