"Who runs this!?"

He who believes in Him [who clings to, trusts in, relies on Him] is not judged [he who trusts in Him never comes up for judgment; for him there is no rejection, no condemnation--he incurs no damnation]; but he who does not believe (cleave to, rely on, trust in Him) is judged already [he has already been convicted and has already received his sentence] because he has not believed in and trusted in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [He is condemned for refusing to let his trust rest in Christ's name.]

John 3:18 Amplified

As I read this scripture this morning, I thought about the 84% of Americans who identify themselves as Christians. Then I thought about what percentage sincerely and authentically cling to, trust in, and rely on their identity in Christ? I found myself questioning my own trust. How often do we say we trust God, yet the first moment things don't go our way, we get frustrated, angry, and down right attitude-ish!? We "trust" Him, but we want to do what we think is best; we want to run our own lives.

Sometimes, I find myself having to get back to the basics. What are the basics?Believing. All we had to do to enter into God's family was believe. Getting back to the basics is simply reminding yourself of your decision to follow Christ and what your belief in Him means-- a new way of thinking, a new way of living, enjoying life, enjoying yourself, exchanging fear for faith, total surrender, freedom! Essentially, it's getting back to asking yourself (in my b-boy dance voice), "Who runs this?"

Joyce Meyer's says, "When we choose a life of sin, rather than a life of obedience to God, we experience misery in our souls. Sinners suffer in their mind. They are filled with mental anguish, and no matter what they do or possess, there is nothing that completely satisfies them. They suffer emotionally. Since they have chosen to run their own lives, they become emotionally upset when things don't go their way. They know nothing of the way of faith. Trusting God--a power greater than themselves--is incomprehensible to them. They never enter rest in their souls because one may only enter the rest of God through believing in Him (Hebrews 4:3)". Typically, our society thinks of a "sinner" as someone who lived this outrageous, Lifetime Movie Network-type of life. They must of been strung out on crack cocaine, atheist, or whatever else comes to mind as an attempt to minimize our own sin. But in actuality, a sinner is simply a person who chooses to run their own life. It doesn't have to be dramatic-sounding. It could even be a self-professed "Christian".

Cleaving to, trusting in, and relying on God is all we have to do. Religion loves to complicate that. Some times, I find myself complicating it too, but all-in-all our only responsibility is to seek His presence, not His presents (as the saying goes). I'm learning not to get caught up in dotting all my I's and crossing all my T's in life. God's got it. He runs this!

Agape :)

I Wont Be Overwhelmed

Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.

 Proverbs 12:15 NKJV

Today, as I rolled out of bed, I was reminded of all the things I need to accomplish today. Usually, I love a great challenge and enjoy taking on things that call for a lot of drive and ambition. But today, I am just not too up for the cause. I'm sure we've all had this feeling before. If we truly admit it, we may say we don't feel "up for the cause" because we are overwhelmed with life's pressures. There's too much to do and not enough time or energy to tackle it. We would prefer to just sit on the couch, chill, watch t.v.---escape! What's the use of trying anyway?


Well that's not the attitude of someone whose Savior died and rose of the third day!? One of the best things about living the life Jesus died for us to have is that we don't have to stay in that feeling because when we believe that we have the same power that rose Jesus from the grave, we can push through our fickle feelings with faith in who Jesus is.


As I began to read my daily devotional,the song "God, I Look to You" by Bethel Church played in the back of my mind. I love that song and a friend of mine said it has become a favorite song of hers especially during exams, class presentations, and research paper seasons. I have now adopted it into my list of praise songs when I am feeling overwhelmed. The words are great proclamations to cast out the fear that comes with a feeling of being overwhelmed:


God I look to You
I wont be overwhelmed
Give me vision to see things like You do
God I look to You
You're where my help comes from
Give me wisdom, You know just what to do


I will love You Lord my strength
And I will love You Lord my shield
And I will love You Lord my rock
Forever all my days I will love You God


Hallelujah our God reigns
Hallelujah our God reigns
Hallelujah our God reigns
Forever all my days Hallelujah 


Focusing our attention on God is the best thing to do when we feel overwhelmed or maybe even inadequate. If we dwell on ourselves or on our own might, we will continue to feel "not up for the cause" because we in ourselves ARE truly inadequate, BUT with Jesus' power we can do all things!

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].

Philippians 4:13 AMP

So the best thing to do to get rid of that overwhelmed feeling is to get up, get dressed, and give it to God, our co-laborer! Write a list of all the things you need to accomplish  and ask Him for the help and strength you need to accomplish it! Chop chop!  

Agape :)

New Beginnings!

Where there is no vision, the people perish.

Proverbs 29:18

Happy New Year! =)


As you embark upon the new year, take a look at these handy dandy tips. I took these tips into consideration three years ago and they definitely delivered! These tips, by Mark Batterson, are a great guide to setting goals that involve living abundantly! 


Before sharing these pointers, Mark Batterson talks about the power of setting goals and how it ultimately determines the shape of your mind. Let me tell you, this is so true! Three years ago, I made a personal life goal list. I thought the goals I set were going WAY above and beyond. I thought I was dreaming big! Two, almost three years later, after looking over the list, I realized most of those above and beyond goals-- I (through the power of God) achieved. I forgot about the list, but my faith didn't! Without a doubt, setting goals is biblical and a great way to activate your faith and live abundantly! As Mark Batterson said, it determines the shape of your mind. I don't recommend you make a list, put it away, and forget about it (like I did.:)), but in honor of the New Year, I invite you to craft (or update) a detailed 'Personal Life Goal List'. 


Here are the ten tips that Mark Batterson gives: (If you want more explanation or if you'd like to view his list, check out this link! )


#1 Start With Prayer 
#2 Check Your Motives
#3 Get Ideas From Others
#4 Think in Categories
#5 Be Specific!
#6 Write Down Your Goals
#7 Include Others
#8 Celebrate Along the Way
#9 Think Big!
#10 Keep Dreaming


Happy Goal Setting! 

"If all you do is set selfish goals then you'd be a better person if you don't accomplish them. I don't want to manufacture a bunch of goals. This is not a self-help message about how to make your dreams come true. Goal setting is a stewardship issue. It is making the most of the time, talent, and resources God has given you." 

-Mark Batterson

Agape :)