This past Sunday I had the opportunity to visit Church of the Highlands-Riverchase with a friend, which was a complete, unexpected blessing. However, I did in fact miss my church family back at Christ City Church VERY MUCH! See you all soon, promise! I must say, the idea of watching your pastor via satellite is weird but honestly, I felt like Pastor Chris was right there in the same sanctuary as I. The worship was great but I missed my good 'ole Fools. :) Anyways, onto why I feel pressed to write this blog; the message was God sent, exactly what I needed to hear that day and I am thankful to have been present.
The sermon covered many books of the Bible; such as, Luke, John, James, Matthew... and as you can see from the title, the message was part of a series and this particular sermon was called, 'War and Peace'.
Pastor Chris emphasized one verse before he gave us five points that results in 'war' between individuals and even nations.'Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. I am a man of peace; but when I speak, they are for war.' Psalms 120:6-7.
1. Distance. Individuals who distance themselves, whether due to certain differences or opinions begin to put up walls.
2. Walls. After walls are put up you continue to be distanced from that certain person or group of people that you refuse to be associated or 'reconciled' with.
3. Escalation. Escalation arises after the walls have been established and when that certain 'small' incidence becomes something 'BIG' in your mind.
4. False Beliefs. After you remain distant without any form of reconciliation you begin to think of the 'BIG' issues which causes you to have false beliefs which causes the individual to become more emotionally and even physically distant from their problem person.
5. Hostility. Last but not least, hostility. I believed this was an outward emotion that was to be explained but it was presented as something very different. Pastor Chris described it is the condition of your soul at this point in reaching the state of 'War'. I can see that if an individual hoards these kinds of emotions due to another individual who 'are for war'(stated above in Psalms), circumstance or even on a larger scale, another nation, that one would be in a state of hostility.
6. War. When there is war, there is evident separation. Before we go to God, settling in Him, we must go to others and settle our differences with them, bringing our 'balance back to zero'.
As you can see, this sermon was interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the details of every point Pastor Chris presented. At the end of the service these verses were read, 'But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.James 3:14-16.
My final thoughts and feelings on the sermon was that I felt God's reassurance for me and my life that some people exist in your life to bring you hate and cause war. No matter how much you try to move on, live life without them, they still seem to have their foot in the door and cause some form of strife among you. A HUGE point made was this, the Bible does NOT say, 'RESOLVE' but to 'RECONCILE'. Wow. I can hear my father now, 'We all just need to work things out, talk about it, resolve the issues.' Well, I knew I was always right when I told him that was impossible. We shouldn't use the Bible as an excuse to not talk to people but Reconciliation means to simply 'LET GO'. Believe me, this was AMAZING to be reassured in and knowing I was doing the best I can. Praise Jesus. My thought is this, 'why would I want to be associated with people that were predestined to cause war in my life? I will reconcile and love but I have no problem being a stranger'.Amen.
The mission of Jesus was and is to bring peace, not war.
Monday, December 13
Thursday, December 9
God's Provision
Thank you, Lord, this semester is OVER! This particular Fall semester was the deciding factor if I would be able to apply to nursing school this Spring with the contending grades of my fellow applicants. Literally, this semester was the fork in the road for me. If I did not do well then I could kiss nursing school goodbye. I made it. I got the grades and all I can say is thank you. Thank you, Lord, for this major blessing. I honestly can not think of such a time in my life that I needed to trust Him more when it came to my future. In the end, like always, He pulled me through with flying colors and has given me a great chance at being accepted into school somewhere. How awesome is it that we as God's children can cast all our cares, stresses, burdens and so on on Him, because He is almighty. Thank you, Lord, for Your blessings!
Even more great news, my boyfriend's band, Rush of Fools, have officially signed to a new record label, eOne! This is such a wonderful time for everyone because we can all see God's provision for this band coming to life. Thank you all who have prayed for the guys, it has been rough for them over these past couple of years but now doors are opening and the Lord is providing in great ways. Now, the guys are writing new, awesome songs and are preparing to have their third record finished by the end of this upcoming summer! I have heard some of the new material and it sounds great. I pray it is Lord's will for this record to explode across the states and into countries across seas! Please continue to pray for the band, I know they would greatly appreciate it!
Well, it wasn't that long ago the first little Foolsling was born, little Miss. Story Willis and now, the second has arrived!! Welcome Mr. Collin Chesnut! He was born today around 3PM (while I was at work...crap!) and weighed 8lb 7oz! BIG BABY BOY!! :) :) I am so excited to see him soon; I love little babies now since I have started working at a daycare! Praise the Lord for little miracles. Love you Chesnut fam! Here is a picture of baby Collin!
Even more great news, my boyfriend's band, Rush of Fools, have officially signed to a new record label, eOne! This is such a wonderful time for everyone because we can all see God's provision for this band coming to life. Thank you all who have prayed for the guys, it has been rough for them over these past couple of years but now doors are opening and the Lord is providing in great ways. Now, the guys are writing new, awesome songs and are preparing to have their third record finished by the end of this upcoming summer! I have heard some of the new material and it sounds great. I pray it is Lord's will for this record to explode across the states and into countries across seas! Please continue to pray for the band, I know they would greatly appreciate it!
