Calming the Storm in Us

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. (James 1:2-8 NIV)


Today for small group, we explored Mark 4:35-41; the passage where Jesus calms the storm. We then shared about the things that we felt were the "storms" in our lives; past, present, and future. It was an interesting conversation and bible study topic, as many of us could relate to the disciples and how frightened they were of both the storm and of Jesus' powers. From this passage, we discovered that we need to have more faith in that God will take care of us in any situation, any storm. I feel that this passage in James is a good relevant passage to look at as well; giving a deeper, added perspective on the passage from Mark.

Heirs of the Light

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 


John 1:9-13 (NIV), taken from biblegateway.com

Walk in Love

Ephesians 5:1-2

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (ESV)

Travelling Companions

I went home after leaving fellowship early with a friend. We took the greyhound together and we had an interesting conversation. The beauty of two people travelling together is that you get to catch up or learn more about the other person. You're stuck together for however long the trip takes, and there is nothing better to do (other than sleep). I like to take these opportunities to build friendships with people and then these long travels won't be so lonely or boring anymore. Once you find someone else who has the same destination as you and you travel together the trip doesn't seem like a waste of time anymore, a three hour ride becomes too short, and when you part you leave with a good feeling (if the conversation goes well).

This is why I like travelling with other people. Sometimes I enjoy my alone time, but when there is an opportunity to travel with someone else, I try to take it. Investing in people is something that takes time, and effort. Travelling with someone else helps to accomplish two things at once - building relationships, and getting to your destination.

A Challenge? Or Psych?

Today something interesting happened at work. My coworker decided to play songs from my ipod and plug it into some speakers. Now we usually listen to my coworker's music, but since I already had my music playing (because I was the only one around at the time), my coworker decided to continue listening to my music. At first I was very anxious and did not want to have my songs blasted on the speakers because I had some religious music on there that I didn't feel comfortable sharing in that setting. But then I thought to myself, what if this is a test of my faith in God? What would it mean to avoid listening to any of my Christian songs? Would it be denying  Christ? Would it mean that I am ashamed of being a Christian? So I decided to put myself to the test, and see how things played out. What's the worst that could happen? My coworker finds out that I'm a Christian, and we may have an awkward chat about my music or my coworker might just skip the songs that are religious and then leave it at that. That's not so bad. I can't be afraid of a little awkward moment. So I decided to let my music play. And to my horror (or shock), some techno version of the song "Did you feel the mountains tremble" came on... and I was so horrified/shocked that it had to be this song that played. out of all the other Christian songs I had on my ipod. -.-    But I am glad that my coworker did not comment on the song, and we just left it at that. A few songs later, I did get a comment saying that I had a strange variety of music... haha...  and I had a good laugh with my friends later when I told them what happened.

So what did I learn?  I should have skipped the song and wait for another "Christian" song to play. Skipping a song because it is weird (I thought it was weird when I heard it) doesn't mean that I'm denying Christ. I feel like denying Christ would have been more like saying that I'm not a Christian when asked, or trying to avoid that fact/talking about beliefs/religion in general. I think I have a bad tendency to do that to myself. I worry so much about little things and my mind gets overly consumed by things that shouldn't be a big deal. I need to stop dramaticising and over-thinking things. Stop worrying. Let God do His work. Do not feel guilty of things that I haven't done wrong. Don't be afraid. What have I been telling myself this whole time?? Joshua 1:9!!!

Wise Words

Proverbs is a place where many wise words are stored, and today I read this passage:

Proverbs 12:15-25 (NIV)   

15 The way of fools seems right to them, 

   but the wise listen to advice.

 16 Fools show their annoyance at once, 

   but the prudent overlook an insult.

 17 An honest witness tells the truth, 

   but a false witness tells lies.

 18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords, 

   but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

 19 Truthful lips endure forever, 

   but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

 20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, 

   but those who promote peace have joy.

 21 No harm overtakes the righteous, 

   but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

 22 The LORD detests lying lips, 

   but he delights in people who are trustworthy.

 23 The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves, 

   but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.

 24 Diligent hands will rule, 

   but laziness ends in forced labor.

 25 Anxiety weighs down the heart, 

   but a kind word cheers it up.

