"Do Not Be Afraid"

"For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline." ~Timothy 1:7 

I realized the question isn't "Will God Provide?" or "What's next?" but "WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF, and WHY?" After journaling and reflecting on this big question for the past 3 weeks I have come to realize just how powerful the word, FEAR, is. It takes everything you know to be true and begins planting roots of doubt and uncertainty. These doubts and uncertainties cloud your mind causing FEAR of the unknown. I'm sure everyone has experienced the "What if" questions. And these are exactly what pop up when FEAR is present; when doubt and uncertainty take over. 

Although I have graduated from college and begun my "life", I feel I am in the same place as those who are about to graduate. What's next? I am at a fork in the road. Where do I go now? Do I continue with my career choice or do I let it go and move on to something else. I find myself praying over this question day and night, but the issue isn't necessarily, 'what should I do?' but 'Do you have the courage to do it?' FEAR is in my way, holding me back from God's Plan. I completely believe and have faith in what's next, yet I find myself coming up with excuses and other options (my own plans). This is because I am afraid...Fear isn't bad unless it consumes you and prevents you from doing what you want. I have come to realize that this is not what I want, I want to defeat my fears and take a leap towards Jesus. 

Just as Peter did when Jesus told him to 'Come' when they were at sea. I, like Peter, am afraid. Will I drown? Will I sink? Is it the right choice? Will I regret it? But these are not the questions I should be thinking about. Because Jesus was right there to catch Peter. He wasn't going to let him drown or sink. Our God always Provides for us.

SCRIPTURES TO MEDITATE UPON: 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. ~Psalm 23:4

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. ~Isaiah 41:10

For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you. ~Isaiah 41:13

Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. ~Exodus 14:13

Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? ~Psalm 56:3-4
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Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; For the Lord will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught. ~Proverbs 3:25-26

²⁶ 

The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? ~Psalm 27:1

“The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” ~Hebrews 13:6

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. ~John 14:27

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. ~1 John 4:18

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” ~Romans 8:15 

The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe. ~Proverbs 29:25

Maturity

Hebrews 5:11-6:12 is where all the following came from :) 

Reading Mark 4:1-10 Parable of the Sower and then Hebrews 5:11-6:12 I was convicted about my maturity as a Christian. I am not rooted in good soil to produce fruitful results. 

When is it time to switch from milk to solid food as a child? How about in my faith? For I describe myself as a baby Christian (committing my life in only 2008) but I cannot rely on this excuse forever. It is time to switch to solid foods. No longer is it an excuse to say I'm a baby Christian, that I can't spread the good news, defend my faith, or even finish a book in the Bible. Today it stops. But how? 

Our relationship with Christ is like an online course. No one is there to force you to do the work but it will eventually catch up with you if you aren't proactive. Will you pass or fail in the end? Just like school we need to take INITIATIVE and study, practice, and read about our faith in order to pass in the end. 

Hebrews 5:11-14 speaks about those 'strong' christians who have lost their way, and it's because they have rooted in rocky soil or among the thorns. We need to be conscious of where we are planted and how we feed ourselves (milk or solid food). For it's more about being a 'face' in the church or amongst your friends, but a light and tool for the Lord. Be a challenger of your faith and not complacent. 

I really liked these verses in Joshua. They show what you need to do. 

"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for theLord your God is with you wherever you go.”  ~Joshua 1:8-9

Maturity isn't about the good seeds or act your do but how well you understand the word of God and how well you live it. Read, Reflect, Pray, Practice it. Take action in your faith and become a strong mature christian by planting your seeds deep beneath good soil so you will produce fruit and it can be shared with others. 

All Relationships are Important

So I am studying the book of Mark and have some accompanying study questions I have been reviewing the past 2 weeks. As I read through the book of Mark and reflect on some of the questions I have become aware of exactly how important our relationships in life really are. I am talking about friendship, family, coworkers, and even our acquaintances.

Relationship is defined as: a connection, association, involvement; a connection between persons. So whether it's your husband or wife, friends, or even an acquaintance, you have a relationship with that person (those people). The book of Mark really is about Relationships. Take a look, read it for yourself and examine how Jesus treats all types of people: the tax collectors, the sick, his apostles, the Pharisees, even his biological family. 

So as I have been reading through Mark, just the first 3 chapters, and I am beginning to realize how important these relationships are. I believe we take for granted our relationships with others. We are only there building the relationship when it's beneficial to us--when we can get something out of it. But in Mark, we see Jesus taking the time to listen and serve all types of people, not just his close friends or family. 

For example, in Mark 1:35-39 Jesus is praying and Simon finds him and says the people are looking for Him. Jesus stops and goes to serve and preach to the crowd. These people needed him, so although it was not the optimal time since he was in the middle of spending time with the Lord praying, he stops and goes to build those relationships with those people. This was amazing and moving to me. Jesus just STOPS what he's doing (praying)  to serve and build his relationships with those who needed him. 

