hello all :)
I apologize for the delay in writing this entry, but honestly friends, I had a hard time understanding how to apply this to my life life. It took a few times of me reading it and conversing with God out loud but, I think I have the gist of what Paul wants us to learn from this message.
In Chapter 10
Paul addresses the people of Corinth about confronting others regarding their faith or relationship with Christ. His main point, as it has been throughout both books of Corinthians is that it is important we recognize the source of our authority to this task. He says " we are human, but we do not wage war as humans do. We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down strong holds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments." (verse 3-4). It was very important that Paul was bold in this letter because people were beginning to question him and say that he was only strong in writing but not important in person. These ideas may have come from teachers and preachers who came after Paul and could have spoken badly about him to the people and they believed it.
The weapons that Paul refers to are found in Ephesians chapter 6 and are known as the full armor of God. This armor is very important because it protects the spiritual body from being attacked by the enemy and even natural attacks. It consists of the the helmet of salvation, the breast plate of righteousness,the belt of truth, shoes of peace, a shield of faith, and a sword which is the word of God. This equipment keeps our spiritual man strong and our fleshly body in check, especially when temptations comes. As I have read through this book, it is clear the
Paul was fully functioning in his armor of God, his bold spirit moves through out his words to the people. He also understood that it was not his words, or power but that of the holy spirit that work and moved through him. So if the people hurt him,lied on him , or anything really, it wasn't harming Paul but rather those actions were directed toward God. We know that God is the ultimate avenger, therefore we have no reason to fear, or worry about what non believers say about the Lord's message.
But this sort of power comes from full, YES FULL, submission to Christ. Every part of your being must be willingly committed to him. This only comes by spending time with God and approaching each visit with an open mind. Over time you will begin to willingly submit to his ways, and soon it will be hard to imagine what life was like without him. But the important thing to remember is that all this takes time. Hard time, but it's worth it time. Everything God does is for our benefit, not his, he already has everything he needs. Our relationship with him especially the obedience and faith portion, are to secure our future blessings and cover us from future attacks from the enemy. So if we do not invest in our relationship with him, we will have nothing to show for it. If we invest little into the relationship, we get little out of it and so on. So I think it is important to ask God for a heart to fully trust and submit to his will because honestly there is no other way.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
1 Corinthians Chapter 9 ( Benefits of Giving)
Good evening all :),
I will be honest tonight was another one where I did not really feel like blogging tonight. But Joel Osteen said it best " Don't let a temporary feeling stop you from receiving a permanent blessing." So I had to at least try and do something this evening. I do become weary writing this everyday, but if I can just make it through this evening, I should be ok.
Chapter 9.
Well Paul continues his praises to the Corinthians and acknowledging how far they had come in their journey to know Christ. As I was reading this chapter, I realized it confirmed the conclusion that I came to about the previous chapter. Giving is not about God or the church taking our money but rather sharing the gift God has given us with others so they too can be blessed. Whether we like it or not, sometimes the only way people especially non-believers or new believers, will experience God is through our actions. We can talk,quote scripture, and join every ministry under the sun, but if our faith is not sealed by our actions it is all in vain. I believe that is why Paul said he sent two of his brothers ahead of him to make sure that the church was really ready to give and pour into others as promised. Not only just to save face but literally people's lives may have been dependent on their gifts (verses 3-5). Also we don't give to support God because he CLEARLY does not need, but our gifts provide reward for us in the ends. If we sew few we harvest few, but if we sew generously we harvest generously ( verse 6). It also important to remember to give with a cheerful heart, similar to our love for God. He does not want us to do anything out of obligation but instead do it because we know he loves us, we want to please him and be obedient. He wants this to be a willing relationship in everything we do.
For me I am still learning how to love just because instead of obligation. obedience to me implies obligation, you do it because he/she told me to and I have respect for you. So my question is how to you change that to just, man I love you and I just want to everything I can to make you happy. Another prayer I have for myself is that I wish I could get my head out of tomorrow and just focus and enjoy today. Well that wasn't too bad. But I tell you it gets rough at times, I'm sure it will be worth in in the end :)
I will be honest tonight was another one where I did not really feel like blogging tonight. But Joel Osteen said it best " Don't let a temporary feeling stop you from receiving a permanent blessing." So I had to at least try and do something this evening. I do become weary writing this everyday, but if I can just make it through this evening, I should be ok.
Chapter 9.
Well Paul continues his praises to the Corinthians and acknowledging how far they had come in their journey to know Christ. As I was reading this chapter, I realized it confirmed the conclusion that I came to about the previous chapter. Giving is not about God or the church taking our money but rather sharing the gift God has given us with others so they too can be blessed. Whether we like it or not, sometimes the only way people especially non-believers or new believers, will experience God is through our actions. We can talk,quote scripture, and join every ministry under the sun, but if our faith is not sealed by our actions it is all in vain. I believe that is why Paul said he sent two of his brothers ahead of him to make sure that the church was really ready to give and pour into others as promised. Not only just to save face but literally people's lives may have been dependent on their gifts (verses 3-5). Also we don't give to support God because he CLEARLY does not need, but our gifts provide reward for us in the ends. If we sew few we harvest few, but if we sew generously we harvest generously ( verse 6). It also important to remember to give with a cheerful heart, similar to our love for God. He does not want us to do anything out of obligation but instead do it because we know he loves us, we want to please him and be obedient. He wants this to be a willing relationship in everything we do.
For me I am still learning how to love just because instead of obligation. obedience to me implies obligation, you do it because he/she told me to and I have respect for you. So my question is how to you change that to just, man I love you and I just want to everything I can to make you happy. Another prayer I have for myself is that I wish I could get my head out of tomorrow and just focus and enjoy today. Well that wasn't too bad. But I tell you it gets rough at times, I'm sure it will be worth in in the end :)
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
2 Corinthians Chapter 8 ( Giving)
Good evening readers,
well people honestly I don't know how to start this one off. Today was an interesting day, I finally got the nerve to start reading the play for this semester at UT, that I want to audition for. It was hard at first to get myself started, but once I became serious about reading it was actually really fun to read . I hope can keep this up, and I hope once auditions begin, I will feel more confident about my God appointed career choice.
This evening before I started my blog I was watching Joyce Meyer and she was talking about being content and obedience. It seems like I have been hearing alot about these two themes alot lately. Maybe being content in a situation makes it easier to obey the directions that will eventually move you forward to the place you desire to go.
HM.
Well anyway, as the title suggests, tonight's reading was about giving. Not just giving but being eager about it. This has been a very tough subject for me because I have been the type to get something and hoard for fear of losing it. But here Paul encourages the Corinithian Church to give as they did in the past. He tells them how they have excelled in other areas of their relationship with Christ and now it is time to start sharing the gifts that God shared with them. This is very hard for me honestly because I don't like to give. It makes me feel very vulnerable and just uncomfortable. As I write this now, I am having a hard time focusing on this topic because I JUST don't like to do it. I don't trust people and I feel like if I put myself out there and really commit to giving, it's like they see that and take advantage of this situation. So I feel like why should I break my neck to help someone out when all they may do it take it harm me. Then I look silly for allowing that to happen. hm. My view of love and giving (especially money) are very similar. I think it is because it has to do with releasing and opening my hand. But maybe I have been opening my hand and heart to the wrong source. I have been placing my sole trust in people instead of God. But it's really hard to trust because not only can I not see him, he does not answer me right away so for a few days I feel crazy and start to wonder if he even heard me.
This is going to be an interesting transition process.
Until next time readers, happy reading
Aleta
well people honestly I don't know how to start this one off. Today was an interesting day, I finally got the nerve to start reading the play for this semester at UT, that I want to audition for. It was hard at first to get myself started, but once I became serious about reading it was actually really fun to read . I hope can keep this up, and I hope once auditions begin, I will feel more confident about my God appointed career choice.
This evening before I started my blog I was watching Joyce Meyer and she was talking about being content and obedience. It seems like I have been hearing alot about these two themes alot lately. Maybe being content in a situation makes it easier to obey the directions that will eventually move you forward to the place you desire to go.
HM.
Well anyway, as the title suggests, tonight's reading was about giving. Not just giving but being eager about it. This has been a very tough subject for me because I have been the type to get something and hoard for fear of losing it. But here Paul encourages the Corinithian Church to give as they did in the past. He tells them how they have excelled in other areas of their relationship with Christ and now it is time to start sharing the gifts that God shared with them. This is very hard for me honestly because I don't like to give. It makes me feel very vulnerable and just uncomfortable. As I write this now, I am having a hard time focusing on this topic because I JUST don't like to do it. I don't trust people and I feel like if I put myself out there and really commit to giving, it's like they see that and take advantage of this situation. So I feel like why should I break my neck to help someone out when all they may do it take it harm me. Then I look silly for allowing that to happen. hm. My view of love and giving (especially money) are very similar. I think it is because it has to do with releasing and opening my hand. But maybe I have been opening my hand and heart to the wrong source. I have been placing my sole trust in people instead of God. But it's really hard to trust because not only can I not see him, he does not answer me right away so for a few days I feel crazy and start to wonder if he even heard me.
This is going to be an interesting transition process.
Until next time readers, happy reading
Aleta
Sunday, July 17, 2011
1 Corinthians Chapter 6 ( review)
Good evening all,
Well it's been awhile, hm. But I am back and in full force and reading to go the next level in Him. So as you can tell by the title I was led to read over 1 Corinthians chapter 6. I was confused when i received this word was because I finished the book of Corinthians earlier in June and i didnt understand why I had to re-read a chapter I had already been through. Maybe the chapter was done with me. Well in chapter six Paul talks about christians bringing lawsuits against other christians. He says "...How dare you file a lawsuit and ask a secular court to decied the matter instead of taking it to other believers!"( verse 1) In today's soceity people would have a hard time understanding this concept. If anything I believer their response would be " why wouldn't I do that? Isn't that what the justice system is for to settle disputes?" Honestly I agree with that, I mean if you think about it, isn't that what lawyers, police officers, and judges are trained an paid to do? to settle our conflicts? With today's churches, could we really settle disputes? Are we supposed to take every dispute to the church? Thes are just of few of the many questions I would have regarding this idea?
So as I read further Paul mentions that in the next life we will have the authority to judge both the world and angels ( verse 2 and 3), therefore we should have the power to settle disputes among ourselves. He brings up and even harder pill to swallow, he suggests that believers accept the injustice or let ourselves be cheated (verse 7-8.)Once again... at first this is CRAZY!! Are is really saying that we should allow people to just take advantage of us and then that's it??
Then my heart was still. No. that's not what he is saying. God is asking us to let him be God. How amazing is that, a being so powerful, who could end this would with a blink of eye, is asking us our PERMISSION to be God in our lives? HONESTLY?? That is humble self-sacrificing love. How could he possibly love us that much, to ask to be our God. Amazing. Now it's true Paul was aggressive here, but honestly sometimes that is what needs to be done to get through to some people especially in a life or death situation. God asks us because he has seen and has full knowledge of all of the pain brought against us by others. He is a just God and he has already avenged anything that did,is, or will happen to us in this life. Paul says it best " Don't you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God" (verse 9). and he goes on to give various examples of sins that are commited who may go naturally unnoticed but are recorded in the spirit realm. God keeps tabs on us all, of the good, the bad, the beautiful, and ugly things we do. It's on the tab so why are we trying to foot the bill? God is saying, looked your sins have been paid for, I see it I know, trust me to pay it. I mean honestly we trust our friends or maybe even a stranger in a bar when they say " put it on my tab" So why can't we trust God to handle our spiritual tab? Looking at it through this lense definately puts a new spin on things. Will I be perfect, no, but I will be encouraged the next time I think about sueing someone. Because my bill is covered.
Another the other end, this could also been seen as a warniing not to be so quick to judge other people. Yes Paul did say some day BELIEVERS will have the power to judge the world and angels. But that some day is not TODAY , so until then we must be humble and forgiving to others who harm us. Just like those who harm us will be judge we will be standing in line right with them to be judged. Here we also have to let God to his job. If God wanted our help in this area he would have definately appointed us the position. But that's just it, he does not need help being who is He is. He would rather have us trust him to do the work. He asks us to help each other in disputes, love each other and ourselves, and be kind ( yes even to the not so kind.)
