never give up

When times are rough, my God makes a way. When I can't see the road ahead, God sees where I need to go: what direction I should go.

When I feel like giving up on myself, God is speaking into my life, saying "don't give up. I have a way for you that far exceeds the way you have for yourself."

I treasure His voice because when there is no hope left in my own humanity, God becomes my hope I cling to desperately.

Perseverance is what I am called to as a follower of Jesus. God never gives up on me so why would I ever give up and think that I'm too far gone to be rescued and changed, transformed into more of His image?

I never give up.

When times are hard, when you feel there is no way out of what brings you down, remember God made a way. Never give up.

cross symbolism

The cross is central to Christianity: to what I believe. According to Kyle Idleman (author of Not a Fan), there are several symbols the cross represents:
-victory
-grace
-freedom
-healing
-hope
-beauty (p 171)

Through Jesus' sacrifice I am free from sin's power. There is also healing found in the cross. For all who believe, the cross provides beauty out of ashes. Also, when sin takes me captive, I have hope  there is healing found in the cross. I just look outside of myself and onto Him, for He will heal every wound.

Additionally, "an instrument of torture and death is the image that represents followers of Jesus (159)."

From that the cross symbolizes humilation, suffering, (Luke 6:22, 2 Timothy 3:12, Philippians 1:29)  and death. I die to my own desires, pursuits, and plans. When I decide to follow Jesus, that is the end of me. (adapted from Not a Fan p. 161)

I also know following Jesus is a daily surrender. I ask myself how can I follow after Jesus today? And I trust He will lead my steps.

Faith + Hope + Love

Faith

Hope

Love
These are foundational in my relationship with God. Faith is the base, hope builds itself: it looks to the future. Love is in us and radiates through us.

Hebrews 11:6 speaks of faith: And without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Faith is essential for me because, without it, I cannot please God.

I Peter 1:13 states: Therefore, prepare your minds for action, be self controlled, set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

To hope for something is looking to the future, having an assurance things will change. This is also a call for me to set my hope on the grace of God.

Finally, I Corinthians 13:13 says, And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Love is greater than faith and hope. Love binds the other two together.
Working in unity, they form the base of my Christian life.

Everything is New

It's the start of a new year: 2012!

I could write new year's resolutions I have. I could also write about how I want God to work in me in the coming year.

I can't foresee the work He is going to do. I just take one day at a time and allow Him to work in any way He sees.

That's why I like the verse Psalm 25:9:

"He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way."

I believe the key to walking in the guidance of God is to humble myself so I welcome Him in to teach me His way.

That's my hope for this year when everything is new: I would let God guide and teach me His way.

I can't do life without Him.

All for His glory + always <3