Day 19 - In Turbulent Times, Study God's Word

All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, 

for training in righteousness, 

so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

2 TIMOTHY 3:16 - 17 HBSC

"As believers, we must study the Bible and meditate upon its meaning for our lives. Otherwise, we deprive ourselves of a priceless gift from our Creator" p40

"The Bible is a roadmap for life here on earth and life eternal" p40

"...a passing acquaintance with the Good Book is insufficient for Christians who seek to obey God's Word and to understand His will." p40

"God has given us all sorts of counsel and direction in His written Word; thank God, we have it written down in black and white" - JOHN ELDREDGE p41

 "Weave the fabric of God's Word through your heart and mind. It will hold strong, even if the rest of life unravels" - GIGI GRAHAM TCHIVIDJIAN p41

TODAY'S PRAYER

Heavenly Father, Your Word is a light unto the world; I will study it and trust it, and share it. In all that I do, help me be a worthy witness for You as I share the Good News of Your perfect Son and Your perfect Word. Amen.

Day 18 - In Turbulent Times, Guard Your Thoughts

Finally brothers, whatever is true, 

whatever is honourable, 

whatever is just, whatever is pure, 

whatever is lovely, 

whatever is commendable - 

if there is any moral excellence 

and if there is any praise - 

dwell on these things 

PHILIPPIANS 4:8 HCSB

"William Ralph Inge observed, "No Christian should be a pessimist, for Christianity is a system of radical optimism." p38

"...you may find yourself pulled down by tough times. If you find yourself discouraged, exhausted, or both, then it's time to ask yourself this question: What's bothering you and why? p38

"...the ultimate battle has already been won on the cross at Calvary. And if your life has been transformed by Christ's sacrifice, then you, as a recipient of God grace, have every reason to live courageously" p38

"Are you willing to trust God's plans for your life, in good times and in turbulent times?"p39

"Proverbs 3:5-6 makes it clear: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths"p39

"So make this promise to yourself and keep it - vow to be a hope-filled Chrstian. Think optimistically about your life, your profession, your family, your future, and your purpose for living. Trust your hopes, not your fears"p39




TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, I will focus on Your love, Your power, Your promise, and Your Son. When I am weak, I will turn to You for strength; when I am worried, I will turn to You for comfort; when I am troubled, I will turn to You for patience and perspective. Help me guard my thoughts, Lord, so that I may honour You this day and forever. Amen

Day 17 - Self - Esteem According to God

For you made us only a little lower than God, 

and you crowned us with glory and honour.

PSALM 8:5 NLT

"When you encounter tough times, you may lose self-confidence. Or you may become so focused on what other people are thinking - or saying - that you fail to focus on God... Instead, seek God's guidance as you focus your energies on becoming the best that you can possibly be"p36

"...when it comes to matters of self-esteem and self image, seek approval not from your peers, but from your Creator" p36

The creator has made us each one of a kind. There is nobody else exactly like us, and there never will be. Each of us is His special creation and is alive for a distinct purpose." - LUCI SWINDOLL p37

Day 16 - Accepting Advice

A wise man will hear and increases learning, 

and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.

PROVERBS 1:5 NKJV

"If you find yourself caught up in the inevitable challenge of these turbulent times, it's probably the right time to start searching for knowledgeable friends and mentors who can give you solid advice" p34

"Finding a wise mentor is only half the battle. It takes just as much wisdom - sometimes more - to act upon good advice"p34

Yes, the spirit was sent to be our Counselor. Yes, Jesus speaks us to personally. But often He works through another human being"p35 - JOHN ELDEREDGE 

Part of todays prayer...

"Father, let me be a friend and mentor to others, so that my love for You may be demonstrated by my genuine concern for them. Amen." p35

Day 15 - You're Never Alone

The Lord is the One who will go before you. 

He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.

Do not be afraid or discouraged.