Honestly the vibe I get from God, is that he really wants to be included and be our friends. He truely desires a genunine relationship with us. We don't have to do anything special or be perfect, he just asks that we communicate, trust him, and hangout. The basic buiding blocks of a healthy relationship and we all ask for those things from others but are you really willing to give them to him? I know it makes me rethink a few things.
Well until next time readers, Happy reading
Aleta
Well it's been awhile, hm. But I am back and in full force and reading to go the next level in Him. So as you can tell by the title I was led to read over 1 Corinthians chapter 6. I was confused when i received this word was because I finished the book of Corinthians earlier in June and i didnt understand why I had to re-read a chapter I had already been through. Maybe the chapter was done with me. Well in chapter six Paul talks about christians bringing lawsuits against other christians. He says "...How dare you file a lawsuit and ask a secular court to decied the matter instead of taking it to other believers!"( verse 1) In today's soceity people would have a hard time understanding this concept. If anything I believer their response would be " why wouldn't I do that? Isn't that what the justice system is for to settle disputes?" Honestly I agree with that, I mean if you think about it, isn't that what lawyers, police officers, and judges are trained an paid to do? to settle our conflicts? With today's churches, could we really settle disputes? Are we supposed to take every dispute to the church? Thes are just of few of the many questions I would have regarding this idea?
So as I read further Paul mentions that in the next life we will have the authority to judge both the world and angels ( verse 2 and 3), therefore we should have the power to settle disputes among ourselves. He brings up and even harder pill to swallow, he suggests that believers accept the injustice or let ourselves be cheated (verse 7-8.)Once again... at first this is CRAZY!! Are is really saying that we should allow people to just take advantage of us and then that's it??
Then my heart was still. No. that's not what he is saying. God is asking us to let him be God. How amazing is that, a being so powerful, who could end this would with a blink of eye, is asking us our PERMISSION to be God in our lives? HONESTLY?? That is humble self-sacrificing love. How could he possibly love us that much, to ask to be our God. Amazing. Now it's true Paul was aggressive here, but honestly sometimes that is what needs to be done to get through to some people especially in a life or death situation. God asks us because he has seen and has full knowledge of all of the pain brought against us by others. He is a just God and he has already avenged anything that did,is, or will happen to us in this life. Paul says it best " Don't you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God" (verse 9). and he goes on to give various examples of sins that are commited who may go naturally unnoticed but are recorded in the spirit realm. God keeps tabs on us all, of the good, the bad, the beautiful, and ugly things we do. It's on the tab so why are we trying to foot the bill? God is saying, looked your sins have been paid for, I see it I know, trust me to pay it. I mean honestly we trust our friends or maybe even a stranger in a bar when they say " put it on my tab" So why can't we trust God to handle our spiritual tab? Looking at it through this lense definately puts a new spin on things. Will I be perfect, no, but I will be encouraged the next time I think about sueing someone. Because my bill is covered.
Another the other end, this could also been seen as a warniing not to be so quick to judge other people. Yes Paul did say some day BELIEVERS will have the power to judge the world and angels. But that some day is not TODAY , so until then we must be humble and forgiving to others who harm us. Just like those who harm us will be judge we will be standing in line right with them to be judged. Here we also have to let God to his job. If God wanted our help in this area he would have definately appointed us the position. But that's just it, he does not need help being who is He is. He would rather have us trust him to do the work. He asks us to help each other in disputes, love each other and ourselves, and be kind ( yes even to the not so kind.)
Honestly the vibe I get from God, is that he really wants to be included and be our friends. He truely desires a genunine relationship with us. We don't have to do anything special or be perfect, he just asks that we communicate, trust him, and hangout. The basic buiding blocks of a healthy relationship and we all ask for those things from others but are you really willing to give them to him? I know it makes me rethink a few things.
Well until next time readers, Happy reading
Aleta
Sunday, June 26, 2011
FINALLY!! What the Lord has done for me
Good evening all :)
Well the day has finally come. After all the prayers, talks, and just speaking about it I finally received confirmation on my spiritual gift. Today at Praise Temple church (well up and coming church)The Lord spoke to me through the pastor and first Lady. I was told that the Lord has identified me as a warrior. I have the gift of prophecy and I will be able to call out negativity among believers and God will use me as a great mouth piece in the house. The catch is that people will not like what I have to say and this pastor said that I will have to say my piece and move quickly. My prayers will provide a protective force around me, and those I pray for. He (the enemy) will be forced to submit at the sound of my voice. So the answer to my question about my function in the body is that I am a mouth. I will review my notes and see if the Lord revealed that to me before and I just didn't trust what he was saying. But now that my relationship with Christ is growing God will show me things because I am learning to trust him for myself instead of through others. The prophet also said that in 14 days God will reveal to me my ministry and destiny. So what I received today was just the introduction to what is about to happen. He said I will receive all the answer to my questions, yes I said ALL,I just have to keep going.
IN OTHER NEWS...
I am still reading 2 Corinthians and once again I really don't feel like breaking down that whole chapter ( this time chapter 2) because honestly I am tired and there is not much to say about it. But basically it was short and talked about forgiving a man that had caused pain to the church. Paul said that it was important to forgive this man because he may be feeling discouraged. He also talked about how every one is not going understand our gift from the Lord. For those being saved, our life style will smell like a sweet perfume, but for those perishing it will smell of death ( verses 15-16). ugh!!! This is so much harder to do, I am pushing it right now. Lord help me want to do this, and see what is special in me.
OK that is all I have for now until next time happy reading
Aleta
Well the day has finally come. After all the prayers, talks, and just speaking about it I finally received confirmation on my spiritual gift. Today at Praise Temple church (well up and coming church)The Lord spoke to me through the pastor and first Lady. I was told that the Lord has identified me as a warrior. I have the gift of prophecy and I will be able to call out negativity among believers and God will use me as a great mouth piece in the house. The catch is that people will not like what I have to say and this pastor said that I will have to say my piece and move quickly. My prayers will provide a protective force around me, and those I pray for. He (the enemy) will be forced to submit at the sound of my voice. So the answer to my question about my function in the body is that I am a mouth. I will review my notes and see if the Lord revealed that to me before and I just didn't trust what he was saying. But now that my relationship with Christ is growing God will show me things because I am learning to trust him for myself instead of through others. The prophet also said that in 14 days God will reveal to me my ministry and destiny. So what I received today was just the introduction to what is about to happen. He said I will receive all the answer to my questions, yes I said ALL,I just have to keep going.
IN OTHER NEWS...
I am still reading 2 Corinthians and once again I really don't feel like breaking down that whole chapter ( this time chapter 2) because honestly I am tired and there is not much to say about it. But basically it was short and talked about forgiving a man that had caused pain to the church. Paul said that it was important to forgive this man because he may be feeling discouraged. He also talked about how every one is not going understand our gift from the Lord. For those being saved, our life style will smell like a sweet perfume, but for those perishing it will smell of death ( verses 15-16). ugh!!! This is so much harder to do, I am pushing it right now. Lord help me want to do this, and see what is special in me.
OK that is all I have for now until next time happy reading
Aleta
Friday, June 24, 2011
NEW BOOK!!!
Hello all :)
Well as I mentioned in my last entry, I have finally completed the book of 1 Corinthians ( yay!!). I prayed about it and I really didnt recieve an answer, so until told other wise, I felt comfortable with continuing with 2 Corinthians. It seems it will be a very encouraging chapter because it ( chapter 1) talks about how God has provided the Holy Spirit as proof of his promises to us. The Holy Spirit was sent to comfort us and then we can go out and comfort others in his name. That's really all I have for now... short I know.
In life news, I finally have a second job at IHOP, still few hours but at least it is SOMETHING. I told my mother about it and she managed to kill the mood somewhat by still pointing out to the lack of pay and hours. But i will remain gratful.
I read something very interesting on a Facebook application that mentioned in order to find out who you are becoming you must find stories or movies that speak to your heart.I found that to be very interesting because it confirms my conclusion of my gifts lie inside of me, I don't have to seek an outside source. The key to my future is contained in what speaks to my heart most. So taking in this account, the movies that speak to me most are ones of true love, the under dog rising to the occasion, and ones about family. There must be some answer in there. The Lord spoke to me and asked me to submit more, this means fasting. I have avoided for a long time because I didn't believe I could do it, It felt like my only source of power and control.
We will see how this goes, until next time happy reading
Aleta
Well as I mentioned in my last entry, I have finally completed the book of 1 Corinthians ( yay!!). I prayed about it and I really didnt recieve an answer, so until told other wise, I felt comfortable with continuing with 2 Corinthians. It seems it will be a very encouraging chapter because it ( chapter 1) talks about how God has provided the Holy Spirit as proof of his promises to us. The Holy Spirit was sent to comfort us and then we can go out and comfort others in his name. That's really all I have for now... short I know.
In life news, I finally have a second job at IHOP, still few hours but at least it is SOMETHING. I told my mother about it and she managed to kill the mood somewhat by still pointing out to the lack of pay and hours. But i will remain gratful.
I read something very interesting on a Facebook application that mentioned in order to find out who you are becoming you must find stories or movies that speak to your heart.I found that to be very interesting because it confirms my conclusion of my gifts lie inside of me, I don't have to seek an outside source. The key to my future is contained in what speaks to my heart most. So taking in this account, the movies that speak to me most are ones of true love, the under dog rising to the occasion, and ones about family. There must be some answer in there. The Lord spoke to me and asked me to submit more, this means fasting. I have avoided for a long time because I didn't believe I could do it, It felt like my only source of power and control.
We will see how this goes, until next time happy reading
Aleta
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Corinthians 15 Inspiration
Good evening all,
It has been awhile since I summarized a chapter from Corinthians, and I have felt bad about it. I honestly needed a break and I just wanted to read it, but I have been feeling a little convicted by not doing it so now I am back. I have read chapters 13 and 14. 13 discussed what Christ's version of love is and I honestly need to work on that, it's basically the world's definition of weak and usually displayed by people who get taken advantage of the most. I will say that I have seen most of these qualities in a special friend of mine, but we will pray on that ( hopefully I can provide an entry that goes in depth about our relationship... stay tuned ).
Chapter 14 singled out the gifts of prophecy and the gift of speaking in tongues and the proper procedure of governing meetings among believers ( I should have read that last year lol.) What I took away from both chapters is, as Christians our goals should be to up lift the kingdom of God and the people in it, not just ourselves. Our gifts should be dedicated as a service rather than a title of importance. I think once we a can get past the name and ranking of our gift and begin to focus more on it's function in the body then the church will attract and keep more people.
( Deep Sigh, a good one)
Chapter 15. Well what can I say is that it was very interesting. It talked about the act of one being raising from the dead. Honestly I had to read this a few times and explain it to myself out loud, or maybe the Holy Spirit uses my own voice to talk to me ( haven't really figured that out yet *shrugs*). At any rate, I understood Paul's point, which was If God had the power to raise His son from the dead, don't you think he would be able to raise humans from the dead too? But something inside of me is still fuzzy about why Paul chose the concept of bringing people back from the dead, I mean I get it but something in me struggles to accept it. He did however answer my question about what those people will look like when they are risen from the dead with a beautiful illustration about a plant. Our earthly bodies are broken and we rise in new spiritual bodies, just like a seed is planted but sprouts up as a beautiful tree, fruit, or flower. I am just stuck on the raising of the dead, I understand that if God didn't raise us then surely Christ was not raised and if that was the case our faith as Paul says, would be pointless. Why that though? That's my question, so hopefully we get an answer soon. This chapter really inspired my to take my focus off of now concerning my feelings. I want to be more useful in the kingdom. I want help others around me, I mean reading and understanding is one thing but to actually do it is quite different but it's still the whole point of learning it in the first place. Plus I don't want to be broke in heaven, I want to store up enough goods so that I am comfortable because being broke and content down here is hard enough.Plus I just want to be pleasing to God, I am tired of being a spiritual free loader. But that means I am going to have to work, and going from one extreme to the other is never an easy task, so I have to be patient with myself and ease into it, and remember that this season is not forever.
Well I felt this was very productive, I can't wait until I am able to share this with others, until then I can just pretend :) Happy reading
Aleta.
