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!!!!