Welcome back everyone! Sorry I've been M.IA. for a little while... I've been in a new season of faith and my relationship with the Lord is kind of in a transition phase, so it's been a little difficult for me to blog. I felt God wanting me to pursue His heart more intimately and trust in Him throughout the past few months, so that's what I did! Buuuut... I am back now for the new year!! I can't wait to see where God takes this blog this year, what His Spirit moves me to write about, and what He can teach me in the process of doing so. Anyways, on to the post! I'm sure we can all agree that we've heard the phrases "God has a plan for you" or "trust God's plan" more times than we can count. Jeremiah 29:11 is one of the most quoted Bible verses. Sometimes, we hear it so much that it loses its value, and it can feel like yeah, yeah God has a plan for me....I know. It becomes more of a concept to us than a reality and a truth of God's never-changing nature. Personally, I've always known that God had a plan for me... I always believed it in my heart, but it still seemed like this "thing" that I had to keep reminding myself of. But the truth of the matter is that we can't ignore what God already did in our lives. Those things... those circumstances that He turned around, the healing, those miracles, those experiences... looking back at your life will point you to the conclusion that He indeed has that plan for you, and has ALL ALONG! I've recently had that epiphany. Almost 6 months ago, I could feel my life start to change. To be honest, I was horrified, and couldn't understand why I had to let go of certain people and relationships. (Read more here). Laying in bed, crying, I spilled out a prayer in my journal. .... I thank You, Lord that You are for me... that You sing over me in joy. I thank You, Lord for what has happened... a chance to find strength in faith, to learn more about the human nature, to rest more in Your Presence. I know Your promise to me, Lord, is Your faithfulness. You removed this friendship from my life for a reason, and I thank You, Lord Jesus....I will be conscious of it as I move forward with You. I'm a failure, God, and I'm in need of Your Grace. I'm broken, and I'm crying out to be whole again. I PRAISE YOU FOR YOUR PROMISES TO ME! GREAT IS YOUR FAITHFULNESS! I love You, Jesus. My Provider, my Comforter. In Jesus' name I pray, That prayer came out of such a place of pain... but the coolest part is being able to look back at it and seeing how God took that one thing and made it work together for the good (Romans 8:28). The months went on, and God started to heal my heart from that falling out. October came around, and I was in the process of leaving my church and finding a new one. My mom and I came across one nearby that had everything I wanted and felt like I needed to pursue my relationship with Christ in the best way possible. A few weeks later, we made our first trip there, and I just knew it was my church home. Since the end of my 6th grade year, I've been dealing with chronic nausea. It's so draining: emotionally and physically, however it ended up being a good thing because it was the main reason I turned to God and rededicated my life to Him. Nonetheless, it still ate away at my quality of life, and I was desperate for relief. The same day that I started going to my new church, I went to see my all-time favorite Christian artist, Kari Jobe. I went into that concert not knowing what to expect, but the Lord touched me and I walked out healed. I can confidently say that was one of the best days of my life. That same week, I started attending the church's youth group. Little did I know that my life would be transformed by someone that sat quietly in that room. We started talking just a few days before my friendship "break-up" became official. Looking back at these few months, it brought back a sense of awe and wonder for my God. I'm so in awe of how quickly He has transformed my life. At one point, I remember laying in bed and feeling all of the strings of my life weave together. I knew in that moment that God really had me in the palm of His hand. I knew that His plan for me is real... it's not just this idea I'm conditioned to believe, being a Christian. God really did take every circumstance of my life and tie it all together. It wasn't easy. There was pain, heartbreak, struggle, sickness. But He really does take brokenness and make it beautiful. He loves to weave together beautiful stories. And this isn't even close to being the end of mine. So my message to you is this: you may feel like your pain is intolerable. You may feel stuck. Like you're just going through the motions of life. But trust me when I say that God. Is. Faithful. He has a plan for you. You may not feel it now, but when you get to a season of blessings, it will become easier for you to understand why He allowed to you go through all of those trials in the first place. You will see those strings weaved together. And don't forget: everything in His plan will draw you nearer to Him. His deepest desire is to know you and for you to know Him. God's plan for you is your specific map to seeking His heart. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. |
tal·ent ˈtalənt/ noun 1. natural aptitude or skill. | We've all heard the phrase "God-given talent," but its meaning is often overlooked. Our talents indeed are given to us by God, and that's exactly what is being ignored: they're given as gifts from God. He gave them to us for a purpose: to honor and glorify Him. |
When I was younger, I LOVED creative writing. I was known as one of the best writers in my little 2nd grade class, and it was just really a passion of mine. As time went on, I lost time for writing. All the writing we were doing in school was going the opposite way: expository, persuasive, etc. My writing style changed to fit what the school system was demanding, however I eventually remembered my talent for writing and wanted to pick it up again, so I decided I would use it to start this blog!