P.S. we are almost done with Corinthians, we stayed the course!!!!
It has been awhile since I summarized a chapter from Corinthians, and I have felt bad about it. I honestly needed a break and I just wanted to read it, but I have been feeling a little convicted by not doing it so now I am back. I have read chapters 13 and 14. 13 discussed what Christ's version of love is and I honestly need to work on that, it's basically the world's definition of weak and usually displayed by people who get taken advantage of the most. I will say that I have seen most of these qualities in a special friend of mine, but we will pray on that ( hopefully I can provide an entry that goes in depth about our relationship... stay tuned ).
Chapter 14 singled out the gifts of prophecy and the gift of speaking in tongues and the proper procedure of governing meetings among believers ( I should have read that last year lol.) What I took away from both chapters is, as Christians our goals should be to up lift the kingdom of God and the people in it, not just ourselves. Our gifts should be dedicated as a service rather than a title of importance. I think once we a can get past the name and ranking of our gift and begin to focus more on it's function in the body then the church will attract and keep more people.
( Deep Sigh, a good one)
Chapter 15. Well what can I say is that it was very interesting. It talked about the act of one being raising from the dead. Honestly I had to read this a few times and explain it to myself out loud, or maybe the Holy Spirit uses my own voice to talk to me ( haven't really figured that out yet *shrugs*). At any rate, I understood Paul's point, which was If God had the power to raise His son from the dead, don't you think he would be able to raise humans from the dead too? But something inside of me is still fuzzy about why Paul chose the concept of bringing people back from the dead, I mean I get it but something in me struggles to accept it. He did however answer my question about what those people will look like when they are risen from the dead with a beautiful illustration about a plant. Our earthly bodies are broken and we rise in new spiritual bodies, just like a seed is planted but sprouts up as a beautiful tree, fruit, or flower. I am just stuck on the raising of the dead, I understand that if God didn't raise us then surely Christ was not raised and if that was the case our faith as Paul says, would be pointless. Why that though? That's my question, so hopefully we get an answer soon. This chapter really inspired my to take my focus off of now concerning my feelings. I want to be more useful in the kingdom. I want help others around me, I mean reading and understanding is one thing but to actually do it is quite different but it's still the whole point of learning it in the first place. Plus I don't want to be broke in heaven, I want to store up enough goods so that I am comfortable because being broke and content down here is hard enough.Plus I just want to be pleasing to God, I am tired of being a spiritual free loader. But that means I am going to have to work, and going from one extreme to the other is never an easy task, so I have to be patient with myself and ease into it, and remember that this season is not forever.
Well I felt this was very productive, I can't wait until I am able to share this with others, until then I can just pretend :) Happy reading
Aleta.
P.S. we are almost done with Corinthians, we stayed the course!!!!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Night of Revelation
Good evening all,
Sorry about the delay, it has been about 5.5 days since my last entry and honestly it has been a roller coaster and somewhat disappointing. Well to start things off, I have been avoiding the gym, no regular activity since last week. Some of my absence ( from the gym) was due to the fact that I was coming down with a something, just a cold thankfully. But the rest was due to laziness and sneaky depression ugh!! But as I was talking to my sister and I was telling of my feelings, and it's almost like there is person inside of me hiding behind what I felt I "should" be. All the things I like I am afraid of, so maybe that is why God is not telling me what my gifts are. I already know them but they are hidden in fear. Then it is also fear that births laziness and conplacence. I avoid the very gifts I was given and maybe God feels like I have rejected him and those gifts. Ugh there is so much to write I just feel overwhelmed. To sum it all up, Lord Reveal what is already in me. What exactly did you give me to use for your kingdom? and if it will help why did i quit so many things as a child. So that's why my prayers about spiritual gifts were not getting through!!! because i was praying for what they are or rather something else rather than focusing on what I already have. Wow he just answered my prayer about getting to know myself. I prayed for a starting place,and I feel like i need to start in the areas that scare me the most, writing and singing. He said start by doing what you already like to do, your discernment will kick in if it something that is off. What about the writing though, honestly for my counseling session I have felt compelled to write down my feelings throughout the week, because it will better keep track of what I have been doing. But honestly, Alot of the times I just don't feel like writing, and would it be lame if all I did for the day was write? At the end of the day it is your choice.
until next time happy reading
Aleta
Sorry about the delay, it has been about 5.5 days since my last entry and honestly it has been a roller coaster and somewhat disappointing. Well to start things off, I have been avoiding the gym, no regular activity since last week. Some of my absence ( from the gym) was due to the fact that I was coming down with a something, just a cold thankfully. But the rest was due to laziness and sneaky depression ugh!! But as I was talking to my sister and I was telling of my feelings, and it's almost like there is person inside of me hiding behind what I felt I "should" be. All the things I like I am afraid of, so maybe that is why God is not telling me what my gifts are. I already know them but they are hidden in fear. Then it is also fear that births laziness and conplacence. I avoid the very gifts I was given and maybe God feels like I have rejected him and those gifts. Ugh there is so much to write I just feel overwhelmed. To sum it all up, Lord Reveal what is already in me. What exactly did you give me to use for your kingdom? and if it will help why did i quit so many things as a child. So that's why my prayers about spiritual gifts were not getting through!!! because i was praying for what they are or rather something else rather than focusing on what I already have. Wow he just answered my prayer about getting to know myself. I prayed for a starting place,and I feel like i need to start in the areas that scare me the most, writing and singing. He said start by doing what you already like to do, your discernment will kick in if it something that is off. What about the writing though, honestly for my counseling session I have felt compelled to write down my feelings throughout the week, because it will better keep track of what I have been doing. But honestly, Alot of the times I just don't feel like writing, and would it be lame if all I did for the day was write? At the end of the day it is your choice.
until next time happy reading
Aleta
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Corinthians 11 : head covering and more dinner!!
Good evening all
Well I read another chapter of corinthians, honestly I can totally excited for chapter 12 because I will finally get to the spiritual gifts!!!! I have been wanting to have a official title to my gift for the longest time!! So much has happened since the last time I wrote in my blog. My sister ( spiritual) had a wonderful conversation last night, so many things came to light about my relationship with a certain someone, ( hopefully one day I can provide his name and picture), and just God's potential purpose well one of them, for my light. I am too excited for what is to come. I am still on the hunt for job #2 but I feel I am getting closer, I just have to keep trying.
Now to chapter 11.
Well it was very interesting, the first portion dicussed the relationship between man, woman and God. God is ( or should be) the head of a man and a man is ( should be) the head of his wife. This calls for a word that has been used out of context for a long time and that is submission. I don't know about you but this is a difficult word for me, especially when you look at it from the world's perspective. Usually it is associate with low class, some for of abuse, little to know rights,it's just bad. As a believer not only do i have to submit to Christ but to my husband also... GREAT!!! Then I get really confused because Paul says all this stuff about how a in worship a woman must keep her head covered and never cut her hair because it is her pride and joy ( long hair that is). Well personally I have already broke that rule ( a few times) plus I really don't have long hair anyway. So once again I am in a place where I am confused how to apply this concept to modern day activities and principles. I understand the submission portion I have trust in my husband that he is lead by Christ, but FIRST before I come in to contact with my Husband I have to learn how to trust Christ, how can i trust the creation with out first trusting it's creator?? All this self sacrifice is rough because I am in a place where i am hoping to discover myself and in order to do that have to ignore myself? It makes since on paper but as an application it's still throws me for a loop from time to time. So the head covering for me and non head covering for men, is still fuzzy but I understand submitting. CHECK..
NEXT dinner...
the next passage talked about the Lord's supper and I think it's the portion my pastor reads before we take communion. Paul takes about waiting for others to arrive before you start eating, it's he is telling them to pray before they eat their food, maybe? Or maybe this is instructions communion, just during his time it was called the Lord's supper. He also talks about examining yourself before having the supper, I take this to mean having a clear conscious and maybe as for forgiveness before participating. Yea I was not really focused on this chapter this evening but I kind of feel the spirit telling me that this portion was just instructions for customs of that time period and I should not read too deep into it. OK
As I said before I am really excited for next chapter, I am thinking I should pray and fast and read it like ten times before I actually blog about it. I really believe that God will formally name and Identify my gifts through someone this week. The ones that I am curious about are , I have miniture visions about certain things, discernment in the form of physical sensations and emotional connections with people, and sometimes I feel as though I am understand people speaking in tongues. I would love confirmation on these especially the visions because I would like to know if that is related to prophecy, I don't know. So many things. I can't wait, the only other time I get this excited is when I go see my special someone
k signing off until next time Happy reading
Aleta
Well I read another chapter of corinthians, honestly I can totally excited for chapter 12 because I will finally get to the spiritual gifts!!!! I have been wanting to have a official title to my gift for the longest time!! So much has happened since the last time I wrote in my blog. My sister ( spiritual) had a wonderful conversation last night, so many things came to light about my relationship with a certain someone, ( hopefully one day I can provide his name and picture), and just God's potential purpose well one of them, for my light. I am too excited for what is to come. I am still on the hunt for job #2 but I feel I am getting closer, I just have to keep trying.
Now to chapter 11.
Well it was very interesting, the first portion dicussed the relationship between man, woman and God. God is ( or should be) the head of a man and a man is ( should be) the head of his wife. This calls for a word that has been used out of context for a long time and that is submission. I don't know about you but this is a difficult word for me, especially when you look at it from the world's perspective. Usually it is associate with low class, some for of abuse, little to know rights,it's just bad. As a believer not only do i have to submit to Christ but to my husband also... GREAT!!! Then I get really confused because Paul says all this stuff about how a in worship a woman must keep her head covered and never cut her hair because it is her pride and joy ( long hair that is). Well personally I have already broke that rule ( a few times) plus I really don't have long hair anyway. So once again I am in a place where I am confused how to apply this concept to modern day activities and principles. I understand the submission portion I have trust in my husband that he is lead by Christ, but FIRST before I come in to contact with my Husband I have to learn how to trust Christ, how can i trust the creation with out first trusting it's creator?? All this self sacrifice is rough because I am in a place where i am hoping to discover myself and in order to do that have to ignore myself? It makes since on paper but as an application it's still throws me for a loop from time to time. So the head covering for me and non head covering for men, is still fuzzy but I understand submitting. CHECK..
NEXT dinner...
the next passage talked about the Lord's supper and I think it's the portion my pastor reads before we take communion. Paul takes about waiting for others to arrive before you start eating, it's he is telling them to pray before they eat their food, maybe? Or maybe this is instructions communion, just during his time it was called the Lord's supper. He also talks about examining yourself before having the supper, I take this to mean having a clear conscious and maybe as for forgiveness before participating. Yea I was not really focused on this chapter this evening but I kind of feel the spirit telling me that this portion was just instructions for customs of that time period and I should not read too deep into it. OK
As I said before I am really excited for next chapter, I am thinking I should pray and fast and read it like ten times before I actually blog about it. I really believe that God will formally name and Identify my gifts through someone this week. The ones that I am curious about are , I have miniture visions about certain things, discernment in the form of physical sensations and emotional connections with people, and sometimes I feel as though I am understand people speaking in tongues. I would love confirmation on these especially the visions because I would like to know if that is related to prophecy, I don't know. So many things. I can't wait, the only other time I get this excited is when I go see my special someone
k signing off until next time Happy reading
Aleta
Sunday, June 12, 2011
I Corinthians chapter 10 and other stuff :)
Good afternoon all :)
I hope your day is going well. Mine is pretty good, I went to church early this morning and the message was great. It was about embracing shift in our lives. The pastor say something that really stuck with me and made me feel better about my situation, he said that Nothing can get into my life without God's permission. So all this finanical mischief i am going through God allowed it. He did not cause but he did allow it. I knew it was for a reason, he is trying to take me some place else or maybe it's training in trust, or learning how to press dispite what is going on around me. The pastor also talked about using our gifts so that we can experience the favor of God. Now this topic is always difficult for me because anytime a speaker mentions using gifts, my first thought is " well I don't know my gifts" and then I become frustrated because I feel stuck at step one because I don't know what my gifts are or how to use them. Well this happened again today, I was feeling very encouraged by the message, and then he mentioned prosperity is proportioned to the degree to which one functions in their gift. In order to function in that gift you have to know what it is and something inside of me is convinced that I don't know what mine is. But then I heard the Lord speak, and he reminded me of how well I speak but due to fear I allowed people to silence my voice. So i asked God how can I use my voice as a way to up build the kingdom and honestly to make my life better? Well I thought about it and I guess I could start by talking to people. I have always been conscious about my voice because it's loud and I speak properly. How can I embrace that and make it work for me instead of working for it or rather working for the fear of it? Others gifts or strengths I have noticed about myself include good judgment in time and the general character of some people. So how can I use these to my advantage? Well I am hoping to find out by reading Corinthians,something inside of me wants out, it's getting very restless and I have to set it free.
