I haven’t been neglecting my time with God. Just this blog. I really don’t have time to update every scripture lesson I read. However, I will be updating more frequently. Probably on a weekly basis. Please bare with me because I’m new to this time management thing.
To God Be the ULTIMATE Glory,
-Jayy <3
Yesterday was difficult for me. It wasn’t the fasting part, but my emotions. I let them get the best of me yesterday. I let the emotions of jealousy and anger control my mindset and pull me away from the purpose of this fast. But not today! Today I will be victorious in asking God for his grace, mercy, love and wisdom this semester. I know that despite what I do, he will always give those things to me, but I need to show him just how much I appreciate them. This is a fast of thanksgiving for all that I KNOW God will do for me in this upcoming semester.
What did I eat on Day 1? I made a fruit smoothie in the morning, For lunch/ dinner I ate a Haitian concoction that is referred to as “akra.” its basically a grounded up vegetable fried into dumpling-like pieces ( very bad description on my part :p). I got hungry later on so I made some sweet corn.Today’s Scriptures and Meditation:
I am starting a three day Daniel-Fast today :)
January 9th is the start of my first Spring Semester in college. I didn’t do as well as I could have in the Fall because I was focused on other things and procrastinated a lot. My goal (as stated in my January Resolutions) is to get straight A’s this semester. I know my classes are nowhere near easy so I need a headstrong start. The only way I can possible do that is to start with God. During this fast I will be focusing on God’s words dealing with education and knowledge. I know that without him, my goals don’t stand a chance. The Bible says “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31 ; NIV). I want my education to be a testament to God’s unfailing grace. Without him, I can do nothing. I can succeed if it wasn’t for God. It’s because of his Grace that I am able to understand what I am being taught.
Let this fast be a constant reminder to me this semester of all God is capable of. My classes may be difficult for ME, but for God its easy.
Today’s Scriptures and Meditation:TO GOD BE THE GLORY, FOR ALL HE HAS DONE!
-Jayy <3
“Jesus Begins to Fulfill the Prophecies” (Verses 12- 17)
The prophet Isiah had predicted where Jesus would begin preaching. He said that it would be between the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali. This is where the people living in darkness would finally see the light. The light in this instance is Jesus. Jesus left Nazareth and began to preach her as the prophecy had said. This happened when Jesus found out that John the Baptist had been arrested. Jesus’ first word of preaching were “Repent for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Verse 17 ; Memory Verse)
“The First Disciples” (Verses 18-22)
I remember learning this section of Matthew Chapter 4 at a very young age. During Sunday school, my teacher said that we were to be fishermen of people. I thought that was the funniest play on words. How can we fish people? However, as I grew up I began to realize the significance of this section of the bible. Jesus called us all to be his disciples. To bring in people and show them the truth through our actions and beliefs.
The first of the disciples that Jesus ever called were as follows: Simon(Peter) Andrew James JohnOne thing to take away from this is that the chosen disciples did not even hesitate when Christ called on them. They left whatever they were doing IMMEDIATELY and followed Him wholeheartedly. When we ask God to use us, that is in essence what we should be doing; abandoning all others and things that usually occupy our time and follow God wholeheartedly. It doesn’t matter how important we believe what occupies our time is. When God calls, nothing else is more important. Of course all of this is easier said than done. But we HAVE to make the changes in order to follow God. We have to change our focus. That is true discipleship.
“Jesus Heals the Sick” (Verses 23-25)
As Jesus began to preach, word spread that he was able to heal. People with diseases of all sorts came from all over and asked for healing. Large crowds followed him wherever he went. Throughout all this, the bible says Jesus continued to proclaim the Good News.
“Even Jesus was tested” (Verses 1-11)
Now we meet Jesus in the desert. He has fasted for forty days and nights. One can imagine how weak he felt. The bible says Jesus was hungry! The devil sees this as prime opportunity to try and trip up or make Jesus stumble. His first form of temptation was to tell Jesus IF he was really the son of God ( the audacity!), turn the stones into bread. Of course, Jesus had to put him in his place. Jesus says ” It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.’ ” (Verse 4 ; memory Verse)
The devil isn’t stupid! He KNOWS that Jesus is the son of God. But he acts like he doesn’t. That’s the same with us. The devil knows we are the children of God. But by acting like he doesn’t, he trips us up! How is that possible? Because a lot of us do not even know who we are. In his word, God says we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139 v 14). But the devil through all media outlets tells us we’re not good enough or we’re worthless. Now if we’re not in the word, how are we to know what God says? We’re left only with the devils lies that we get through the internet, Television, books and magazines. See how that works?! By denying who we are, the devil is able to tempt us. In our search to be Christ-like, we need to be aware of all that God has created us to be. Then when the devil tells us otherwise, we too can put him in his place!
