Tag Archives: christian

Should We Follow Our Hearts?

Posted on by under Christian Spirituality
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should we follow our hearts? The Bible says no, we shouldn't.

We hear over and over again in modern culture, to follow our hearts. But should we really follow our hearts?

It is written, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)

Our hearts, in their fallen condition, are deceitful above all things. Idol-making comes naturally to all people. Even good things can become idols when they take first place in our hearts.

Rather than trust our own hearts, we are to commit our hearts to God. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) This Bible verse gives us specific instructions not to trust ourselves and it also gives us a promise of guidance when we instead choose to follow the Lord.

The Bible makes it clear that if we follow our hearts, we follow an untrustworthy guide. It also tells us that our hearts are desperately sick. There’s no way for us to repair our hearts. This is why, when we become Christians, we’re given a new heart.

But that doesn’t mean that we can rely on our hearts once we’ve come to faith in Jesus Christ. Even as believers, we’re encouraged to follow God’s will over our own desires. The Bible teaches us that, “the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” (Galatians 5:17)

We have an all powerful, all knowing, benevolent Lord who promises to give us wisdom. (James 1:5) And we also have His inspired and inerrant Word written down for us. So why then would we turn our backs on God and His promises in order to pursue the desires of our heart? It is better to align our desires with the promises of our Lord. And we do this through the daily practice of studying the written Word of God. This way, we can properly discern between the desires of our flesh and the desires of the Spirit.

I highly recommend daily Bible reading to deepen your faith. If you have any questions about the Bible, http://www.gotquestions.org is a great resource!

I am a Christian

Posted on by under Poetry
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I am a Christian. A poem by Maya Angelou on Christianity.

When I say…”I am a Christian.”
I’m not shouting, “I’m clean living.”
I’m whispering, “I was lost,
Now I’m found and forgiven.”

When I say…”I am a Christian.”
I don’t speak of this with pride.
I’m confessing that I stumble
And need Christ to be my guide.

When I say…”I am a Christian.”
I’m not trying to be strong.
I’m professing that I’m weak
And need His strength to carry on.

When I say…”I am a Christian.”
I’m not bragging of success.
I’m admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.

When I say…”I am a Christian.”
I’m not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I’m worth it.

When I say…”I am a Christian.”
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.

When I say…”I am a Christian.”
I’m not holier than thou.
I’m just a simple sinner
Who received God’s grace somehow.

One of my favorite poems by one of my favorite writers, Maya Angelou. To learn more about the life and work of Maya Angelou, visit this website: https://www.mayaangelou.com/

What Does The Bible Say About Love?

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What does the Bible say about love? Come deepen your faith and understanding of the Bible and God's perfect love.

What does the Bible say about love? The Bible has a great deal to say about love. In fact, the Bible says that “love is of God” and “God is love.” (1 John 4:7-8) Therefore, everything God does is influenced by His love.

The Bible says that God is motivated by love to save the world. God’s love is on full display in the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf. Accordingly, God’s love does not require us to be “worthy” to receive it.

The Bible says that, since true love is part of God’s nature, God is the source of love. He’s the initiator of a loving relationship with us. Any love we have for God is simply a response to His sacrificial love for us.

The Bible says that we should love others the way that God loves us. We are to love the family of God and our enemies. As we show gracious and selfless love, we reflect God’s love to a lost and dying world.

The Bible says that perfect love drives out fear. That nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ. In other words, God’s love doesn’t wax and wane. It’s not a fickle, emotional sensation.

In 1 Corinthians 13, we can read love’s characteristics: love is patient and kind; love doesn’t envy, boast, or dishonor others; love is not proud or self-seeking; love is not easily angered, doesn’t keep a record of wrongs, and doesn’t delight in evil; rather, love rejoices with the truth; love always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres; love never fails. Of the greatest of God’s gifts, faith, hope, and love, the greatest is love.

Our human understanding of love is flawed, weak, and incomplete, but the more we look at Jesus, the better we can understand true love. I highly recommend checking out www.gotquestions.org to learn more about the Bible and have many of your questions answered. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Go in Peace

Posted on by under Conversations with God

It is written, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) 

Do not be anxious about anything. I have heard your prayers and my word is good. Cling to My Word, for it is your life source. I am the Word and the Word is me. The Word is alive! 