So chapter 10: hm.Well Paul continued with the analogy of eating the food of the non believer and honestly I am not sure what to do with that. He says it's ok to eat with them as long as they don't dedicate their food to idols. So I'm wondering what modern activity would this be compared to? It's really hard to write this because I am sleepy. (Just thought i would put that out there.) I won't think too hard about the food but one thing I did get out of this was that it seems like Paul wants our lives to be an example for both believers and non believers, so they can look to us for encouragment. I am guilty of sacrificing my spiritual standards in order to be considerate of someone's worldly standards. Paul says this is actually harmful because it causes confusion to that non believer and may change their perception of Christ. The portion regarding temptation was very helpful also, it really encourages me to stay sexually pure both emotionally and physically. It also helps to know that my temptation is no different then any other believers temptation (verse 13) I don't feel alone and I am motivated to resist especially since God has my back through the whole thing. Finally God was telling me as I was reading this, that a relationship with him takes alot of time and commitment, I will really have to try to get to know him, it won't be impossible but the theme for my season is EFFORT. I really have to work at it, and trust me it has been rough but I want this life, I want to be something in this world, not just a tumbleweed blowing across the wind in my safe zone. God told me, in order to know myself I must know him and really start being considerate of others not just of me and my problems. This is going to take lots of prayer!!!!! because I tend to be very Aleta oreniented ( even in the negative).
Ok readers I feel better now but it's nap time for real until next chapter
P.S hopefully I get some insight on this whole food and dinner thing lol.
Happy reading
Aleta
I hope your day is going well. Mine is pretty good, I went to church early this morning and the message was great. It was about embracing shift in our lives. The pastor say something that really stuck with me and made me feel better about my situation, he said that Nothing can get into my life without God's permission. So all this finanical mischief i am going through God allowed it. He did not cause but he did allow it. I knew it was for a reason, he is trying to take me some place else or maybe it's training in trust, or learning how to press dispite what is going on around me. The pastor also talked about using our gifts so that we can experience the favor of God. Now this topic is always difficult for me because anytime a speaker mentions using gifts, my first thought is " well I don't know my gifts" and then I become frustrated because I feel stuck at step one because I don't know what my gifts are or how to use them. Well this happened again today, I was feeling very encouraged by the message, and then he mentioned prosperity is proportioned to the degree to which one functions in their gift. In order to function in that gift you have to know what it is and something inside of me is convinced that I don't know what mine is. But then I heard the Lord speak, and he reminded me of how well I speak but due to fear I allowed people to silence my voice. So i asked God how can I use my voice as a way to up build the kingdom and honestly to make my life better? Well I thought about it and I guess I could start by talking to people. I have always been conscious about my voice because it's loud and I speak properly. How can I embrace that and make it work for me instead of working for it or rather working for the fear of it? Others gifts or strengths I have noticed about myself include good judgment in time and the general character of some people. So how can I use these to my advantage? Well I am hoping to find out by reading Corinthians,something inside of me wants out, it's getting very restless and I have to set it free.
So chapter 10: hm.Well Paul continued with the analogy of eating the food of the non believer and honestly I am not sure what to do with that. He says it's ok to eat with them as long as they don't dedicate their food to idols. So I'm wondering what modern activity would this be compared to? It's really hard to write this because I am sleepy. (Just thought i would put that out there.) I won't think too hard about the food but one thing I did get out of this was that it seems like Paul wants our lives to be an example for both believers and non believers, so they can look to us for encouragment. I am guilty of sacrificing my spiritual standards in order to be considerate of someone's worldly standards. Paul says this is actually harmful because it causes confusion to that non believer and may change their perception of Christ. The portion regarding temptation was very helpful also, it really encourages me to stay sexually pure both emotionally and physically. It also helps to know that my temptation is no different then any other believers temptation (verse 13) I don't feel alone and I am motivated to resist especially since God has my back through the whole thing. Finally God was telling me as I was reading this, that a relationship with him takes alot of time and commitment, I will really have to try to get to know him, it won't be impossible but the theme for my season is EFFORT. I really have to work at it, and trust me it has been rough but I want this life, I want to be something in this world, not just a tumbleweed blowing across the wind in my safe zone. God told me, in order to know myself I must know him and really start being considerate of others not just of me and my problems. This is going to take lots of prayer!!!!! because I tend to be very Aleta oreniented ( even in the negative).
Ok readers I feel better now but it's nap time for real until next chapter
P.S hopefully I get some insight on this whole food and dinner thing lol.
Happy reading
Aleta
Friday, June 10, 2011
I Corinthians Chapter 8-9 mix/commentary
Good Evening all, ( speaking future followers)
Well it has been another interesting week of neglect, negative thoughts and survival. But I am honestly understanding of that because, I have not opened my Bible in a while so my covering has been damaged to say the least. I am going through a period of self neglect. But I refuse to turn another entry into a pity party, I know what I did and now it is time to keep pressing forward. Honestly for these two chapters I'm not really sure what to write, so I am just going to read over them and let the Lord speak to me. I will say this, I am getting bored with simply summarizing the the passages, it's so school and text book like, hopefully I can come up with some ways to spice things up a bit, to keep it interesting and therefore keep up with my commitment.
*Dramatic reading pause*
Well I've read both chapters a few times, giving some passages more attention than others, and honestly I was stumped at first especially with chapter 9. But I will go in order.
So to mean the basis of chapter 8 was Paul was telling the people of the church to be mindful and respectful of other christians and their walk. Not everyone is in the same place with Christ and it is wrong for those were are more experienced in their faith to tempt those who are new in the faith especially in the area where they are weak. Paul used the example of eating food that is offered to an idol. One believer might have the understanding that just because the food is offered to the idol does not mean that food is harmful, mainly because that idol has no power. But someone who is new to the faith and grew up believing that eating food given to the idol is wrong may not grasp that concept right away. So as an experienced believer it is best to not eat the food out of respect for the new believer. I totally get it.
Now chapter 9 was not so cut and dry for me. Honestly the first portion sounded like Paul was venting about not recieving atleast some accomidation when he visits these towns to preach. He used many metaphors like a farmer eating of his/her own harvest or a milk maid drink from her pail, and I'm guessing he is referring to the fact that his message is not only meant to benefit the listeners but him as well. After that it seems like he is fighting his flesh because he always is refocusing his attention not getting anything for his service. As I think about this more I kind of like this portion because it shows his human side, and even though he was called directly by Christ, it shows he still struggles and goes through the battle flesh vs. spirit, but only the flesh doesn't have the same control it once had. It's encouraging to know that even though spiritual leaders, are who they are, they still face battles that the followers do, just on a different scale.
The scripture that stuck out to me the most was this: " You've all been to the stadium and seen athletes race. Everyone runs, one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally. I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me" ( Msg verses 24-26). This really inspired me to work harder and help me understand that this life does not come easy, it takes hard work and practice just like any skill or sport. Though people are born with natural gifts and abilities they must be developed in order to be used effectively and to their full potential. They can not lie dormant inside, they must be trained. It's almost like that scripture says keep going and keep trying, you can make it. What the enemy says is a lie and you do not need to believe it, he is a deceiver. Keep pressing,fighting,praying, and ( for me) start fasting. It is worth it. This is your training season, use it wisely. Your time has not been wasted. You have to learn how to function in your new body.
Thank you Lord for an example of stepping out on faith.
oh one more thing, I felt led to share with you.
I was watching Joyce Meyer this evening and she did a wonderful illustration that stuck with me. It was about when someone first gets saved,before this moment she had on a torn jacket, the man protraying Jesus came out with a white cloak. "Jesus" took Joyce's torn jacket and put on the new white cloak. This coat was clean but it didnt fit quit right. It was very long and too big. She went on to explain that is how it is when we are new to the faith. But we can allow Jesus to fit our cloak on us so that it fits just right. It's alot of work friends but in the end it will be worth the time and effort.
Until next chapter happy reading
Aleta
Well it has been another interesting week of neglect, negative thoughts and survival. But I am honestly understanding of that because, I have not opened my Bible in a while so my covering has been damaged to say the least. I am going through a period of self neglect. But I refuse to turn another entry into a pity party, I know what I did and now it is time to keep pressing forward. Honestly for these two chapters I'm not really sure what to write, so I am just going to read over them and let the Lord speak to me. I will say this, I am getting bored with simply summarizing the the passages, it's so school and text book like, hopefully I can come up with some ways to spice things up a bit, to keep it interesting and therefore keep up with my commitment.
*Dramatic reading pause*
Well I've read both chapters a few times, giving some passages more attention than others, and honestly I was stumped at first especially with chapter 9. But I will go in order.
So to mean the basis of chapter 8 was Paul was telling the people of the church to be mindful and respectful of other christians and their walk. Not everyone is in the same place with Christ and it is wrong for those were are more experienced in their faith to tempt those who are new in the faith especially in the area where they are weak. Paul used the example of eating food that is offered to an idol. One believer might have the understanding that just because the food is offered to the idol does not mean that food is harmful, mainly because that idol has no power. But someone who is new to the faith and grew up believing that eating food given to the idol is wrong may not grasp that concept right away. So as an experienced believer it is best to not eat the food out of respect for the new believer. I totally get it.
Now chapter 9 was not so cut and dry for me. Honestly the first portion sounded like Paul was venting about not recieving atleast some accomidation when he visits these towns to preach. He used many metaphors like a farmer eating of his/her own harvest or a milk maid drink from her pail, and I'm guessing he is referring to the fact that his message is not only meant to benefit the listeners but him as well. After that it seems like he is fighting his flesh because he always is refocusing his attention not getting anything for his service. As I think about this more I kind of like this portion because it shows his human side, and even though he was called directly by Christ, it shows he still struggles and goes through the battle flesh vs. spirit, but only the flesh doesn't have the same control it once had. It's encouraging to know that even though spiritual leaders, are who they are, they still face battles that the followers do, just on a different scale.
The scripture that stuck out to me the most was this: " You've all been to the stadium and seen athletes race. Everyone runs, one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally. I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me" ( Msg verses 24-26). This really inspired me to work harder and help me understand that this life does not come easy, it takes hard work and practice just like any skill or sport. Though people are born with natural gifts and abilities they must be developed in order to be used effectively and to their full potential. They can not lie dormant inside, they must be trained. It's almost like that scripture says keep going and keep trying, you can make it. What the enemy says is a lie and you do not need to believe it, he is a deceiver. Keep pressing,fighting,praying, and ( for me) start fasting. It is worth it. This is your training season, use it wisely. Your time has not been wasted. You have to learn how to function in your new body.
Thank you Lord for an example of stepping out on faith.
oh one more thing, I felt led to share with you.
I was watching Joyce Meyer this evening and she did a wonderful illustration that stuck with me. It was about when someone first gets saved,before this moment she had on a torn jacket, the man protraying Jesus came out with a white cloak. "Jesus" took Joyce's torn jacket and put on the new white cloak. This coat was clean but it didnt fit quit right. It was very long and too big. She went on to explain that is how it is when we are new to the faith. But we can allow Jesus to fit our cloak on us so that it fits just right. It's alot of work friends but in the end it will be worth the time and effort.
Until next chapter happy reading
Aleta
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
I have to get back in the word
Good Evening
It has been a couple days since my last decent post and i must say this process have been anything but easy. It takes real commentment and constant prayer to keep up with this because alot of days i don't feel like looking into the word so extensively and just going over it. But as i have been learning it is essential for me and my day to day walk. I have dedicated myself physically to my husband and emotionally to just growing as a person. I want to be able to help others but I first have to be able to help myself. The first thing I need to is STAY IN MY WORD. This means reading and writing everyday so that I can hear about God's plany for my life and so that I can combat negative thoughts and ideas. There are some major decisions i need to make in my life and I really need to consult Christ so I don't end up living a life I think people want me to live instead of the one I am called to live. I have to keep pressing, physically and spiritual so i can keep growing and reach my my full potential as person.
