Hillsong - One Way

One Way

Where do you transfix your eyes? Christ tells us that there is only one way for us to spend eternity with Him, and that is THROUGH Him. Christ died for us, and yet we often turn to other means of temporary comfort to avoid facing ourselves. We find video games, the Internet, and reading magazines keep us from fully seeking God. We give ourselves over to these things as though they are the only way to a satisfied life. How much time do you spend looking at things on the Internet? How much time do you "facebook", mess with "myspace" or "xanga"? Do you shop when you're stressed? When bored do you play video games or watch tv shows you don't even care for? It's easy to do, but it is also deadly to our spiritual direction. There is ONE way, and that way is Christ. Where do you spend most of your time and to what do you put most of your effort into?

When we are weak...then we are strong. When you are weak and incapable, Christ intercedes for you -- giving you the strength and endurance you need. However if we choose to fix our eyes on a way other than Christ, then we will not see the light He shines, nor will we see His saving grace. We won't see that He has died for us, giving Himself up so that WE can spend eternity with Him. He loves you, and wants you to know HE is the only Way in life. Transfix your eyes, heart, and mind on Him...may your every breath worship Him!!

Blind Planning

Planning for the future is a mind boggling event. There are so many figures, costs, situations that have to be considered, and when they ARE all considered, you may find yourself sitting back flabbergasted by the new level of responsibility you may have infront of you. Planning out the next month...or tomorrow for that matter...is difficult and often unexpected plans arrive throwing you for a loop.

Wait, though....who said it was our responsibility to plan? Jeremiah 29:11 states that GOD knows the plans for our lives. He has plans already made up! So why should we worry and fuss over trying to find the perfect place to live, the perfect school to attend, or the perfect car to drive? What seems perfect to us might be tainted in the Lord's eyes. Therefore when you find yourself making plans...whatever those plans may be...ask yourself if you have God's heart guiding your steps. Do you have God's eyes scouting out the field? Our own eyes are blind to the wonders God has in store for us. So make sure that when you plan...that you glorify God by letting Him lead.

Source of Beauty

Beauty now a days is defined by the way models look in magazines. They are slender with perfect complexion and skin tone. They have gorgeous hair, perfect posture, and everyone dreams of someday being in a magazine just like them. Who says what styles work and what styles don't? While we should be confident in ourselves, we often let society determine that for us. Go to dove.com and click on the "Campaign for Real Beauty" link. There should be three videos at the bottom. Click on the middle video. You will be blown away by the way we have this warped perception of how every model is naturally gorgeous without any additional help. Let our confidence be found in Christ. Each and every son and daughter of God is incredibly beautiful because we are all created in HIS image. Check out that video, and then ask yourself if you have a warped perception of your own beauty. Remember to glorify God by appreciating who He's made you to be. YOU, my friend, are beautiful. :)

Inner Dwellings

Dwelling – not your humble abode, but the state of mind you often find yourself in when you are deep in thought. You “dwell” on a situation or idea. My favorite time to dwell on issues is when I am driving. Of course, I pay attention to the road and other vehicles surrounding me, but my mind often drifts off toward a pressing issue or concern. When I dwell, I don’t like to stop dwelling until I’ve come to a solid solution. How often do I dwell on the things of the Lord, however? Nine times out of ten I find myself dwelling over trivial issues such as what I might wear to a wedding. It is not often that I dwell on the ways of the Lord. Sure, I try to live each and every moment for the Lord, but just think of how much more effective my faith might be lived out if I dwelled on spiritual issues. What are spiritual issues? Prayer concerns, how to help those in need, ways to reach the lost, or ways to best reach/serve/love those around you. Dwelling on such things just might enhance the way you live…therefore the way you breathe; therefore the way you glorify God. Next time you catch yourself dwelling…check to see if what you’re dwelling on is worthy of glorifying God.

Patient Endurance

Life is going at such a fast pace that we often fail to endure what comes our way. We want answers to our questions, and we want results asap. We want what we want when we want it, and usually we want what we want right now. So when God's timing doesn't match up to our fast pace, we often find ourselves impatient, tapping our toes, and scratching our heads waiting for answers and results. However if we are to endure, then we must have patience...a lot of it, too. To endure is to withstand. Not withstand as in "put up with." Rather withstand as in "tough it out."

No matter the situation, whether it be finding a job, awaiting test results, losing weight, trusting God.....we need to have patience in enduring. When we fail to endure we fail to trust God. When we fail to trust God, then we fail to glorify Him. So take the time to put your complete trust in the Lord...place everything that hinders you from glorifying God in His hands and in His timing. Then wait. Wait on the Lord, and you will find yourself glorifying Him through your patience. Patiently endure, and thereby glorify God!

Selfless Dreams

When I was a little girl it was my dream to be just like Kristy Yamaguchi or Scott Hamilton. "If I can do a triple axle," I used to think, "then I can BE somebody!!" Fifteen years later my dreams have changed quite a bit. My dream of figure skating went down the drain when I discovered I couldn't do a cartwheel. :) While spins, glides, and axles used to astound me, I've shifted my focus away from myself. Instead I dream of making a difference. With age I've come to realize that the dreams that last are those that do not involve myself. Instead I dream of molding minds, of changing hearts, and of encouraging those around me to keep on keeping on.

Christ calls us to dream large. There is a world holding millions upon millions of people. All of those people have a heart and soul. When we dream only for ouselves, then we hold ourselves above other people. My dream as a child only worried about my own success. If I ever make it to fame, then I pray that my focus will not be on my success, but on how my success can change the lives of others to glorify God. We have a daily opportunity to create new goals. What do you dream of? Do your dreams involve others? Dreams reflect the heart, so take a minute to ensure that you are focusing on God's people rather than on yourself. Dream for Him, and thereby glorify His Name by being His vessel.