I know that I have been doing my best in learning to always speak the truth to others and in a loving way, but I have also realized that sometimes I can say too much. Although speaking the truth is a good thing, it still hurts to hear it. No matter how loving one can be when speaking the truth, the direct message that the other person is hearing is still the same. Thus, I realized that I need to be more careful about what I say and how I say things when I talk to people. Sometimes I find that I repeat myself, which is something that I don't need to do - especially since the other person has already heard it once, and repetition is just going to make them annoyed. I looked to this passage today to see how I can learn how and when to speak the truth to others. By speaking the truth, I mean telling my friends or people that I communicate with what I feel is right and letting them know if they are wrong or have hurt someone. This is not to say that I go around correcting people, (because I am also someone who makes mistakes) but I mean that when other people talk to me about things or there is a situation - I feel the need to let the person know. I know this probably isn't a good description of what I am trying to say, but I'm not quite sure how to express it in words. In any case, here is what I have learned:

Instead of just letting words run out of my mouth, I will check that

- I have prayed to God for words of wisdom and His guidance

- I am calm and my emotions are separated from what I say

- what I am saying is out of love for that person, not hate, guilt, or to look down on them

- I am not also guilty of the same thing, and if I am, I will admit it

- I choose my words carefully, to ensure that the other person is willing to hear me out instead of get angry

- I do not repeat myself unless asked to

- I let the other person speak first, so that I can hear their thoughts and feelings before I make any assumptions

- everything I say is the full truth 

- I keep everything confidential to those who are not involved

King of Glory

http://youtu.be/kqdgu8jVOAg - Chris Tomlin


Lift up your gaze
Be lifted up
Tell everyone
How great the love
The love come down
From heaven's gate
To kiss the earth
With hope and grace

Sing: Who is this King of Glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty
Who is this King of Glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty


Lift up your hands
Be lifted up
Let the redeemed
Declare the love
We bow down
At heaven's gate
To kiss the feet
Of hope and grace

There is one God
He is Holy
There is one Lord
Over everything
There is one King
He is Jesus
King of glory
Strong and mighty

You are the King of Glory
The Lord, strong and mighty

At Home in the Body

I know I haven't been posting every day, but I have still been doing my daily worship song / Bible verse reflections. I just haven't been able to sit down in front of my laptop and type! So this one is for Saturday, and the Switchfoot song I posted the lyrics to one post before this is for Friday.

Here is the first part of 2 Corinthians 5:

1 For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, 3 because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4 For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
 6 Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 For we live by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.


I highlighted the end of verse 5 because it relates to one of my previous posts (http://keepitinyourheart.blogspot.com/2012/03/holy-spirit.html), about the trinity and the Holy Spirit being here for us while Jesus has left the Earth.


I like the comparison between verses 6 and 9 because they are opposites. We can only be at home in either the body or with the Lord. Then in verse 9 it says, but no matter which home we are in, we should still aim to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord, and obey His commands because whatever we do in while in the body will reflect what God's judgement on us will be when that day comes (Jesus' second coming).

Reconciliation

What's been on my mind lately? Reconciliation. This is the second half of 2 Corinthians 5, copied from biblegateway.com:


11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13 If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
 16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.



Reconciliation has been on my mind a lot lately, but I didn't have the word for it (reconciliation) in my head until Friday during fellowship where I shared something with my small group and someone mentioned how reconciliation is a very important part of a relationship (whether it be with friends, family, or significant other). For me personally, it's really sad when friends argue or get off on the wrong foot and end up not being able to speak to each other or feel like they could ever go back to that friendship again. When there is tension between myself and someone else, I always feel the urge to go and speak to them and make things better within the week. But there have been times where I felt so hurt by the other person that I felt like I couldn't talk to them, until a lot of time finally past and I was able to reconcile. Although in my experience, the relationship afterwards seems to be better if friends are reconciled as soon as possible. The longer you wait to reconcile, the less comfortable or close I would be with that person.

