January 1, 2017

This year will be a year of deepening my relationship with Jesus!

This morning, we had a wonderful worship service at church with a guest sitting in on the drums. He is 9 years old - and man can he play drums! Unfortunately, the video file size is too big to include on this post.

Anyway, this evening, my other half and I sat around the dining room table indulging in a little sparkly. I kept my limit to 2 glasses. While I was hesitant to try it because it's a red, Cold Duck is actually not that bad. Mind you, I don't really drink alcoholic beverages often and when I do it's typically just a glass or 2 of wine. Here's a couple snaps of of the flutes filled. I looked in several stores for flutes with New Year's designs already on them to no avail so I made my own. I used Puffy 3D Glitter Paint. It served it's purpose!

Enough about the alcoholic beverage. On to more important things: Jesus!

So after I finished my 2nd glass, we continued our discussion on Jesus but delved into actual Scripture. Yea, we discussed Jesus and Bible over bubbly. Remember, Jesus turned water into wine.

I reviewed the message from church this morning with my other half (he doesn't attend) and then we talked about my new Bible. He gave me a Holman Christian Standard Bible (see image below) for Christmas. I am loving it so far!

I read aloud Proverbs 31 beginning at verse 10 (the Virtuous Woman) and then the book of Ruth. It was pleasant sitting and discussing Biblical concepts and verses with him and I look forward to spending more evenings doing the same - minus the bubbly, lol!

Fear Leads to Life

Recently, I decided to do Bible roulette. Not the typical way I read the Bible, but I felt the need to just let God guide me this time. Anyway, after saying a prayer I opened my Bible to see what I needed to read that morning. It opened to Proverbs 19:23.

"The fear of the Lord leads to life, an he who has it will abide in satisfaction; 

He will not be visited with evil." (NKJV)

Of course, the version I read was the NIV:

"The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble."

But after looking at a few translations, I found the NKJV was the one I preferred. I think because of the word "evil" being used.

So, I then decided to do a quick word study and looked up the following words: fear, life, satisfaction, abide. Here's what I found:

fear (Hebrew = yir'ah) - reverence

life (Hebrew = chay) - alive

satisfaction

• this word gave me some difficulty as the Strong's only showed  2 occurrences in the book of Numbers. So I went a little further and found another word.
• satisfied (Hebrew = wabea (saw-bay'-ah)) - satiated
• of course I then looked up satiated (Hebrew = ravah) - make drunk; fill; soak

abide (Hebrew - lun liyn (loon leen)) - continue; dwell; endure

So from this I got the following:

Reverence of the Lord leads to being alive; and he who has it will continue to be satiated;

He will not be visited with evil.

I am finding that by doing word studies the Bible begins to make better sense to me as I read it. After watching "The War Room" (for the second time), I realise that I need to be more studious in my reading of the Word. I need to read the parallel verses. I need to do word studies. I want and need to be ALIVE in Christ.

Maybe I should let Him guide me ALWAYS!

How to Read the Bible

What is the best way to read the Bible? Do you start at Genesis and read through Revelation? Or do you follow a specific plan such as Matthew 24, Daniel and Revelation to understand better End Times? Maybe there's a better way. No matter how you read the Bible, you should do just that: read the Bible. Study the Bible. Learn the origins of words that may have been taken slightly out of context through several translations.

Oh, and find the Bible version that best works for you.

Personally, I enjoy the New International Version (NIV) and the King James Version (KJV). The KJV because I love the sound of the words in old English. We don't speak with thou's, thy's and thine's anymore, so it can be a bit more challenging at first. Have you ever read Shakespeare? Yeah, it's something like that. I also am prone to read the New King James Version (NKJV). The idea is to find a version that hasn't removed verses because we have to face it, some versions are incomplete.

Here is a list of some of the more popular versions:

• King James
• New King James
• American Standard
• New International
• New Living Translation
• The Message
• Amplified

So, as I begin to read Exodus - because let's face it, sometimes you just have to start at the beginning - I will try to write encouraging thoughts from my readings. I will try to get on this blog more often and hopefully get to a point where I am on it daily - as the title says "Just Julie Daily".

The Book of Job

I have read through Chapter 3 in the book of Job so far. I am taking part in a Bible Study through Good Morning Girls. If you're not familiar, click on the button to the left or on the link in this post.

So, as I said, I have read through chapter 3. Normally when I read Job I just plow right through it. I have read it several times in my life. It is my all time favorite book. This time, however, I am reading it in a different manner. I am taking my time, moving at the pace of the Bible Study, and reflecting on what I read. So far, I feel like I am getting more out of it than I did in previous reads.

This book is primarily about suffering and what we do in difficult times. Namely, how we handle the storms in life. I know I need a lot of work in this area. I think that's why Job appeals to me so much: I can relate. I just wish I would allow these teachings to sink in; like the phrase "Storms in life" referring to Peter walking on water and keeping his eyes on Jesus. Once he moves his eyes away, he begins drowning. We all need this reminder.

