Finding Security and Significance

For quite a while now I've been struggling with something, but I couldn't exactly pinpoint it. It was like I was holding onto something that I needed to give up control over. I prayed for God to reveal this to me. With a persistent heart, I realized that I was seeking security and significance in all the wrong places.

I know I often equate security with success. As long as I succeed at ______ , I will have security. ______ will make me feel significant. While there is nothing wrong with succeeding in life and wanting to feel significant, true success and significance cannot be measured by anything earthly. True security and significance is found in Christ. Christ provides security and significance in our lives through the magnificent plans he has for us.

I recently studied Ruth who gave up the security she could've had with her family for uncertainty with her mother-in-law, Naomi. When she left all the worldly things in her life and sought after God, He provided for her. Ruth received food, protection, a new husband, a child and most importantly: God. The one true God. What an incredible plan and purpose God had for Ruth.

I've realized that recently I haven't sought out God for my security. I haven't looked for my significance in Him. I've looked for security and significance in my relationships, academic success, and other things. While I study and continue to do everything I can to maintain my GPA, God has equipped me with all the skills it takes for academic success. I can't take credit for that. No matter how many times I try to "impress" my friends, invite them over, try to gain their acceptance, they'll never give me the security I need. While I wait for an interview and acceptance into the Education program, I can't let myself find security in the decision that is made. Nothing in this world can give me true security or significance.

"And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
                                                                                  Philippians 4:19 NASB

Faith & Forgiveness

Words cannot describe how BIG our God is. Why I ever underestimate Him is beyond me. I've probably said this a thousand times, but I'm one of the most stubborn people I know. I'm the person that God completely rocks their world to reveal himself, because I want to do everything on my own. (one thing I'm seriously working on.) Faith is really hard for me.

Two weeks ago at my home church, we started a 4 week series on forgiveness. We were challenged to forgive who we have been withholding forgiveness. Honestly, I didn't know who this would be. Not that I think that I'm perfect (we all know I'm far from perfect), but I just couldn't think of someone that I needed to forgive. For the following week, I prayed daily that God would reveal to me who I needed to forgive and who I needed to ask for forgiveness. I hadn't got an answer so I just assumed that I was "good to go" Boy, was I wrong!?!

This past Sunday was week 2, "Extending Forgiveness." I felt the same way going into the service as I had the previous week. As usual, I got my notebook out and began writing down all the sermon points. I was breezing through the service and all was well because I "had my stuff together." Wrong AGAIN.  For the last 10 minutes of the sermon, weird "God" things started happening. Heart racing. Hands sweating. Nervous. Tears welling up. I call these "God" things because when this happens to me, it's usually because I'm about to have to act on pure faith that God has the situation in control and all I can do is follow what He tells me to do.

Following God's calling, though it's not always easy, is most definitely always worth it. I knew from the moment everything happened that I had to make a move. I couldn't avoid it without being completely miserable.

I have a few questions for you and myself. Who do you need to forgive? What is keeping you from the full potential that God wants for you? Do you honestly believe that He is in complete control? What is keeping you from giving Him full control?

Becoming Beautiful in God's Eyes

     A couple of weeks ago, I started reading a chapter/week of a book entitled Beautiful in God's Eyes by Elizabeth George. This book is based on teaching women to become like the Proverbs 31 woman. (I encourage every woman to read this!!) It has been wonderful so far and seems to be one of those books that needs to be read during each stage of life because you can gain some new knowledge each time. I definitely wouldn't call it an easy read if you really want it to change your life. It has definitely slapped me in the face a little, but what better reward than being beautiful in God's eyes?

     I say that to say this...I'm totally against the "Magic Mike" craze. I apologize if you think it is okay. That's fine, but from my heart I believe God has told me that there is definitely something wrong with this movie. I've seen Channing Tatum movies before so this isn't an anti-Tatum post by all means. I was just caught off guard last week when I saw several girls and women of the faith going to see this movie. 

     I firmly believe that what you pour into your heart and allow your eyes to see is exactly what is going to come out. I cannot imagine having to tell my husband one day that he can't meet my false expectations that I allowed a movie, TV show, magazine, or another form of media create. That would be devastating. Just the same way, I wouldn't want my future husband to tell me that I can't ever meet his expectations because of what he saw in the media. I definitely believe God can rescue those people and change their hearts, but I would definitely rather go into a marriage without the high expectations that my husband will never meet. 