Currently I am reading a few books so i will let you all know how that goes.
my next entry should be the next chapter in Corinthians gotta keep it moving so we get to the gifts!!!!
Happy Reading
Aleta
It has been a couple days since my last decent post and i must say this process have been anything but easy. It takes real commentment and constant prayer to keep up with this because alot of days i don't feel like looking into the word so extensively and just going over it. But as i have been learning it is essential for me and my day to day walk. I have dedicated myself physically to my husband and emotionally to just growing as a person. I want to be able to help others but I first have to be able to help myself. The first thing I need to is STAY IN MY WORD. This means reading and writing everyday so that I can hear about God's plany for my life and so that I can combat negative thoughts and ideas. There are some major decisions i need to make in my life and I really need to consult Christ so I don't end up living a life I think people want me to live instead of the one I am called to live. I have to keep pressing, physically and spiritual so i can keep growing and reach my my full potential as person.
Currently I am reading a few books so i will let you all know how that goes.
my next entry should be the next chapter in Corinthians gotta keep it moving so we get to the gifts!!!!
Happy Reading
Aleta
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Just me... random :)
Good evening,
Tonight I just really wanted to talk. No chapter break down, atleast not now lol. There are two things that i am really interested in pursuing this summer but I am not sure if they are in God's plan for me.Now I am sleepy and I Have things to do before i leave in the morning ... i will be along soon
Tonight I just really wanted to talk. No chapter break down, atleast not now lol. There are two things that i am really interested in pursuing this summer but I am not sure if they are in God's plan for me.Now I am sleepy and I Have things to do before i leave in the morning ... i will be along soon
Friday, June 3, 2011
1 Corinthians Chapter 7... one week later :(
Good morning ( early morning)
Well as the title states it's been one week since my last post. During that time I have fallen, one time but it was worth like a week's worth of sin.
However on a positive I did complete my resume and that means I can hit this second job scene nice and hard!!.
Another thought that crossed my mind was, when is my life going to start? I mean right now it's really boring. I always hear speakers, pastors, and other people say God does not want us to live a limited, safe life. He wants us to try,experience, and travel to different places. He wants to have fun, but my thing is when is that going to happen for me. It seems like money is always a factor and I am limited by it. I don't want to look back over my life and realize all I ever did was make plans but never put them into action. I want to audition,I want to travel, make dozens of friends, and just I don't know live. But there is a part of me that is so drained by the process and I have no clue where to begin. I WANT TO LIVE!!!! in all of this however I feel like I am on the right track.
Ok so on to chapter 7.
Here Paul talks to the church about relationships. Thus far, it seems this is the longest letter Paul has written, it makes sense because relationships are very important and common. Here He dicusses romantic relationships.Honestly right now I am having a hard time describing this. Well to me Paul is telling the people not to rush into relationships ( especially marriage) because it is not what it's all cracked up to be. Being in a relationship does not solve problems, but it could potentially create more, if the timing is wrong and because being in a relationship takes alot of time and effort.
Another important point Paul brings up ( or atleast I thought he did) was the basis of marriage. In the commentary notes in my NLT ( new living translation) bible, it says that it is better to deal with sexual pressures of singleness than to deal with the stress of an unhappy marriage.The basis of marriage should not be mere physical attraction because that soon fades. The relationship needs substance and I believe friendship in order to stand the test of time. The two people need to be whole as individuals before coming together as a couple.
Maybe for me that is why it is important to be content in my season and really take this time to develop myself and my relationship in the Lord so he can prepare me for the role of wife and also just so i can be happy and fullfilled as a person. Honestly I know my purpose is not to follow one person ( earthly that is) everyday all day, but to have my own life and contribute to this world in hopes to save some of the people in it. This process sucks, but You nobody told me the road would easy.
A verse that stuck out to mean was " God not your marital status, defines your life".(MSG).That really sums up this portion best.
I am going to continue on to the next chapter but I will be refering back to this chapter because I have a feeling it's not done with me yet. :)
Stay tuned for chapter 8 " freedom with responsibility" until then happy reading
Aleta
Well as the title states it's been one week since my last post. During that time I have fallen, one time but it was worth like a week's worth of sin.
However on a positive I did complete my resume and that means I can hit this second job scene nice and hard!!.
Another thought that crossed my mind was, when is my life going to start? I mean right now it's really boring. I always hear speakers, pastors, and other people say God does not want us to live a limited, safe life. He wants us to try,experience, and travel to different places. He wants to have fun, but my thing is when is that going to happen for me. It seems like money is always a factor and I am limited by it. I don't want to look back over my life and realize all I ever did was make plans but never put them into action. I want to audition,I want to travel, make dozens of friends, and just I don't know live. But there is a part of me that is so drained by the process and I have no clue where to begin. I WANT TO LIVE!!!! in all of this however I feel like I am on the right track.
Ok so on to chapter 7.
Here Paul talks to the church about relationships. Thus far, it seems this is the longest letter Paul has written, it makes sense because relationships are very important and common. Here He dicusses romantic relationships.Honestly right now I am having a hard time describing this. Well to me Paul is telling the people not to rush into relationships ( especially marriage) because it is not what it's all cracked up to be. Being in a relationship does not solve problems, but it could potentially create more, if the timing is wrong and because being in a relationship takes alot of time and effort.
Another important point Paul brings up ( or atleast I thought he did) was the basis of marriage. In the commentary notes in my NLT ( new living translation) bible, it says that it is better to deal with sexual pressures of singleness than to deal with the stress of an unhappy marriage.The basis of marriage should not be mere physical attraction because that soon fades. The relationship needs substance and I believe friendship in order to stand the test of time. The two people need to be whole as individuals before coming together as a couple.
Maybe for me that is why it is important to be content in my season and really take this time to develop myself and my relationship in the Lord so he can prepare me for the role of wife and also just so i can be happy and fullfilled as a person. Honestly I know my purpose is not to follow one person ( earthly that is) everyday all day, but to have my own life and contribute to this world in hopes to save some of the people in it. This process sucks, but You nobody told me the road would easy.
A verse that stuck out to mean was " God not your marital status, defines your life".(MSG).That really sums up this portion best.
I am going to continue on to the next chapter but I will be refering back to this chapter because I have a feeling it's not done with me yet. :)
Stay tuned for chapter 8 " freedom with responsibility" until then happy reading
Aleta
Saturday, May 28, 2011
1 Corinthians Chapter 6
Good Morning
It's been couple days since my last post, I can't remember if i published chapter 4 because I wrote it as a Word document and so if they are out of order that's why .
Well as you can see I am coming to you during the morning, because my neighbors were just having a lovely conversation outside my door @ 630 this morning. Now I am not an early morning person for real so I was not pleased to say the least. But I decided to make the most of my time and spend some time with the Lord.
So I read chapter 6 in my journey through Corinthians and surprisingly Paul once again goes over the importance of avoiding sexual sin. He says in the message Bible that we should avoid the kind of sex "that avoids commitment, leaving you more lonely than ever"( verses 18-20). Though I personally feel guilty for doing this for the past year, it sure explains why I want to be with someone so badly, part of me is physically with him and That is how God design sex to function. In order for my tie to wear off, I have to starve the connection, hence the reason for not texting and calling as much because essentially by doing those small things I am just feeding into it and making it stronger. This chapter really put things into perspective for me, and affirms that the Lord's spirit is in me, hence my standards for these sorts of things. So my solution for this is to continue to allow this un holy connection to starve. I just thank God for explaining that to me this morning. So that's why they woke me up. Ok so I'm not gonna lie, I did skip the first part about law suits because I really don't understand it. It says that we should not file suits against each other but, honestly how else are we supposed to settle things like that? Request a Christian attorney? or just allow people to cheat and steal from us? I don't know about that.
well until next chapter happy reading
Aleta
It's been couple days since my last post, I can't remember if i published chapter 4 because I wrote it as a Word document and so if they are out of order that's why .
Well as you can see I am coming to you during the morning, because my neighbors were just having a lovely conversation outside my door @ 630 this morning. Now I am not an early morning person for real so I was not pleased to say the least. But I decided to make the most of my time and spend some time with the Lord.
So I read chapter 6 in my journey through Corinthians and surprisingly Paul once again goes over the importance of avoiding sexual sin. He says in the message Bible that we should avoid the kind of sex "that avoids commitment, leaving you more lonely than ever"( verses 18-20). Though I personally feel guilty for doing this for the past year, it sure explains why I want to be with someone so badly, part of me is physically with him and That is how God design sex to function. In order for my tie to wear off, I have to starve the connection, hence the reason for not texting and calling as much because essentially by doing those small things I am just feeding into it and making it stronger. This chapter really put things into perspective for me, and affirms that the Lord's spirit is in me, hence my standards for these sorts of things. So my solution for this is to continue to allow this un holy connection to starve. I just thank God for explaining that to me this morning. So that's why they woke me up. Ok so I'm not gonna lie, I did skip the first part about law suits because I really don't understand it. It says that we should not file suits against each other but, honestly how else are we supposed to settle things like that? Request a Christian attorney? or just allow people to cheat and steal from us? I don't know about that.
well until next chapter happy reading
Aleta
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Another Day
Good Afternoon all,
I apologize for not blogging yesterday. I have the habit of not blogging after everything is gets more positive. Once again I am not really in the mood for doing this...ugh! But it is part of the process and I have to move one day at a time. That's really all I had to say about that.
After my last entry on Monday I decided to read up on some Theater history and visualization of movie in the mind. It was a very interesting read. I may publish a copy of the poem that was in the front cover. It has given me a new perspective, but I won't lie I am still struggling with not contacting him throughout the day, but it's a process right?
well stay tuned for the chapter on sex it is coming tonight
until then happy reading
Aleta
I apologize for not blogging yesterday. I have the habit of not blogging after everything is gets more positive. Once again I am not really in the mood for doing this...ugh! But it is part of the process and I have to move one day at a time. That's really all I had to say about that.
After my last entry on Monday I decided to read up on some Theater history and visualization of movie in the mind. It was a very interesting read. I may publish a copy of the poem that was in the front cover. It has given me a new perspective, but I won't lie I am still struggling with not contacting him throughout the day, but it's a process right?
well stay tuned for the chapter on sex it is coming tonight
until then happy reading
Aleta
Monday, May 23, 2011
I Corinthians Chapter 4
Good evening,
I just have to remember being obedient is what's most important, not my temporary feelings. Plus no one said this would be easy, so let's get to it.
So last night and this morning I read chapter 4 ( my friends did say i was always a master at stating the obvious lol). Anyway Paul discussed once again the source of his power and how it is important not to judge others or make comparisons among leaders. One statement that Paul made that really stuck out to me was " It's important to look at things from God's point of view." (verse 6) This is important because as humans we have a tendency to get distracted by the situation and all it's discouraging details. But as believers in our Spirit bodies, we can take our eyes off of the situation and place them on the source and focus on the coming solution.
This is is so much easier said than done. Especially when i feel like I am going through spiritual puberity. Everything is so confusing and un sure and I feel like everyone around me is coming into their own but i am still the spiritually the shortest kid in the class. I am looking around for someone, almost anyone to tell me who i am and what makes me tick, but they all just look at me and say " Your time will come." Seriously?
I know my life is more than facebook and real housewives shows. But who knows maybe it will be just like it was just before I started to drive. I would watch movies and envy those who had the freedom to drive cars and I thought I would never learn, but one day i decided to just to do it, and look at me now I'm getting mileage!!! ( i don't care I thought it was funny lol)
So i feel my assignment now is to spend time with myself. Just to see what i like. I trust the Lord to guide and protect my mind, so that I don't trust the resources as my source. The director of my movie gave me some stage directions to follow so here I go. Wish me luck self :)
oh btw ( by the way) sorry I cut the blog short but He spoke.
