More Life Altering Change

Decisions, decisions.

This whole growing up thing is a bit ridiculous. I figured it wouldn't take this long...
I'm 21 years old and I'm still trying to make big life decisions that will be a part of my journey.
Now, I have no doubt that God will guide me. That he will show me what to do. AND I know that no decision I make, will be the wrong one.

My brother plays baseball. At his game last week, 6 cars got broken into and stuff got stolen. A few people who heard about that have chosen to live in fear. They lock their doors regularly. They're lives are ruled by fear.

In the Word, it talks about how God has not given us a spirit of fear.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 
2 Timothy 1:7


We have been given something greater than fear. Our lives are to be ruled by the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He is the one that is protecting us and watching over us. My life is not to be lived in constant fear, but in trust. I need to trust the Ruler of the Universe with all that I am, all that I will be and all that I have been. He is in control. I am not.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, hold and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. 
Romans 12:1-2
 

This morning I was researching the juvenile recidivism rates. In case you don't know what the means, it's the rate of how many juveniles commit crimes again after they've been tried and punished.

I found an article titled "Recidivism of Juvenile Homicide Offenders."

It just broke my heart. We live in such a fallen world. And we are humans, therefore we will fall. We will fail. It's not a possibility. It's a guarantee.

Most of the time, I choose to look the other way. To ignore the fact that so much hurt and pain is in this world. Because it's easier for ME to deal with. I am selfish. Good thing God's grace is sufficient. This year has been such an eye opening experience. I have learned how to look this fallen world in the eyes and choose not to stand for it. People are TOO important to ignore their pain.

This past Sunday I got to hear the story of a woman in her early 30's tell me about her battle with a sickness for 10 years. 10 years she suffered. God brought her out of it. She was so filled with the joy of the Lord that I couldn't help smiling at her. That smile brought about her story. The energy and the insane love of God brings people together. Lawrence and I got to pray with her that Sunday. Honestly, we needed it as much as she did. That is how God works. He moves to a beat only He knows.

Rejoice always, 

pray continually, 

give thanks in all circumstances; 

for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

It's Your Attitude

 I feel like I have direction, purpose, and the Lord's blessing.

I'm a human. I'm a goal driven, first born, need-to-work-towards-something person. Give me something to do and tell me how to do the first part, I will figure it out and do my very best. It's just engrained into me.

Last week, my college pastor, Paul, was talking about Luke. We've been going through Luke for a while now and it's definitely one of my favorite books of the Bible.
We were reading in chapter 5. I love this passage anyways because of one verse in particular.

"Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.""

Luke 5:5

That phrase means - even though I don't understand and it makes no sense at all, I will follow. That is a powerful phrase. That also is letting Jesus have complete control. I know very few people who would respond with that phrase right away. Most of the time, we are afraid of what God is telling us to do. We don't know the right steps. And even when we know what the right thing to do is, we doubt because we don't see how it will work. 

Simon Peter doubted Jesus. He was afraid, but he did it anyways. When he saw how much fish he caught, he told Jesus to go away from him because he was a sinful man. Then Jesus did something, that blows my mind, every single time. 

Then Jesus said to Simon,

"Do not be afraid; 

 from now on, 

you will be fishers of men."

It's not our story that we're living in, it's God's story. 

Do you have that attitude of...

I will do WHATEVER it takes to get to Jesus.

That's what I want. I want that attitude all the time. But I can't get to it on my own. It's only through Christ.

Provision

God has constantly been showing me his provision.
In every area of my life.
He's given me direction.
He's given me purpose.
He's given me hope.
He is my life.
Look at the way that God provides for you on a daily basis,
Your perspective will change.
Try it.