Taste the goodness of God... YUM! =)

It seems that as I continue to put God first everything seems to fall into place effortlessly. I've been given the grace to control my temper and my emotions, my room stays clean and I've kept up with my chores, work is going smoothly and in my favor, I've kept up and am excelling with school work, and the relationships I have with people are healthy and strong. God is good and His way works! I am experiencing how giving things up to Him is the less stressful way to deal with things. When I give Him my time He miraculously multiplies it back so that I can still accomplish things on a timely basis and without pressure or stress. I've strayed away many times before and always seem to return to the Lord in due time. I've tasted the goodness of God and NOTHING else compares or even comes close to all the benefits of walking His way. Yes, there may be some sacrifices that need to be made to be obedient to Him, but ultimately, it is worth it and He never fails to replace those sins and wrongdoings with much better things. Praise God for all that He IS and all that He does :) Praise God that He is not like a man that He should lie; He fulfills His promises (Num23:19 NIV). Praise God!!

I need to explain why I'm thankful?

So today I was cleaning at work and one of my friends asked me about a recent post I had on Facebook. It was interesting because the status post was Psalm 138:8 (MSG) which says, "Thank you! Everything in me says "Thank you!" Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: "Thank you!" Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; Most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life... large with strength." I posted a verse about being very thankful to the Lord and my friend asked why I did that. He wasn't really asking "why" I posted that but really what happened for me to post something about being so thankful. He told me that he assumed I either got married or became pregnant. I told him I posted it because I've been reading the Bible more often and because of that I've been able to be thankful about all the little (and big) things in life. Him questioning my post showed me how people take things for granted and only seem to be "super thankful" when something major or significant happens. Reading the Bible puts unexplainable joy and peace within me, therefore I can easily and quickly say "thank You" for what others may see as insignificant. When my friend asked why I was thankful I found myself quick to be honest and tell him its been because I've been reading the Bible. Fortunately, he was able to accept that and it looked like he tried to understand where I was coming from. I saw his question as an opportunity to share the effects of reading God's Word. So even in that, I thank You Lord! :)

I rebuke the thief!; first testimony of tithing

John 10:10 (AMP) "The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)"
This past Sunday I faithfully went to church and tithed my whole 10% in accordance to Malachi 3:10. The carnal part of me wanted to pocket that money for myself but through prayer I was able to give it to God and feel at peace about it. I felt right about giving the Lord what was His and stood on His Word that the floodgates of heaven would open for me as I continued to be faithful in the area of finances and tithing. Since then I have been keeping my eyes open for the manifestation of His blessings. One of my friends is PCS'ing to another country and he felt he could give away all his food and some cleaning supplies to me instead of throw them away and be wasteful. I was exceedingly thankful for that because I acquired about $100 worth of groceries. Furthermore, my mother paid for the transfer of my course credits to the institution I am studying at now without any hesitation. Plus she is always more than willing to help me pay off bills. Again, I am exceedingly thankful for her gesture. The Lord is good and even though my bank account does not reflect "open floodgates" right now, I will remain faithful and see what is not yet visible right now. I am looking ahead and being thankful in advance for His goodness and blessing me to the point where my cup overflows. The enemy does nothing but kill, steal and destroy. However, MY God is much bigger and more powerful, He does not lie and His Word promises me goodness, an abundant life, the floodgates of heaven pouring into my life and much more. I believe I will be able to pay off my bills sooner than later. I believe He will multiply the money in my account and I will no longer have to live from paycheck to paycheck with the bare minimum. And I will continue to tithe and expect much much more, not only in the area of finances, but in every aspect of my life!

Accept the blessing and ENJOY it!

Psalm 128:1,2 (MSG) "All you who fear God, how blessed you are! how happily you walk on his smooth straight road! You worked hard and deserve all you've got coming. ENJOY the blessing! Revel in the goodness!"
I LOVE this scripture (particularly The Message translation) because it reminds me that I need to just sit back and enjoy the blessings God has bestowed onto to me. I was guilty of questioning why God blesses me and questioning the blessings only made moments that were meant to be sweet and beautiful sour. God is merciful and full of grace. We need to accept how great He is and believe that IF we fear the Lord we ARE blessed. Kind of like how Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that if we come to Him we must believe that He exists and that he is a rewarder of those that seek Him. Again, it all boils down to faith. The Word says that when we seek Him and when we fear Him we are blessed/rewarded... and that's that! Believe and ENJOY the blessings that WILL come your way ;) AMEN!!