Be prepared because chapter 5 is about sex ( oh yea!) until then happy reading
Aleta
I just have to remember being obedient is what's most important, not my temporary feelings. Plus no one said this would be easy, so let's get to it.
So last night and this morning I read chapter 4 ( my friends did say i was always a master at stating the obvious lol). Anyway Paul discussed once again the source of his power and how it is important not to judge others or make comparisons among leaders. One statement that Paul made that really stuck out to me was " It's important to look at things from God's point of view." (verse 6) This is important because as humans we have a tendency to get distracted by the situation and all it's discouraging details. But as believers in our Spirit bodies, we can take our eyes off of the situation and place them on the source and focus on the coming solution.
This is is so much easier said than done. Especially when i feel like I am going through spiritual puberity. Everything is so confusing and un sure and I feel like everyone around me is coming into their own but i am still the spiritually the shortest kid in the class. I am looking around for someone, almost anyone to tell me who i am and what makes me tick, but they all just look at me and say " Your time will come." Seriously?
I know my life is more than facebook and real housewives shows. But who knows maybe it will be just like it was just before I started to drive. I would watch movies and envy those who had the freedom to drive cars and I thought I would never learn, but one day i decided to just to do it, and look at me now I'm getting mileage!!! ( i don't care I thought it was funny lol)
So i feel my assignment now is to spend time with myself. Just to see what i like. I trust the Lord to guide and protect my mind, so that I don't trust the resources as my source. The director of my movie gave me some stage directions to follow so here I go. Wish me luck self :)
oh btw ( by the way) sorry I cut the blog short but He spoke.
Be prepared because chapter 5 is about sex ( oh yea!) until then happy reading
Aleta
Sunday, May 22, 2011
I Corinthians Chapter 3
Good evening all
It's been about 4 days since my last entry. Honestly i can say that things were getting alittle to close for comfort for me and i did my usual quick exit routine. Especially since last time i was pushing it because i didnt even feel like writing, and i had to dig deep to allow God to pull forth something in me ( though it felt like i was doing most of the work.)
But isn't that the point of this? To be pushed past our point of comfort in order to go some place higher in Him. But that is a heck of alot easier said than done. Actually commiting to him on a daily basis and to remain focused on him throughout that process. These past two months have been the most trying times in my entire life. It feels like every day i have to be broken down just alittle further and honestly I am afraid to go deeper in him because of the trials and attacks that come as a result. So i jump in for awhile and then when things start to get real, too real, I jump out before i can experience anymore discomfort. As I am reading over the words I am currently writing, my method of thinking is doing more harm than good. I cannot fully develop if I skip certain parts of the process. It's just sooo freakin HARD!!!! UGH. But it is now or never. I am choosing now.
I won't lie to you I really don't feel like doing this right now. I'd rather get on facebook, or watch the billboard music awards or something, but eventually I am going to have to put in this work,so let's just do it sooner rather than later.
I Corinthians Chapter 3. Well once again i read from both the New Living Translation (NLT) and the Message Bible (MSG). In this chapter Paul is still stressing the source his power and not the resources which are Paul and Apollos at this point. Prior to this he lovely scolds the believers on their actions because they are a direct reflection of those that are still govern by the flesh instead of the God's spiirt. He even said " and you still aren't ready. For you are governed by your sinful nature." (verse 2-3) Here he is referring to the the bickering going on between the believers, which displays their infant like christian walk.
He goes on to discuss how important it to properly develop their new foundation in Christ. This section stuck out the most to me. It says " Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a varitey of materials- gold, silver,jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on judgment day, fire will show if a person's work has any value. If the work survies,that worker will recieve a reward. But if the work is burned up,the builder will suffer a great loss. The builder will be saved but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.(verses 12-15) This really struck me because I always thought that once I made it to heaven that was it. But here Paul explains that we will be rewarded according to our works here on earth for the Kingdom. So my works here determine how well off I will be in Heaven. Well it’s a good thing the rapture didn’t happen yesterday because I would be broke as a joke in Heaven, like seriously.
On a positive note, I went to church at “The Church on Strayer” and this very scripture came up in the message and Pastor Scott ( no not me or my dad lol) explained that once we are in heaven we have the ability to rule over the universe,according to our works of course. Currently I want all the great rewards but I don’t want to do all the hard work that goes with it. But these motives and attitudes will determine our rewards in heaven. It remains me of the scripture in James “ faith without works is dead.” There must be a balance between our faith and our actions, like our actions should be a direct reflection of our faith, in all aspects of life. I have notice by just walking with God for these few days I have been more sensitive to his spirit and it is starting to come out of me at most convient times. There are plenty of days I don’t feel like writing this,and when I give into that feeling everything is off and feels wrong. I need Him in my life.
I think I might review this chapter tomorrow and then move on to 4
Until then happy reading
Aleta
It's been about 4 days since my last entry. Honestly i can say that things were getting alittle to close for comfort for me and i did my usual quick exit routine. Especially since last time i was pushing it because i didnt even feel like writing, and i had to dig deep to allow God to pull forth something in me ( though it felt like i was doing most of the work.)
But isn't that the point of this? To be pushed past our point of comfort in order to go some place higher in Him. But that is a heck of alot easier said than done. Actually commiting to him on a daily basis and to remain focused on him throughout that process. These past two months have been the most trying times in my entire life. It feels like every day i have to be broken down just alittle further and honestly I am afraid to go deeper in him because of the trials and attacks that come as a result. So i jump in for awhile and then when things start to get real, too real, I jump out before i can experience anymore discomfort. As I am reading over the words I am currently writing, my method of thinking is doing more harm than good. I cannot fully develop if I skip certain parts of the process. It's just sooo freakin HARD!!!! UGH. But it is now or never. I am choosing now.
I won't lie to you I really don't feel like doing this right now. I'd rather get on facebook, or watch the billboard music awards or something, but eventually I am going to have to put in this work,so let's just do it sooner rather than later.
I Corinthians Chapter 3. Well once again i read from both the New Living Translation (NLT) and the Message Bible (MSG). In this chapter Paul is still stressing the source his power and not the resources which are Paul and Apollos at this point. Prior to this he lovely scolds the believers on their actions because they are a direct reflection of those that are still govern by the flesh instead of the God's spiirt. He even said " and you still aren't ready. For you are governed by your sinful nature." (verse 2-3) Here he is referring to the the bickering going on between the believers, which displays their infant like christian walk.
He goes on to discuss how important it to properly develop their new foundation in Christ. This section stuck out the most to me. It says " Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a varitey of materials- gold, silver,jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on judgment day, fire will show if a person's work has any value. If the work survies,that worker will recieve a reward. But if the work is burned up,the builder will suffer a great loss. The builder will be saved but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.(verses 12-15) This really struck me because I always thought that once I made it to heaven that was it. But here Paul explains that we will be rewarded according to our works here on earth for the Kingdom. So my works here determine how well off I will be in Heaven. Well it’s a good thing the rapture didn’t happen yesterday because I would be broke as a joke in Heaven, like seriously.
On a positive note, I went to church at “The Church on Strayer” and this very scripture came up in the message and Pastor Scott ( no not me or my dad lol) explained that once we are in heaven we have the ability to rule over the universe,according to our works of course. Currently I want all the great rewards but I don’t want to do all the hard work that goes with it. But these motives and attitudes will determine our rewards in heaven. It remains me of the scripture in James “ faith without works is dead.” There must be a balance between our faith and our actions, like our actions should be a direct reflection of our faith, in all aspects of life. I have notice by just walking with God for these few days I have been more sensitive to his spirit and it is starting to come out of me at most convient times. There are plenty of days I don’t feel like writing this,and when I give into that feeling everything is off and feels wrong. I need Him in my life.
I think I might review this chapter tomorrow and then move on to 4
Until then happy reading
Aleta
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
God's Spirit part 2
good evening,
sorry for the delay in the completion of the God's spirit blog. I have honestly been down in the dumps all day. I just feel sluggish and un movitated and it's not fun. I really don't feel like writing right now... but it's all about commitment right? I guess lol
So where exactly did we leave off? Spirit. All i can say about 1 Corinthians chapter two is that Paul stressed about the Source of his power and the source to God's will and plan for us. It's Him and once we take on this spirit we have access to it all! All we need to do is ask him through prayer. Paul also encourages believers to look beyond the surface God's wisdom, he says it's " something mysterious that goes deep into the interior of his purposes." I believe that to mean that not only do we need to pray and spend time with God, but actually read our devtional passages more than once. Really investigate words, their meanings and origins. While we do that God has a way (at least for me, everyone will have their own experience of course) of revealing meanings and ideas we may have missed by just skimiing the passage and ignoring words we may not understand. I believe this chapter uses the word spirit and wisdom so much because the two words go hand in hand. His spirit is the source of our wisdom. And this wisdom can be our understanding That God is responsible for everything in this world and beyond it. Once we understand that, i believe we can better understand ourselves and therefore trust Him more, because there is a better awareness of who and what we are dealing with.
Finally, once we have aquired God's spirit we gain insight or wisdom, but as Paul says this is not the World's wisdom or latest trend of self help, but rathter the oldest message which is God's plan to bring out the best in all of us ( yes even me) and he had it all planned before the world was formed. ( ch 2:verse7) That's why it is important to trust because like it says " Who ever knows what you're thinking and planning except You yourself? (verse 11) God works the same way, that is why no matter how things look in this world, God has it covered Just trust it and keep talking to him so you stay in the know. I mean that's how you keep up with gossip, you have to stay informed and i believe the word gives us way to do so. By reading, fasting, praying, and fellowshiping with others. Yea, its the same thing we do in the natural world, so why not try it in the spiritual?
It's worth the risk.
Well until next chapter happy reading
Aleta
sorry for the delay in the completion of the God's spirit blog. I have honestly been down in the dumps all day. I just feel sluggish and un movitated and it's not fun. I really don't feel like writing right now... but it's all about commitment right? I guess lol
So where exactly did we leave off? Spirit. All i can say about 1 Corinthians chapter two is that Paul stressed about the Source of his power and the source to God's will and plan for us. It's Him and once we take on this spirit we have access to it all! All we need to do is ask him through prayer. Paul also encourages believers to look beyond the surface God's wisdom, he says it's " something mysterious that goes deep into the interior of his purposes." I believe that to mean that not only do we need to pray and spend time with God, but actually read our devtional passages more than once. Really investigate words, their meanings and origins. While we do that God has a way (at least for me, everyone will have their own experience of course) of revealing meanings and ideas we may have missed by just skimiing the passage and ignoring words we may not understand. I believe this chapter uses the word spirit and wisdom so much because the two words go hand in hand. His spirit is the source of our wisdom. And this wisdom can be our understanding That God is responsible for everything in this world and beyond it. Once we understand that, i believe we can better understand ourselves and therefore trust Him more, because there is a better awareness of who and what we are dealing with.
Finally, once we have aquired God's spirit we gain insight or wisdom, but as Paul says this is not the World's wisdom or latest trend of self help, but rathter the oldest message which is God's plan to bring out the best in all of us ( yes even me) and he had it all planned before the world was formed. ( ch 2:verse7) That's why it is important to trust because like it says " Who ever knows what you're thinking and planning except You yourself? (verse 11) God works the same way, that is why no matter how things look in this world, God has it covered Just trust it and keep talking to him so you stay in the know. I mean that's how you keep up with gossip, you have to stay informed and i believe the word gives us way to do so. By reading, fasting, praying, and fellowshiping with others. Yea, its the same thing we do in the natural world, so why not try it in the spiritual?
It's worth the risk.
Well until next chapter happy reading
Aleta
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
God's Spirit
Good Afternoon all,
yes I have expectation, to have hundreds of followers one day because i would like to use this to inspire someone one day. But anyway that reason may change, seems alil Aletaish at the current moment lol.
Anyway,
As I mentioned in my last post 1 Corinthians chapter deals alot with God's spirit and the revelation of his promises and purposes. Paul talks about how he intentionally kept his message simple because he wanted the listeners focus to be on the message and not the him or other speakers. He then goes into how The Lord's spirit was the source of his strength and that their righteous living was response to God's spiirt and not any fancy message he had given.