Even though this is a quick post, I felt compelled to get it out.

2015 in Review

Well, the year is coming to a close and I really haven't done much on this blog. I feel somewhat ashamed of that, but I must press forward.

2015 began on a sour note for me, personally. Spiritually, I have found that I am taking baby steps, STILL. When will I finally have total discipline to my walk with Christ? I ask for guidance, His plan for my life, on a fairly regular basis. Sometimes I feel like He's there, and others not so much. I know that I have made mistakes this year; who hasn't. I'd like to think I have learned from some of them anyway.

So here I sit with 2016 looming around the corner and the only thing I can say is I'm thankful! Yes, I am thankful for the life I have. I have come a long way over the past 12 months in my mental health. Oh, I still have up's and down's. But I am learning to handle them a little better, S.L.O.W.L.Y. I spent much of the first couple of months hiding from the world. I would go to my appointments, work, church, etc. But basically I didn't want to be bothered.

During this time, I kept asking for God to show me what He wants from me. I wasn't sure if I would ever be truly happy again. I wasn't even sure if He wanted me to be with anyone. After the way 2014 ended and 2015 began, I wasn't even sure if I wanted anyone either. So I stuck to my guns and kept my nose in the Good Book not really looking for answers. Simply reading. Reading things that X pointed out to me. Reading bits that went a little deeper into the week's message from church. Sometimes even just opening and reading whatever page appeared. Not really a reading plan, but a start.

That started to change as summer crept closer.

My job sent me to Denver, once again, for the final class I needed. It was great to be away for a few days. After my return, I turned around and went on vacation for almost 2 weeks!! I needed that getaway. While on this vacation, I visited family in Alabama and Michigan and then found myself going to the East Coast (Let's just say that sour note turned sweet again and while we have obstacles to jump over we are looking toward the future). I traveled through 17 states during an 11 day period. 3,328 miles of roadway, scenery, and adventure! I'll post pictures another time.

So what do I have to look forward to in 2016 you might ask? Well, I have God first and foremost. I have love. I have health. I have my jobs. I am planning to go back to Michigan in June to watch my niece graduate high school. I (we) am (are) also planning the biggest adventure of my life: relocating across country. More on that later.

My heart and soul seeks Jesus every single day.

Acts

I began reading the Book of Acts a couple of weeks ago mainly because of the show “A.D.: the Bible Continues” on NBC. I realized that this show is covering the Acts of the Apostles and wanted to felt the need to read it. I guess that would be the Spirit nudging me.

Anyway, last week our church held a workshop over a couple of evenings and the presenter kept bringing up the Book of Acts. I thought that was a pretty powerful sign as well.

Sunday, the pastor ended a series with Acts 2. Hmmmmm, another sign!

I promise I am getting somewhere!

Sooo, I am now in Chapter 3 and find myself wanting to re-read what I’ve read in order to continue on into the next chapter. After discussing my struggle with the cares pastor, I find her suggestion to be more helpful: just read it through like a story the first time then go back and read it more in depth.

What I can say with some certainty is that it is in chapter 2 where we find the founding of the church. It amazes me every single day how profound that is and how much of an influence Jesus has in my life. Now, in the workshop last week, there was a question posed (one that I ask myself often): Who am I? Have you ever wondered who you are? Who you are in Christ. It’s a difficult question to answer even now.

I know that I am:

• a daughter of God
• a child of God
• a woman
• a teacher
• a veteran
• a friend
• a sister
• a daughter

I could go on and on, but you get the idea. But to really know who I am in the eyes of God, who I am in Christ, that’s going to take more thought. In life group tonight we discussed this as well. I have even more perspective: Who I am in Christ goes to not just an encounter with Him but when my knowledge of him clicked on in my heart; knowledge not just in the head.

So, who am I?

The Great Commission

Throughout the New Testament, we are given lots of commands from Jesus. One of them is "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." (John 13: 34, NIV). Another command is for us to go and make disciples as referenced above in the image. 

What does this mean to "go and make disciples"? It means that we, as Christians, followers of Jesus Christ, are to go out into the world and spread His good news! We are not to just merely go to our family and friends; our immediate circle. No, we are to go up to strangers when we see them in need and share the gospel. 

Jesus had 12 disciples - in his inner circle - however, He virtually has millions of disciples in today's world. 

Let me put it to you another way:

A disciple is not just a follower of Jesus Christ. A disciple is also a student of Jesus Christ and his teachings. 

Does that make more sense? I sure hope so...

I may delve into this at a later date, after further study and reflection. Other topics I am hoping to share with you in the near future include keeping the Sabbath and what the actual Sabbath day is; end times / prophecy; and some of the Proverbs.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a difficult concept to grasp for many people. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, online, to forgive means:

: to stop feeling anger toward (someone who has done something wrong) : to stop blaming (someone)

: to stop feeling anger about (something) : to forgive someone for (something wrong)

: to stop requiring payment of (money that is owed)

I recently was reading in Matthew and came across a verse the spoke to me; 18:26

"At this the servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.'" (NIV)

To explain a little, when a family  member is in need and I am able to help, I will help them. One of my family members needed said help. This family member is going through some pretty rough times and while the debt was owed I tried to be patient. When I read this verse, the first thing the servant said is exactly what the family member said. I read on:

I felt a tugging at my heart and knew what I had to do. I had to release the debt. So I did.

