happy, happy, happy about God's love

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you;

He will never leave you nor forsake you.

-Deuteronomy 31:6

I've loved this bible verse for as long as I can remember. It holds such power and promise to it. It's a source of comfort and a great reminder. 

It's also a tattoo of mine....

This past weekend I went to see Jase Robertson speak at a local church here in Jacksonville. And it was amazing. His topic was "Faith, Family and Ducks" which I think is completely appropriate for him and his speech. And while Jase had some awesome one liners, like "Kill and grill, so says the Lord", personal and hysterical stories, and reasons why having facial hair is a plus (so no one robs you), it wasn't just his message that spoke out to me this past Sunday.

Church is something I've talk about before. As is my idea of God and faith in Him. But this verse, the songs from worship, and then Jase's message all hit close to home.

One song verse that was my favorite from praise and worship this past weekend was "If God is with us, then who could stand against us" which is taken out of Romans 8. Just like Deuteronomy 31:6, it's such a bold and powerful statement. Especially when I feel so overwhelmed, which lately I have been. Sometimes it feels as if the world is against me, and at times it feels like that list even includes myself. I get bogged down with everything going on and feeling like I'm barely keeping my head above water. But then there's this verse (or I should say these verses). The entire bible is a promise of God's enduring love for us and these few lines are only a few examples of it, but what a wonderful reminder they have been. If I am working for the good of God and His plan, then who could ever be more powerful and derail that? If I have God on my side, how could I ever be alone or afraid?? 

But perhaps that is what I am struggling the most with right now. Am I following God and His plan for my life? Or am I selfishly trying to create my own plan, my own path? And why oh why is it so hard to give up that control, when I know His way is always better? I know that these are thoughts Christians struggle with on a constant basis, but I hate knowing that the reason for these thoughts is due to the fact that I have lost touch with Him and His plans for me. I haven't trusted Him and followed Him like I should. 

And maybe, that's one of the biggest reasons I am so thankful for fellow Christians, and for the bible itself. I needed that reminder this weekend. I needed a swift kick in the butt. And I needed to get my focus in the right spot again. 

The only way I won't get bogged down is by making sure I'm aligned with His path and thank goodness He knows better than I do. 

So I guess if you actually stayed and read this entire post, you might be wondering what in the hell the point of this thing is. (I was beginning to wonder myself actually.) But it is this..... so many people don't believe in having Christian fellowship (which can mean church) or reading the bible, but this has served as a vital reminder that it necessary. I'll be the first to admit I am awful about taking the time these days, or waking up early, but that doesn't mean I should cut it all out altogether. Because that's sadly what I've done and I feel lost for it. And maybe you think differently for your life, and that's fine- I'm not here to tell you how to live or think or what to believe. I simply am trying to figure out how I need to live and what I think and believe. And so, I post it here not as a sermon or way to shove religion or God down anyone's throats, but to remind myself the reason and purpose for my being. To remind myself of the promise and love God has had for us (and even hypocritical, messed up me) and will continue to have even though we stray. 

I know that this topic can be a controversial one, and while I thought about not posting something so personal, I realized that this blog is about me (and who am I kidding, I'm probably the only one that reads it, haha). And what I wanted to share today, what I needed to remember today, was how I felt after Sunday's service and how I now crave change from it.  

I am not and will not be a person who strays away from sharing my faith online simply because it might offend. If this topic is offensive to you, I apologize and let you know that just as I have the right to write it, you have the right to not read it. And that's okay. We don't have to agree. 

And I won't always post things of this nature. But for today, I have. And that's that, I guess.

-kel