Looking through this passage has helped me realize that to reconcile is always the right thing to do. If the other person does not feel the same way after you try to reconcile, that is fine - because you forgave them and no longer hold their sins against you. As God has sent Jesus down to Earth to reconcile with us sinners, He has set the ultimate example for us to follow. In order for a relationship to continue healthily, reconciliation must be involved after a dispute or issue between those people. For one thing, we should technically forgive others because Christ forgave us first - and if we do not forgive then we are being hypocrites and being ungrateful for what Jesus has done for us.

Life and Love and Why

http://youtu.be/1mcXmooPjek - Switchfoot

I really like this band because they aren't a worship-specific band, they use their lyrics to imbue curiosity and provoke questions that perhaps everyone is wondering. I like them as a Christian rock band because anyone can listen to them and not feel like it is worship music, and thus expanding the range of people that can listen to their music and hear their lyrics.


Life and love and why
Child, adult, then die
All of your hoping
And all of your searching
For what?
Ask me for what am I living
Or what gives me strength
That I'm willing to die for

Take away from me
This monstrosity
'Cause my futile thinking's
Not gonna solve nothing tonight
Ask me for what am I living
Or what gives me strength
That I'm willing to die for

Could it be this
Could this be bliss
Could it be all that
I ever had missed
Could it be true
Can life be new
And can I be used
Can I be used

Give me a reason
For life and for death
A reason for drowning
While I hold my breath
Something to laugh at
A reason to cry
With everyone hopeless
And hoping for something
To hope for
Yeah, with something to hope for

Could it be true
Can life be new
Could it be all that I am
Is in You
Could it be this
Could it be bliss
Can it be You
Can it be You

Holy Spirit

I read John 14 today, while on the bus to work. I have copied the whole chapter from biblegateway.com  NIV, here it is:


Jesus Comforts His Disciples

 1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Jesus the Way to the Father

 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

 8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”

 9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. 12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

    15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
 22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?”

 23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

   25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

   28 “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. 30 I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, 31 but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.

   “Come now; let us leave."


Here is what I felt like spoke to me today. I learned that when Jesus left the world, He didn't leave us with nothing. This passage helped me to be able to understand the trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) a bit more clearly. Jesus also promises that the way to God is through Him, and that He will take us there (to heaven). Then at the end, before Jesus leaves Earth, he leaves us with peace and the Holy Spirit.

I highlighted verses 15-20 because I love how Jesus explains how the world will not see nor accept Him, but He will live in us, and we will know Him! I found these verses to be so reassuring, that He is not leaving us as orphans, as it says in verse 18. These verses were really helpful in helping me understand - at last. Everything makes sense now. Jesus as a human being could not stay on Earth forever, and when He had to leave, He did not abandon us. He left us with the Holy Spirit, which lives in us! We can't see a physical God, but He is in everyone who believes in Him. Wow. I still feel so overwhelmed by this chapter.... there is so much to grasp!



http://youtu.be/5LJPHKfnmRk - This is Your Life, by Switchfoot
I have been listening to them a lot lately, I hope you like them too!

On Fire

http://youtu.be/ROdsgYyheM4 - Switchfoot


They tell you where you need to go
They tell you when you'll need to leave
They tell you what you need to know
They tell you who you need to be

But everything inside you knows
There's more than what you've heard
There's so much more than empty conversations
Filled with empty words

And you're on fire
When He's near you
You're on fire
When He speaks
You're on fire
Burning at these mysteries

Give me one more time around
Give me one more chance to see
Give me everything You are
Give me one more chance to be... (near You)

Cause everything inside me looks like
Everything I hate
You are the hope I have for change
You are the only chance I'll take

When I'm on fire
When You're near me
I'm on fire
When You speak
And I'm on fire
Burning at these mysteries
These mysteries

I'm standing on the edge of me
I'm standing on the edge of everything I've never been before.
And i've been standing on the edge of me
Standing on the edge

And I'm on fire
When You're near me
I'm on fire
When You speak
(Yea) I'm on fire
Burning at these mysteries
Ah you're the mystery
You're the mystery

O Sacred King

http://youtu.be/xNSYwW3-RFg - Matt Redman


O Sacred King, O Holy King
How can I honour You rightly,
Honour that's fit for Your name?
O Sacred friend, O Holy friend
I don't take what You give lightly
Friendship instead of disgrace.