Another example I liked was in Mark 2:13-17, when Jesus has dinner with the tax collectors. The tax collectors were seen as one of the worst type of people since they collected money on behalf of Rome and usually took more than they were suppose to, making them rich. I don't know about you, but my first reaction would be: I don't want to talk to them, they are abusing their power! However we see how Jesus embraces them and sits down to dine with them. Building a relationship with these tax collectors and using this platform to preach and reach out to them.

As I read Mark, I see a great example for loving others and building all types of relationships through Jesus' ministry. He used every situation to preach the good news and show others forgiveness. I am ashamed how I am not building all my relationships but just those closest to me. It is a prime opportunity to share the Gospel and how the Lord has worked in my life with my acquaintances and coworkers (those people who I may not be real close to).

In addition, people should feel LOVED, WANTED, and VALUED. By working on your relationships and spending more time with others, listening and serving them, you will help them feel these things. It's human nature to need love and feel important. By just spending a little time with anyone you meet during the day, you can help that person feel these things, along with spreading the Gospel.

Here is some scripture that I came across. Good food for thought :) 

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.     ~Hebrews 10:25~

In all, I challenge you to work on all your relationships. Spend extra time and think of that person's needs; pray for them, serve them, and listen to them. Just as Jesus did in Mark and throughout his ministry and time on Earth.

Thankfulness

So I have come back to Romania to play ball and it's been a whole new experience. Everyone is a lot nicer and the team organization is more professional. I'm excited. So as of now everything is good. So I decided to do a devotional about thankfulness because in the past I have always been eager, believe it or not, to get into my next trial because I felt like I was growing spiritually. Well, that's not true and why look into the future and not enjoy the moment? RIGHT NOW. The PRESENT.

So going through the thankfulness devotional really helped me take another look at life. God is good, always. Enjoying the joys he gives you such as this opportunity to play professional basketball, great teammates, or even a room with hot water and heat. Living in another country, not as luxurious as America, it is easier to see these joys and be thankful for them. To send praise back to the Lord for what he has provided. The good things in life should bring life and joy to you. Take time to reflect and then give praise back to the Lord for what's good in your life.

Even IF you are in a trail, there are still things to be thankful for. The Lord has your back and you will get through the trial, but don't get wrapped up in getting out of it until you have stepped back and looked at in a different light. See the good that's around you still and lift it up to the Lord in praise.

This is a photo I took a few months back. Just glorious :)

I wanted to share some of the verses I was reading in the devotional I did because they were truly inspiring.

Psalm 30:11-12 "You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have put off my slackcloth and clothed me with gladness, to the end that my glory may sing praise to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever"

Colossians 3:16-17 "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him"

Colossians 4:2 "continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving" 

Psalm 106:1-3 "Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever, Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? Who can declare all His praises? Blesses are those who keep justice, and he who does righteousness at all times!"

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you"

Pray thanks and be happy. Smile always, smiles are contagious and you can't be sad or mad when smiling :)

Words Hurt

So at Church today we talked about telling the truth and not gossiping. As basic as that sounds, it was very interesting. I thought I'd share my notes :) 

TELL THE TRUTH

Ephesians 4:29-31 "Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior."

• This scripture basically is saying don't talk poorly about Christ and the spirit. God (our Abba father) doesn't want to hear gossip about his children. 
• just like any parent wouldn't want to hear bad things or rumors about his/her child. 

We are Christians and should represent Christ rightfully so. Do not let things run wild from your mouth but only those that praise and witness to Christ


Gossiping and tearing people's reputation apart is worse than being a thief (stealing) because you can't get your reputation back. You can buy a "thing" that's stolen, but once words are spoken they stay with people and shape the way others see you. 

Why do people LOVE to gossip so much? What do they get from it? 
We have knowledge that others do not have. We like to gossip because of that moment when you get the attention--all focus on you. It's Powerful.
However, the moment you open the door and share the information you have, they now have the information and you lose the power; they now know the secret and they have the same power.

BUT by not gossiping people will confide in you because they know you will not spread gossip. Then you have more power because you will know more and you will not be spreading rumors or hurting a person's reputation. So why gossip when you know you will lose that power instantly after sharing the information?? RETAIN THE POWER OF YOUR WORDS!!! 

Do your words represent you as a saved Christian or a sinner with no salvation?

Mark 7:1-23
It isn't what goes in your mouth but what comes out because it's from the heart; showing what that person really is like. 

James 3:2-10 "Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!"

The tongue a tiny part of the body, controls the whole body. Like a bit in a horse that moves the whole horse. So be careful of what comes out of your mouth because then your body will follow. 

Meditation

So the past few days I have been reading about fasting, prayer, and meditation a lot and the Lord has put it on my heart to really understand these. I am reading this book called "Celebration of Discipline" by Richard Foster. The book is about the lost disciplines Christians have forgotten. It is actually very good; including study questions and scripture for the week to meditate and read. The most recent chapter was about meditation, it was so good I decided I wanted to share with you all that I am reading and learning about meditation. It's an important and valuable part of our walk with Christ and am planning on meditating more.