     I don't want to seem like I consider myself better than anyone because I didn't go see this movie because I don't think that this particular movie is the only thing that is targeting us. Last night I was tempted to catch up on some shows I used to watch. (I stopped watching them because I didn't want that negative influence in my life) Then, I saw Beautiful in God's Eyes sitting in my room. I was immediately reminded of my quest to become like the Proverbs 31 woman. How hypocritical of me to watch those shows when I'm so against the "Magic Mike" craze. Those shows are no different. They are creating false expectations in the same way. By the grace of God, I was reminded of my quest before I began watching those shows! I didn't really feel the best after being convicted, but then I was reminded that God desires the absolute best for me. MY best is no where near GOD's best! I'm not going to settle and neither should you!

     My challenge to you is to say no to the media when you're tempted to watch or look at something you shouldn't. You may feel left out, but you won't have the burden of dealing with false expectations. That is definitely worth it. 

It's YOUR Choice.

     As humans with a conscience, we know right from wrong. We know what we should and shouldn't do. As believers, we know what pleases and displeases God. The Bible makes it clear. We have definite examples of what to do and not do. We know how to act in order to honor Him. I think it's safe to say that we don't always apply this to our lives. We claim the label "Christian," "Believer," and "Follower of Christ." Why? Is it to be accepted? Is it to feel like you're apart of a group? What is the reasoning for you?

     Many people get upset when people call us hypocrites. Why? It's true, but it doesn't have to be. At some point or another, we've all been hypocritical, but that's not an excuse to accept the label. You don't have to be okay with people calling you that. I'm definitely not saying that we should be aggressive by any means. You just have to live a life that doesn't give them the evidence to justify their classification of you. Of course, you'll mess up at times, but that's not an excuse either. What you do when you make the mistakes makes all the difference. If you choose to run from them, hide them, or own up to them is your decision. You can run and hide, but where is that going to take you? Who will you lose in the process? You'll end up with the same problem that got you into this mess. A mistake.

     God sent His son, Jesus Christ, to save us. Jesus lived a sinless life on Earth. He died for your sins on the cross so you could have eternal life with Him in Heaven one day. Until then, we are to live lives that are pleasing to our Father. The life Christ lived is the example that we were given to follow. He loves us no matter what. He loves us when we mess up and when we follow His plan. When we mess up, He wants nothing more than for us to run to Him. Run to Him in the good times and the bad. Run to Him when we're in trouble and when we feel like nothing could possibly go wrong. 

What are you going to do?

Run away?

Run to?

It's your choice to make. 

Get Specific!

     I wrote in January about my wonderful experience at CrossChurch Fayetteville. During my first visit, I felt something telling me that this was the church I needed to join. My logical side told me that was ridiculous because I had only been once. I decided to not make any drastic decisions because I wanted to be absolutely certain this is where God would have me serve. Let me be human for a second...I was completely freaked out! 
     Some friends and I went to the college service on a Wednesday night and we were bombarded (in a good way) by other college students who wanted us to come to their Bible study groups. What a hard decision! Since then, I've gotten involved in a group on Tuesday nights. This group is definitely what I need. We talk about real situations in our lives just like we did in cell groups in high school, but on a higher level. I've been so inspired by the people who come and feel like part of a family. We pray for each other and encourage each other. On some level, we're all connected. 
     Each Sunday, I've really enjoyed going to CrossChurch. A couple Sundays ago, Pastor Nick Floyd spoke about praying specifically. When you pray specifically and a miracle happens, you won't wonder why or how it happened. It's a "freaky God moment" when you can give all the glory to God because you know HE is the one who made it happen. As he was speaking, my heart was bombarded with pressure to pray about joining the church. The whole next week I devoted time to pray specifically about joining the church. [I'm not saying this to brag about me spending time with God. I'm saying this to show you what happened in my life when I got specific in my prayer time.] The next Sunday, I KNEW CrossChurch Fayetteville was where God wanted me. He gave me the answer and it was my turn to take the step. So I did. 