In his second attempt to tempt Jesus, the devil says again IF you are the son of God, throw yourself off this here mountain because if you really are, God will not let you even stub your toe! Again we see how audacious the devil really is! But Jesus says “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” (Verse 7 ; memory verse).
A lot of us do this, unknowingly. We try and make God prove his love to us. We say things like ” God, if you love me you will allow me to pass this test” or something to that effect. But we fail to realize we are doing exactly what the devil wants us to do. The devil knows that he cannot tempt God. Jesus told him personally! However, those of us who do not delve into our word (myself included) don’t know that. So we become the devil’s stepping stool. We become the ones that try to test and make God prove things to us. Like he hasn’t done enough already!!! What we really need to take from this is that to avoid doing exactly what God commanded against, is to read the word!! Our lack of knowledge is the only reason why the devil is able to trip us up. As you can see, Jesus QUOTED scripture to get the devil to back off! That’s what we need to to do. Its really our only defense.
In his last attempt to tempt Jesus, the devil basically tells Him that he can give him whatever he wants if Jesus simple bows down to him. Again, the audacity!! This is really when Jesus tells the devil about himself. He says ” Away from me Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ ” (Verse 10 ; memory verse).
Satan has a tricky way of trying to deceive us. When looking at it, its like, how can anyone fall for that? But to be honest, we all do. Satan can use the weirdest antics to promise us something that is already ours. He can promise us a big house if we follow his ways of illegally obtaining the money to by it. However, we fail to realize God owns all the houses in this world. He is the father and owner of all. SO whatever we want, we just have to simple ask him! Don’t let the devil fool us into thinking he can give us something that God hasn’t already promised to us! From this we also learn the authority we, as children of the Most High, have. Jesus didn’t ask the devil to leave him alone. He commanded him! It wasn’t a gentle request or supplication. It was a direct order. We have the power to tell the devil to flee from us also. Not ask, TELL! The devil has no power against us when we use our power over him! We just have to keep that in mind.
We cannot be fooled. The devil is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He quoted scripture and knew all that was true. However, his use of knowledge is for evil. We need to strengthen our knowledge and fight him with it! When one knows all that God has instilled in us, fighting off the devil and temptation becomes do-able. Not easier per say, but do- able.
Happy New Year! What a year, what a year! In 2011, I started my year off in sin. However, I didn’t let it end that way. I took a stand in July and decided to change my life around with the help of a few friends. Though I stopped my biggest sins, I was not as on FIRE for God as I wanted to be and as I need to be. I don’t want to be a lukewarm Christian any longer! So I’ve decided to make a few goals for the New Year. Not resolutions, but step-by-step goals that create a bigger picture of a better christian woman.
Goals For January 2012
I only have 4 goals for January and though that seems minimal, this will really hit hard. Its going to attack two of my biggest problems. Time management/ Procrastination and Spending time with God. I pray that God will be with me during on of the most difficult fast I’ve ever done. :)
To God be the Glory !
– Jayy <3
These are just a few of my favorite memory verses. I know my list will expand as I delve more into the word :)
When I feel uncomforatable with how I look I go to: Proverbs 31:30 When I lack Faith: Romans 8:31b ; Job 42:2 ; Ephesians 3:20 ; Mark 11:23 ; Jeremiah 29:11 ; Matthew 7:7 When I’m tempted to gossip : Proverbs 26:20 ; Proverbs 11:13 ; Exodus 20:16 ; Matthew 12:36 When I’m feeling discouraged, afaraid, or worried: Joshua 1:9 ; Matthew 6:34 When I’m struggling or facing adversities: Acts 14:22b When I’m dealing with confrmity: Romans 12:2 ; Matthew 5:13a & Matthew 5:14a When I’m dealing with my finances: 1 Timothy 6:10 ; 1 Timothy 6:7Things to remember:
Hardwork is always rewarded : Proverbs 14:23 Intelligence comes from God : Proverbs 2:6 We must work together in Christ : 1 Corinthians 12:27 God’s words are most important : Matthew 4:4 God is faithful, Do not test him! : Matthew 4:7 We have the power to rebuke Satan : Matthew 4:10 The Lord upholds righteousness : Matthew 5:6“Who is John the Baptist?”(Verses 1-12)
John the baptist was a trendsetter. He is the man who in high school stepped away from the normal way of doing things and walked his own path. The only difference is that John received no self-gratification from being different. He worked only for the kingdom of God. All of his work was based on one thing; he needed to let everyoe know that the Messiah is here & that all needed to repent. Basically, GET RIGHT WITH GOD!
