The Value or Worth of a Woman

The way our Lord Jesus treated woman was revolutionary taking into consideration the customs, time, and culture of his day. As evident throughout the Gospel's, Jesus treated his mother and all woman with the deepest respect and honor. And also, while most of the great world Religions like Hinduism and especially Islam treat woman as inferior to men, the Bible gives them a place of dignity, honor, and unspeakable worth and this is so evident in Proverbs 31.

Proverbs 31:10-"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price [is] far above rubies."

The Real World

So I just got home from putting up this hedge fence (plants as a fence instead of an actual fence). The entire process really allowed me to put some things into perspective, let me explain:

So last night I knew that today I would be undertaking this project. So I planned out how everything would be. I figured what I had to bring to get the project done, I set an estimated amount of time it would take to complete the project, I even went as far as figuring out the steps that I would take to undertake this project successfully. So I woke up this morning, got the materials together, got into the car, and got to the place where this fence was going to be planted, brought out all the materials, and got to work.

The thing is, in theory the entire project seemed quite simple, in theory it didn't seem to hard, But as I tried to dig into the dry hard soil, I found myself having trouble. I began to exert so much effort and not get too far in the goal of digging a line for the fence.

So the first thing that I was able to put into perspective:

Things may seem simple and applicable in theory, but the actual carrying out of that theory may be a whole other endeavor.

I started getting really tired, I was already mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted from this week, this lack of progress wasn't helping. So I took a trip back home, changed my clothes, got hydrated, ate some food, and packed up some water to take with me.

The second thing I was able to put into perspective:

If I don't go into a situation properly equipped or prepared, I will be less effective, in turn wasting effort, time, and energy that could be used elsewhere

I didn't go into the situation properly prepared. I wore jeans and work boots, I had a light breakfast and a small glass of water. Yet the 90 degree weather completely shut down my body from the heat and lack of energy. My efforts were pointless. Yet after I came home, better equipped myself for the situation, and thought ahead of what my body would need in the situation, I went in with a whole new determination and refreshed.

So I get back to work, but this time, I take a water hose and completely soak up the dry soil in the line that I am trying to form. It was tedious, it was time consuming, but it was well worth it, because this time that I went to shovel out the line where I would be planting the hedges, the soil came out much easier and I was able to move faster. Third thing that I was able to put into perspective

Never make a situation harder than it has to be, especially if you have the resources around you to aid you.

You see, the hose was sitting there the whole time, I just didn't think to pick it up and moisten up the soil before trying to dig it out.

So the planting process begins, and I dig a hole along the dug out line to put these plants into. I don't know if you guys have dug a deep hole before but it isn't the most easiest of tasks. Especially if you have a big shovel and the hole you are trying to dig should be about the size of your hand. But after a lot of work the holes are dug, and the plants are put in, I reinforce the plant with a bunch of soil so it doesn't topple over. I get the hose and water the plants. Fourth thing I was able to put into perspective:

So much time, effort, and energy has been put into digging out this line, making the holes, and putting in the plants. But no matter how hard someone tries, they will never realize how much work was put into this project.

You know what's cool?

See in the real world, these four perspectives could get very frustrating.

In the real world carrying out a situation is already difficult in itself. See the concept of school is very idealistic and simple, but the actual carrying out of studying and taking tests and trying to balance it with life is very overwhelming. Going to work to make some money is a very easy concept in itself - but the idea of making money to end up spending it all on basic living expenses (mortgage, insurance, bills) is overwhelming. Spending time with your family and friends is an ideal and realistic situation in your mind, but when it comes to carrying that out - and balancing that time with your school/work/personal time - it could potentially become an overwhelming task.

How fortunate we are to have a God who is with us every step of the way - from the formulation of the concept, to the actual carrying out of the concept. The Lord tells us to "lean not on our own understanding"

In the real world going through a day could be a very strenuous and draining process. Getting up, going to school/work, coming home, getting things done for school/work/yourself, going to sleep - only to start it all back up again in the morning

How fortunate we are to have a God who prepares and equips us by simply interacting with him. He tells us to draw close, he gives us armor to handle any situation thrown at us, He provides for our needs at the perfect time.

