A friend gave me the suggestion to talk about making assumptions.
Webster dictionary defines assumed as: "to think that something is true or probably true without knowing that it is true"
I will be upfront and honest to say that I have made assumptions. I've learned the hard way to be more careful about what I thought I believe to be true without finding out if it was or not.
Although, it is wrong to assume? What happens if I'm right...or wrong with my assumptions?
Personally I think assumptions are usually based on how someone is FEELING about something or someone without actually thinking it through, which can sometimes lead to issues. This may not be the case all the time, but for some it is.
I used to make assumptions based of what I may have heard or thought without prior knowledge about a person or situation. Can you assume someone is a certain way by how they look/act? Sometimes and you might be right about him or her. Although other times it can be taken too far because without gaining more information or facts, your leading yourself to believe something to be truth without validation.
Now I do my best to not assume something and run with it. I believe it is best to ask questions about what you're assuming, so you don't cause an misunderstanding. Everything seen on the outside doesn't always reveal what is going on inside. Let me reiterate that sometimes you can assume based off what you may see or hear, but I do warn that you must be careful and be ready to back up your assumption of things. If you believe what your assuming to be true, you better have proof.
Usually when making an assumptions, it is done after a period of getting to know more about something or someone and /or have seen a pattern related to either that leads you to assume what you think.
If you're right in what you assume, especially about a person, I say it is important to still deal with it appropriately. Let's said you assume a someone to be a thief, liar, mean, etc and that person is really that way. Well what can you do (if you should be dealing with it) to help that person not be that way? Maybe address it what that person? Ask how you can help that person (if he or she wants help)? There are probably a number of ways to go about it, but make sure to not make things complicated. If you're right, don't brag about it. If it is true, well alright, you know what you believe was true and can now proceed with what need to be done or dealt with.
Now let's say what you assumed was wrong! Oh no! Well don't worry to much, unless you started to cause trouble or any issues with your assumption. Then you need to fix it right away. First I would ask for forgiveness if you were wrong, especially if others found out. *You already know that when you assume, you end up telling someone else what you think, which most likely lead to gossip or some kind of misunderstanding* If you assumed something wrong about a person, even if he or she didn't/doesn't know, if it is necessary, admit that you were under the wrong impression. You may have believe what someone else has told you or you simply just didn't care to find out more yourself. Sometimes people don't know they come across a certain way, then we can sometimes assume they are that way and addressing it can help make things less awkward or complicated. We've all assume something (usually bad) about someone and sometimes we assume wrong. Deal with it and move on.
So making assumptions can be a fight starter, cause issues, and get you into trouble sometimes. Assumptions could keep you out of those things as well. Just use wisdom. We're human though, so it is easy to think something is truth based off of little to no prior give info or knowledge. Assumptions can lead you all over the place, so know about what you're assuming. Be careful. You can assume someone is a thief if they steal in front of you. You can't assume someone is Christian just because they go to church. You could assume you might drown if you can't swim. You can't assume that someone is your friend if he or she is disrespecting you.
Make sure first!
Get me? I hope so.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Friday, July 25, 2014
What Needs to be Done...When Dealing with Sin!
*This is not about anyone in particular as I have been in several different conversations with different people in and out-side of my circle who are talking about dealing with those in sin. When someone you know isn't doing right, how do you deal with it, especially if they claim to be a Christian?
This is a "touchy" topic, but I don't want to be afraid to talk about my view about it.
This is what I believe, you may or may not agree.*
It is not easy to correct someone. For some it might be, but the majority have a hard time confronting someone doing wrong/who is sinning. Sometimes there's a fear of that person being angry or less accepting of you. Things could get tensed and/or awkward, the relationship/friendship could be over.
Sometimes one doesn't care that much about what someone else is doing. If it is not affecting his/her self directly, why worry about it.
Whatever the case may be, it is important to do what is right. What is God telling you to do in that particular situation? How do you approach someone who is in sin? Are you trying to help them and encourage repentance?
Depending on what it is, I think one has to set aside their feelings and deal with it. No one should be comfortable standing by while someone else is sinning. There's needs to be accountability. There needs to be genuine concern and care for someone who finds or positions his/her self in a situation that is causing them to be in sin.
This has been a common topic lately. We find our (Christian) friends in situations that pulls them away from the Lord. They are in sin and have isolate themselves. They don't want anyone to talk to them.They don't want correction. They only want God to JUDGE them. They don't want anyone to be involved with their life at this time. Etc. etc....
What are we to do about it?