DEUTERONOMY 31:8 HCSB

"God is not just near. He is here." p32

"God is not hurried along in the Time-stream of this universe anymore than an author is hurried along in the imaginary time of his own novel. He has infinite attention to spare for each one of us. He does not have to deal with us in the mass. You are as much alone with Him as if you were the only being He had ever created. When Christ died, He died for you individually just as much as if you have been the only man in the world." p32 - 

CS LEWIS

"God's silence is in no way indicative of His activity or involvement in our lives. He may be silent, but He is not still." p32

TODAY'S PRAYER

"Heavenly Father, even when it seems to me that You are far away, You never leave me side. Today and every day, I will strive to feel Your presence, and I will strive to sense Your love for me. Amen." p33

Day 14 - In Turbulent Times, Keep Trying

I anyone among you suffering? He should pray. 

Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praise.

JAMES 5:13 HCSB

"God is trying to get His message through ... to you!Are you listening?" p30

"Perhaps, you forget to slow yourself down long enough to talk with God." p30

"Instead of turning your thoughts and prayers to Him, you may rely upon your own resources."  p30

"Do you spend time each day with God." p30

"I have witnessed many attitudes make a positive turnaround through prayer." p31

Today's Prayer

Dear Lord, let me raise my hopes and my dreams, my worries and my fears You. Let me be a worthy example to family and friends, showing them the importance and the power of prayer. Let me take everything to You in prayer, Lord, and when I do, let me trust in Your answers. Amen.

Day 13 - Make Peace With The Past

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you: 

not as the world giveth, give I unto you. 

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

JOHN 14:27 KJV

As soon as I turned the page and saw the heading I thought... "This I can't do". I feel it really hard to abandon all the bad things that has happened to me in the past. I blame all my problems on things that happened during my childhood and teens, and I can't get over it. This, for me, will probably be the hardest day to follow.

"We allow ourselves to become "stuck" in the past - even though we know better." p28

I do know  better. I know dwelling on the past is not healthy, because I always seem to focus on the negative parts of it, when I know there was probably a lot more positive times than bad. However, i just can't get over it and be at peace with myself.

"Instead of focusing our thoughts and energies on the opportunities of today, we may allow painful memories to fill our minds and sap our strength. We simply can't seem to let go of our pain, so we relieve it again and again ... with predictably unfortunate consequences" p28

"...for many of us, focusing on the future is difficult indeed. Why? Part of the problem has to do with forgiveness. When we find ourselves focusing too intently on the past, it's a sure sign that we need to focus, instead, on a more urgent need: the need to forgive" p29

I find it hard to forgive people, as I blame others for all the problems of my past and present, and nothing is ever my own fault. I always think, if my teacher had not done x, y and z to me, would I have lots of confidence. Or if my parents had participated more in my education, I could be working for NASA right now (I wish). So to me everything is always someone else's fault. I need to forgive people from the past and move on to be at peace, and move on with my own future.

"No amount of anger or bitterness can change what happened yesterday. Tears can't change the past; regrets can't change it. Our worries wont change the past, and neither will our complaints. Simply put, the past, and always will be, the past. FOREVER." p29

"Can you summon both the courage and the wisdom to accept your past and move on with your life? Can you accept the reality that yesterday - and all the yesterdays before it are gone? And, can you entrust all those yesterdays to God?" p29

"...if you've endured a difficult past, learn from it, but don't live in it." p29

Day 12 - In Times Of Uncertainty, Trust God's Timing

I waited for the Lord; 

And He inclined to me, and heard my cry.

PSALM 40:1 NKJV

"The Bible teaches us to trust God's timing in all matters, but we are sorely tempted to do otherwise, especially when times are tough" p26

"God's plans are perfect; ours most certainly are not." p26

"...as you face the uncertainties of everyday life, do your best to turn everything over to God. Whatever "it" is, He can handle it. And you can be sure that He will handle it when the time is right" p26

I don't have anything to say to day. I think the quotes speak for themselves really.

Day 11 - Ask Him

So I say to you, keep asking, and it will be given to you. 

Keep searching, and you will find. 

Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

LUKE 11:9 HCSB

"God can do great things through you if you have the courage to ask Him (and the determination to keep asking Him)." p24

"God has promised that when you ask for His help, He will not withhold it...Ask him to meet the needs of your day. Ask Him to lead you, to protect you, and correct you. Then, trust the answers He gives." p25

Day 10 - The Right Kind Of Attitude

For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, 

but one of power, love, and sound judgment.

2 TIMOTHY 1:7 HCSB

"So what's your attitude today? Are you fearful, angry, bored or worried? Are you pessimistic, perplexed, pained and perturbed? Are you moping around with a frown on your face that's almost as big as the one in your heart? If so God wants to have a little talk with you."p22

"[God]...wants you to experience joy, contentment, peace and abundance. But God can not force you to experience these things; you must claim them for yourself."p22

"The next time you find yourself falling prey to the blight of pessimism, stop yourself and turn your thoughts around. The next time you're temped to waste valuable time gossiping or complaining, resist those temptations with all your might. And remember: You'll never whine your way to the top... so don't waste your breath."p23

We are either the masters or the victims of our attitudes. It is a matter of personal choice. Who we are today is the result of the choices we made yesterday. Tomorrow, we will become what we choose today. To change means to choose to change. 

- JOHN MAXWELL p23

We shouldn't deny the pain of what happens in our lives. But we should refuse to focus only on the valleys. 

- CHARLES SWINDOLL p23

TODAYS PRAYER

Lord, I pray for an attitude that is Christlike. Whatever my circumstances. Whether good or bad, triumph or tragic, let my response reflect a God-honoring attitude of optimism, faith and love for you. Amen

Sorry for all the quotes today, but I really feel like this chapter relates to me and I can learn a lot from it. My attitude towards life generally stinks and I know that this needs to change IMMEDIATELY if anything in my life is to change. It will help me to just be a more pleasant person as well, and just have a better outlook on life! This blog entry is definitely one that I need to refer back to and learn from.

I have been ill =(

For the past few days I have been quite unwell (I think it's this bug that continues to go around), and so unfortunately I have not ben able to post anything new to this blog. 

I need to catch up to day 11 ( I think) so for the next few blog entries they will be really basic. 

I'm literally just going to submit quotes from each day and not elaborate on them. 

Sorry about that, but I just need t catch up!

Day 9 - No Problems are Too Big

Is anything too hard for the LORD?

GENISIS 18:14 KJV

"...when the challenges of the day seem overwhelming, we may spend more time worrying about our troubles than praying about them. And, we may spend more time fretting about our problems than solving them. A far better strategy, of course, is to pray as if everything depended entirely upon God and to work as if everything depended entirely upon us."p20 

I know I definitely fall into this category. I spend way too much time thinking about problems in my life instead of actually asking God to help me, as He is the ONLY person who can do anything (and myself a little too)! The reason why I don't ask God for help sometimes is because I feel as though my needs are not worthy enough to ask for help from God, or maybe I don't feel worthy enough to ask for God's help. I sometimes think why would he help me if I don't do enough for him..... But then I don't really know what I could do to really help Him..... Oh I am so confused =(

...."we often know precisely what needs to be done, but we may be slow in doing it - especially if what needs to be done is difficult or uncomfortable for us. So we put off till tomorrow what should be done today" p20

This quote above is very true to me and I'm sure to many people. We do put things off till another... then another day and so on. I'm doing it right now. I have a very important job application to fill out, and I am putting it off, even though I really want the job. Why do we do this? Then I'll be working on it the day before it is due to be handed in, and it won't be nearly as good as it could have been if I just hadn't put it off!

"The words of Psalm 34 remind us that the Lord solves problems for "people who do what is right". And usually, "doing what is right" means doing the uncomfortable work of confronting our problems sooner rather than later" p20

"Trial and triumph are what God uses to scribble all over the pages of our lives. They are signs that He is using us, loving us, shaping us to His image, enjoying our companionship, delivering us from evil, and writing eternity into our hearts" p21 BARBARA JOHNSON 

Day 8 - In Turbulent Times, God Teaches and Leads

"Leave inexperience behind, and you will live; 

pursue the way of understanding."