So rejoice! I have heard your requests and I have compassion on you. The compassion you feel for your loved ones is only a mere fraction of the love I have for you. Why then would your heart be troubled? 

Let my peace guard your heart and mind. In me, all things are possible. Have I not proven my faithfulness? 

Consider it a blessing when you face trials, for my power is made great in your weakness. These trials provide an opportunity for you to strengthen your faith and grow closer to me. In your trials, my power is on full display. 

Remember child, we are on this journey together. You are not alone. I will equip you. So lean into me and trust in me. Go in peace. 

Life Cycle

Posted on by under Christian Spirituality, Personal Life Reflections

“Whatever has happened before will happen again. What ever has been done before will be done again. There is nothing new under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 1:9

Have you ever noticed how cyclical your life is? I sure have.

As unpredictable as life can be, it’s cyclical nature is just as predictable.

For everything that dies, something else is born.

For everything that ends, something else begins.

For every door that closes, another one opens.

After every high, comes a low.

After every storm, comes the sun.

After every loss, comes a gain.

In fact, the cycles are so predictable, it’s a wonder that we worry or doubt at all. Perhaps this is why we’re told to give thanks in ALL things, because another change is always just around the corner.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

A Poem in Honor of Our Three Winners

Posted on by under Poetry

This crime was different.
It’s woken us up.
An entire nation has risen
to say enough is enough.

Hate crime or not,
we may never know
but it’s brought an issue to light
that we can’t afford to let go.

This tragedy touched many
It could’ve been me, you, or him.
The guy in line behind us
or the girl at the gym.

When we focus on differences
all of us lose.
Black, white, or grey
We all could improve.

We ought to be stopping
those who perpetuate hate.
The issue only gets more urgent
until it is too late.

We must stop the media
who pits us against them
and the psychotic extremists
who really just need a friend.

See, not one of us knows for certain.
All we have is our beliefs
and they’re as precious as jewels,
even to faithless thieves…

Who try to steal our homes,
our loved ones, and our rights.
Peace or domination,
both are worth the fight.

But when you strip away religion
all that’s left is the Truth.
Our God is your God
and Love is our proof.

Conversation with God- Psalm 102:27

Posted on by under Conversations with God

It is written, “But you remain the same and your years will never end.” (Psalm 102:27) Precious one, I am. I am the same yesterday and today. I am always available to you. Always within reach. I am always loving you, protecting you, and working for good on your behalf. I am.

I am always watching you, observing you, smiling on you. I am never changing. I am fixed.

While your entire world and life on Earth is characterized by uncertainty, remember that I am. Your Rock, your Cornerstone, your Solid Ground. Meditate on this.

People come in and out of your life, your closest family and friends change their minds and go back on their word, your circumstances are continually in flux, but I am.

Depend on me. Commune with me. Rely on me. Rest in me. Decide with me. Talk it through with me. Give it to me.

You are like the juggler who has more balls than she can handle. Even one ball is too many. Toss them to me, for I am still.

Stay in me. Abide.

Posted on by under Quotes

The way to progress in the Christian Life is to begin again. -Martin Luther

Conversation with God on Time

Posted on by under Conversations with God

SlaveToTimeFinal2 Last night God asked me, “Why do you behave as though time is your master and you its slave? Worrying about when you will do this or finish that. Did I not create the sun to rise and the night to fall?

Indeed, I created time for you. Not the other way around. Time is precious if you use it wisely, but worthless if you let it use you. To know your days are numbered is wise, but to idolize your time is foolish.

So I ask of you, Child, as you go about your daily duties, will you remember me? Will you seek solace in my presence which transcends time? Better still, will you place your time in My Hands, so that My Good and Perfect Will may be done?”

 

The Big Bang Theory

Posted on by under Christian Spirituality, Thought for the Day

If you’re going to convince me that a printing press explodes and creates Shakespeare…

big bang

You need to at least be able to tell me how it exploded.