Hello My Name Is......

Today as I was working a garage sale I was listening to Klove (I listen to Klove a lot). I heard this song (Hello My Name Is... by Matthew West) like 10 times. I had a feeling that God is speaking to me through this song... I have no idea how or what he is saying yet but I know that he is. I think that he is reminding me that I am a child of the One True King!! I challenge my readers this week really think about the words in this song and think about what God is saying to us through Matthew West and this song.

"Hello, My Name Is"

Hello, my name is regret 
I’m pretty sure we have met 
Every single day of your life 
I’m the whisper inside 
That won’t let you forget 
Hello, my name is defeat 
I know you recognize me 
Just when you think you can win 
I’ll drag you right back down again 
‘Til you’ve lost all belief 
These are the voices, these are the lies 
And I have believed them, for the very last time 
Hello, my name is child of the one true King 
I’ve been saved, I’ve been changed, and I have been set free 
“Amazing Grace” is the song I sing 
Hello, my name is child of the one true King 
I am no longer defined 
By all the wreckage behind 
The one who makes all things new 
Has proven it’s true 
Just take a look at my life 
What love the Father has lavished upon us 
That we should be called His children 
I am a child of the one true King

In Gods image we are perfect

So I was on a walk today with my dog today and I was looking at my shadow, realizing that my hair looked horrible. As I walk I usually listen to KLove the Christian Radio station. But today I was listening to my iPod and the song Gold by Britt Nicole came on as well as Image of God by Barlow Girl. 

Genesis 1:26 - And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

Genesis 1:27 - So God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

Colossians 1:16 - For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

The lyrics of Image of God really make me think: Tell me why do I, why do I try

Try so hard to please you

Can you promise me, In a few years

You will even remember my name

And I am made in the image of God

I am loved for who I am

We try so hard to please him when really everything (okay most things) that we do and how we look is perfect in God's eyes. We are made in his image, made to be just like him. To him, we are worth something; we are worth more than gold. 

You were walking on the moon, now you're feeling low What they said wasn't true, you're beautiful Sticks and stones break your bones, I know what you're feeling Words like those won't steal your glow, you're one in a million This, this is for all the girls, boys all over the world Whatever you've been told, you're worth more than gold So hold your head up high, it's your time to shine From the inside out it shows, you're worth more than gold (Gold gold, you're gold) You're worth more than gold (Gold gold, you're gold) Well everybody keeps score, afraid you're gonna lose Just ignore they don't know the real you All the rain in the sky can't put out your fire Of all the stars out tonight you shine brighter This, this is for all the girls, boys all over the world Whatever you've been told, you're worth more than gold So hold your head up high, it's your time to shine From the inside out it shows, you're worth more than gold (Gold gold, you're gold) You're worth more than gold (Gold gold, you're gold) So don't let anybody tell you that you're not loved And don't let anybody tell you that you're not enough Yeah there are days that we all feel like we're messed up But the truth is that we're all diamonds in the rough So don't be ashamed to wear your crown You're a king you're a queen inside and out You glow like the moon, you shine like the stars This is for you, wherever you are Oh, oh, yeah, yeah, oh, oh, You're gold This, this is for all the girls, boys all over the world Whatever you've been told, you're worth more than gold (So hold your head) So hold your head up high,

It's your time to shine From the inside out it shows, you're worth more than gold (gold gold, you're gold) You're worth more than gold (gold gold you're gold) So don't be ashamed to wear your crown You're a king you're a queen inside and out

Trust God ALWAYS!!!

Sorry that I have not blogged in a few days. I have had a long weekend. I had some of my possessions stolen from me and I have been focused on that and finals. 

Psalms 139:1,2 says "You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.
² You know when I sit and when I rise;  you perceive my thoughts from afar."

This whole Psalm is about the fact that God is all-seeing, all-knowing, all-powerful, and everywhere present. God knows us, is with us at all times and his greatest gift allows us to know him.

