Willpower

So, as I'm sure you've noticed Clare and I have been slacking on blogging. Summer has come and Clare started summer classes, I am finally getting a quick breather before school starts up again in August, and filling in my "breather" with work and my little family. Because of our "priorities" our blog has taken seat on the back burner. But, we are both determined to get back into the swing of things.
Even though our purpose for this blog was to spread the word of God (hence "His hand extended") this has been the least of our priorities, which honestly, a) don't take up all of our time, and b) aren't really all that important. Which brings me to today's topic, willpower.
There are many times, most days actually, where I think "oh its okay, I've done so much, ill just take a quick nap." and neglect my scriptures which are now beginning to collect dust.  Or, "the kids are crabby, we can skip Bible time tonight." Simply because I don't want to deal with it and in the end I am robbing them of very important things. I think I can rely on my willpower and that alone and i am starting to see that that is not the case. Our bodies (mind, will, emotions) would love to run our lives, and these things are vital to a successful life and they can get you far, but they are never enough to let you cross the finish line.
what if, instead of relying on willpower we relied on God. He can instill HIS power, which is so much greater than our own, into us, and we will be able to run laps around everyone relying on their own willpower. Also, God will be getting the credit for all the wonderful things we wold be able to do, rather than ourselves.
John 15:5 says "Apart from me, you can do nothing." this is such an important verse to keep in mind during todays study.
Reading:
Galatians 5:16
Reflect:
-When looking at the things you get done and the things you don't, are you using your own willpower or are you using God?
-In what ways can you change your ways to stay motivated and glorify God?

Trusting in God's Plan

I was reading a book about a little girl who died. The main "theme" of the book is trusting in God's plan. God's plan is the best plan. When a tragedy happens or something you don't like we usually "question" God's plan.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

This verse gives me such comfort. Whatever happens God planned it. The thingsthat happen in our life will brie for good in the future. Whatever you're struggling with & you don't think is fair.. God will use that for good in your life. You have to trust in God & always believe that He his plan is the uptimate plan.

Reading: Jeremiah 29:11 ; Proverbs 16:9 ; Proverbs 3:5-6
Reflecting:
- Do you start to doubt God when something bad happens?
- Do you have trouble believing that God's plan is the ultimate plan?

Forgiveness 101

What exactly is forgiveness? Many people say forgiveness is a bunch of different things. I believe forgiveness is when you have sinned & you repent to God. Simple as that. Forgiving can be hard for most people. I know I struggle with it. Sometimes I feel like they don't "deserve" to be forgiven. But in reality, God forgives everyone and so should we. 

Colossians 1:13-14 says, "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." 

 I believe that this verse is saying that whenever you are trusting, believing, or in the Kingdom of God, you will always have forgiveness. No matter what the sin. No matter how horrible. There is nothing that God will not forgive you for if you simply repent to him. 


Reading: Psalm 103:8-12 ; Luke 7:47-48 ; Luke 23:43 

Reflecting: 

-Do you always ask for forgiveness from your sins?

-Do you feel that you are always forgiven? 

Handling Criticism

I feel that I am critized a LOT because of my choice of religion. I usually do okay with it and am kind, but my boyfriend, now he gets angry! His anger when being judged does not reflect us or our religion in a positive way.
No one likes criticism but encountering some is inevitable. While people's words may make us angry you should remain calm and listen for great benefits come to those who consider what's been said.
If we refuse to accept reproof well limit our potential for Christlike character and spiritual growth. Some of life's best lessons come from hard times. If Christ aloud it you can be sure he wants to use it in a way to turn you into the person he wants you to become. Whether the criticism is valid or not, whether it's delivered in harshness or kindness, no matter what, you should responde in a way that glorifies the lord. Remember, you are only responsible for yourself, not how the other person is acting.
When criticism comes your way stay quiet and listen until the other person is done. Make direct eye contact so they know you're listening. When your critic is done tell him thank you for bringing this to your attention and you'll consider what was said. Pray to God and ask him to confirm your innocence if it is deserved and he will.
Every rebuke is an opportunity from God. A chance to show Christs character and show love to your critic. If he is spitting anger at you and you respond with love and kindness you become a powerful testimony. Criticism is also a time you can humble yourself and accept the Lords corrections.
Reading:
Proverbs 15:31-33
Reflect
What are you most often criticized for?
How do you usually deal with this?
What do you need to change when dealing with critics to show glorify Christ.

Keeping Whats Yours

My families home has been robbed. Not only did they take physical things, but they took our right to feel comfortable and safe in our own home. While these thieves took just about every thing we own, we have we still have our scriptures, our savior, our church and each other and that is what matters.
Because I myself have never been stolen from until now, I never realized how much it really does affect a family. They stole from us physical things, including things from my young kids and they stole a feeling that I don't know that we will ever get back.
I know that God has a plan. I know that for some reason He aloud this thief to take from us and this is a part of a greater plan. As a family we have really been focused on readings about thieves, stealing and robberies today and it has helped us to be calm and know that these thieves will be stopped for God has given us this information through His word.
Reading:
Exodus 20:15
Deuteronomy 24:7
Matthew 6:20
Reflect:
Have you ever been stolen from?
If so did this weaken or strengthen your faith in God?
How do of you think God may use a robbery as a part of his greater plan?