Starting fresh.

Blog Number One. I was only supposed to delete a couple of blogs, but accidently deleted all of them. So, here I am with blog number one. It's not much of a bad thing. It's like starting fresh =)

STRIVE.

"We are not left to ourselves in our striving. The command to strive is the command to experience the powerful striving of God on our behalf in fulfillment of his new-covenant promise to cause us to walk in his statutes."

• We are never alone. When God allows something to happen in our lives, He will not just leave us to fend for ourselves. He will gives us the tools to get through it.

"God's intention was to give his commands and the ability to do them."

• We need to fight for perseverance. Striving must last until the end.

"...the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved." Matthew 4:12-13

• I will not give up this race towards my Love, Jesus. I will not allow anyone or anything to keep me from running to Him.

SURRENDER.

"You cannot fulfill God's purposes for your life while focusing on your own plans. So give it all to God: your past regrets, your present problems, your future ambitions, your fears, dreams, weaknesses, habits, hurts, and hang-ups. Don't be afraid; nothing under his control can ever be out of control."

• Surrendering isn't a one time thing. It's taking up your cross DAILY. It means waking up in the morning and asking God, "Lord, rid me of myself so that all that remains is You. May every decision that I make reflect You. If there is anyone or anything in my heart that is taking the place of my devotion to You, I lay that down at Your feet and I'm putting You and Your desires first."

"True worship happens when you give yourself completely to God."

BEST.

"Sometimes God will allow something to happen, but it doesn't mean that that particular thing was His best. Man's free will, remember?"

• I need to renew my mind and thoughts. It isn't about what I think is best. How can I know? I'm merely human. It's about God's best. I don't want to make that mistake, thinking that "it" was the best, when in reality, God just allowed it to happen because of man's free will. But, is it really HIS best?

LOVE.

"Love God. Love others."

• The greatest commandments, simply said. This has been an ongoing message that God has been speaking to me about. To love. Not just any love, but to AGAPE. I've wondered time and time again about why God kept speaking to me about this. I mean, it's not like I "hated" or disliked anyone. Of course not. But, this is different. I need to love the way God has loved. There will be those who betray, hurt, and talk falsely, but still, I need to love. That's what loving your neighbors is all about. That's what AGAPE is all about. Loving the unlovable. And backing it up with actions.

PROMISE.

"Nevertheless, the time will come when I will heal Jerusalem's wounds and give it prosperity and true peace. The day will come, says the Lord, when I will do for Israel and Judah all the good things I have promised them." Jeremiah 33:6, 14

• Praise God because what He says, He WILL do. Maybe we can't see it right now, maybe it seems to far in the future, or maybe it just seems like it's not going to happen. But trust and obey! The Lord will always, always come through with His promises. If He says He will give you strength, expect it. If He says that He will promise provision, expect it. If He says He will never leave you nor forsake you, expect it. God will NEVER break His promise. That's a fact.

The Lord is so good. Abounding in love and rich in mercy and grace.

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