I'm also a musician: a singer, specifically. I've been singing since I was 8, and I joined my choir when I was 12... it's my true passion and my "better" talent, I guess haha. As I grew up, I was always singing and music was a part of every aspect of my life, so when I started my relationship with the Lord, it obviously fused with that as well. If you read the 'about me' page, I mention that my dream is to be a worship leader or Christian singer. I've recently found a new church, so when I get settled, I would love to start singing there.
The point is that God gave me these talents and I could've used them in any way I wanted, but through reading the Word and getting to know God's desires more, I've learned that their purpose is to honor Him.
I'm also a musician: a singer, specifically. I've been singing since I was 8, and I joined my choir when I was 12... it's my true passion and my "better" talent, I guess haha. As I grew up, I was always singing and music was a part of every aspect of my life, so when I started my relationship with the Lord, it obviously fused with that as well. If you read the 'about me' page, I mention that my dream is to be a worship leader or Christian singer. I've recently found a new church, so when I get settled, I would love to start singing there.
The point is that God gave me these talents and I could've used them in any way I wanted, but through reading the Word and getting to know God's desires more, I've learned that their purpose is to honor Him.
"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."
(1 Peter 4:10)
God made mankind in His image (Genesis 1:27), and our purpose is to worship and glorify Him (Isaiah 43:7)! Our talents are just another tool that we can use to bring honor to Him in our own lives, but we can also use them to bring others to the cross. We just need to ask God in prayer to remove any selfish desires =from us and to convict us to use all of it for His Kingdom.
So...today I'll be outlining some recommendations of ways you can use your talents to glorify the Lord!
So...today I'll be outlining some recommendations of ways you can use your talents to glorify the Lord!
Writing
1. Write a book
2. Write a devotional
3. Start a blog :)
2. Write a devotional
3. Start a blog :)
Singing
1. Sing at your church
2. Lead worship
3. Record your own Christian song(s)
4. Record a cover(s) of your favorite Christian song(s)
2. Lead worship
3. Record your own Christian song(s)
4. Record a cover(s) of your favorite Christian song(s)
Art
1. Paint/draw/create a work that depicts something divine
a. Something that cultivates thought in the viewers
b. A biblical scene
2. Try spontaneous/worship/Holy Spirit driven painting
3. Create artwork for an organization that seeks to create more followers of Christ
4. Try calligraphy: bible verses!
5. Paint Bible covers
6. Try Bible journaling
a. Something that cultivates thought in the viewers
b. A biblical scene
2. Try spontaneous/worship/Holy Spirit driven painting
3. Create artwork for an organization that seeks to create more followers of Christ
4. Try calligraphy: bible verses!
5. Paint Bible covers
6. Try Bible journaling
Creativity (general)
1. Create a YouTube Christ-centered YouTube channel and create various creative videos around the topic of Christianity
The lists could go on and on, but these are some of the ideas I personally came up with, and there are obviously more talents than those that I listed above too. Often, we can get self-absorbed and think we're better than others because of the talents we were given, but what we must remember is that the talent was not to bring glory to ourselves. We're called to do all things and use all things for the Kingdom of God!
Side note: I know these last 2 blog posts have been a little short, so
Let me know in the comments: what's your talent, and how will you use it to glorify the Lord?
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Hello friends! Sorry no blog post last week... my computer crashed and I wasn't able to get it fixed until this past Monday! That's why I wasn't even able to send out an email! Sorry again, guys! ❤
We see it in television shows, movies, on social media, in class and at work: it just always seems like everyone is trying to figure out who they are. And you might be doing the same thing.... and the thing is: there's nothing wrong with that! However, in a culture where everyone is obsessed with being like everybody else, it's important to know who God says we are.