Beginning with verse 10 in 1 Corinthians chapter 2, Paul uses the word spirit or a variation of it ( spiritual, unspiritual) 14 times in my NLT (new living translation) and in my Message bible ( a bible using contemporary language)beginning at verse 9, it is used 13 times. That's alot to me. So God's spirit must be very important and essential to our walk as well as our understanding of God. It is also important to understand his spirit because once we accept Christ into our lives this spirit becomes alive within us, and I don't know about you but i want to know as much as i can about something that is said to be living inside of me.
So....
I started with the dicitionary and looked up the word spirit. It is defined as 14 different things. hm 14 again, ( happens to be my favorite calendar number by the way). Honestly this whole thing about God's spirit can be abit over whelming ( feels that way now just as i am sitting here writing this lol )
So let's just start with the first defintion. it says
an animating or vital principle held to give life to physical organisms
(merriam-webster dictionary).Hm so the first thing I learned about the spirit is that it gives life.As we learned yesterday in Romans 6:23 one of the free gifts of God is enternal life. So now we know where this life comes from. His spirit.
Another definition of spirit ( number 6 to be exact) says a special attitude or frame of mind. So not only is it a source of life but it provides the basis for thoughts. Hm interesting. So far we know that God's spirit provides a source of life and thoughts and not only for him, but for those who take on his spirit. So when God's spirit is within us we have access to his life and his thoughts. What does it mean to have access to his life? I mean when i think of God i don't think of a physical person like me. I think of this being from an alternate universe with great power and pressence.
yes I have expectation, to have hundreds of followers one day because i would like to use this to inspire someone one day. But anyway that reason may change, seems alil Aletaish at the current moment lol.
Anyway,
As I mentioned in my last post 1 Corinthians chapter deals alot with God's spirit and the revelation of his promises and purposes. Paul talks about how he intentionally kept his message simple because he wanted the listeners focus to be on the message and not the him or other speakers. He then goes into how The Lord's spirit was the source of his strength and that their righteous living was response to God's spiirt and not any fancy message he had given.
Beginning with verse 10 in 1 Corinthians chapter 2, Paul uses the word spirit or a variation of it ( spiritual, unspiritual) 14 times in my NLT (new living translation) and in my Message bible ( a bible using contemporary language)beginning at verse 9, it is used 13 times. That's alot to me. So God's spirit must be very important and essential to our walk as well as our understanding of God. It is also important to understand his spirit because once we accept Christ into our lives this spirit becomes alive within us, and I don't know about you but i want to know as much as i can about something that is said to be living inside of me.
So....
I started with the dicitionary and looked up the word spirit. It is defined as 14 different things. hm 14 again, ( happens to be my favorite calendar number by the way). Honestly this whole thing about God's spirit can be abit over whelming ( feels that way now just as i am sitting here writing this lol )
So let's just start with the first defintion. it says
an animating or vital principle held to give life to physical organisms
(merriam-webster dictionary).Hm so the first thing I learned about the spirit is that it gives life.As we learned yesterday in Romans 6:23 one of the free gifts of God is enternal life. So now we know where this life comes from. His spirit.
Another definition of spirit ( number 6 to be exact) says a special attitude or frame of mind. So not only is it a source of life but it provides the basis for thoughts. Hm interesting. So far we know that God's spirit provides a source of life and thoughts and not only for him, but for those who take on his spirit. So when God's spirit is within us we have access to his life and his thoughts. What does it mean to have access to his life? I mean when i think of God i don't think of a physical person like me. I think of this being from an alternate universe with great power and pressence.
Monday, May 16, 2011
1 Corithians Chapter 1 Review
This evening's reading was very interesting because I decided to review chapter 1 to be sure I understood what I had read plus I skipped a day so i just needed a refresher course. Well let me tell you it is a good thing I decided to do so.
As I was i was skimming over the chapter I was hung up on the phrase " those who are called" ( Romans 1:24) and it me to ask how do i know if i am called or chosen? Honestly I sat for a few minutes and then the scripture Romans 8:28 came to my mind. Now i thought this scripture said confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus was raised from the dead,but not quite. Romans 8:28 says " and we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."(NIV) Here is that word called again. So i scanned down the page and read an insert which discussed this scripture. A part of it said " this promise is not for everyone , it's for those who trust Jesus." Well there is my answer, those who are called trust Jesus. OK. So my next question was how do I trust Jesus?" I was then led to Romans 6:23 which says " For the wages of sin is death, but the FREE gift of God is eternal life." (NIV)Here the word that stuck out to me the most was Free... well ok two words, FREE GIFT. So then I thought what is the free gift of God? Salvation. How do I get salvation?
That answer was located in Romans 10:9 which says " If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and Believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (NIV) So honestly my original thought was correct but, the steps in between getting to this scripture were essential in my understanding of what this all really meant in the first place.
In the message bible i continued to read in Romans chapter 10 and it said "Scripture reassures us No one who trusts God like this -heart and soul- will ever regret it. And as i was reading I saw the word trust several times and so i decided to look up this word trust and just to see what it really means. In the dictionary trust is defined as assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something. assured reliance. very interesting. Prior to reading this defintion I read that the basis of Paul's ( author of Romans and Corinthians) ministry was on faith.So i looked up the definition of faith and it is defined as firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2) : complete trust.
It just amazed me how all of these words are interconnected. One word led straight to the other. and its crazy because i have not even touch on chapter 2 lol. You cant have faith without trust. Trust is required for faith to even process. While reading these chapters, God revealed to me that when i first accepted Christ it was out of obligation not beccause i wanted to. I remember that because that was the year I tried to steal from Drug Mart and it was almost like that was my peace offering with God, my life. I didnt really have a chance to give it to him willingly, so that in turn effected my whole relationship with Him thus far. It explains the feelings of obligation in my walk " I should be doing or listening to this" "I should be here with that". I never did it because i wanted to, I did it because I thought I had to. This however led me this evening to willingly confess Jesus as my master and That God has made everything right between him and me. That's it. After I said that it was like I was seeing through a new pair of eyes. I also realize that what is going on in my natural life is a direct reflection of what is happening in my Spiritual life. DEEP.
This night was so beautiful and to think i have been missing out on this all this time. Honestly sometimes I wish i could be a fulltime Christian as my career, just study and live in God's word and pressence. Hm. Who knows.
well i did read chapter two but I haven't really broke it down yet. I know for sure we will be dealing with the words spirit and wisdom because Paul says those words alot so they must be important.
well, until next chapter happy reading
Aleta
As I was i was skimming over the chapter I was hung up on the phrase " those who are called" ( Romans 1:24) and it me to ask how do i know if i am called or chosen? Honestly I sat for a few minutes and then the scripture Romans 8:28 came to my mind. Now i thought this scripture said confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus was raised from the dead,but not quite. Romans 8:28 says " and we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."(NIV) Here is that word called again. So i scanned down the page and read an insert which discussed this scripture. A part of it said " this promise is not for everyone , it's for those who trust Jesus." Well there is my answer, those who are called trust Jesus. OK. So my next question was how do I trust Jesus?" I was then led to Romans 6:23 which says " For the wages of sin is death, but the FREE gift of God is eternal life." (NIV)Here the word that stuck out to me the most was Free... well ok two words, FREE GIFT. So then I thought what is the free gift of God? Salvation. How do I get salvation?
That answer was located in Romans 10:9 which says " If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and Believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (NIV) So honestly my original thought was correct but, the steps in between getting to this scripture were essential in my understanding of what this all really meant in the first place.
In the message bible i continued to read in Romans chapter 10 and it said "Scripture reassures us No one who trusts God like this -heart and soul- will ever regret it. And as i was reading I saw the word trust several times and so i decided to look up this word trust and just to see what it really means. In the dictionary trust is defined as assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something. assured reliance. very interesting. Prior to reading this defintion I read that the basis of Paul's ( author of Romans and Corinthians) ministry was on faith.So i looked up the definition of faith and it is defined as firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2) : complete trust.
It just amazed me how all of these words are interconnected. One word led straight to the other. and its crazy because i have not even touch on chapter 2 lol. You cant have faith without trust. Trust is required for faith to even process. While reading these chapters, God revealed to me that when i first accepted Christ it was out of obligation not beccause i wanted to. I remember that because that was the year I tried to steal from Drug Mart and it was almost like that was my peace offering with God, my life. I didnt really have a chance to give it to him willingly, so that in turn effected my whole relationship with Him thus far. It explains the feelings of obligation in my walk " I should be doing or listening to this" "I should be here with that". I never did it because i wanted to, I did it because I thought I had to. This however led me this evening to willingly confess Jesus as my master and That God has made everything right between him and me. That's it. After I said that it was like I was seeing through a new pair of eyes. I also realize that what is going on in my natural life is a direct reflection of what is happening in my Spiritual life. DEEP.
This night was so beautiful and to think i have been missing out on this all this time. Honestly sometimes I wish i could be a fulltime Christian as my career, just study and live in God's word and pressence. Hm. Who knows.
well i did read chapter two but I haven't really broke it down yet. I know for sure we will be dealing with the words spirit and wisdom because Paul says those words alot so they must be important.
well, until next chapter happy reading
Aleta
sorry i missed
Hey all,
As you may or may not have noticed, yesterday i did not provide an entry like i said i would or like i wanted to ( yea that's honest) and for that i apologize. I feel if i am going to have a sucessful blog then dedication is top priority even if it is only to one person.
Well the reason for my absence was due to friends from my hometown coming to visit me. I understand I had plenty of time to read and even give of brief summary of the text but, I didn't because it seems like whenever I have visitors i dedicate all my time and energy and self to them and what they need, atleast for aslong as it entertains me, after awhile I wanted to do something else or i would get somewhat spicy with them. I noticed though during times where i would get upset or offended they would just roll with the punches I threw, because as I really listen to some of the things I say, I can be really harsh and even rude at times. If someone spoke to me the way I spoke to other people, I would normally get spicy and atleast say something back especially if we were not close friends. But my really good friends they tell me the truth about myself and sometimes that truth hurts but they still stick around with me. No matter how paranoid, rude, moody, or anything I do, they just take. I realize every person has a breaking point and I can't abuse this wonderful privilege but it still amazes me none the less.
Is this what acceptance feels like? Taking the good and bad in a person and not abandoning them because of the bad? It just amazes me what wonderful people I already have in my life without even looking. Crazy.
well I just wanted you know to what was going on in my life the day i didn't write. Now it's on to "exegete" this text as my pastor would say.
until next chapter happy reading
Aleta
As you may or may not have noticed, yesterday i did not provide an entry like i said i would or like i wanted to ( yea that's honest) and for that i apologize. I feel if i am going to have a sucessful blog then dedication is top priority even if it is only to one person.
Well the reason for my absence was due to friends from my hometown coming to visit me. I understand I had plenty of time to read and even give of brief summary of the text but, I didn't because it seems like whenever I have visitors i dedicate all my time and energy and self to them and what they need, atleast for aslong as it entertains me, after awhile I wanted to do something else or i would get somewhat spicy with them. I noticed though during times where i would get upset or offended they would just roll with the punches I threw, because as I really listen to some of the things I say, I can be really harsh and even rude at times. If someone spoke to me the way I spoke to other people, I would normally get spicy and atleast say something back especially if we were not close friends. But my really good friends they tell me the truth about myself and sometimes that truth hurts but they still stick around with me. No matter how paranoid, rude, moody, or anything I do, they just take. I realize every person has a breaking point and I can't abuse this wonderful privilege but it still amazes me none the less.
Is this what acceptance feels like? Taking the good and bad in a person and not abandoning them because of the bad? It just amazes me what wonderful people I already have in my life without even looking. Crazy.
well I just wanted you know to what was going on in my life the day i didn't write. Now it's on to "exegete" this text as my pastor would say.
until next chapter happy reading
Aleta
Saturday, May 14, 2011
1 Corinthians Chapter 1
I had to read this chapter a few times because i really wanted to hear from the Holy Spirit. In Summary this chapter Paul discussed the importance of the church family getting along with each other. From my understanding he really didnt get into why that was important except the fact that it leads to believers paying more attention to WHO is giving the message and less to WHERE the message is coming from. He also talks about how the world views the message from the Lord as silliness and absurd.
The world would rather give credit to itself than even aknowledge God. That is why Paul said the Jews of this time period needed big demonstrations and the Greeks rely on logic from Philosophers instead of trusting in God.