I HAD a fiery/feisty personality

God is such a great Comforter. I've discovered that since I've been consistent in His word, everything seems to fall into line. I seek refuge in Him when I feel in a rut or go through things that may normally shake me up a bit. He quiets the storm and reminds me that everything will be alright in the end; He brings to remembrance how everything will be beautiful in its time. I have no reason to stress over the little things in life. It's all futile. Stressing out is such a waste of energy considering that it brings about nothing but a headache. The Lord is good and He quietly reminds me that it is wise to remain silent sometimes; "a gentle response defuses anger" (pro 15:1 msg); "Hot tempers start fights; a calm, cool spirit keeps the peace" (pro 15:18 msg). I really need to keep those words in remembrance especially when it comes to communicating with my boyfriend. Before I would have accepted that I have a temper or that I have a fiery/feisty personality. But now, I've learned that it is wise to swallow my pride and be quiet in order to avoid an unnecessary argument. My boyfriend is a great guy, but not only is he my motivator to watch my temper, I must keep in mind the fruit of the Spirit noted in Galatians for my own benefit as well.
Galatians 5:22, 23 (NIV) "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
The deeper I get into His Word, the more the Holy Spirit shows me what I need to correct in myself. Lately it has been my attitude and temper that has needed to be kept in check. I don't feel guilty or like I am a bad person for sometimes slipping. I have faith that God is helping me correct those things in myself. I am growing from glory to glory the more and more I read His Word and allow Him to speak to me. Praise God =D

A time for this and a time for that; our earthly j-o-b's

Ecc 3:1-13 (NIV) "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time for... (11) He has made everything beautiful in its time: He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what god has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink , and find satisfaction in all this toil-- this is the gift of God."
Ecc 3:11 (AMP) "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He also has planted eternity in men's hearts and minds (a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy), yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end."
This chapter makes the mutability of human affairs very clear. It is more positive than negative (a time to die; a time to kill; a time to weep...). ULTIMATELY "He has made e v e r y t h i n g beautiful in its time." When I am in a rut or going through a darker phase, I look forward to the light at the end of the tunnel. I try to hold on to the fact that I am like a tree which yields its fruit in season (Ps 1:3). Some fruits being patience in the time of suffering, faith in the day of trial, and holy joy in the hour of prosperity.
v13 says that satisfaction in all his toil is the gift of God. Everyone wants their work to count and not be in vain. I enjoy my job because I have a passion for fitness and for the health and well-being of people. I praise God that I can find satisfaction in my job; thank God I can see my job as more than work. Also, in regards to our work here on earth, we must see it from God's perspective. What we do "under the sun" is for the Lord above... we must do our job here on earth "as it is in heaven." Our boss is not the manager or our supervisors, but instead, we must perform our jobs with excellence for the Lord. Once we develop that mentality we will find it much easier to deal with our work and daily tasks. We can be positive and encouraged to do work because we are concerned about eternity-- it is set in our hearts (v11).

Unexplainable joy and the epiphany of LIFE

So I was trying to get some class reading done but found that I purposely kept trying to distract myself from it. I got caught up with everything else expect my school work. I started to get tired and was planning on getting ready for bed until I figured I would satisfy my hunger with a little NutriGrain bar and a glass of milk. All of a sudden I got really hyper and called up my boyfriend at work. I was babbling about everything and nothing. I told him that I've been doing a lot of thinking and writing and realized that I have a desire to LIVE. Breathing is a small aspect of life. I want to really liiiive. Live and live "right" in the process. He hates it when I say that life is short but sometimes we have to sit down and accept that. God wants to bless us with life and life abundantly. I want to travel and be adventurous and spontaneous. I believe that God will open doors and allow me to pursue those desires of my heart if I continue to obey and seek Him. It's amazing how much joy is attained from even the first steps of walking with the Lord. I have been stationed at my base for almost 2 years and just this past Sunday did I attend church. I read my Bible occasionally but I never made the effort to look for a home church. Well I finally visited a church and my boyfriend and two other friends came with me. I felt at home and everything just felt natural when I went to church. From there I was determined to read my Bible daily and take heed to the words. I feel like my recent steps to walk with the Lord has brightened up my life in so many aspects. Life seems brighter and I just want to enjoy it to the fullest, as my Father would want me to. I enjoy the joy that God has blessed me with. I told my boyfriend that I don't really have any specific explanation of why I'm so happy but I'll just blame God ;) God is good and from Him comes ALL good things... I'm content with t h a t.

