I am finally reading the book i picked up towards the end of last year at an Op-shop for 50c: Peace With God by Billy Graham. The book has three parts to it: The problem; The soulution; The result. It's a pretty straight forward book concerning God, sin, the Devil, Jesus Christ, Conversion, Repentance, Faith and the future of the Christian. I'm still into part one, but already I have learnt much that I've lacked in knowledge because I was born into a Christian family. I'm not saying that I don't appreciate being brought up in a Christian home, however I do feel that I don't know enough of the basics as much as I would like. On the other hand, a new believer would make every effort to know the basics because of feeling the need to 'catch up' on the story of God (the Bible).

So for me, the snippit below just woke me up at how much capacity the Devil has to pretty much destroy us. I've always known he was the 'evil guy', but I was more challenged with the points Billy Graham made. I'm kind of tired believing that temptation is hard to defeat, even though I know God's Word tells us it can. I hope this will continualy remind me the importance of my choices and the reasons behind them.

"At this moment in history, two mighty trinities stand face to face: the Trinity of God; the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and the false trinity that Satan would have us worship in its place. The trinity of evil: The Devil, anti-Christ, and false prophet, are described in the Book of Revelations 16:13. And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.

Never for a second of your waking or sleeping life are you without these two powerful forces, never is there a moment when you cannot deliberately choose to go with one or the other. Always the Devil is standing at your side tempting, coaxing, threatening, cajoling. And always on your other side stands Jesus, the all-loving, the all-forgiving, waiting for you to turn to Him and ask His aid, waiting to stretch out the guiding hand you need to lead you away from the Devil and his works.

In moments of your greatest fear and anxiety, in moments when you feel yourself helpless in the grip of events you cannot when you feel yourself helpless in the grip of events you cannot control, when despair and disappointment overwhelm you-in these moments the Devil has you by the throat. These are the tangible manifestations of Satan, who stands ever ready to grasp every opportunity, ever ready to catch you at your weakest point and push you further along the path that Adam took.

In these perilous moments remember that your loving Father in heaven has not deserted you. He has not left you defenceless in Satan's grip. He has already sent you a sign. He has already shown you the way to safety. He has already promised that if you do His bidding, you shall have life everlasting. You can wrestle with the Devil secure in the knowledge that you can break his hold and be free of his torments for ever. Remember: For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil 1 John 3:8"

I'm Starving

Starving is one of the words that sum up how I’ve been feeling lately. I long for a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, and to further grasp the Word of God, but I feel like this will never become reality, only to remain a fantasy. I may not ‘feel’ I’m growing, but my friend thankfully reminded me, that I am in the process of being pruned by the Creator, but I might only see the results in the forthcoming seasons.

Mingled thoughts distract me and seem impossible to escape sometimes. This particularly frustrates me when I’m at Church or Bible study. I’m aware that Satan likes to distract me the most during these times, which means I have the chance to come up with a mechanism to defeat temptation. Prayer and self discipline, are the tools I use to allow God to shape me and rule my mind through the message being shared at Church or Recharge (bible study), rather than Satan.

Yesterday, on the lovely sunny day it was, Satan didn't have much control over me as i was encouraged by my Pastor's message, reflected on John 4:34-38 which says:

34 Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. 35 You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. 36 The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! 37 You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true. 38 I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.”

Sometimes I feel useless and inadequate to be used by God. Nevertheless, my constant prayer and desire is to attract people to a lifestyle driven by Jesus Christ, and be used to bring Him glory. I want to plant and harvest!

Towards the end of this year, along with a friend of mine, I’ll be going on a Missionary Trip to Romania. More than anything I want to be used by God and deepen my relationship with Him. I want to come back with a changed heart, a little closer to being a woman after God’s own heart, to have a clearer understanding of God’s Word and to be confident in sharing the Gospel and to be a testimony of His love.

Please keep me in your prayers as I walk this journey and yearn to be recognized as woman who fears the Lord and influence the people surrounding me.

comfort in suffering

I decided to pick up and read the devotional book called Our Daily Bread. My mum is a big fan, and always gives me a copy when she receives some in the mail.

The words from today's topic touched my heart. "The God who washed away our sins will also wipe away our tears," is just what i needed to be reminded of. The topic was focused around 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 which says:

3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 5 For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. 6 Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. 7 We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.

He truly IS the source of all comfort. There is no one on earth who knows me as much as He does. There is no one on earth who feels my pain as He does. There is no one on earth who is as merciful as He is. There is no one on earth who comprehends the depth of my cries the way He does. There is no one on earth who loves me as much as He does.