I find this verse very encouraging, especially this past week because I really needed a reminder that God is always there even in times of trouble. This past weekend a friend and I got stolen from. God has been with me the whole time. Verse 6 says "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain." I can not imagine what it would be like to have the knowledge that God has. I am reminded of the movie Bruce Almighty when Bruce given the power and knowledge of God and can not handle it. I imagine that it would be like that.  We can never get away from our Father, he is ALWAYS there, even when we don't think that he is, even in our darkest hours. 

He knew us personally before we were born, and has been with us everyday since then. He knows the hairs on our heads by number. 

Psalms  139:23 says "Search me, God, and know my heart;test me and know my anxious thoughts." I have to ask him to search me and teach me about his ways everyday of my life.

Verses 19-22 discuss those who oppose God. "If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty! They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you? I have nothing but hatred for them;I count them my enemies."  I have been thinking about this verse all day and think that it sorta has do with my situation right now. I really do not know how to feel about the girls that took my things. I have been praying about it a lot lately. 

^21 20 This week.. my main lesson for that day was to Trust God Always!!!!!!!!! 

God is there when you are stressed

So I have finals coming up this week and next week and am freaking out a little bit about them. Then my friend asked me what some inspiring verses to help get through Finals week. I Googled "encouraging verses for Final week" This is what I found: 

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Rest, Peace and Healing

Isaiah 40:30,31 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Malachi 4:2 But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.

Romans 8:6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Philippians 4:6,7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 5:6,7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Trust the Lord to Ease the Way

Psalms 37:5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.

Psalms 55:22 Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.

Psalms 103:1-5 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Proverbs 16:3 Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.

Jeremiah 17:7,8 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Give Me Jesus; His Strength is All I Need

Isaiah 55:1-3 “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls,  yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Luke 10:41-42 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

John 12:32 (KJV) And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

1 Corinthians 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

I have found these verses to be inspiring to me during tough times, but never during Finals week. These verses will push throughout the week. A few of these verses were in my devos these past few days and I have been really thinking about them. I think that know that God is always there beside me through anything and everything. I can always go to him for anything.

I have added a few that I absolutely love and am encouraged by

 Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

I hope you are as encouraged as I am by our amazing God!!

True Faith and HIS World Psalm 50

Psalm 50

"The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets. 2 From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth..... 4 He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people: 5 "Gather to me my consecrated ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice." 6 And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for God himself is judge. "Selah" 7 "Hear, O my people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you: I am God, your God....10 for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. 11 I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine. 12 If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it. ... 14 Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, 15 and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.... 22 Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with none to rescue: 23 He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God."

This devotion is a continuation of the last one. God states that every animal in the forest is his and that he knows the birds of the mountains. In verse 12, He states that the world and all that is in it IS HIS. God states that He is God, our God!!
This passage is about being faithful to God... later in the passage, Asaph (a musician of David) discusses what God says to the wicked and how he treats them. But I am talking about the sacrifice that we have to make for God. My bible is a study bible and it notes that verses 5-9 of this passage (5 "Gather to me my consecrated ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice." 6 And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for God himself is judge. "Selah" 7 "Hear, O my people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testifyagainst you: I am God, your God. 8 I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices or your burnt offerings,which are ever before me. 9 I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens) correspond with what people do now. It states that God's perfect moral nature demands the nature for sin be death; but that people could offer animal instead of themselves; symbolizing their faith in God. But the people would just offer sacrifices and forget the significance. People today are like that ( I know that I am). Too many times we just go through the motions by going to church, participating in tithe, and religious activities out of habit, rather than doing these things wholeheartedly out of love and obedience. We have to remember that God want righteousness, not just empty motions. 
If we worship wholeheartedly, our God will deliver us into salvation. 
I have to know that everything in the universe IS GOD'S; NOT MINE, and that He does not want just empty motions of worship... he wants us to get down on our knees and worship him entirely constantly everyday. NOT JUST WHEN WE NEED IT THE MOST!!!! And I have been doing that way too much lately. 
This Psalm expresses one of the clearest examples of repentance in the Bible. Countless broken sinners, have found this passage to be an exquisite expression of their need for God's mercy and forgiveness. This Psalm is a great starting point for those (me) who are feeling distant or have guilt that is affecting his/her relationship with God. It has helped me to identify the sin in my life through confession and repentance. It has helped me to realize that I am only worshiping God half-heartily and need to worship Him with my whole heart everyday.     