In the real world true friends or people who care about you could seem so far away even when you are surrounded by them. You feel alone, you feel as if you are the only one dealing with the things that you are. You feel as if no one understands

How fortunate we are to have a God who sympathizes with us and with his blood has provided us with brothers and sisters who we can fellowship with and sharpen each other with. Because of this we never have to make a situation harder than it has to be, because we can take it to the Lord in prayer and have brothers and sisters who help hold us up.

In the real world, glory and fame are top priorities, pride runs sky high in your mind, you seek to elevate to the top for what is defined as "success". At times even things such as community service or selfless acts are really for our own personal satisfaction.

How fortunate we are to have a God who reserves all of the glory for himself, how fortunate is the fact that we can bring him glory through our feeble actions, thoughts, or heart.

How did I get from making a hedge fence to God's provision for us in the real world? I don't know. I guess that's just how God works . I guess if you think about it, you can see God in every situation you find yourself in.

Try it.

later :)

A Little Sleep

Proverbs 6 verse 9 and 10 reads like this: Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man. So yesterday I randomly woke up at 6:30, and I ended getting a lot of things done. Today I set my alarm for 7 but I ended up waking at around 9:30, (because I pressed the dreaded snooze button, why do they have that button anyway?). I planned on finishing the task of cleaning up my room (yeah I know I have been back for like 3 weeks, but I had to find a way to get all the stuff that I bought for school into my room). Anyways because I did not wake up, and thought the few extra minutes of sleep would be beneficial, I am now "behind schedule." My personal goal is to wake up by 7, at the latest, everyday, so that the time I have will not be wasted, and can be used ultimately to glorify God.

Boasting in the lord

I will not boast in anything

No gifts, no power, no wisdom

But I will boast in Jesus Christ

His death and resurrection

1 Corinthians 1:31

" That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the lord."

Yo guys we ain't nothing about us that we can seriously be proud. I mean the only one who we have joy in is Jesus Christ. I was thinking that as I was reading this verse, and I'm challenging myself to pay attention to the things God has truly blessed me with, so I don't overlook what's God's and claim it as my own. I challenge you to do the same.

Hate Evil

Hate is a strong word. It brings up thoughts of intolerance and ignorance. But can hate be a good thing?

Psalm 97:10 : Ye that love the Lord hate evil.

If we truly love Jesus, we can't be at peace with sin. It's that simple. Doesn't mean we won't sin,

but we hopefully won't be at peace with the sin in our lives. It's only by God's grace and mercy

we can have our conscience clear. But conforming your mind to hating evil, is a step towards sinning less.

Gift of The Holy Spirit

"You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans..." John 14:17-18

There are times in our life we feel as if we are walking on this earth alone. But Jesus said I will not leave you as oprhans, reassuring us to trust in Him, to walk with Him to receive the promises He gives us and to love Him as He loved us first.

Refuge

I already posted this on my blog, but it's something i really wanted to share...
http://reddodger123.blogspot.com/

Psalm 18:2- The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.


     Lately I've been feeling like it's just me against the world. Just me, and no one else. No one else who would be there with me, no one who had my back,  and no one who knew what I was going through. But I know that there is someone who is here for me and who will always be there for me. His name is Jesus Christ and He is my Refuge. He knows exactly everything that I go through, everything that I feel, and everything that has been on my mind. He knows everything and let me tell you, He really cares about you. No matter how much you run from Him, you'll just run towards Him. My past life experience had me realizing that there is a God who loves me, who cares for me, who wants me. He has never turned His back to me, and I know as many times as I turn mine to His, He will always be with me. Just trust in Him at all times, pour out your heart to Him, because He is a God of Refuge. You're probably wondering why I am posting these things, but these are things that have been on my mind for a while now and something that God wants me to remind myself.

Determined

Saturday was awesome,
But my back is kinda soar from all of the work.
loll don't worry I'm not complaining haha.
I'm saying it was worth it.
Well worth it. (It was fun too)
One thing that God showed me that day is that we have to experience pain in order to see the benefits. We have to be willing and we have to endure through those times of pain.