Paul then goes on to talk about why God chose the down and outs and nobodies. This is because they are less likely to get by simply on their own knowledge, it is almost like they have no choice but to turn to God in order to be somebody. It makes sense though, if the world doesn't want them who would? Jesus. that is all we need as believers we, dont have to prove anything, earn anything, its all free. Now in the natural it will cost friends, some family members, jobs, money, popularity, and other important natural possesions but in the end it is all worth the risk.
In my own life, the Holy Spirit revealed to me that the reason i cannot completely function in my gifts is because the focus is MY gifts and not the creator who gave them to me. Currently I am missing the whole point of the gifts, and that is to glorify his name and demonstrate his power. Instead i seek recognition,reward, and attention and pay little ( literally) attention to Christ and what he has done. I don't trust him enough so that is why i am going through this demolition process. I need to tear down all the barriers standing in between he and I. That includes, food, money, my car, friendships, romantic relationships, just everything. It's hard but atleast i understand now. I have to completely submit my will unto him before he can unleash the power inside of me because the right Person has to get credit and as it stands now he wouldn't.
well he turned an ok day one, into a great day one.
Until chapter 2 happy reading
Aleta
The world would rather give credit to itself than even aknowledge God. That is why Paul said the Jews of this time period needed big demonstrations and the Greeks rely on logic from Philosophers instead of trusting in God.
Paul then goes on to talk about why God chose the down and outs and nobodies. This is because they are less likely to get by simply on their own knowledge, it is almost like they have no choice but to turn to God in order to be somebody. It makes sense though, if the world doesn't want them who would? Jesus. that is all we need as believers we, dont have to prove anything, earn anything, its all free. Now in the natural it will cost friends, some family members, jobs, money, popularity, and other important natural possesions but in the end it is all worth the risk.
In my own life, the Holy Spirit revealed to me that the reason i cannot completely function in my gifts is because the focus is MY gifts and not the creator who gave them to me. Currently I am missing the whole point of the gifts, and that is to glorify his name and demonstrate his power. Instead i seek recognition,reward, and attention and pay little ( literally) attention to Christ and what he has done. I don't trust him enough so that is why i am going through this demolition process. I need to tear down all the barriers standing in between he and I. That includes, food, money, my car, friendships, romantic relationships, just everything. It's hard but atleast i understand now. I have to completely submit my will unto him before he can unleash the power inside of me because the right Person has to get credit and as it stands now he wouldn't.
well he turned an ok day one, into a great day one.
Until chapter 2 happy reading
Aleta
day 1: not a great start
i apologize already,
in my last entry i said would write as soon as i woke up... well its about 12 hours later and i am just now writing, forgive me. I completely forgot plus by the time i did remeber it i didnt have enough time to do it before work. So i am already off to a not so great start, oh well Rome wasn't built in a day right? exactly so moving forward.
Last night after i logged off I had trouble sleeping, so i opened my bible and i read Acts 2 which talked about the Holy spirit and how he helps believers throughtout their daily walk. He acts as a guide or rather is a guide and a comforter.
This chapter specifically talked about an occasion when the holy spirit manifested a group of people and they began to speak in foreign languages worshiping God, this was proof of the power of the Holy Spirit.
This struck me because i had an understanding as to why i havent experienced the fullness of the my spiritual gifts and that is because i give glory to myself rather to God. I am not going to lie to you, i am having a hard time writing this because there are alot of things on my mind right now that are just irking, one thing in particular i want to take a brief nap but i can't. I'm just so tired and frustrated i have no clue what to do.
i have to stop and pray for now... i will write a better later
in my last entry i said would write as soon as i woke up... well its about 12 hours later and i am just now writing, forgive me. I completely forgot plus by the time i did remeber it i didnt have enough time to do it before work. So i am already off to a not so great start, oh well Rome wasn't built in a day right? exactly so moving forward.
Last night after i logged off I had trouble sleeping, so i opened my bible and i read Acts 2 which talked about the Holy spirit and how he helps believers throughtout their daily walk. He acts as a guide or rather is a guide and a comforter.
This chapter specifically talked about an occasion when the holy spirit manifested a group of people and they began to speak in foreign languages worshiping God, this was proof of the power of the Holy Spirit.
This struck me because i had an understanding as to why i havent experienced the fullness of the my spiritual gifts and that is because i give glory to myself rather to God. I am not going to lie to you, i am having a hard time writing this because there are alot of things on my mind right now that are just irking, one thing in particular i want to take a brief nap but i can't. I'm just so tired and frustrated i have no clue what to do.
i have to stop and pray for now... i will write a better later
Friday, May 13, 2011
I'm back again
well this time I only went about 3 months without keeping up. I guess the positive thing is that the time span is getting shorter, thats one step.
Well it's May and school has just ended. I have been academically free for 8 days now and i was blessed to have a job for the summer. The problem is i dont have a life plan. This is sort of a big deal because i graduate in one year, I havent applied to any grad schools or scholarships. But this year should be different.
You know one thing i have noticed about me is that i make lots of empty promises to myself. Always planning to change something, starting something, or become something, but I never just be. Why is that?
Well let's look at the stats shall we?
I just finished my fourth year of school
I'm a theater major with a cinema studies minor ( random)
i have this overwhelming fascination for relationships
i really like the color pink
i am alive
i talk about myself ALOT! ( in the negative mostly)
ihave no clue what i want to do with my life
i avoid time with God
there's hope and its not over.
i am totally clueless about myself and how i operate
i know how i should or want to operate as a person
i put an insane amount of pressure on myself
i feel convicted when i dont write regularly.
i can be EXTREMELY LAZY!!!
i feel pressure (from me or others not sure which) to be something im really not.
could that be potential? i don't know.
You know what enough of this already I'm just going to do it. Last year i fasted from facebook for thirty days and it was very liberating. I read Pslams 139 ( i think) one verse everyday. but after that i just relasped back into facebook
so i am just going to document this process but with a different intent. These entries are going to be raw and "uncut" if you will. No swearing ( i will try my best) but there will be days where its gonna suck cuz this is a lazy person actually doing something so it wont be pretty but darn it! i cant live like this anymore.
So in like 7 hours maybe sixish lol i will begin this process. goodnight
see ya soon :)
Well it's May and school has just ended. I have been academically free for 8 days now and i was blessed to have a job for the summer. The problem is i dont have a life plan. This is sort of a big deal because i graduate in one year, I havent applied to any grad schools or scholarships. But this year should be different.
You know one thing i have noticed about me is that i make lots of empty promises to myself. Always planning to change something, starting something, or become something, but I never just be. Why is that?
Well let's look at the stats shall we?
I just finished my fourth year of school
I'm a theater major with a cinema studies minor ( random)
i have this overwhelming fascination for relationships
i really like the color pink
i am alive
i talk about myself ALOT! ( in the negative mostly)
ihave no clue what i want to do with my life
i avoid time with God
there's hope and its not over.
i am totally clueless about myself and how i operate
i know how i should or want to operate as a person
i put an insane amount of pressure on myself
i feel convicted when i dont write regularly.
i can be EXTREMELY LAZY!!!
i feel pressure (from me or others not sure which) to be something im really not.
could that be potential? i don't know.
You know what enough of this already I'm just going to do it. Last year i fasted from facebook for thirty days and it was very liberating. I read Pslams 139 ( i think) one verse everyday. but after that i just relasped back into facebook
so i am just going to document this process but with a different intent. These entries are going to be raw and "uncut" if you will. No swearing ( i will try my best) but there will be days where its gonna suck cuz this is a lazy person actually doing something so it wont be pretty but darn it! i cant live like this anymore.
So in like 7 hours maybe sixish lol i will begin this process. goodnight
see ya soon :)
Sunday, February 20, 2011
the prodigal daughter
hello all,
it has been nearly five months since i have posted what has been happening in my walk with Christ... in these past months i have grown to know the Lord in a way that i can't even explain.It seems everyday i experience gifts from him from all directions... but with that experience comes constant attacks from the enemy.
honestly the reason i have not been blogging regularly is because even though i own a laptop... i dont have internet in my apartment and honestly its annoying typing all this from my blackberry and do I really want to drive up and down the street just to go blog? hmmm Not really. It may not seem like a big deal but not having these basic modes of communication make me feel inferior and frankly out of touch or "un cool" so i just avoid everything. Its like why should i do this stuff that requires the extra effort, just not worth it to me. but i have been feeling convicted for not writing for some time now. I know i have alot to say and Alot that goes on in my life and struggles that i have. I have attempted to run away so many times i have lost count honestly. But one thing that remains is that i always end up back here.... Christ that is, searching for answers and a sense of identity.
So what should i do about this? Now this is the easiest part, discussing various solutions of how to fix ones short commings and correcting not so holy desires... its easy to come running back and say " yes, father i will do right by you this time" or yes father, this time will be different!! i repent!! i am sorry, i will change to be more like you!" yes it feels good in the moment and it feels right to say at the time and maybe some of us really do have the intent of changing.
But my question is, what about three months from now? Are you still as committed to change? Do you still have that yerning desire to please Him in the way you should? or have you slipped back into the old habits and use the phrase " well he knows my heart" Please don't take this as a personal attack because i am by no means perfect and i only speak on what i know and i know it because i have/ am currently doing it. This is my hard ship, maintaining that fresh desire and need for Christ in my life. Over and over again i find myself getting lazy and not keeping up with my promises... when does it stop... honestly? when do we stop treating God like a one night stand or submissive housewife or husband? When does he become truely the only thing we ever want? When our mind changes... toO many times we focus on changing the action rather than changing the decision behind the action. Romans 12:2 basically says be transformed by the renewing of your mind. you can't change what you do until you change the motive behinds those actions.
once again easier said than doNE. Prayer is KEY in this situation, well in life. Period. so if the Lord permits i would like to blog in the morning during my time with him. It wont be everyday because honestly i wont feel like it everyday...lol just being real. But i will do more because I want to be closer to him.
Enjoy
Aleta
it has been nearly five months since i have posted what has been happening in my walk with Christ... in these past months i have grown to know the Lord in a way that i can't even explain.It seems everyday i experience gifts from him from all directions... but with that experience comes constant attacks from the enemy.
honestly the reason i have not been blogging regularly is because even though i own a laptop... i dont have internet in my apartment and honestly its annoying typing all this from my blackberry and do I really want to drive up and down the street just to go blog? hmmm Not really. It may not seem like a big deal but not having these basic modes of communication make me feel inferior and frankly out of touch or "un cool" so i just avoid everything. Its like why should i do this stuff that requires the extra effort, just not worth it to me. but i have been feeling convicted for not writing for some time now. I know i have alot to say and Alot that goes on in my life and struggles that i have. I have attempted to run away so many times i have lost count honestly. But one thing that remains is that i always end up back here.... Christ that is, searching for answers and a sense of identity.
So what should i do about this? Now this is the easiest part, discussing various solutions of how to fix ones short commings and correcting not so holy desires... its easy to come running back and say " yes, father i will do right by you this time" or yes father, this time will be different!! i repent!! i am sorry, i will change to be more like you!" yes it feels good in the moment and it feels right to say at the time and maybe some of us really do have the intent of changing.
But my question is, what about three months from now? Are you still as committed to change? Do you still have that yerning desire to please Him in the way you should? or have you slipped back into the old habits and use the phrase " well he knows my heart" Please don't take this as a personal attack because i am by no means perfect and i only speak on what i know and i know it because i have/ am currently doing it. This is my hard ship, maintaining that fresh desire and need for Christ in my life. Over and over again i find myself getting lazy and not keeping up with my promises... when does it stop... honestly? when do we stop treating God like a one night stand or submissive housewife or husband? When does he become truely the only thing we ever want? When our mind changes... toO many times we focus on changing the action rather than changing the decision behind the action. Romans 12:2 basically says be transformed by the renewing of your mind. you can't change what you do until you change the motive behinds those actions.
once again easier said than doNE. Prayer is KEY in this situation, well in life. Period. so if the Lord permits i would like to blog in the morning during my time with him. It wont be everyday because honestly i wont feel like it everyday...lol just being real. But i will do more because I want to be closer to him.
Enjoy
Aleta
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