HIS Love = My Security

This weekend I was incredibly blessed while dealing with my insecurities thanks to Beth Moore's Simulcast... "So Long, Insecurity!" There were six points she made:
S - Saved from Herself
E - Entitled to Truth
C - Clothes with Intention
U - Upended by Grace
R - Rebounded by Love
E - Exceptional in Life

But the thing that struck me most through the day was God's overwhelming, undying love for me. I've always known about God's love for me... enough that He would send His only Son to die in my place. However, this weekend the one fact became so real to me - no matter what I've done, no matter I do, HE WILL NEVER STOP LOVING ME! I have heard the term unconditional love before and have even been told I possess some of it, but let me tell you - I don't have it for everyone. There are certain things that people do that I choose not to love them. Yet, I serve this God who has an unconditional, never-ending love for every one of us, His creation, that no matter what will always be available. I find this love to be indescribable.
I have discovered this weekend that, if nothing else, I can have full security in love. The next time someone does something to you that cause you to choose not to love... or next time you do something that makes you momentarily not the easiest to love, know that there is a God that never stops loving YOU!

Some other highlights from Beth...

• HE is the wildest ride you will ever take!
• Victory or defeat resides in the mind
• HE has proven.
• Put off old, put on new
• Our biggest enemy is often our own insecurity
• Insecurity is a form of pride
• I am loved, valued, and esteemed by God!
• Don't manage a stronghold in your life - Be FREE!
• If you have a heart that does not heal, it hardens
• You cannot run Him off!
• Everything always comes back to love
• We have a need for significance
• Be the exception!!

And one more personal thought from me... If God wanted us to consistently look at our outward selves, He would have created us with a built in mirror. Instead see yourself through the Creator's eyes!

Half a Christian

Caleb came home from school today with a new book from the school library entitled Twisted Journeys.

 Upon first glance I was not too thrilled, but you know what they say - never judge a book by it's cover. So, I started to flip through and look at the content. Well, my assumption was correct. Although this book was written for his age and reading level it was filled with evil. I asked Caleb if the book would make Jesus happy and he said, "No." I then told him he could not read the book. He then explained that a friend of his at school was reading another book in the series and that they were going to switch when they were done. I explained to Caleb that he could ask the boy to read a different series like Magic Tree House, but Caleb shared that he had already asked about that series and the little boy insisted on this one. I explained to Caleb that we are supposed to be a light to those that are not Christians. He then shared that this boy was a Christian. So I questioned him by asking, "How do we know someone is a Christian?" and since there was no answer I explained that we know that by their actions. Caleb then said, "I think he is half a Christian."

I pondered this statement for a moment. I wonder how many people in our lives see us as "half a Christian." Do we live completely sold out for the Lord? Can everyone in our lives see Jesus in us all the time - or just half of it? Do the decisions we make - big or little ones - shine a light? Specifically, does our media intake - books, tv, music, movies, etc - say that we are half a Christian?

"So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." Revelation 3:16