Well we are called to deal with them in a loving and truthful, but most effective way possible. Some people you have to be gentle with, while others do need to be dealt with boldly and more seriously. All is done with care and keeping in mind that God wants us watch over one another. He wants us to live right and obey His word.
We have to do what needs to be done. Sometimes you may get burned while pulling someone else out of the fire. It won't always be easy trying to help someone you see sinning and you want them to get back on track. You want to encourage that him/her have the right testimony. There does come a point when you leave alone and leave the rest up to God, but until then don't give an excuse. If you're not doing what God is asking you to do, then you're not doing right either.
I used to struggle in this area a lot. It was and sometimes still is hard going up to someone I care about and letting know what they are doing is not pleasing to God and it is affecting their walk with Him. They are in sin and need to turn away. I didn't want that person to be mad at me or not trust me anymore. Then I had to stop worrying about their response and do what is right, even if that means things get shaky. I wanted to do what God commanded, especially if I'm the one that is meant to deal with that person.
I probably could go more into depth, but the point is for Christians to do what we're called to do: confront sin, deal with it, and be accountable. Don't just talk...do. If your prayer for someone leads you to actually talk to him/her, then do it. After that, see what happens. Pray for their repentance. Pray for their walk with the Lord. Pray that they can turn away and how you may be able to help with it. Pray God does a work with the person. DO WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE!
Jude verses 22+23 "And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire;"
Galatians 6:1
"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted."
This is a "touchy" topic, but I don't want to be afraid to talk about my view about it.
This is what I believe, you may or may not agree.*
It is not easy to correct someone. For some it might be, but the majority have a hard time confronting someone doing wrong/who is sinning. Sometimes there's a fear of that person being angry or less accepting of you. Things could get tensed and/or awkward, the relationship/friendship could be over.
Sometimes one doesn't care that much about what someone else is doing. If it is not affecting his/her self directly, why worry about it.
Whatever the case may be, it is important to do what is right. What is God telling you to do in that particular situation? How do you approach someone who is in sin? Are you trying to help them and encourage repentance?
Depending on what it is, I think one has to set aside their feelings and deal with it. No one should be comfortable standing by while someone else is sinning. There's needs to be accountability. There needs to be genuine concern and care for someone who finds or positions his/her self in a situation that is causing them to be in sin.
This has been a common topic lately. We find our (Christian) friends in situations that pulls them away from the Lord. They are in sin and have isolate themselves. They don't want anyone to talk to them.They don't want correction. They only want God to JUDGE them. They don't want anyone to be involved with their life at this time. Etc. etc....
What are we to do about it?
Well we are called to deal with them in a loving and truthful, but most effective way possible. Some people you have to be gentle with, while others do need to be dealt with boldly and more seriously. All is done with care and keeping in mind that God wants us watch over one another. He wants us to live right and obey His word.
We have to do what needs to be done. Sometimes you may get burned while pulling someone else out of the fire. It won't always be easy trying to help someone you see sinning and you want them to get back on track. You want to encourage that him/her have the right testimony. There does come a point when you leave alone and leave the rest up to God, but until then don't give an excuse. If you're not doing what God is asking you to do, then you're not doing right either.
I used to struggle in this area a lot. It was and sometimes still is hard going up to someone I care about and letting know what they are doing is not pleasing to God and it is affecting their walk with Him. They are in sin and need to turn away. I didn't want that person to be mad at me or not trust me anymore. Then I had to stop worrying about their response and do what is right, even if that means things get shaky. I wanted to do what God commanded, especially if I'm the one that is meant to deal with that person.
I probably could go more into depth, but the point is for Christians to do what we're called to do: confront sin, deal with it, and be accountable. Don't just talk...do. If your prayer for someone leads you to actually talk to him/her, then do it. After that, see what happens. Pray for their repentance. Pray for their walk with the Lord. Pray that they can turn away and how you may be able to help with it. Pray God does a work with the person. DO WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE!
Jude verses 22+23 "And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire;"
Galatians 6:1
"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted."
2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
Monday, July 14, 2014
Some Advice...
I don't think I'm an expert. I don't know everything and I may not always give the best advice. Although something I said to a friend (a piece of advice) made my happy to think about how far I've come and what I've learned from my experiences. So this piece of advice I want to share with my readers. I believe it will help some out or at least I pray it does.
Here it goes:
"You don't need what others have or get to experience in their lives to make you happy or define your life. You have your own life (that God has planned out). You'll be doing big things someday. You don't need a man. You don't need a trip. You don't need money or anything else....all you need is God. He is the best that you can get out of life. He'll make you happy, content, feel loved, and prosperous.