PROVERBS 9:6 HCSB

I cant believe it's day 8 already. These last eight days have gone really fast! Do I feel any different since I started reading Steven Arterburn's, 100 DAYS OF SERENITY - Peaceful Living Through Turbulent Times? Well the answer is.. a little. It has only been eight days, so I can't really expect any life changing differences just yet. However, I do feel a little better in myself, and I do see a few new opportunities opening in my life. The quote below links to what I am experiencing by saying:

"Complete spiritual maturity is nevr achieved in a day, or in a year, or even in a lifetime. The journey toward spiritual maturity is an ongoing process that continues, day by day, throughout every stage of life." p18

You'll be pleased to know that I am doing this blog entry first thing in the morning (well almost the first- I'm showered and dressed and it's 8:30am over here in the UK) compared to yesterday, when it was actually the last thing that I did.... naughty, naughty!

"When we encounter life's inevitable tragedies.......we may be tempted to blame God or to rebel against Him."p18

When I look at the quote above I do not think that I would blame God for any tragedy or disappointments that may come into my life, although I can't really give a true opinion on this as I feel I have not had that many problems in my life... my life is not great, but I can complain! As I have mentioned in a previous blog entry, it's humans who do bad things to others, and cause problems for themselves... not God, so how can I blame him. Todays chapter goes on to state a quote from the book of JAMES saying: 

"Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing" (JAMES 1:2:4 HCSB) p18.

I don't know if I could consider a misfortune a "great joy", but deep down, I will know that it is a test, and I have to remain faithful. My fear is not that I will be angry at God if something bad happens to me because Gods is good, and he will understand my anger. What I fear is that I will loose faith altogether and just stop believing... that I don't know if God can forgive. 

Day 7 - He is Sufficient

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer

PSALM 18:2 HCSB

"It is easy to become overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life, but if you're a faithful follower of the One from Galilee, you need never be overwhelmed." p16

As the quote above states "It is easy to become overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life". I really feel that I fall into that category. Even with this blog, I created it so I could try and understand the word of God, and become closer to him by spreading his word. At this point in time, it is now the end of the day, and I am doing this blog entry as the last thing to do for the day, when really, I should be putting this blog and God first. This blog, and everything that I do relating to God, should be the first thing that I do, not the last thing, after I've finished doing everything else.

The quote below states that God will call me to obey Him, but what if he already has called, and I am, not obeying him? What If I am failing? Does that mean I am going to go to hell because I have not obeyed God? Perhaps not, as God is good and he does forgive sins. But I really should try a lot harder for it not even to be an issue!!!

"God will call you to obey Him and dpi whatever He asks of you. However, you do not need to be doing something to feel fulfilled. You are fulfilled completely in a relationship with God. When you are with him, what else do you need?" p17

Day 6 - Turbulent Times Build Character

The one who lives with integrity lives securely,

but whoever perverts his ways will be found out.

PROVERBS 10:9 HCSB

"Character is built slowly over a lifetime" p14

"As believers in Christ, we must seek to live each day with discipline, honesty, and faith." p14

"During the darker days of life, you can learn lessons that are impossible to learn during sunny, happier days." p15

"...God will not force you to learn the lessons of adversary. You must learn them for yourself." p15

"Jesus - the standard of measurement, the scale of weights, the test of character for the whole moral universe." p15

"I will strive to make my thoughts and actions pleasing to You, so that I may be an instrument of Your peace, today and every day. Amen." p15

Day 5 - Faith Moves Mountains

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. 

And this is the victory that has overcome the world -  our faith.

1 JOHN 5:4 NKJV

"Faith, like a tender seedling, can be nurtured or neglected. When we nurture our faith through prayer, meditation and worship, God blesses our lives and lifts our spirits."p12

Right now I feel a little like the neglected seed. I realise that I don't pray, meditate or worship enough, and so my faith is being neglected. I owe more to God, and I am really trying, but I have always been useless when it come to organising my time or remembering to do things. On a morning the first thing I should do, is pray, meditate or worship in some way, but instead I am either getting up and getting ready for work, or I'm putting on the TV for my daughter, and it's not because I don't want to nurture my faith, it's because I forget... I just simply forget! This is really something that I need to modify in my life if I am ever to become the "nurtured" seed.

