We all do it, I guess—behave like despicable monsters, and subsequently hate ourselves. Crazy, how the ones we love the most have to see us at our worst.
For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. ~ Romans 7:15
Jesus likes to remind me how much He loves me when I'm feeling awful about something I've done, or some horrid thing I've said.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. ~ Psalm 51:17
How wonderful is God, to love unloveable me! His grace is multi-purposeful, at the same time flooding my heart with reassurance of his love, and teaching me to extend the same undeserved forgiveness to those in my life who, like me, are occasionally overcome by their inner monsters.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ~ Romans 5:8
December 28, 2010
December 15, 2010
bottled joy
Giorgio Armani has a new fragrance for women, out just in time for Christmas: Acqua di Gioia, "The Essence of Joy."
If only joy could be bought in a bottle! The only way I know to get it, is through Jesus Christ.
Jesus said, "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." ~ John 15:9-11
Obedience = Blessing = Joy
If only joy could be bought in a bottle! The only way I know to get it, is through Jesus Christ.
Jesus said, "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." ~ John 15:9-11
Obedience = Blessing = Joy
December 8, 2010
finding strength
I just heard the strangest tag-line ever in a commercial for Dove Clinical-Strength Deodorant: "Where Beautiful Girls Find Strength."
To me, the ad seems to suggest that beauty has something to do with a girl's need for deodorant, which will provide the strength she is looking for. This can't be true because, come on, we all know that beautiful girls don't sweat. Right? (Kidding, of course.)
Recently it's been brought to my attention (through bible study, by God) that strength is something I happen to be lacking. Turns out, I am a bit of a coward. Thin-skinned, and a little skittish. Avoidance is my preferred tactic when life's inevitable difficulties come rolling along.
My hope is that, by making me aware of my need for strength (and/or courage, fortitude, spiritual toughness) God is beginning his process of developing those traits in my character.
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. ~ 2 Timothy 1:7
To me, the ad seems to suggest that beauty has something to do with a girl's need for deodorant, which will provide the strength she is looking for. This can't be true because, come on, we all know that beautiful girls don't sweat. Right? (Kidding, of course.)
Recently it's been brought to my attention (through bible study, by God) that strength is something I happen to be lacking. Turns out, I am a bit of a coward. Thin-skinned, and a little skittish. Avoidance is my preferred tactic when life's inevitable difficulties come rolling along.
My hope is that, by making me aware of my need for strength (and/or courage, fortitude, spiritual toughness) God is beginning his process of developing those traits in my character.
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. ~ 2 Timothy 1:7
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