You are purposeful.
You may be thinking: what could God possibly have for little ol' me?
Well that, my friend is between you and God, but we know through the Word that He has a perfectly unique plan for each and every one of us.
Well that, my friend is between you and God, but we know through the Word that He has a perfectly unique plan for each and every one of us.
"'For I know the plans I have for you' says the Lord 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'"
(Jeremiah 29:11)
The best part about God's plan for us is that it's so unpredictable... but the good type of unpredictable. We know He is good and He is for us, so it's fun to wait for whatever He has next for us. It can be scary too, but we have to learn to trust Him even when it's tough (Click here for more). He's known what your life was going to look like forever! He tells us in His Word that:
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart..."
(Jeremiah 1:5)
You are strong.
Without God, we are weak, powerless, and surrendered to sin. One of the most quoted bible verses of all times puts it perfectly:
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
(Philippians 4:13)
With Christ, we have the power to overcome our sins, but also to find hope in situations that seem hopeless. Remembering God's promises to us makes us strong.
"But those who trust in the Lord shall have new strength; they will soar high on wings like eagles; they will run and not be weary; they will walk and not faint."
(Isaiah 40:31)
You are loved.
As Christians, we know the Gospel to be God's love story to humanity, and we know He loves us, but sometimes it's hard to wrap your head around the fact that He loves YOU! A good way to put this into perspective is to replace neutral pronouns in Bible verses with your name.
“For God so loved {your name}, that He gave His only Son, that [as] {he/she} believes in Him {he/she} should not perish but have eternal life."
(John 3:16)
"But God shows His love for {your name} in that while we {he/she} [is] still [a] sinner, Christ died for {him/her}."
(Romans 5:8)
It's almost impossible to explain how much God loves us. He says, “'I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness'" (Jeremiah 31:3). He will hold you in times of trouble.
You are His.
"'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'"
(Isaiah 43:1)
When we are born again in Christ, we are officially being born into the family of God. We are all sons and daughters of the One True King! Not only that, but when we accept Christ as our savior, we surrender our wills to Him, and let Him be the leader of our lives and allow Him to be in control. It's the best thing you can ever do: accept Jesus and let Him really be the Lord of your life. Knowing you're in the shelter of the Most High all the time is comforting. You are God's, and He will do anything to protect you from harm. Whenever you're afraid, you must remember that you are the son or daughter of the King of Kings.
As the famous Hillsong United song goes: "For I am Yours, and You are mine."
As the famous Hillsong United song goes: "For I am Yours, and You are mine."
"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—"
(John 1:12)
As you can see in the title, this is only part one: we have such a beautiful identity in Christ that it can't all be posted in one blog post (without it being 4 miles long 😁) God made us to be so many amazing things so that we can flourish in our lives here on Earth. Although we all have the same general identity in Christ: it's important to know that God identifies you specifically in a lovely and unique way.
Let me know in the comments: what lies has the enemy been telling you about who you are?
Let me know in the comments: what lies has the enemy been telling you about who you are?
Songs of the week:
"Love yourself."
Ultimately, this is the theme phrase for this generation, age and culture. It's at the top of every New Years' resolution list, the motto of so many movements, the meaning behind so many anthem songs. You may be thinking to yourself, I do love myself, but... is that a bad thing? The answer is not necessarily. However, you should look at the way you're loving yourself and ask yourself this question:
Is my self-love prideful?
Ask yourself this question first, and don't lie to yourself! Pride in one's self is a sin! The Lord says, "I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech" (Proverbs 18:13). If we think too highly of ourselves, we can make ourselves an idol! It seems strange, but idolatry in the eyes of God is living for anyone or anything besides Him. If we love ourselves so much that the only thoughts that go into our actions have to do with ourselves and our own best interest instead of God's, that's a serious problem. Our God is a jealous God, and He doesn't want you to fall into the traps of the enemy. The enemy is deceitful, and he is still moving in this world. He feeds off of lies and tries to get to the hearts of those who love God most. But Isaiah 54:17 says that no weapon formed against you will prosper. We're constantly fighting this spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12) against the lies of the devil, and although God wants you to love the person He created you to be, Satan is telling you to love yourself more than you love the Lord. He tells you to show your body off because you're proud of what it looks like. He tells you to take pride in your sins. He tries to convince you that the world's philosophy of self-love is the same philosophy that God has for you. But the Bible, the most powerful weapon in spiritual warfare says otherwise.
