We Are All In This Together

Today we went kayaking and last night we had a pool/game/food night and as I paddled through the lake waters, and as I listened to the conversations and laughs, all I could do was praise God on the inside. I thanked Him for answering a prayer for a "church family," that I uttered for three years, and not only answering it but making it ten times better than what I could have ever imagined. These people do not fake their walk with Jesus, they prove it by their actions and words and intimacy with God. They inspire me, they motivate me. I feel like I belong and that even though we are all set apart for bigger things, we are all set apart together, just like the disciples. Maybe i'm going too deep, or maybe not.

Fellowship with people who love God is so important, it's fuel to your walk with God. Of course your personal one on one time with God is essential, but so is a community of people who desire and chase after what you want. When Jesus picked His disciples he could have chosen just one person to follow Him around, but He chose 12. Jesus knew that they needed Him, but that they also needed each other, especially when He leaves. They needed that brotherly bond that goes deeper than the flesh, but that was tied together with a Spiritual fire and intimacy. That when John was doubting, Peter could encourage him, or when Philip was afraid Peter could remind him the Truth.

I encourage you to spend alone time with God like Jesus did when He slipped away to mountains and gardens to pray, even though He was hundred precent God as He was human, but don't stop there. Surround yourself with people whose faith is contagious and it spreads onto you. Be with people whose cup is overflowing with Jesus that it gets your feet wet. Look at someone and fall in love with the Jesus they worship and let that encourage you to want the same. Don't do this walk of faith alone, you weren't made to.

Remember, that these loved ones in your life that push you deeper in your faith are not only there to help you but they are there for you to help too. They need you as much as you need them. It may be hard to see or understand now, but you will see and experience how Jesus will start to use your life and your pain and your testimony for His glory in other people's lives. It's pretty awesome.

 I am beyond grateful for Jesus blessing me beyond my mind with my brothers and sisters, these amazing people, and with amazing opportunities that leave me breathless with praise for who He is, and how He loves me, and how He spoils me so tenderly.

"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that His day of return is drawing near."-Hebrews 10:24-25

No Regrets

One of my greatest fears in life is that I will walk away or turn away from the will God has placed on my life. I'm afraid I will become too comfortable with my life, or not motivated enough to continue doing what He has called me to do and take the easy way out, or not have the willingness to fight hard and long enough to remain on the path He chose for me.

I am young, and have big dreams. I mean BIG dreams, sometimes i'm afraid they are too big, but when I feel those fears I can feel the nudge of my Father, and sense His encouragement. When this happens I am reminded that my big dreams come from my Big Father. To me these dreams seem almost impossible, but to Him they are completely doable. After all, He is a beautiful and courageous dreamer and as His daughter I guess I carry that trait in me too.

I want to be courageous and bold in all that He calls me to. I don't want to back down from the challenges and uncertainties of the future. I want to fight everyday to bring His kingdom down closer to earth, and I want to bring revival. I know all of this is possible because Jesus said it was when He told me, "You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you."-Phil. 4:13

Won't you be bold in what God has called you to? To not let big hurdles stop you from jumping over them, to not be afraid to climb mountains of whose tops you can't see yet, to not let a storm and big waves stop you from stepping out of the boat and walking on the water where Jesus is.

We aren't promised an easy life, but we are promised a beautiful eternity with our Jesus. I want to make my time here for Him count, to not be distracted by what I want but to make it all about what He wants.