my heart has been hard today. i have not been flexible, or even kind for that matter. i am a selfish sinner. and this breaks my heart.
thursday nights, i go to a bible study lead by my good friends anna and leah. last night, we started off by reading 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. then, all of the girls were invited to participate in something anna does called "three things thursday". to practice a heart of continual thanksgiving, anna takes time on thursday to pick out three things and simply thank God for them. my three things were:
1. my current season of life.
this includes where i am (physically, mentally, emotionally), where i'm going in all of those categories, and the things i'm learning. it may be complicated and confusing, but it's truly exciting.
2. relationships
the friends i've been able to make this semester are a blessing to my life. they've added so much fullness to my day! those who have been on my heart, either pouring into me or vice-versa, have been immensly fruitful.
3. fashion
i've had second thoughts about my major before i even picked it. "is it practical? how could that possibly further the kingdom of Jesus? can i even be successful?" i've been constantly learning that this is something God has given me a passion for because He has a plan to use it. but looking forward to next year with great anticipation, i realize that i couldn't see myself doing anything else. in case you're unaware, next year i have been blessed to have the opportunity to study abroad both semesters! i will be spending the fall in Florence, Italy and then moving to New York for the spring (and possibly summer).
today, i've been reflecting on these things and recognizing how simply being thankful for things you have can melt a heart of stone. i desperately need to remember to count my blessings on a regular basis. in addition to gratitude, i'm putting a twist on that same concept with my version: forgiveness friday.
i am so humbled by God's grace. even as i drown in my sin, i am constantly being placed on firm ground. Jesus is always doing a work in my heart. as a daily devotion, i decided to kick off 2013 by read a Psalm everyday. psalm-a-day. by a calendar's count, i'm a little behind in where i'm supposed to be. ironically, the days i find myself behind in reading, i find myself reading exactly what i need to hear. i'm so amazed how God works in this way. three main points i'm reminded of as i've been reading Psalm 38-40:
1. God does not delay.
as also read in Habakkuk 2:3, God promises that He is not slow in progress but simply moving in His time. this is so relevant in my life. God's promises are being realized and fulfilled one by one in a most perfect timing that i could not even imagine. this group of psalms lays out this idea that even as i'm surrounded and overwhelmed with pain, God is rescuing me. God delights in offering salvation to the worst of sinners, like me.
2. God is with me.
these psalms reveal that God is with me always, im my times of rejoicing and in my times of trouble. because of this, i'm reminded of a specific song. Lecrae- Free From It All sends the message that when we sin (inevitably) we are free because of Jesus Christ. i'm free to live and be and feel because of the grace God offers through his Son. and the great thing is, God desires all of us. He has a very specific plan for each one of us, and He desires to have a relationship with each of us.
on a side note- a lot of people ask me about my "religion" all the time. i'd just like to say that Jesus Christ is my SAVIOR, not my religion. i follow God not out of obligation, but out of love. i have an intimate relationship with the Ultimate Creator, Provider, Lover, Father. and that's what makes me a Christian. i'm reppin Romans #116.
that's something that gets me going. if your goal is to tick me off, ask me about religion. if your going to base your "faith" on relying God to get you through the hard things but not praising Him in your successes, if you're going to call on God for forgiveness but keep living in the same sin, if you're going to go to church on Sunday but forget Jesus every other day of the week; you are not a Christian. you're a hypocrite. and no, i'm not sorry to say that. there are times where we're all hypocrites. but don't claim Jesus' salvation in your life if you don't take up your cross. "rep the Lord truly" -Lecrae.
the rant's over now. moving on...
3. God is unfailing in all ways.
God hears us! even the prayers we can't formulate into words, He hears us. God IS unfailing love, strength, and forgiveness. and there are infinite more!!! i love the way Psalm 40:17 puts it,
"Since I am afflicted and needy,
Let the Lord be mindful of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
Do not delay, O my God."
God is good today. God offers the ultimate forgiveness, and i want to leave you with this as a challenge. three questions,
1. what are you thankful for today?
2. what is God saving you from today? what weight is He taking off your shoulders?
3. are you living the kind of life that glorifies God, always?
these are good questions that i really think should be considered everyday. seriously take time to ask yourself these. i think i'm truly humbled by answering honestly.
also, all of the verses for today have been posted in the New American Standard Bible (NASB) version. feel free to use a different version!