The Bible teaches us self-value.
Self-value is to understand the value that you hold in the eyes of God. You are so loved and valued by the Most High! We can go all the way back to the first book of the Bible, Genesis, and see that God created us in His very own image (Genesis 1:27). God calls women far more valuable than rubies (Proverbs 3:15). God can have anything He could ever want, but He seeks you everyday just to be closer with you. He wants your heart more than anything. You are so valued. Both self-value and our relationship with God require humility, modesty, dignity and humbleness.
Self-value is living for God, submitting to His plan, and seeking the endless Joy that comes from His Holy Spirit.
Self-love is struggling to meet your own goals and following your own plan in hopes of finding your own limited happiness.
Self-value is knowing God is in control and having security in Him.
Self-love is trying to make your strength bigger than it is without God.
Self-value is making good decisions based off of what the Bible says because you know it will always be what's best for you. You make informed decisions that reflect your value.
Self-love is making decisions based off of what you want and what you think you deserve.
Self-value is becoming a fool in the eyes of the world because you know your worth in Jesus alone.
Self-love is struggling to maintain your ego/image. Because your worth is only defined by your own worldly love, you can be influenced by other worldly judgements.
Self-value is feeling convicted by the sins you commit because you value yourself as a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Self-love is disguised as self-value, but is the sin of being proud.
Self-value is modest and humble; dignified.
Self-love is proud and boastful.
Self-love is struggling to meet your own goals and following your own plan in hopes of finding your own limited happiness.
Self-value is knowing God is in control and having security in Him.
Self-love is trying to make your strength bigger than it is without God.
Self-value is making good decisions based off of what the Bible says because you know it will always be what's best for you. You make informed decisions that reflect your value.
Self-love is making decisions based off of what you want and what you think you deserve.
Self-value is becoming a fool in the eyes of the world because you know your worth in Jesus alone.
Self-love is struggling to maintain your ego/image. Because your worth is only defined by your own worldly love, you can be influenced by other worldly judgements.
Self-value is feeling convicted by the sins you commit because you value yourself as a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Self-love is disguised as self-value, but is the sin of being proud.
Self-value is modest and humble; dignified.
Self-love is proud and boastful.
Self-value is God-honoring.
Self-love is sinful.
Self-love and self-value seem to be very close... some people may not even realize there is a difference between the two. However there are differences. Choosing one over the other can change the course of both your life and your spiritual life. So reject the idea of self-love and all that comes along with it, and embrace self-value: what God intended for His children. "Do justice, and {to} love kindness, and {to} walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)
Let me know in the comments: will you stand for self-value in a self-obsessed world?
Also please fill out this survey to let me know how you're liking His Will | My Faith and what you'd like to see next!
Also please fill out this survey to let me know how you're liking His Will | My Faith and what you'd like to see next!
Read more:
Girl Defined Blog Post on Self-Love & Its Prideful State ➳
Emma Mae Jenkins Hope Story: You are Deeply Loved by Him! ➳
You're Not Enough (And That's Okay) by Allie Beth Stuckey ➳
Emma Mae Jenkins Hope Story: You are Deeply Loved by Him! ➳
You're Not Enough (And That's Okay) by Allie Beth Stuckey ➳
Scripture to remember:
- "For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power." (2 Timothy 3:2-5)
- "Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. " (Proverbs 31:30)
- "For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church..." (Ephesians 5:29)
- "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." (Psalm 139:14)
- "Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows." (Luke 12:7)
- "And he said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.'" (Matthew 22:37-38)
- "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
- "To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech." (Proverbs 8:13)
- "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3)
Song of the week:
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About the Author
Hi! I'm Angie! I'm a college student, worship leader, pro-life advocate, future teacher, youth ministry intern, and above all else, follower of Jesus Christ. I would love to get to know you!
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