Beauty of the Earth Psalm 24:1-2; 27:4

Psalm 27:4 

One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.

I see Your face in every sunrise The colors of the morning are inside Your eyes The world awakens in the light of the day I look up to the sky and say "You're Beautiful" I see Your power in the moonlit night
Where planets are in motion and galaxies are bright We are amazed in the light of the stars It’s all proclaiming who You are You’re beautiful, You're beautiful ~ "You're Beautiful" Phil Wickham 

GOD MADE THIS!!!!!
These past two days, I have been constantly reminded that God is beautiful and has made everything in him. If we just sit and think about nothing, we will see God's true beauty. Genesis 1 says that God made the light and the dark, he made all of the animals,the mountains and the oceans. He knows every hair on our heads. Even we are made in his image. This leads into my devotion for today.

Psalm 24: 1-2 

The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.

I have to remember that this beautiful world around me is not mine in any way. It is all His world, and not ours. I am purely a guest in his world, an actor in his play. It is awesomely humbling to know and realize that I was created for the benefit of God, and that i really own nothing, To me, and hopefully others it is astonishing to know that the Creator of the universe, the Owner of all wealth, the Great engineer is also the one who loves me for me, is my Heavenly Father, and is planning out the rest of my life in order to end up in His Heavenly home. 
To think that God created this big, amazing world around me, where in one place everything seems fine, yet across the world there are people without as many luxuries as I, where God is working in different ways than I could ever imagine, is just mind blowing. 
As I look at and hear the creek next to me, the birds singing thier individual songs, feel the sun beating down on my back, and the chill of the cool breeze on my legs,  I can't help but to be in awe of God and reminded that everything around me is NOT MY OWN, THAT THIS WORLD IS HIS WORLD and we are just ants under his microscope, working to do His will and lead others to Him so that they see what I see when I look outside my bedroom window...... GOD'S (not ours but GOD'S) CREATION AND WORLD!!

God's Love 1 John 3:1

1 John 3:1 
"See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know "
I have been praying a lot lately about the love of  God. I have come to the realization that I do not know what his love is anymore .... that I never really knew what his love is. 
Six years ago my best friend (and first boyfriend)  tell me that he loved me. He taught me what t meant to love another, and helped me to grow in God's love. Then we broke it off and I broke down. I  dated other guys and tried to move on, but I did not know what true love was because the guy I loved broke me into a million pieces. 
This past Saturday night, I participated in a worship session down on the "Field of Dreams" (a gorgeous field at the base of campus). As I was sitting there with my friends, worshiping God and his beauty, I had an epiphany that I truly do not know what it means to love another in the way that God loves me. I have grown up learning that God's love was him sending Jesus to die for us, that He could take all of my sins away and still love me when I mess up or turn away, that He is always there whenever I need him. 
I realized that I need to spend a majority of my time with God and learn what it truly means to love and be loved by God. This summer, I am staying on campus this summer to work. I am going to use this time that I have now, mainly this summer and the rest of my life wanting to know God more and admiring this beautiful world of His, and His beauty in me. My goal/plan right now (this might change) is to take time at least 4 days/week to go and lay and stare in awe of God's perfection and beauty in the Field of Dreams (I worship everyday but this time that I am putting aside will be to sit and be still as my Father says to be). 

I am planning on blogging about what God is teaching me and Bible verses that really speak to me that day. There will be things that I will not be posting because they may be really personal to me. 
This blog is about my personal relationship with my Savior, if my readers post any harsh condescending comments, I will delete them.