Well, it wasn't that long ago the first little Foolsling was born, little Miss. Story Willis and now, the second has arrived!! Welcome Mr. Collin Chesnut! He was born today around 3PM (while I was at work...crap!) and weighed 8lb 7oz! BIG BABY BOY!! :) :) I am so excited to see him soon; I love little babies now since I have started working at a daycare! Praise the Lord for little miracles. Love you Chesnut fam! Here is a picture of baby Collin!
Sunday, December 5
Favored By God
I know that I talk about my church all the time but I honestly LOVE MY CHURCH and I hope that whoever runs across this blog will consider visiting; I promise, you will not be disappointed! Today, Christ City Church began another four week series and this one basically covers the four main characters surrounding the Christmas story: Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and the Magi.
Today, David Nasser, one of our lead pastors, covered Mary's point of view/part surrounding the birth of Jesus. We covered Luke Ch. 1, vs. 26-38. Honestly, I expected to hear this passage taught like most of the other ways I had heard before, but goodness, I WAS WRONG. Within these eight verses my heart was in my throat; I actually felt the distress of Mary, a 14-16 yr. old girl, who was just told she was being FAVORED by God to have His son, Jesus Christ.
I bet you are wondering, 'why would Mary be distressed, she is birthing the Son of God', here is why: she is a 14-16 yr. old virgin, unmarried, having a child out of wedlock, ridicule and persecution awaits her in the coming months and she simply must have faith in God that He is going to see her through. She is literally birthing the Savior of the world, the stress upon her would probably be a little high.
David made this very clear today: for God to find favor on His children does not mean our lives will become easier, yet they will become harder. We see that Mary knew, even at a young, for God to find favor in His children it meant a true life of servitude. Her ending response was this, ' I am the Lord's servant, may your word to me be fulfilled.' What faith Mary had, I wish we, as modern day Christians, could have faith such as that. Amen.
Today, David Nasser, one of our lead pastors, covered Mary's point of view/part surrounding the birth of Jesus. We covered Luke Ch. 1, vs. 26-38. Honestly, I expected to hear this passage taught like most of the other ways I had heard before, but goodness, I WAS WRONG. Within these eight verses my heart was in my throat; I actually felt the distress of Mary, a 14-16 yr. old girl, who was just told she was being FAVORED by God to have His son, Jesus Christ.
I bet you are wondering, 'why would Mary be distressed, she is birthing the Son of God', here is why: she is a 14-16 yr. old virgin, unmarried, having a child out of wedlock, ridicule and persecution awaits her in the coming months and she simply must have faith in God that He is going to see her through. She is literally birthing the Savior of the world, the stress upon her would probably be a little high.
David made this very clear today: for God to find favor on His children does not mean our lives will become easier, yet they will become harder. We see that Mary knew, even at a young, for God to find favor in His children it meant a true life of servitude. Her ending response was this, ' I am the Lord's servant, may your word to me be fulfilled.' What faith Mary had, I wish we, as modern day Christians, could have faith such as that. Amen.
Friday, December 3
Adopt(ed)
What a joyous and emotional month it has been! This past month my church, CCC, did a four week series on adoption; spiritual(vertical) and worldly(horizontal) adoption to be more specific. I was SO EXCITED to be at church every Sunday; one, I just love my church but also the idea of adoption is so moving to me. For some time now I have felt the longing to adopt a child. The thought of giving a child a better life than what it probably would live otherwise gives me so much joy. However, in saying all of this I bet you are thinking, 'what about having your own children?', and yes, I have considered that but in no way like I have adoption.
I have had the opportunity to see up close in personal the joys of adoption. A friend of mine, Mikayla, has a cousin who adopted a little African American baby boy, she named him Cooper. Seeing pictures of their family and how happy they are to have him in their life makes me want that as well!
This past Sunday, CCC had the privilege of having Mac Powell of Third Day and his wonderful wife, Amiee, come and speak to us about their journey through adopting 2 of their five children. I must say, it was a roller coaster just for me sitting there, listening to their struggles and joys during that time in their life. I hope one day to be in their position; telling the adoption stories and realizing the Lord has blessed me with a beautiful family, biological or not.
However, adoption is not just a worldly/horizontal action but also a spiritual action as well. God has adopted His children. He has taken us up from a life of complete hopelessness and given us a home. He saved you and I from a worthless life and gave His son, Jesus, so that we could be His and live forever with Him in Heaven. We were orphans and many still are in-fact, orphans. It is our duty as Christians to abide by the Word of God and in doing so we must take action. In James chapter 1, verse 27, it states: "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you." Here, God is telling His people that if we call ourselves Christians then we should act as Christ would and care for those in need, not forgetting them like the rest of world, but walking the extra miles to love them, genuinely.