For it's the mystery of the universe
You're the God of holiness,
Yet You welcome souls like me
And with the blessing of Your Father's heart
You disciple the ones You love
There's kindness in Your majesty

Jesus those who recognise Your power
Know just how wonderful You are
That You draw near

A Practical Reminder

 “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.


- Matthew 18:15


This was a very meaningful passage for me this week as a reminder that when there is something wrong in my relationships with other people that I should not be afraid to speak the truth. Lots of times it is hard to deal with people because of mis-communications, misconceptions, biases, and assumptions. But sometimes people don't realize what they are doing is wrong, or hurtful, and they just need someone to let them know in a loving way. Telling your friend the truth about what you think of their actions or words can be a difficult thing to do at times because you don't want to hurt their feelings or offend them. But it must be done. Even if it doesn't seem like your friend would be very happy about you telling them that they have done something wrong, it is helping them to grow. A friend should understand that you are not trying to harm them, but that you are only wanting them to grow and they will be more grateful that you told them than pretended that nothing was wrong. 


It is very important to point out another person's faults in a loving way, as well as in private - as the verse emphasizes. Calling someone out on their faults in public can be more harmful than helpful. The accused may feel embarrassed, or feel that they are "losing face". They will not be very happy or welcoming about the accusations, and will be less open to what you have to say. I respect this verse in how much wisdom it gives; it teaches how to avoid bad situations, and it covers other possible situations if talking one on one doesn't play out. 




Lately I have encountered many situations in which I have felt wronged or I see something wrong that is going on. It has been difficult for me to address some of the issues in fear of coming off as offensive or rude, but I try my best to think of the most loving way to talk to those people. An important thing for me is that I have to calm myself down, separate my emotions from the situation, and pray to God to give me patience and the right words to say. Having the comfort that God is here to guide me so long as I obey is very helpful in these situations and I am thankful for Him always being there for me.

Beautiful

I heard this song while I was at work today.

http://youtu.be/UhXYpje7j-Y - Shawn Mcdonald

As I look into the stars
Pondering how far away they are
How You hold them in Your hands
And still You know this man
You know my inner most being, oh
Even better than I know, than I know myself
What a beautiful God
What a beautiful God
And what am I, that I might be called Your child
What am I, what am I
That You might know me, my King
What am I, what am I, what am I
As I look off into the distance
Watching the sun roll on by
Beautiful colors all around me, oh
Painted all over the sky
The same hands that created all of this
They created you and I
What a beautiful God
What a beautiful God
And what am I, that I might be called Your child
What am I, what am I
That You might know me, my King
What am I, what am I
That You might die, that I might live
What am I, what am I, what am I, what am I
What am I

Let That Be Enough

http://youtu.be/m9fPJM1qdWo

I wish I had what I need
To be on my own
'Cause I feel so defeated
And I'm feeling alone

And it all seems so helpless
And I have no plans
I'm a plane in the sunset
With nowhere to land

And all I see
It could never make me happy And all my sand castles
Spend their time collapsing

Let me know that You hear me
Let me know Your touch
Let me know that You love me
Let that be enough

It's my birthday tomorrow
No one here could now
I was born this Thursday
22 years ago

And I feel stuck
Watching history repeating
Yeah, who am I?
Just a kid who knows he's needy

Let me know that You hear me
Let me know Your touch
Let me know that You love me
And let that be enough

- Switchfoot

Can you live with nothing but God? The season of lent is for us to answer that question. Can we let go of our worries, our insecurities, our phones, our tv shows, coffee, and anything else that we seem to have a death grip on and give it all up to God? It is a reminder that these things can be a distraction, an idol, if we become too attached to them.

Don't Turn Away

" “Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own."

- 1 Samuel 12 : 20-22

This was an excerpt from the passage that was preached upon today. This verse stuck out to me because the people of Israel had sinned by asking God for a king, but God responded by telling His people that He won't reject them, "because the Lord was pleased to make [them] His own". Wow. God is so good, so compassionate, forgiving, understanding, and loving; that even though we humans are so evil and cause so much trouble, He is willing to take us back when we realize our sins and repent. He still wants us to continue along the path of life - a life filled with blessings and growth so that we can continue to be His people and not perish (as it says in John 3:16).

Let Your Will Be Mine

Saturday...

