Jesus – Page 12 – LizMargaret

July 28, 2016January 9, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Love Series

Love Series | Launching 8.1.16

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

(Matthew 22:37-39 KJV)

Introducing… the Love Series on LizMargaret!

We have a desire to connect with others. And it’s perfectly normal. God created us to have this desire–and to have fruitful relationships with those around us.

In every type of relationship you can imagine, Christ is an example of how we ought to love. It’s quite amazing. Think about it:

In marriage:

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (Ephesians 5:25)

We are called into the family of God, as His children:

And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:18)

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (1 John 3:1)

In friendships:

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. (John 15:13-14)

In every example, Christ is the center. Everything points back to gospel. God Himself has modeled love for us through His Son, Jesus Christ. Just as Christ laid down His life for us, we are called to do the same for Him. We are called to die to ourselves in our service to Him and to others as He commands.

Yet as we navigate different relationships (friendship, romance, family, etc), we often face pain, disappointment, confusion, betrayal, and heartbreak. Due to our imperfect nature, these feelings may be inevitable, but God’s Word provides endless wisdom on how we should conduct ourselves in relationships and what we should avoid.

When we remain rooted in Christ, we allow His will for our current and future relationships to manifest, as we are led by the Spirit to have discernment in who we allow into our lives and what it looks like to love them.

The Love Series will look at four women in the Bible who show that following God is the only way to live life and treat others as He intended.

Love Series | Overview:

Part 1: Ruth

Part 2: The Samaritan Woman at the Well

Part 3: Anna

Part 4: Elizabeth

These are real women, with very different stories. They exemplify faith as well as human faults. They are forgiven women, friends, disciples, and leaders. Each of them teach us that when the gospel is evident in the way we live, we are set apart from the world, bringing glory to God in our lives and relationships.

Look out for new posts in this four-part series every Monday, starting August 1, 2016!

July 16, 2016January 9, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #11 | Great I Am

The profile // about the artist

New Life Worship

Christian worship band (singers, musicians, songwriters)
From Colorado Springs, Colorado (New Life Church)

The pull // why i like it

Another one of my favorite worship songs, “Great I Am” is so focused on who God is. Caught up in our daily lives and busyness, it’s easy to fall into the trap of forgetting the mightiness of God, but worship puts the focus back on Him. “Great I Am,” full of praises, is the mindset we need to carry every day.

The message // what it means

God is worthy of our worship and praise. There is nothing too hard for Him, nothing impossible, He is the most holy–He is our awesome God. His name itself is powerful. As followers of Christ, we have access to a powerful, eternal God.

“There is no power in hell

Or any who can stand

Before the power and the

Presence of the Great I Am”

The call // best to listen when

Any day. Like I previously mentioned, this song reminds me of the mindset that we should always have towards our God. Singing praises to Him and claiming His promises bring much glory and honor to Him.

July 3, 2016January 9, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #10 | Voice of Truth

The profile // about the artist

Casting Crowns

Contemporary Christian rock band
From Daytona Beach, Florida

Check out previous Casting Crowns #WorshipWednesdays posts:

1 (Dream for You)

The pull // why i like it

This song reminds me that following God is absolutely countercultural–in the best possible way. When you decide to accept Christ and trust in Him, you learn not to fear what the world fears. Instead you can be eternally-minded, in peace because of His promises, at rest because He gives you rest, and stable because of His love.

The message // what it means

Ever feel like life gets a bit “noisy”? It often seems hard to know which direction to take because there are so many opinions in our daily lives and online. However, when we have a solid relationship with Christ, we have access to the “voice of truth.” While the world will try to tell you who you are, where you should go, and what you should fear, God’s voice is the one that speaks the truth about your identity and that there is no reason to fear. It’s up to us to reject the voices that take life away from us and listen to the One who speaks life into us.

“Out of all the voices calling out to me

I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth”

The call // best to listen if

You’re struggling with fear and confusion. Both are easy ways that the enemy can deceive us and steer us away from the course God has set out for us. But when we worship God and study His Word–when we listen to His voice–we will have victory over the enemy’s lies.

July 3, 2016January 9, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #9 | All I Can Say

The profile // about the artist

David Crowder Band

Christian rock and worship band
From Waco, Texas

The pull // why i like it

“All I Can Say” is a powerful portrait of the moments when we are left speechless and weak in difficult times. This song’s gentle sound reminds me of the quietness in intimacy with the Lord and how beauty and strength are born in these moments. Even when things are not changing as we would like them to, we can hold onto Him.