John the baptist should be an example for us all. There should be nothing or no one who holds us back from evangilizing the good news. Just as John had. However the key word is should. It’s easier said than done. It’s difficult to see that when a lot of us see ourselves as part of this society. Its hard to break out of that shell. I, for one, is as timid as they come. I don’t like breaking outy of my shell, and I know that this is a problem. I need to learn how to change my perceptions of the world and realize that God is the goal, and I’m just the messanger. It’s bigger than me!
Jesus’ Baptism (Verses 13-17)
Jesus goes to the Jordan River and asks John the Baptist to baptize him. How Ironic is that? John understood this irony very well because he even said to Jesus, “I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me?” (Verse 14). But Jesus tells him that it must be this way so that the righteousness can be completed (15).
This alone taught me that God is not one to be explained or comprehended by our minds. He does not follow the paths that our neurological systems understand. He is not to be explained in a matter of minutes, or even years. God is indescribable! The way in which the prophecy is fufilled does not have to make sense to us. It just has to be done. This reminds me of all the times we question God. Why me Lord? I am not worthy enough Lord. But God does not see us in the light that we see ourselves. God sees us in HIS likeness, and since all things are possible through him, we can do we can do whatever he instills in us. It is not an easy concept to grasp. But everyday we are steady crying out ” If you can use anything Lord, you can use me.” If that’s the case, let him use us completely. Let God use us in the ways that go beyond our comprehension, and then maybe His works and prophecies will be completed.
From this chapter, I think it is also important that we memorize what happened after Jesus’ Baptism. This is just basic Bible Knowledge that I believe all Christians should know (Verses 16 and 17)
1. Heaven was opened 2. The Spirit of God descended from Heaven in the form of a dove 3. A voice from heaven said: “This is my son whom I love, with him I am well pleased.”Its finals time :( My first Fall Semester is coming to an end. With that comes, hours of study and preparation… blah. But I do Thank God for getting me through this with minimal stress, and my body/brain fully intact! As my youth leader always says “Jesus Passed My Classes”- AJSR. Lord knows I did not work hard enough to be at the place I am. Proberbs 2 verse 6 says ” The Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.”(NIV) If it wasn’t for God, I all of my classes might as well have been in Greek. My God is AWEsome. Even when I don’t deserve it, he sets me on the right path :) Only about 300 more of the semester’s and I’ll officially be done (Maybe not 300 but its accurate enough.)
Anywho, I’ve been slacking. On both my Bible study and my postings. I really have to learn how to put God as my number one, first priority. Like another friend of mine often says, “Don’t fit God into your schedule, build your schedule around God.”-FP I have exactly a month off from school. I want to devote the majority( and by majority I mean 85%) of this time to GOD, and him alone. :) *Getting back on track* Stay tuned!
“The Magi” (Verses 1-12)
Summary: Baby Jesus has been born. When King Herod hears about this he gathers all the wise men together to find theis child who is said to be the “King of Kings.” The Magi set forth to find Jesus by following the star. When they found the baby, the threw down in worship to him and brought him gifts. The wise men were told in a dream not to go back to King Herod.
In every Christmas play that I’ve ever been a part of, there has always been the “three wisemen.” Also known as the Magi. As soon as these men heard the the child, or the King of the Jews was born, the immediately wanted to find him and give him gifts of praise. They even went to King Herod, and boldly acclaimed that they were in search of the KING to worship him. They didn’t care who Herod, a worldy man, was. They were in search of GOD.
That made me begin to think. How often am I afraid to offer God total and complete, unashamed worship? How often am I willing to face persecution or even worse (in my young adult mind) rejection, to praise his name? As of now? Not very often. I have that prayer closet type of worship mindset. I don’t want to embarass myself by going all out. Now that I think about it, that’s absolute nonsense. Jesus gave his life for me. Yet I’m afraid to worship him unashamed because of what the world may think? Yea, I really need to work on that. *Work-In-Progress*
“The Escape” (Verses 13-18)
Summary: Joseph has another dream in which the Lord comes to him and tells him to flee Bethlehem and go to Egypt until it is safe. Herod is on a rampage when he realizes that the wise men did not come back. He decrees that every male child under the age of 2 should be killed.
Even though Herod, tries and almost successfully annihilates all the male children in his kingdom, he is still not able to deter God’s prophecy and his plan. Which brings us back to Matthew Chapter 1. What God had has set up, No MAN can deter!
“The Return” (Verses 19- 23)
Summary: After King Herod has died, Joesph is told to go back to Israel. However, Herod’s son was now ruler in place of his father, and Joesph was told to go to Galilee.
This is another prophecy fuflilled that was mentioned in the Old Testament. It was said that JEsus would be called a Nazarene, and that is exactly what happened.
HisFairMaiden 