"If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them." - James 4:17

This is the last verse of James 4, and a verse that I can strongly relate to. There are so many things that go wrong in this world, so much pain and suffering that I can't help but feel helpless thinking about it. Perhaps this doesn't just apply to me, but whenever I see something that I can do to help someone, or to improve a situation, I do my best to act. I feel this sense of responsibility to make things right, to comfort those who seem to need it, or even to just clean up a mess. I don't know why, but I feel like when something like this happens, it is God telling me what I should do. There have been some moments in my life where I have felt called by God to do something - it is a very strong feeling in my gut that urges me to do it, not letting my mind have peace until it has been accomplished.

There are so many situations where you can see something good that can be done, and the choice is yours whether or not you want to do it. But did you realize that it is a sin when you choose not to? This doesn't mean donating your whole pay check to a charity, but that if you are able, then you ought. If an old lady struggles to carry her groceries, if someone has dropped their wallet, or if someone got hurt, we should be there to help. Doesn't it make you feel unsettling when you are able but don't help someone clearly in need?

Sometimes I feel very disappointed in myself when I realize that I could have done something but walked away instead, or just stood and watched. What kind of follower of Jesus would I be? Didn't He serve others, didn't He heal the sick, and comfort the sad? He didn't have to, but He did. He didn't have to sacrifice Himself on the cross to save us - sinners in need of grace and mercy. But He did. So that is why there is such an urge, such a conviction in my heart do always do my best to be aware of people in need and to help them if I am able. I know that I can sometimes be very unaware or oblivious, but it's time to leave the comforts of my own world and get serving.


http://youtu.be/izvlfeVTNv0 - Love is the Movement, by Switchfoot

What is Your Life?

This was the passage from Friday! I forgot to post... hehe.. so here it is:


"Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil."  - James 4:13-16


I decided to continue reading James 4. It's so true that we don't know what's going to happen tomorrow. We can't even be 100% certain of what will happen 10 minutes from now. What is my life? It's so small, so short. So we must make the most out of our lives, and do God's will. It is interesting when it says that "all such boasting is evil". I feel like sometimes people do good things, or nice things and then they boast about it to other people. Sometimes I feel like I fall into this sin too, it's hard to do something for someone and then not talk about it or mention it again. Especially when I don't get anything in return, or when the person doesn't even acknowledge what I did. Perhaps I am seeking recognition from them, or trying to gain satisfaction or approval from them through my actions. But that is not how I should be living. I usually don't mind doing things for other people or helping them out, but it does take a lot of time, energy, and effort to do so. This isn't to say that I shouldn't help people, or do my best to care for them, but I have to also realize that I am doing these things to glorify God, and not for my own personal satisfactory gains. I must make sure that my motives are good, in that I am not doing something in order to look like a good person, or get recognition for it; but because I really do want to help that person and follow God's example of caring for others. This is one of the bigger traps that I have been very wary of lately, as sometimes I feel as though I am getting too stressed or overly exhausted and maybe not for the right reasons. I know that there are some things that I can not fix, and that I have to take the back seat in. I must choose wisely as to where I use the gifts that God has given me and care for others out of love for them, and expect nothing in return. 

Who are you really?

"Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?" 


James 4:11-12

I stumbled upon these two verses today... and I can't say how true it is. Lately I've been thinking about how people judge each other and I've been very conscious about judging people myself, as it is not my place to judge them. It is quite unfair to just assume someone is a certain characteristic (in this case a bad one) without getting to know them, or asking them where they're coming from. I've also been on the other end of being judged by others, and it is rude, and it makes me feel terrible - especially if I believe that I am not like the way they have perceived me as. But I have also come to learn that it is impossible to please everyone as I would just end up not being happy with myself, or being able to choose what I want. There is a fine line between being considerate, and being a push over. There is also a fine line between judging others and letting someone know they are wrong. Life is all about balance, and not judging others is one of the harder things that I am trying to be more aware of. There is a story and explanation behind every action, every word spoken, and every thought. Mis-communication is another thing that can make things messy. A nerdy English joke that a high school teacher once told me is this: When you assume, you make an "ass" out of "u" and "me". I don't swear, but I thought it was pretty true/punny.