The message // what it means

Sometimes it’s in the stillness of life’s chaos and confusion that we are reminded that God is with us. In these times, it’s important to fight back and understand that God has never left us and that He not only carries our burdens with us but desires to take them away. It’s often at our lowest points that we understand what true surrender to the Lord looks like.

“I didn’t notice You were standing here

I didn’t know that

That was You holding me

I didn’t notice You were crying too

I didn’t know that

That was You washing my feet”

The call // best to listen when

Definitely anytime. Specifically in times of weakness, when we feel consumed by what’s going on around us, this song is an encouragement that God is right there and hears us.

June 30, 2016January 9, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #8 | Dream for You

The profile // about the artist

Casting Crowns

Contemporary Christian rock band
From Daytona Beach, Florida

The pull // why i like it

Casting Crowns has been one of my favorite bands for years. I heard “Dream for You” a few months ago, and I love that this song is refreshing and uplifting. When we follow God, we allow the space for His amazing plan to manifest itself in our lives.

The message // what it means

The God we read in the Bible is the same God today. This song incorporates the narratives of many well-known Bible figures like David, Mary, and Joseph, and although they each had different stories, God pulled them through great difficulty, remaining true to His character. It’s easy for us to separate ourselves from those we read in the Word, but this is our portion as well. Just as God acted on behalf of those who honored Him in the past, He does the exact same today.

“I’m stronger than you think I am

I’ll take you farther than you think you can

You sing and call me Great I Am

So take your stand”

The call // best to listen when

You need encouragement. Every time I hear this song, it not only puts me in a good mood, but it reminds me that no matter what’s going on, God is and has always been in control.

June 15, 2016January 9, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #7 | Good Good Father

The profile // about the artist

Chris Tomlin

Contemporary Christian music artist/songwriter, worship leader
From Grand Saline, Texas

The pull // why i like it

I love the straightforward message of this song: God is a good Father. It’s a simple fact, yet the enemy tries to deceive us to think otherwise. However, we can fight back by having a firm foundation in the truth of who our Savior is.

The message // what it means

God is the source of everything. He’s a loving Father, and our identity is tied to Him. In order to understand this life and our purpose, we must know Him.

“I’ve seen many searching for answers far and wide

But I know we’re all searching

For answers only You provide”

The call // best to listen when

Anytime! I love that wherever you are, this song encourages you sit and meditate on God and rest in His presence.

June 8, 2016January 9, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #6 | Learning to Breathe

The profile // about the artist

Switchfoot

Alternative rock band
From San Diego, California

The pull // why i like it

I’ve been a long time Switchfoot fan, and “Learning to Breathe” has been one of my favorite songs. The song has relatable lyrics that speak about God as our ultimate source of peace.

The message // what it means

“Learning to Breathe” is a reminder that God is the God of all comfort. He hears us. He sees us. He cares for us individually. Try searching for this comfort elsewhere, and you’ll get lost. However, by His grace, even when we fall, God is there to restore us.

“I’m finding that You, and You alone can break my fall”

The call // best to listen if

You’re a Switchfoot fan or if you’re looking for a tranquil song that praises God for who He is.

May 27, 2016January 9, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #5 | Oceans

The profile // about the artist

Hillsong UNITED

Contemporary Christian worship band (originated from Hillsong Church)
From Sydney, Australia

The pull // why i like it

Where to even start. “Oceans” is such a beautiful song, and I don’t even remember when I first heard it. Nevertheless, I’m glad I did. It’s such a beautiful love song about our Savior and His presence. “Where feet may fail,” He is able.

The message // what it means

How great is God’s grace, His love, His guidance, His sovereignty. I love that this song speaks of total surrender to our Savior, acknowledging His faithfulness. God only asks for our willingness, then He can lead us wherever He may call us. This type of willingness–this “I am Yours” mindset–allows Him to work on our hearts, deepening our faith. He will never fail us.

“Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever You would call me”

The call // best to listen if

In this case, there’s no “if.” You probably know Hillsong. You probably know this song. If not, you’re missing out. Either way, you should check it out.

May 11, 2016January 9, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith

He Heard You

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

1 John 5:14 (KJV)

At the beginning of the spring semester, a good friend from high school visited me at college.