I am here to serve. I am here for you.

Yours in Christ,
Becky

Delight In Difficulties?!

9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV)

Just like Paul, I’ve lived through weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecution and difficulty, even though I’m young. As long as I live in this temporary world, I will be experiencing hardship, persecution, difficulty etc - I can’t run away from them that easily! I couldn't imagine what Paul felt at that moment when he finally understood that God’s grace truly was sufficient in his life. I know I felt relief reading this scripture, and overflowed with joy realising that the same grace that was provided for Paul, is also provided for me.

I am so glad I was reminded of this truth while reading What happens when women walk in faith by Lysa TerKeurst. I haven’t had the happiest days this week; I’ve actually had quite the opposite. I know that hurdles will always be placed in the race I’m running. The reward at the end of the race is so worth it though, I can’t give up now, even if it may be the easier option. I am thankful that God’s grace is enough, and that He is holding my hand, and won’t let me stumble (Psalm 37:24). He is running the race with me!

I know I will probably forget the value of this scripture during my struggles - I am only human after all. It is so good to know I have a merciful and caring God. I continue to pray that God will be my strength, and shelter, and that He will indeed guide each step I take, one day at a time according to His purpose for my life.

Yours in Christ,
Becky

God is all I need

Rick Warren wisely states “You never know God is all you need until God is all you have.” Admittedly, in the past, I have taken God for granted. There are times when it takes effort to acknowledge God for the things He has done - and is doing in my life. For a moment, sometimes longer, we forget about the One who pours many blessings in our lives, who gave us our family and friends, our health, we forget about the significance of Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection, most importantly for His undivided attention and love. It is only when these are taken away from us, or look back at our life, that we really value God’s existence and His invitation for a relationship.

I am so grateful for His countless promises recorded in His Word that He is here for us in times of trouble, and bewildered life.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart: do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

“My thoughts are completely different from yours,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

“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 hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Trust me in times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory. (Psalm 50:15)

When I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me the strength I need. (Psalm 138:3)

The steps of the godly are directed by the LORD. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand. (Psalm 37:23-24)

How comforting to know that God really is in control! When we have nothing or no one to turn to, when we are broken, He is there! He is not only accessible 24/7, He is waiting for us to ask Him for help and to share our pain and happiness!

Yours in Christ,

The Author of my life

As a Christian, I’ve made the decision to completely surrender my life to God and let Him be in full control over it. It is only until recent that I have come to understand the difference between being a Christian and living a surrendered life for Jesus Christ, and I believe there is. I was reminded of this by Rick Warren who is the Author of the #1 New York Times Bestseller, The Purpose Driven Life.

To fulfill your mission will require that you abandon your agenda and accept God’s agenda for your life. You can’t just “tack it on” to all the other things you’d like to do with your life. You must say, like Jesus, “Father,… I want your will, not mine.” (Luke 22:42) You yield your rights, expectations, dreams, plans, and ambitions to Him. You hand God a blank sheet with your name signed at the bottom and tell Him to fill in the details. The bible says, “Give yourselves completely to God, to be used for his good purposes.” (Romans 6:13b)

It is so very easy for us to make plans, but I have learnt that our plans can and will disappoint us if it not driven by God. I love the way Rick Warren uses this illustration; You hand God a blank sheet with your name signed at the bottom and tell Him to fill in the details. I have thought of this concept many times, but have never been able to express it as well as Rick Warren. With the help of his illustration, I make a statement such as this: “Take my empty book Lord, it is called ‘Rebekah’s Life’, with Your help, I will fill it according to Your will, You are the narrator, take over”.

Yours in Christ,

Welcome to my blog

My purpose in starting a blog is to capture my thoughts and pen them down. These will include highlights such as; the Word, people, and books I read which inspire, encourage, and challenge me.

I'm a princess, but not any princess, I'm the REAL King's princess. My King gave up His throne in Heaven to serve us, His life even! I surrender my entire life to our Sovereign Lord. I am determined to love and serve God with all that I am, totally dependant on Him to guide me in His wisdom and supply me with His grace.

As God's daughter, it is my desire and passion to to be moulded into a woman after God's own heart, reflected in the scripture of Proverbs 31:10-31

10 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar.
15 She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “ Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.

I look forward to sharing my journey with you, and hope more than anything that you will be encouraged and inspired by my blog.

Yours in Christ,