"Are you a mountain-moving person whose faith is evident for all to see? Or, are you a spiritual underachiever?" p12

The reason why I chose the quote above, was because it made me think, Do I put my faith out for all to see? The answer was no! Even with this blog it is out there for the world to see, but the people that I see on a regular and daily basis such as friends and family, probably don't even know this blog exists, because I choose not to declare it.... Now I realise that this is not a good thing. Surely if I am wanting to open up myself to God, then I should let everyone know about it. That would be the only way to "move mountains" for God.

"...He stands ready to open a world of possibilities to you...if you have faith."p13

The idea of their being a world of possibilities does sound nice, and all you have to do is have faith. I have actually witnessed this. Somebody that I know was having financial difficulties, but they maintained their faith, (well actually their faith got stronger), and now everything is better. I wouldn't say their life was perfect, but it is a lot better. So, faith in God is a powerful commodity for your own life. 

Day 4 - God's Promises For Your Turbulent Times

Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will support you;

He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

PSALM 55:22 HCSB

"...we are reminded thst the world is in a constant state of change. But God is not. So when the world seems to be trembling beneath our feet, we can be comforted in the knowledge that our Heavenly Father is the rock that cannot be shaken."p10

"...it is precisely because your Saviour does not change that you can face your challenges with courage for today and hope for tomorrow"p11

It is true when it says that your saviour does not change and for this reason we can rely on him no matter what. He will never let us down, and he is always there, always listening.

"Seek protection from the one who cannot be moved. The same God who created the universe will protect you if you ask Him ...so ask Him...and then serve Him with willing hands and a trusting heart" p11




TODAY'S PRAYER

"Dear Lord, because of You, I can face the uncertainties of life with courage, with hope, with wisdom, and with faith. So today and every day, Father, I will study Your word; I will trust Your promises; and I will follow Your Son. Amen." p11

This prayer strikes a cord with me and my life right now. At this point in my life, the future is very uncertain for me, my family and our life choices. Even though everything is "turbulent" right now I put my faith and trust in God, knowing that sooner or later He will put me and family on the right path and everything will become clear. The right opportunity will come around but it has to be the RIGHT opportunity.

A Piece of Music That I Like A Lot

I have added a link below to piece of music that I really like. It's taken from the movie INCEPTION (love that film: love the music), and I like to listen to it when I'm feeling a little stressed. It makes me feel slightly spiritual (don't know why) and I always feel like I just want to start making spiritual art. 

If you follow the link it will take you to the YOUTUBE page that holds the music. Let me know what you think of it... 

I hope you enjoy is as much as I do =)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KUX4UDE6cw&list=FLQcJSHUhblXkynR3Mg9nQ3A&feature=mh_lolz

Day 3 - God's Plan and Your Turbulent Times

For I know the plans I have for you - 

the Lords declaration - plans for welfare, 

not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

JEREMIAH 29:11 HCSB 

Todays chapter is basically about questions that we ask ourselves during the bad times. Below I have added some of the quotes from todays chapter and have elaborated on some of them to discuss my opinions. If you would like to add a comment, please do not hesitate to do so, as I would appreciate feedback!

"Why  does God allow us to endure times of uncertainty and pain? After all, since we trust that God is all powerful, and since we trust that His hand shapes our lives, why doesn't He simply rescue us - and our loved ones -  from all hardship and pain?" p8 

When I was younger I use to ask myself things like this, but now that I am older, I kinda take a different stance on the whole thing. What I think now is: If God really wanted to do something, he could do, however I think He can only observe what we do to ourselves during bad times. 

About 99.9% of the bad things that happen in the world are done by humans, not by God, but by humans, ourselves. I believe that the whole point of this life on earth is to be (in a way) "tested" for the next life to come. 