I am not saying this to be a braggart or anything like that. I simply want to use my life as an example of how the Holy Spirit speaks to us in ways we can't even imagine. I was seeking answers to something I didn't even know I was seeking.

I have found, through the years, that it is easy for me to say "I forgive you" but my heart really wasn't in the spirit of forgiveness. I have held on to a lot of hurts and the forgiveness really didn't happen. If you find yourself harboring old hurts, release them. Lay them at the cross. When it comes to the day of judgment, what will God ask you about forgiveness?

Ba'con!

I love waking up to the smell of ba'con in the morning, don't you? Why the apostrophe you might ask. Well, if you're familiar with "That 70s Show", the character Eric Foreman teased his father after Red's heart attack and he could no longer have certain foods. Ba'con was one of them. And that's how Eric would say the word in this phrase: "Mmm, ba'con!"

Another thing I am beginning to love first thing in the morning is speaking with the Lord. It's a habit I once had and am getting back into. It seems whenever something bad happens in my life I backslide. The last time I backslid BIG time. I read a verse in the Bible (Parable of the Four Soils) recently that speaks to this:

The seed falling on rocky ground

refers to someone who hears

the word and at once receives it

with joy.

But since they have no root,

they last only a short time. 

When trouble or persecution comes

because of the word,

they quickly fall away.

~ Matthew 13:20-21

You see, I have a tendency to walk with the Lord and when bad times come, I fall away, just like the seed falling on rocky ground. That's because my faith gets shaken and I try to do it on my own instead of giving it to the Lord. Here's a better illustration:

Now, I am on the path to being the seed that falls on good soil and learning to give all of my troubles to the Lord. Only he can deal with them and bring me through any trial I may face.

What kind of a heart do you have?

So much weighs on my mind

As I continue my journey, I find more and more things begin to weigh on my mind. Signs that the devil is at play in my mind. I read The Screwtape Letters not too long ago on my Kindle. If you're not familiar with this title, C.S. Lewis is the author. Yes, the same Lewis as of the Chronicles of Narnia. It's a confusing and albeit truthful book about how the devil plays with our minds to sway us against the one he calls "the Enemy". This so-called "Enemy" is God. Hence the confusion to any believer not ready to see God called an enemy.

Anyway, I really enjoyed the book overall and purchased a paper copy so that I may read it again; which I have already begun. This time around I am taking my time reading it so that I can absorb the message. I am making notes in margins and highlighting sentences that stand out to me. It's the only way I can really read and understand - a nasty habit picked up in college.

In addition, I am working through the book of Revelation and plan to read Chapter 2 tonight. In preparation, I have been watching Rabbi Jonathan Cahn on YouTube speak about God's judgment against America. He is the author of The Harbinger. In one of the videos I watched he speaks about this being the days of Elijah and Ezekiel. Well, I will leave you with one of my favorite songs:

YouTube and other rumblings

I have been spending more time on YouTube lately listening to and watching different faith-based programs. It was suggested that I check out Chuck Missler - anything and everything - as he is very well-versed on prophecy and end-time stuff. Hopefully it will help me understand Revelation as I attempt to read through it for the 4th time. It is probably the most difficult book in the entire Bible.

One thing that has been weighing heavy on me lately is that I wish I had spent more time studying the Bible growing up. Maybe I wouldn't feel so silly when bf and I speak about the Bible/Scripture and other things Christian. I love our conversations but he has so much more time invested and so much of the Book memorized that I sometimes feel stupid. I am not a new Believer by any means, but I am still in my "infancy" of learning.

I remember a couple of years ago planning to read the entire Bible and grow my relationship with God. That didn't work out so well. I fear I lack the discipline and need someone to hold me accountable. BF is very good at that and I appreciate his prodding even if it doesn't seem like it at times. I also have a mentor at church; one of the pastors took it upon herself to mentor me. Well, that hasn't been going too well either. The lack of discipline again.

As I close this post for the evening, I ask the Lord to:

Give me ears to hear

Eyes to see

and a Heart to understand.

~ Matthew 13:15

A New Year and A New Blog

I spent the latter part of 2014 away from my other blog (julies-creations.blogspot.com). I just couldn't find the inspiration to continue on with that blog hence this new blog.

My name is Julie and I have several interests including reading, writing, photography, cross stitch, and most importantly MY FAITH. My hope for this blog is to share with you a snippet of my daily life in Christ. I am on a spiritual journey trying to figure out who I am in Christ Jesus. Many of us have these questions:

• Who am I?
• What is Your will for my life?

Well, I am hoping to find the answer to these questions and others along the way through reading the Word and prayer. 

Welcome to my blog! I am Just Julie