It's ok to want, to dream, to aspire, to reach for...but don't let it take your focus off God. Don't worry about what others are doing with their lives and compare theirs to yours. Keep moving forward and being content with your life until God shows you what to do and where to go next."
Here it goes:
"You don't need what others have or get to experience in their lives to make you happy or define your life. You have your own life (that God has planned out). You'll be doing big things someday. You don't need a man. You don't need a trip. You don't need money or anything else....all you need is God. He is the best that you can get out of life. He'll make you happy, content, feel loved, and prosperous.
It's ok to want, to dream, to aspire, to reach for...but don't let it take your focus off God. Don't worry about what others are doing with their lives and compare theirs to yours. Keep moving forward and being content with your life until God shows you what to do and where to go next."
Monday, June 23, 2014
My Bible Lesson-The 5 Ps of Life: Place, Purpose, Provision, Perspective, and Presence
Place: Where God wants you to be? Examples in the Bible: Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Esther, David, etc
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Proverbs 16:9
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
Where ever you are in life right now (your location, your job, your title, etc), that is God wants you to be. Grow where He has you at this time until He changes things!
________________________________________________________
Purpose: What God wants you to do; His will for your life-specific tasks or responsibility?
Examples: The Judges, Mary, etc
Psalm 57:2
“I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.”
Proverbs 16:4
"The Lord has made everything for its purpose"
Ephesians 1:11
"In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of His will"
God wants you to do His will with the gifts/tasks/responsibilities He has given you to fulfill your purpose! Doesn't matter what you are...student, worker, a mom, a wife, a leader, etc...figure out what God is calling you to do!
________________________________________________________
Provision: God fulfills your needs; even ones you didn’t know that needed to be met!
Examples: Moses, Daniel, The Apostles, etc
Philippians 4:19
"My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
2 Peter 1:3
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence
Matthew 6:11
“Give us this day our daily bread,”
Before time, now, and later God has you covered!
________________________________________________________
Perspective: The vision you are to have about God and your life; how you view the Word and the world around you
Examples: Adam/Eve, Jesus, etc
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
“as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
Isaiah 55:8
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.”
Make sure your perspective is the right one! Whatever happens it helps to think that God is doing things for your good!
________________________________________________________
Presence (of God): You’ll be able to feel presence of God the closer you are to Him.
Hebrews 13:5
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
God is always there! He isn't going to abandon His own!
If you don't feel God's presence or don't feel as close to Him, consider what is going on with your relationship with Him? Are you in sin? Maybe you're not reading your Bible or being in prayer enough? Figure it out, so you can be closer to Him!
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Proverbs 16:9
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
Where ever you are in life right now (your location, your job, your title, etc), that is God wants you to be. Grow where He has you at this time until He changes things!
________________________________________________________
Purpose: What God wants you to do; His will for your life-specific tasks or responsibility?
Examples: The Judges, Mary, etc
Psalm 57:2
“I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.”
Proverbs 16:4
"The Lord has made everything for its purpose"
Ephesians 1:11
"In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of His will"
God wants you to do His will with the gifts/tasks/responsibilities He has given you to fulfill your purpose! Doesn't matter what you are...student, worker, a mom, a wife, a leader, etc...figure out what God is calling you to do!
________________________________________________________
Provision: God fulfills your needs; even ones you didn’t know that needed to be met!
Examples: Moses, Daniel, The Apostles, etc
Philippians 4:19
"My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
2 Peter 1:3
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence
Matthew 6:11
“Give us this day our daily bread,”
Before time, now, and later God has you covered!
________________________________________________________
Perspective: The vision you are to have about God and your life; how you view the Word and the world around you
Examples: Adam/Eve, Jesus, etc
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
“as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
Isaiah 55:8
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.”
Make sure your perspective is the right one! Whatever happens it helps to think that God is doing things for your good!
________________________________________________________
Presence (of God): You’ll be able to feel presence of God the closer you are to Him.
Hebrews 13:5
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
God is always there! He isn't going to abandon His own!
If you don't feel God's presence or don't feel as close to Him, consider what is going on with your relationship with Him? Are you in sin? Maybe you're not reading your Bible or being in prayer enough? Figure it out, so you can be closer to Him!
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Where I'm at right now?
We have a lot of catching up to do!
