Bible Study - Matthew 3

Read Matthew 3

The word repent, as defined today means to:

"feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one's wrongdoing or sin."

However, this is not the way it is used in the Bible. When John the Baptist says, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” He does not mean show regret! He means change the way you think about how you live. Change the way you view your situation, because God is coming, and He want's to be able to relate to you.

Do you ever wonder if God hears your prayer? Wonder if He will ever do anything about it? Well, He does, and He will, we just need to learn how to ask the right question. You know how when you go to a different country, or place, even if they speak the same language, you can't really communicate with people all that well until you understand the culture? Well it's much the same way with God. You can ask Him questions all day long, and not get any answers or response. Not because He is not listening, but because He does not understand the nature of your questions. 

You see, God speaks in the culture of heaven. The culture there is a culture of love and honor. Not of self worth and advancement. So often our prayers are focussed on ourselves, and our own worth, when they should really be about what God wants, and how to honor others.

When we repent, and change our way of thinking, we gain access to God, and the plans He has for us.

Who Are You?

Too often lately I have found myself questioning who I have become. I look ate my life and see only the bad things - the failures, the decisions poorly made, the opportunities lost - when I should be looking at the good things - the promises, the triumphs, the good choices, the lessons learned. The past few days I have stood in front of the mirror to look myself in the eyes and tell myself who I am, what my life is about, that everything will be ok because I am a child of God. I just need to trust Him; His timing is perfect. But the conscious decisions I make will also affect my outcome.

I want to share with you some of the things that I can remember saying through the Spirit one night. These were things that were reassurances of who I am and will be and are based off the question "Who Are You?"

Nothing is about you, it's all about God. You are a piece to His puzzle, a very important, unique and individual piece that is beyond compare. You are: Child of God, Heir to the throne of Grace, Athlete, Daughter, Friend, Counselor, Teacher, Follower, Leader, Servant, Passionate, Intelligent, Beautiful beyond compare, Gracious, Gifted, Humble, Honorable, Respectful, Loved by the most high God, Confident - Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise. Not your friends, not your enemies, and most importantly, not yourself.

Confidence and respect were the hardest for me to write down because I fail to see them as I look at even the good parts of my life. Many say I am respectful, but I know all to well that that is not true in all cases across my life. And some would venture far enough to say that I am confident in who I am, but I see a little girl cowering in the corner. But God is doing so much more in my life than I can see on the outside.

I want to encourage you next time you look in the mirror to look yourself in the eyes and declare God's blessings upon your life!

We won't accomplish anything in life if we say "God do with me as You will," then don't listen to anything He says! When we tell God that we are willing, we must truly be willing to do whatever He calls us to do. We need to trust Him with every choice that we make.

Bible Study - Acts 11

We can be so single minded that we demand explanation for why someone went to eat with the non Christian people. But in reality, we need to do more of that. Don't get me wrong, it is good to spend good quality time with other Christians. But we are called to share the love and acceptance of Jesus Christ, not sit in our own secluded circle. Jesus spent His time here loving on the sinners, why should we do any different!?

Do Something - I challenge you, next time you see someone sitting by themselves, go over and talk to them, pray for them. If they reject you, go away knowing that you tried! All it takes is a little bit of faith!