First off what is meditation? There are two different styles of meditation: Eastern meditation which is about emptying the mind while Christian meditation is about filling the mind.

There are several misconceptions about meditation but meditation can redirect our lives so that we can deal with what God has in store for us.

When I think of meditation I think of a spiritual high and connection with God. However it is more common to be given guidance, perspective, and balance through meditation. Those spiritual highs are great feeling but rare. We shouldn't seek out things just to get that feeling, but seek out what will help our walk and grow us. Intentions are important, are you meditating to get something from the Lord or are you doing it to quiet your mind and listen to what the Lord has to say?

Meditation is hard because we live in a society that is full of noise (check out this Nooma video, very powerful). It feels awkward to sit in silence. I know I don't like silence, whenever I'm on the web I am playing music for background noise. Society has us wired to be multitasking and always doing something so sitting still to focus on one thing is so difficult. Therefore it's a challenge to clear you mind and listen, or meditate.

While reading "Celebration of Discipline," Richard Foster discusses the point of meditation and our lack of desire to meditate. This is so true. Society is reliant on others to mediate. For example a leader in a bible study teaching or your pastor or any media such as a podcast giving you the message instead of you taking time to get the message from God yourself. We are content to hear the message second hand and not invest in our walk by personally listening and talking to Him ourselves.

How do I meditate? Are there types of meditation? 
One type is called "Meditatio scripturarum," the meditation upon scripture, which is a central reference point of meditation. This does not mean analyze, share, and prepare a technical study but repeat the passage and internalize and personalize it. Resist the temptation to flip through passages superficially, we need to work on our internal state. The task isnt necessarily to study a verse or passage but to be initiated into the reality of the passage. I am always eager to read a large passage thinking I'll get the most from it verses reading 1-2 sentences. However that can be information overload, while a sentence of two you can focus on just a few important points and reflect on it.

Another type of meditation is called "re-collection" or "centering down" which is to become still and silent. Become centered. This is the most difficult for me. Personally I have struggled with meditation because my brain goes a million miles an hour thinking of the things I need to do that day. So it's almost impossible to quiet my mind. HOWEVER, what helps me is listing all the things on my mind down on paper until my mind is empty and I can be still and listen to God. However the down side is that I need a large block of time set aside rather than meditating for 20 minutes I need like an hour!

Now I just want to share some scripture about meditation and quotes from Foster's book as inspriation. Enjoy and I hope you can find peace and time to meditate. It's refreshing and good for our souls and relationship with the Lord.

"pray without ceasing" -Thessalonians 5:17

"whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on theses things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you." -Philippians 4:8-9

By meditating "we create the emotional and spiritual space which allows Christ to construct an inner sanctuary in the heart." -Foster

May your time in meditation be blessed :)

My Identity in Christ

So I recently had a big break through. So as you know, I went to UTC camp last May and learned a lot of different things. Although I knew them in my head, I didn't actually believe them or feel them in my heart. Your walk with Christ is a constant process, working through things and learning more about yourself. I recently discovered what it meant to find my identity in Christ. My self worth is in only what He says is true about me. I am typically a people pleaser; always needing them to be happy with me and I try to make that happen focusing on others rather than myself. When I focus on others I spend so much energy on them and not me, sometimes making me depressed because you can't please everyone. It's EXHAUSTING and disappointing most the time.

"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." -Galatians 1:10

Anyway, I had a break through the last week finally understanding what this really meant. I no longer felt the need to make everyone like me and worry about being perfect for them. When something negative and degrading happens to me I just let it slip right through me. No reaction, knowing it doesn't matter what they say. I no longer needed their approval. I knew that as long as I tried and gave everything that's all anyone can expect. There is nothing more I can do, no one is perfect. If I kept shooting and really focusing on the basket but keep missing, then that's how it is. I feel like this has to do with my constant need for worry. I am no longer worrying so much. It takes to much energy and there is no need because things always work out for the better...better than we think possible. LOVE this verse!!

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life...seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." -Matthew 6:25-27, 33-34

So the other day in our game against the top team I witnessed the best worship time yet. It was amazing. I prayed for 25 minutes before the game on my walk to the gym just asking for the joy and happiness I experienced at the beginning of the season; that I would give everything up to the Lord. That I could play with freedom in Him and just play my heart out. And that's what happened. I played hard, aggressive, and with energy (like I did back in college). I felt like my old self again. Throughout the game I would take moments to Praise God and thank Him; during free throws and time outs. Giving it all to Him. Although I missed most of my easy buckets and coach was screaming his head off, I did not let it get to me. I can't have a perfect game. Knowing that my worth is not in other's opinion or view of me but what Jesus says is true helped me keep focused and not get in my head.

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." -Romans 12:1

Our bodies should be used to worship Him through what we do, in my case sport. I give my body entirely to worship. I exhaust it physically through playing hard and pushing myself to new limits. It's freeing giving everything to the Lord and being motivated by Him, what he did for us.

Anyways, it was amazing and just wanted to share.