Tithing and the corrupt

I was talking to my boyfriend about how I've decided to test God on tithing since my finances have not been up to par lately. He asked me why I wouldn't just take the money out of my account and put it aside for myself to save. I told him the principle of tithing has to do with obedience in giving God/the church the total 10% of my earnings. He asked me how sure I was that when I tithe to the church they would be responsible with it instead of being corrupt and using it for selfish means. I explained to him that my obedience in tithing has nothing to do with what the people who receive the money do with it. God has blessed us and asks for only a small percentage back. He wants us to faithfully give. Whatever happens to the money after it has left my account has nothing to do with me. That 10% does not belong to me and I can only hope and pray that the money I tithe to a church would be used according to God's will. I will test God based on the Malachi 3:10 scripture that says, "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it." I believe in the validity of His Word, so I EXPECT blessings to pour into my life and I expect a positive turnaround in the health of my finances. I thank God in advance for blessing me abundantly so that I can have extra money for my savings, my self and for others. I already see the positive effects of tithing because I updated my excel budget sheet today with my upcoming paycheck and the bills and expenses I need to take care of. Normally I would only have a few dollars left, but somehow, I had more left over even when I included the extra expense of a 10% tithe. Praise God!! =) I'm looking forward to becoming a testimony of the power and truth of obeying God's Word regarding tithing.

Daily word/meditation & the company you keep

Psalm 1:2,3 (NIV) "...his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers."
Psalm 1:2 (AMP) "...But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night."
Joshua 1:8 (AMP) "This Book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success."
Just recently have I rededicated myself to reading the Word daily and consistently. Before, I thought that reading once in a while was good enough, but as the Word says in scripture, there is success and major benefits in acknowledging, reading, and studying the word on a daily basis-- day and night, clearly not just once in a while. I want to be that tree who is happily rooted to the source. God makes it clear how to achieve prosperity and success. It is up to us, as believers, to observe his Word and obey them. In the verse from Joshua the words "For then..." makes it evident that it is a guarantee that our way would be made prosperous IF and ONLY you meditate/read His word day and night AND you heed to his commands and law. We can't expect to disregard even the simplest task of reading daily and still expect all his bountiful blessings. He is waiting anxiously to give. I say it's a simple task but many people find the most basic things a challenge or try to complicate a simple command to validate its significance. I've always said that God is not asking us to do anything impossible or difficult-- if anything, He is trying to make things as simple as possible because He is such a good and loving God that wants to bestow His blessings to His children. For goodness sake all He asks is that we have faith and believe! So to receive His blessings He says that we read His words daily-- it makes a whole lot of sense. If we read them daily, we have a better chance of remembering to obey them in our daily lives. Being consistent in His words will only help us become consistent in our walk with the Lord. And personally, those words help keep the fire and fervor within me to seek God burning hotter and brighter.
Psalm 1: 1 (NIV) "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers."
Psalm 1:1 (AMP) "Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly (following their advice, their plans and purposes), nor stands (submissive and inactive) in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down (to relax and rest) where the scornful (and the mockers) gather."
Lately God has been blessing with many good and even godly/Christian people. I've also have had no desire to drink or party with my old friends too. I've become very content staying in with my boyfriend or just hanging out, watching a movie or having a nice dinner with some friends. I'm becoming to learn the importance of the company you keep. I feel much more motivated to stay consistent with my walk with the Lord when I am surrounded by positive people and people who support and encourage my walk and decision live a sincere Christian lifestyle. Many believe that you can be a Christian without ever attending church as long as you read the Bible and pray/meditate on your own. To a certain extent I believe this. Technically the church is just a building. However, I've experience the power of being surrounded by believers and hearing the Word preached by an anointed man. My friend made a good point about attending church. He compared it to having an intimate relationship with a person. He was saying that you become more acquainted and learn about the other person through different experiences, like a road trip or date nights. Yes, you can experience the Lord in the privacy of your own home or alone, but you will experience Him in such a different way when you attend church and share the experience with your Christian brothers and sisters. I kind of went off on a tangent about the company you keep so let me jump back to that point! As I've matured, I see that I don't find it difficult to decline an invitation to party or hang out with negative people. Just because I choose to surround myself with those that are on my level or above, does not mean I refuse to associate myself with everybody else or think I'm too good to hang with everybody else. It just means I don't invest my time in hanging out with those people or choose to allow them to rub off on me. I'd rather stay true to myself and be simple and a homebody with a select few. Pro 27:17 says that "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." It's important for people to sharpen each other, not dull.
Prayer:
Thank you Lord for being such a good God; thank you for softening my heart and clearing my mind that I may absorb your holy Words. I pray that you would show me areas in my life that need correction. I thank you in advance for helping me stay consistent in your word so that I may grow from glory to glory. As you bless me show me how to bless others in whichever way I can. Thank you for blessing me with positive people and showing me how to be an example to those whose are may not know you. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.