Hebrews 12:1~

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares [us], and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us

2 Timothy 1:12~

For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day

As long as we stay committed to our cause, have faith in Him, and stay persistent, God will be glorified. Amen?

word

http://www.flickr.com/photos/supersonicphotos/sets/72157624630470090/

this is cool

Try ME

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

James 1:2-8

--Alex

Bittersweet

Psalm 13

1. How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever

How long will you hide your face from me

2 How long must I take counsel in my soul

and have sorrow in my heart all the day?

How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

3 Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;

light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,

4 lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,”

lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.

5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love

my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.

6 I will sing to the Lord,

because he has dealt bountifully with me.

In the beginning of this psalm, David is questioning God's presence in his life during a hard time. David started out complaining, BUT when he remembered how good God was to him in the past, it made him REJOICE. His attitude completely changed when he remembered God's blessings in his life. Because of that, he put his complete trust in God to pull him through his hard time and SANG praises to Him.

At some point in life, we all go through that time of despair and trial. We, as Christians, are taught to believe that God is always there yet we still question his presence during our difficult circumstances. Don't question, just TRUST. We all know that we are not worthy in the presence of God, but when we put our complete trust in Jesus, we are made worthy through Him.

In these hard times, also remember that God's word is our key of promise. He will not bring any burden that will overcome you. God has everything under control.

The SILENCE of God IS NOT the ABSENCE of God. Keep trusting in Him.

Touch

Mark 1:40-41
And there came a leper to Him beseeching Him and kneeling down unto Him and saying unto Him, 'If Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean.' And Jesus moved with compassion put forth His hand, and touched Him, and saith unto Him, 'I will: Be Thou clean.'

Can you imagine not being touched or being able to touch? Touch, one of the five basic senses. We don't think about it but it is so vital to feeling loved, to feeling secure. It's like having a human being live in darkness. Can you imagine living without light? Touch is important. A newborn baby needs to be held, needs to be touched. It helps the baby feel secure, feel safe. This man: no one wanted to touch him. No one wanted to be near him. JESUS. He heard of this Jesus and wanted to meet Him. Jesus was not like the others. When society abandoned him, Jesus accepted him. He reached out and touched him and this man was never the same.

check it

i love the fact that ihave you guys to fall back on nah mean
word
that is all

Live and Die for Something that Matters

Five Hundred years from now, what will be the only thing that matters? Will it matter that you lived in a nice large house? Will it matter that you had a nice car? Will it even matter who won the NBA finals? Five Hundred millions years from now, the only thing that will matter is who is in hell and how is in heaven.
Jesus tells us in Gospel of Mathew 18:11-"The Son of Man has come to save that which was lost."
If it was the highest priority for Jesus to reach the lost, shouldn't it also be our highest priority and concern ?

Have you ever took the time to think what is the one thing you cant do in heaven? If you like to sing, you can do that in heaven. You can praise God in heaven. You can worship God in heaven. You can learn Gods Word in heaven. If you like Jewelry, you gonna be walking on streets paved with Gold! :), but what the one thing you cant do in heaven? Share you faith with an unbeleiver because their is no unbelievers in heaven!

Life on this planet is soo short that James says that life is like a vapor. So James says our life is like a the steam that comes and goes from fresh brewed Dunkin Donuts coffee.

Think about it, after you die, you will never talk to a lost person for all of eternity because their is Only Believers in Heaven.

True. Love.

Deluge - Open Up the Sky
Our beloved Father, please come down and meet us
We are waiting on Your touch
Open up the heavens shower down your presence
We respond to Your great love

We won't be satisfied with anything ordinary
We won't be satisfied at all

Open up the sky fall down like rain
We don't want blessings we want You
Open up the sky fall down like fire
We don't want anything but You

Our beloved Jesus we just want to see You
In the glory of Your light
Earthly things don't matter they just fade and shatter
When we're touched by love divine

Here we go let's go to the throne
The place that we belong
Right into His arms

We love Him because He first loved us. ~ I John 4:19
But the Lord your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the Lord your God loves you. ~ Deut 23:5 b

When I passed by you again and looked upon you, indeed your time was the time of love; so I spread My wing over you and covered your nakedness. Yes, I swore an oath to you and entered into a covenant with you, and you became Mine," says the Lord God. ~ Ezekiel 16:8

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ~ Romans 5:8

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. ~ Galatians 2:20

THAT is love. THAT is why we worship our God.