...but you can't scream because your roommates are all asleep, so you settle for singing in the shower instead. HA I am such a nerd but I do not care. :-D
So, God is awesome. And SO alive! I really felt His Presence today, in friendships, the love of others, in my Bible Study girls... He is at work here at UNI! Let me tell ya! I want to keep growing in devotion to Him and being more intentional with my life so His great big purposes may endure!! I am also thanking Him for bringing the semester to completion; I never could have survived this busy crazy semester without His Spirit's DAILY power. AND I'm realizing the GREAT value of the COMMUNITY here in Cedar Falls. We are all ONE in Christ Jesus, working together in His Body, and we need each other for true fellowship and encouragement and accountable. I am learning that the amaaazing community I first experienced at Riverside does not belong only there, but anywhere that Christ is. And He's at work in so many ways!! Ahh AMEN!
So the main reason I'm posting this is because I read an incredible devotional email today that is the story of my life (well, the feeling part - I can only hope that it also shines through to inspire others too!!) and my heart soooooooooo deeply longs for people to know Jesus and His GREAT BIG LOOOOOVE in this way!! It does not depend on circumstances or anything bad or good you have done, but because God created you and loved you and knew you before the beginning of time and wants nothing more than to redeem His people. Believe it! Shine the light! (Matthew 5:16) I want to shine it more and not hoard this bright news to myself. It's so-o-o-o encouraging when I see people living out the love and kindness and joy of Jesus -- it brightens my heart sooooooo much.
Today I read Colossians 3:12-17 -- it is sooo amazing, and I strive to live more that way, more like Jesus. 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. May this be true for YOU TODAY!
(From Charles Stanley's article on intouchministries Daily Devotionals) -
December 13, 2011
Contagious Joy
1 John 1:1-4
Jesus calls us to be His "witnesses." When some Christians hear this word, they worry that they need exceptional skill or charisma in order to share the good news with others. Yet to witness is not to merely speak of the "plan of salvation" to someone. The word literally means to see, hear, or know by personal presence and perception; to testify; bear witness to; give or afford evidence of. When John wrote that he was sharing what he had experienced first-hand, he was saying, "I am full of joy because of the experience of knowing Jesus, and I want to invite you to share in that joy!"
When you're in love with someone, you are excited about the relationship and time spent together. (I am in love. With Him!! :) Likewise, when you're in love with Jesus, you can't keep to yourself the joy that comes from knowing Him—it just spills over, (soooo true!!) bearing witness and strengthening other believers. (Lord, I surrender! Use me!) In fact, as you give testimony of who God is and how He's working in your life, it makes no difference whether you speak quietly or with great exuberance: in their spirit, Christians will pick up on the deep, genuine gladness in your heart that goes beyond natural happiness. And people who don't yet know the Lord will find themselves hungering for the relationship you have. In that way, they will be drawn to His Spirit in you. (Ah I hope so! It's all for You, Lord! I pray that people will know Your GREATNESS!)
Witnessing is not a matter of eloquence or talent. It's an overflow of the personal relationship with Jesus Christ that is conforming you to His image. As you allow the Holy Spirit to increasingly express His life and power through you, contagious joy will be "fruit" of His indwelling presence.
Can I get an AMEN?! Mmmmmm I pray that you all feel this joy that is out of this world today, no matter your circumstances. Christ loves you unconditionally. Remember that!! And I love you too, as your sister in Christ! Keep sharing this out-of-this-world HOPE with those around you!!!! :D
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