I will end with this; if anyone knows me then you know that I LOVE black kids. Something about them just makes me smile and want to hug them! Anyways, do not be surprised if one day you see me driving down the road with a car full of African babies because even though the world sees color our Father does not. Amen, Amen, Amen. May all know Him.
I have had the opportunity to see up close in personal the joys of adoption. A friend of mine, Mikayla, has a cousin who adopted a little African American baby boy, she named him Cooper. Seeing pictures of their family and how happy they are to have him in their life makes me want that as well!
This past Sunday, CCC had the privilege of having Mac Powell of Third Day and his wonderful wife, Amiee, come and speak to us about their journey through adopting 2 of their five children. I must say, it was a roller coaster just for me sitting there, listening to their struggles and joys during that time in their life. I hope one day to be in their position; telling the adoption stories and realizing the Lord has blessed me with a beautiful family, biological or not.
However, adoption is not just a worldly/horizontal action but also a spiritual action as well. God has adopted His children. He has taken us up from a life of complete hopelessness and given us a home. He saved you and I from a worthless life and gave His son, Jesus, so that we could be His and live forever with Him in Heaven. We were orphans and many still are in-fact, orphans. It is our duty as Christians to abide by the Word of God and in doing so we must take action. In James chapter 1, verse 27, it states: "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you." Here, God is telling His people that if we call ourselves Christians then we should act as Christ would and care for those in need, not forgetting them like the rest of world, but walking the extra miles to love them, genuinely.
I will end with this; if anyone knows me then you know that I LOVE black kids. Something about them just makes me smile and want to hug them! Anyways, do not be surprised if one day you see me driving down the road with a car full of African babies because even though the world sees color our Father does not. Amen, Amen, Amen. May all know Him.
Wednesday, December 1
Where Two or More are Gathered
One word describes my night, blessed. My Bible study group met for the second time tonight and I always expect something amazing to happen. Whether it be a movement I felt throughout the night from God, reassuring me that I am His daughter and I am loved or the simple fact that I am in the presence of fellow believers, worshiping freely in someone's home without the worry of being persecuted. Tonight's main focus was on how we view ourselves, negatively and positively. Of course there were times when everyone in the room stated what they saw as good and bad about themselves and I will be honest, I am guilty of seeing far more bad than good. WHY? We as humans living in a world that focuses on outer beauty forget that even though a person maybe considered 'beautiful' their personality and heart may be far from good. It is sad but we focus too much on what the world sees as beautiful instead of what God sees as beautiful and just. If all in this world is going perish one day, except for the Truth, then why are we allowing false ideals, such as the worldly standard of beauty, control our lives? Like I said, I AM SO GUILTY! Questions from tonight:
1. What are some traits you see to be ugly about yourself?
Of course I was tense when the group was asked this question but I knew exactly what I felt to be ugly about me. 'My teeth and my weight...' Yep, those are my main issues. Also, I didn't say this but the thought of failing in life, whether it be in school or at a job, really bothers me. I will study for hours just because I am fearful that my brain will somehow quit on me or something...
2. What are some traits you see to be beautiful about yourself?
This one was easy for me, sort of. I didn't even think about any physical traits (and all that goes back to the self-esteem issue we talked about tonight as well) but the one thing that came to mind automatically was my drive; my enormous compassion and love for the forgotten, the lost, the abandoned, the orphaned, my heart longs to see those long for Him.
A few versus discussed tonight were as followed:
-Isaiah 43:4
-Deuteronomy 32:10
-Colossians 1:12
-Romans 8:37
Lord, forgive me for hating me sometimes. Forgive me for not appreciating your work of art in me. Forgive me for worrying too much about what the world thinks and not about what you think. Forgive me for being sinful. Thank you for grace. Thank you for your love and acceptance of my stains. I love you. Amen.
1. What are some traits you see to be ugly about yourself?
Of course I was tense when the group was asked this question but I knew exactly what I felt to be ugly about me. 'My teeth and my weight...' Yep, those are my main issues. Also, I didn't say this but the thought of failing in life, whether it be in school or at a job, really bothers me. I will study for hours just because I am fearful that my brain will somehow quit on me or something...
2. What are some traits you see to be beautiful about yourself?
This one was easy for me, sort of. I didn't even think about any physical traits (and all that goes back to the self-esteem issue we talked about tonight as well) but the one thing that came to mind automatically was my drive; my enormous compassion and love for the forgotten, the lost, the abandoned, the orphaned, my heart longs to see those long for Him.
A few versus discussed tonight were as followed:
-Isaiah 43:4
-Deuteronomy 32:10
-Colossians 1:12
-Romans 8:37
Lord, forgive me for hating me sometimes. Forgive me for not appreciating your work of art in me. Forgive me for worrying too much about what the world thinks and not about what you think. Forgive me for being sinful. Thank you for grace. Thank you for your love and acceptance of my stains. I love you. Amen.
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