I'm officially apart of a wonderful church in Fayetteville who desires to reach "Northwest Arkansas, America, and the World for Jesus Christ!"

     I'll admit, I've always been one to pray, but I've never put enough emphasis on praying. I haven't put enough trust in God to make whatever it is I'm praying for happen. Through this I've learned that praying specifically is crucial. I have to trust in HIM to answer my prayers. I've read many times that God gives three answers to a prayer: yes, no, not yet. I have to continually pray that HIS will becomes my will. 
     Two words: get specific. Watch what God will do in your life. He's definitely worked in mine!

Belated New Year's Resolution

    Let me be completely clear: I NEVER make new year's resolutions. Why? There's no super good reason. It's simply the fact that I know I'll never commit to it the entire year so there's really no point in making any. 

    The same went to this year too until I went to Reality Weekend...it's like a D-Now Conference...with my home church as a college leader. I listened to worship services by Kristian Stanfill (insert middle school girl scream here!) (you can't deny that the band is awesome...not to mention passionate about following Christ!) and messages given by Ed Newton (if you haven't heard him, you should. He's a great communicator especially to students!). Every service they both would quote scripture from memory. No, not just John 3:16 or Romans 3:23 like we did in KiDS church. Like long passages. 

    Last year in preparation for the Macedonian mission trip, I along with others memorized scripture. It was difficult at first because it required a lot of dedication. It wasn't something I could look over right before our mission team meeting and expect to remember the verses from memory when I walked in. I was extremely proud of myself and thankful that God had given me the ability to memorize His Word. 

    Needless to say, that was almost a year ago and after the trip I wasn't challenged to commit any scripture to memory by anyone so I just didn't do it. Well after seeing how well Kristian and Ed know the Bible by memory, I am naming that my 2012 New Year's Resolution. Memorizing God's Word little by little. After all, when I have the Word in my heart, it will be easier to fight off temptation, recognize God's beauty, share the gospel to others, and praise the Creator of the universe. 

    I can't wait to see how much I grow spiritually throughout this year! Much encouragement to all of you who made new year's resolution. Keep with it!  

Advantages Of Being A Leader

    This past weekend I was asked to be a leader of a group of girls from my home church. I immediately said "yes." I love working with students! It may be because I don't want to grow up...don't tell anyone! I prayed all week for God to move in their lives. I prayed they would experience something radical. I prayed they will open up to each other in small group time and just live life together. Little did I know, God was going to work in my life.
    Being a leader for a retreat is different than just being a student. Not in a bad way. All weekend, I got to pour into students' lives and let them know they are loved not only by me, but by the God of the universe too. During our small group time the girls were quiet until it was over. They began to open up to Alyx (the other college leader) and I. We shared tears, hugged, prayed, and simply loved on the girls. This life is hard. That is why there are people who are willing to go through life with you. I am so blessed for the students to accept me into their group and feel comfortable enough to share their secrets with me.
    I got to see first hand what it feels like to be a leader and to be so proud of the students. At this retreat there were 1,000 students from churches across the county who met in one location to proclaim the name of God. On Saturday afternoon, everyone was given FOUR hours to raise money for Compassion International and for the local ministries of the county. Our goal was $20,000! My group of girls started calling people they knew asking for donations. People were willing and we just met them to pick up the money! Part of the group helped clean up yards while the other half spoke between Upward games at the church asking for donations. Our group alone raised over $800. They were so excited and I was amazed at what God allowed to happen. The students from our youth group raised $1200!! As the service was ending one of the leaders went on stage to announce the amount of money we as a community raised. The crowd was anxiously awaiting the good news. Not only did we meet the goal, with God we raised $28,000! Incredible.
    The last session was honestly the best session of the weekend, not just because of the money we raised, but because of how God worked in every student's life. As I looked around the church during worship and with tears filling my eyes, I saw hands lifted high in surrender to the Lord Almighty. I could not be more in awe. I got to sit back and watch these students give all their cares to the foot of the cross.
    I was blessed to work with these students all weekend. They LOVE God. They LOVE others. They are willing to SURRENDER..something that many of us have problems with because we want to be in control. This generation is the future...not in a couple of years, but RIGHT. NOW.