When we have tests in our current "real" world, we are not allowed to have any help during  a test or exam, so why would God come down and reveal himself during our test to help us? That would be cheating! We have been given the basic tools or "preparation" that we need to help us through our test, and I am sure that most people in the world have been exposed the these tools and we all know them as The Ten Commandments. If we all followed these we would be ACING the test of life! It's not hard when you think about it, just common sense. So, in my opinion that is why God doesn't reveal himself and why he has to allow things to just happen - to "test" how we cope in these terrible situations. I am sure that through these bad times, (if you do believe,) God does reveal himself in some way to you =)

"So if you're enduring though times, don't give up and don't give in .God still has glorious plans for you, so keep your eyes and ears open...as well as your heart" p9

I do think I believe in God, but in the back of my mind there is that slight doubt, however, I still try to live right, and follow the commandments as much as I can  - and try to learn more everyday about God, through reading, music or by the voices and stories of others. The "long and short" of it is that I am human and I will make mistakes, and when those bad times do come (which they will) I have to try and not ask WHY?, and just try to remember that this is all a test, and if I believe, everything will work out fine at the end. 

Day 2 - In Turbulent Times, God Protects

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; 

and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. 

When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, 

nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, 

The Holy One of Israel, your Saviour.

ISAIAH 43:2-3 NKJV

"In times of hardship, He will comfort us; in times of sorrow, He will dry our tears. When we are troubled, weak, or sorrowful, God is always with us. We must build our lives on the rock that cannot be shaken" p6

Below I have written the prayer for the day. I really like it because a lot of the time I am down and disappointed, either with myself, with people or work. I feel this is a good prayer to look back on when I am having those down days.

"Lord, when I face the inevitable disappointment of life, give me perspective and faith. When I am discouraged, give me the strength to trust Your promises and follow Your will. Then when I have done my best, Father, let me live with the assurance that You are firmly in control, and that Your love endures forever. Amen." p7

Serenity

Hi. I was just looking through my blog and I realised it looks quite bland! There is WAYYYYYYY too much literature, and not nearly enough imagery. 

As an artist this blog should be full of images that I consider of "faith" value. 

Below I have added this picture, which I found, and I though it just looked really beautify. It also made me think "How can the existence of God or a higher being be disputed when there are beautiful moments like this?" 

Any time a see a beautiful sky, I always say thank you to God for allowing me to see this beautiful scene, especially as there are people who will never see anything so astounding!

Day 1 - He Offers Peace

I'm currently reading 100 Days of Serenity - Peaceful Living Through Turbulent Times by Steven Arterburn, and I thought I would right down some quotes day by day, and maybe discuss some of the quotes that I find most interesting. 

If you would like to leave any comments about my posts or if you have an opinion on something, please don't hesitate to voice your feelings. Also if you have read it before, please let me know what you thought of it, and let me know if it help you in any way, Thank You, ABx......

DAY 1

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

JONH 14:27 NASB

"Jesus offers us peace, not as the world gives but as He alone gives" .p4

The reason why I have added this quote was because I felt it was trying to say, if you really truly want peace, then you need to focus on God.  I know that everyone these days is wanting peace and quite. So we quickly run to "self help" books for the answer, but you really can't get the answers from book like this. 

You may feel that for a little while all problems are solved, but they soon come back, whereas if you have God in your life, then even when you  think things are going wrong for you, you still have the comfort of knowing that God is with you, and somehow, that gives you the peace that you need.

"Are you still rushing after the illusion of... 'peace and happiness' that the world promises but cannot deliver" .p4

Once "you process the gift of the peace, you can share that gift with family members, with friends and with co-workers" .p4

I love the idea of spreading peace. The only problem is finding it by oneself. I am definitely one of those people, who doesn't have peace. I allow myself to get consumed by the world around me, and I find it really hard to just relax and accept the peace of God in my life. This is part of the reason why I created this blog; it's a means to and end, the end being God. 

If I spend time reading about God, I can embed this new knowledge via my FAITH MEMO's. This will surely help me, perhaps not right now, but in time I know I will grow to love God and feel his peace. I just have to put in the time and effort. But I know I am going to find it very hard... but it really shouldn't be. 

Oh how I wish we lived in simpler times!!!!