We kept in contact as she traveled, but after she got off her last train, she sent me a frantic text:

I FORGOT MY PURSE ON THE TRAIN!

She fortunately had her phone in her hand, but everything else, besides her backpack, was left behind.

The first instinct I had was to pray, and I replied to her that I did afterwards.

In the meanwhile, an employee searched the train, and she had gone to the lost and found at the station, but nothing turned up. Despite this, she had a great attitude about the loss, and we still had a fun weekend together. Nevertheless, I was a bit bummed and confused that she hadn’t found the purse, especially since I did believe that God heard my prayer and would answer it.

A few weeks later, I got a message from my friend about something she had forgotten to tell me. Days after she had returned from the trip, she received a package in the mail from someone that contained her purse and everything (including money) still inside it.

When I heard the news, I was utterly shocked and overjoyed. I was happy that she found her purse, and even more in awe that God had answered the prayer–even though I had forgotten about it.

Even when we forget about what we have asked the Lord, He hasn’t forgotten our requests, so we must remain submitted to Him.

Submitting to God means that despite the outcome of our prayers, we will still trust and follow His direction. We can have peace in this, knowing that He knows our needs. He is taking care of us, although He might be doing so in ways we don’t expect.

I had no idea that my friend’s purse would be returned in such an uncanny way, yet the fact that it was completely unharmed made the situation a larger testimony of how God works. She could have found it at the station, but instead, the purse was returned in a way that was out of her control–proving that a bigger miracle was behind it.

God hears every one of our prayers. As we wait on Him, we can have confidence and excitement knowing that He is preparing a great testimony in our lives of His faithfulness.

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Hebrews 10:23 (KJV)

April 7, 2015January 9, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith

Friendships, Rejection, and The Bigger Picture

Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

(John 15:20 KJV)

At 1:00 a.m., when I should’ve been asleep, I caught myself in my thoughts. I found myself thinking:

There’s some people I really wish I was never friends with.

In the past, there’s people I felt I gave my best to them–my time, my love–and it felt as though they just took it (or maybe not even that!) and left without even looking back. I didn’t know if this was the right attitude to have, but I sincerely felt hurt and confused by that.

Was I taken advantage of? Did I do something wrong? Did they?

The longer questions poured into my mind, the more I found this “human hurt” so interesting, because we–and by, we, I mean everyone–have treated God the same way. The world has and continues to do so. God created the world–a world that has come to reject Him. What’s mindblowing is the fact that He still loves us unconditionally. He still gave His only Son for our salvation, being fully aware of the kind of rejection that He would experience.

I then started thinking: Would I have still offered just my friendship to certain people, if I knew that in the future they would have just betrayed and rejected me?

My first instinct was to say no. Why would I have wasted my time?

Yet God provided His Son to give eternal life–not just to anyone special but to everyone in the entire world. Everyone.

Ever felt ignored by someone who you care about? People deny the very existence of God–the same people He loves in ways we cannot fully comprehend and the same people He just wants to have a relationship with. He does not turn His back on them.

So I prayed: Okay, God. How am I supposed to see the people who have rejected me?

That’s when I started picking apart John 15:20.

“A servant is not greater than his lord.”

“If they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.”

I quickly realized that there’s a much larger struggle going on here–one that is beyond human relationships. We live in a world that has rejected God. The mere name of Jesus Christ–the Son of God–alone is hated by many. So, if you are trying to reflect Him, don’t be surprised if you lose relationships along the way.

Our purpose on Earth is much greater than the people we might lose. I believe people are often in our lives just for a season. And because of this, the most important job I believe a Christian has is to radiate God’s love despite this–especially while we still can to certain people.

Love, knowing that you may not receive it in return–which honestly, might often be the case. Love, knowing that you may be rejected but understanding that Christ Himself has done the exact same thing and was rejected in a way we never will be.

He was rejected in this way–crucified on a cross, where He was brutally beaten, spat on, mocked–so that we might have freedom and eternal life with Him in Heaven. And yet we, as humans, still have the choice to reject Him (but He did it anyway!)

As Christians, we have accepted Christ as our Savior and now we have this eternal life that He died to give! The best we can do is to share His Word in hopes that others join in on this freedom.

And if people are ever placed on your mind at 1:00 a.m., that might just be the Holy Spirit giving you a little reminder to show Christ’s love by praying for them.

“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.”

John 15:12 (KJV)