Christ is Risen - Matt Maher

Great song!

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jgDHSLgNr8

A Time for Everything

I just wanted to write a short note today, about change. I was just thinking (yes at 1:30 in the morning!) how blessed we are that times change. For a while I wanted things to stay the same - I didn't want to face or deal with change. But in many ways I have learned that it is a blessing. Not only is it a time when we can come closer to God and learn to lean on Him (Jeremiah 29:11), but it also adds a lot to our lives. If things were to stay the same, then I think that life would almost become 'normal'. While it seems obvious, what I think I mean by this is that we would almost become 'desensitized' to the beauty and amazing opportunities we are given in every day life. Therefore, I really think that change can add so much to our lives - allowing us to have new experiences and appreciate life in new ways. They can help us to truly appreciate God and His creation and how much He loves us.

The idea reminds me of a verse I read recently during 'Team Devos' I sat in on. The verse in Ecclesiastes reads, "There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1). While this often requires patience and can get frustrating - God knows best. What a blessing it truly is.

'About' vs. 'With'

So I just want to write a short note on this topic. While its a rather simple and self-explanatory topic, its something thats been on my mind for a while now, so I thought it was about time to blog about it. And what's been on my mind is the notion of 'talking about God' vs. 'spending time with God'. I feel very often, although perhaps this is just me, that it is very easy to get these two muddled up and perhaps substitute one for the other.
Now I am absolutely not saying that we should not talk about God - no! It is absolutely wonderful that we do talk about God. He made us too. If I didn't believe that I wouldn't write this blog! In fact God made churches with fellow Christians with whom we can discuss such things and gave us pastors who can teach us about Him and His word. It is very important, in fact, that we do talk about God.
However, it is key that talking about God, doesn't define our spiritual life by itself. What do I mean by this? I mean, as I pointed out in an earlier post, that Christianity is about a relationship. We need to spend time with God, not just talking about Him. Time praying, and reading His word. It can be easy to get caught up in the hype of it all - talking about God or singing about Him. However, it's important that our hearts are in the right place too, and that we constantly are spending time with Him. He wants us to know Him deeply and to be so close to Him because He loves us so very much.

1 Peter 5:7

As midterms are aproaching (tomorrow!) I know that I personally, have been feeling a little nervous. Not overly so, but just hoping that everything will go well, as can be expected. However, it is so nice to know that God is in control and that He cares for me...for all of us! And ultimately that His will will be done. We can give up all worries - no matter how big or small - to Him. :)

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you"
- 1 Peter 5:7

Psalm 23

"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be

in want.

He makes me lie down in green

pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

he restores my sould.

He guides me in paths of righteousness

for his name's sake.

Even though I walk

through the valley of the shadow of

death,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff

they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the

LORD

forever."

-Psalm 23

Wherever you are, no matter what you're going through, God's there. He loves you and cares for you so much :)