Well I won't bore anyone reading this post with a lot of details on last couple months. I'll just say I made it through another semester in college, my freelance biz grew with a few more clientele, and my husband and I did some traveling. I've been pretty busy, but it's all good, so praise God for it all.
Now what's on my mind? Well been thinking about the future? What's next for me? Where do I see myself in the next 5 years?
I think what really matters is what does God have in store me and am I willing to submit to His plan for my future/life? I have dreams, goals, plans, and a reality I see for myself, but what if God has something else in mind?
Well I know God has the best in mind for me and knows my desires! If something comes along that I don't like or don't feel good about, I'm sure it will be for my good to teach me something, help me grow in a certain area, prepare me from something, etc. Life may or may nor go my way. I've learned that the easy and hard way.
So now I don't worry so much about my future because it is in God's hands. He has never lead me wrong. He has saw me through so much and blessed me in many ways. Whatever is ahead, I feel ready. I know it won't always be easy, but I'll be able to endure and in the end I'll be closer to God.
There's no point in complaining or being discontent. I know the things I need to change. I have an idea of what is realistic for me to happen in the future and I strive to reach my goals and make my dreams a reality.
I will do my best to pray first, to try and understand what is God's will for me, and not be discouraged when things don't go as expected. I won't give up at what I know God has clearly given me the vision and abilities to do.
So that's where I am for now! Stay tuned to see what's next for me! I'm sure you'll be just as amazed as I will be since I don't really know what the future holds.
Well I won't bore anyone reading this post with a lot of details on last couple months. I'll just say I made it through another semester in college, my freelance biz grew with a few more clientele, and my husband and I did some traveling. I've been pretty busy, but it's all good, so praise God for it all.
Now what's on my mind? Well been thinking about the future? What's next for me? Where do I see myself in the next 5 years?
I think what really matters is what does God have in store me and am I willing to submit to His plan for my future/life? I have dreams, goals, plans, and a reality I see for myself, but what if God has something else in mind?
Well I know God has the best in mind for me and knows my desires! If something comes along that I don't like or don't feel good about, I'm sure it will be for my good to teach me something, help me grow in a certain area, prepare me from something, etc. Life may or may nor go my way. I've learned that the easy and hard way.
So now I don't worry so much about my future because it is in God's hands. He has never lead me wrong. He has saw me through so much and blessed me in many ways. Whatever is ahead, I feel ready. I know it won't always be easy, but I'll be able to endure and in the end I'll be closer to God.
There's no point in complaining or being discontent. I know the things I need to change. I have an idea of what is realistic for me to happen in the future and I strive to reach my goals and make my dreams a reality.
I will do my best to pray first, to try and understand what is God's will for me, and not be discouraged when things don't go as expected. I won't give up at what I know God has clearly given me the vision and abilities to do.
So that's where I am for now! Stay tuned to see what's next for me! I'm sure you'll be just as amazed as I will be since I don't really know what the future holds.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Despite what I can't see...
Something I heard said tonight at church that really convicted me:
We can't see God. So sometimes we promise to do things for Him and when we don't follow through, then it's not a big deal to us. Although if we promise to do something for a friend, coworker, or anyone else, we feel bad about it and care about how they feel because we can see their physical reactions to our failures.
Just because we can't see God's reaction, doesn't mean He isn't disappointed in us. He's not happy when we fail to do what we said we would do. It is important to be just as conscious to God's feelings the same as anyone else in front of us, even more!
I want God to be please and see that I can follow through with the things He has called me to do! I do
I wouldn't want to see God's face of anger or disappointment in me and even though I haven't, doesn't mean it should not matter as much!
We can't see God. So sometimes we promise to do things for Him and when we don't follow through, then it's not a big deal to us. Although if we promise to do something for a friend, coworker, or anyone else, we feel bad about it and care about how they feel because we can see their physical reactions to our failures.
Just because we can't see God's reaction, doesn't mean He isn't disappointed in us. He's not happy when we fail to do what we said we would do. It is important to be just as conscious to God's feelings the same as anyone else in front of us, even more!
I want God to be please and see that I can follow through with the things He has called me to do! I do
I wouldn't want to see God's face of anger or disappointment in me and even though I haven't, doesn't mean it should not matter as much!
Thursday, April 24, 2014
WOW....it's been too long...
I need to be more consistent with this blog. I do have a lot to share, but I've been very busy with school.
So, let me get some things together and done and I'll be back real soon with words of encouragement, testimonies, updates, etc.
So, let me get some things together and done and I'll be back real soon with words of encouragement, testimonies, updates, etc.
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