Blinded to Blessings

            The bright light of my refrigerator flickered on as I bent over to search for a snack to eat the other day. Three of the four shelves stared at me, empty of contents. My first thought was that by the looks of my fridge, anyone could tell I didn’t have money.

            But God wouldn’t let me think I had little for too long as the truth ran through my mind, informing my brain that I actually had been given much. My culture had told me that I didn’t have enough, when in reality, I do.

            As I was reminded of how blessed I truly am, a knot of disappointment looped in my stomach. How could I be so ungrateful when I have so much?

            Right then, I realized why I didn’t see all of the blessings God gave me—I always look for more. More time, more food, more clothes, more money, more friends, more affirmation, more success, and when I am consumed with wanting more, I blind myself to the blessings that God has so graciously given to me—the reality of already having more than enough.  

            Instead of seeing the blessings, I notice everything that is supposedly lacking in my life—my false needs.

            Recently, I started reading a book entitled One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp, and she has challenged me to look for blessings everywhere. Yesterday, I began to mine through my day and seek out blessings of any kind. Do you know what I found? Millions of pieces of the evidence that God is with us—hugs from children, laughs that overwhelm your whole body, kisses of sunshine, warm, fuzzy blankets that melt the chill off your feet, and so many more blessings.

            With every blessing that I write down now, as Voskamp challenges, I get one step closer to realizing how much I’ve been given and how little I actually lack. With every stroke of the pen, I’m beginning to see only beauty, not voids, because I am evermore aware of all I’ve been given from such a gracious God.

            We all have been blessed more than we realize, and we all need to be more grateful than we are.

            Thank you will never be enough. He deserves our lives, and when we just start looking for the blessings, we realize that they’re absolutely everywhere just waiting to be discovered and appreciated.

Living Life Together,

Rebecca Thomas

Desperate for New Mercies

            Joe’s heart slammed against his chest cavity as the blaring sound of the alarm clock accosted his ears.  

            Tuesday. Another day to remember what he had done the previous day.

            Joes’ hands shook the tiny, black machine as he searched for the small button that would bring silence to the dark room again. Grabbing the corner of his black sheets, he covered his head to block out the beginning of yet another day—one more grueling day.

            I’m worthless. They’ll never love me after what I’ve done. I’ve gone too far. God. . .wait. God doesn’t want to hear from me right now. I’m too dirty.

            The sun peaked underneath Joe’s sheets as he realized hiding out in bed was impossible; he had to face the day despite what he did yesterday and, even, the day before.

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            The man I wrote about above is just a fictional person I made up, but I’m pretty sure his situation is representative to at least one morning in all of our lives.

            We see morning coming and wish its arrival wasn’t true, not because the weather is bad or we are physically ill. No, we don’t feel this way because of those excuses. We feel this way because we failed; we sinned.

            And we don’t feel worthy anymore. Grace seems too far away. God’s mercies have been used up—we’re sure of that. So, we hide from life, others, and especially, God.

            However, the truth we so often forget is that (thank God) we are not God, and He is not us. His grace and mercy reaches beyond the capability of our minds to understand. Lamentations 3:22-23 declares that “the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (ESV).

            Whatever you’ve done yesterday, remember that God’s mercies are new every morning. Therefore, confess your shortcomings to a gracious and merciful God. His love never ceases, and He longs to give you mercy.

            Every morning His mercies are new. Live in that truth today.

Living Life Together,

Rebecca Thomas

In Memory of His Death

            Today is Memorial Day in the United States of America. On this day, we Americans remember all of the men and women who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

            So many people suffered so that I can have freedom of speech, religion, and so many other liberties, and so often, I forget to remember.

            I forget they are fighting.

            I forget that they bled.

            I don’t remember that their minds were damaged.

            I neglect to honor the families who lost loved ones.

            I forget when I shouldn't. They deserve to be remembered, honored. I thank them for their sacrifice. 

            But, today not only was I reminded and challenged to stop forgetting those who sacrificed for my liberties here in America, but I was also reminded to remember some other people—heroes of our faith.

            Jesus Christ died that we might know Him as our Savior and spend eternity with Him one day.

            He was hungry.

            Pain surged through His body.

            Whips ripped the skin off of His back.

            Blood poured down his bare skin.

            His lungs cried out for oxygen as they began to lose the battle for life.

            His own father forsook Him.

            Then, He died.

            All of this sacrifice was done on yours and my behalf so we can be free. Because of His great sacrifice we are no longer slaves to sin, no more do we have to feel guilt and shame, and no more do we have to die a spiritual death—we are free.

            But, how often do we forget His sacrifice?

            How many minutes, hours, and days do we live as if that pivotal moment in time never happened?

            Too many.

            Today, many people across my home country of America will be remembering those who sacrificed their lives for our earthly freedom, but, wherever you are, don’t forget to meditate on the greatest sacrifice of all.

            Many years ago, Christ gave His life. Choose to live life to the fullest as you bring glory to God. Honor Christ’s sacrifice by obeying Him and actually living in His freedom that He died to bring.

Living Life Together,

Rebecca Thomas

Past Sins

            They haunt many of us.

            Past failures and mistakes loom over us and fog our vision. The sin we committed yesterday or ten years ago still grips the minds and hearts of many Christians today. Instead of looking forward, many of us have our heads craned backwards, scared that those sins will forever haunt us, eternally bind us.

            We misconstrue the truth of grace. We forget and really don’t fully believe that grace sets us free; so, we chain ourselves. I’ve heard people say “How could a perfect God ever love me after what I’ve done?” Our spiritual feet become crippled as we fall prey to the lie that God doesn’t want to spend time with us after we’ve sinned (even after we’ve confessed) or that God doesn’t fully forgive. The thought is that He just says that he forgives, but in reality, He keeps records of wrongs.

            These beliefs are destructive lies filled with no ounce of truth.

            1 John 1:9 states, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (NIV).  

            Isaiah 43:25 declares, “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.”

            Romans 8:1 tells us that “there is no commendation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

            From these verses, we can know that God forgives us completely, forgets our sins, and purifies us. We have no need to live in our past failures; God doesn’t want us to.

            The next time you find yourself in despair from past sins, remember that when we confess our sins, God erases the sins from existence.

            We no longer have to live in shame when we are in Christ Jesus. He makes our soul white as snow while He remembers our sin no longer.

            One final thought: "For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin night be don away with that we should no longer be slaves to sin--because anyone who has died has freed from sin" (NIV, Romans 6:6-7).

           You're totally forgiven and free from sin. Live in those truths today. Let them overwhelm you. 

Living Life Together,

Rebecca Thomas

Simply Follow the Leader

            I don’t know about you, but I used to (and still sometimes do), feel as if following Christ is complicated.

             We have to remember to do so many things: read and study the Word, memorize the Word, be good, love God, love neighbor, become like Christ, be a living sacrifice, and so much more, but there’s one problem with this thought.

            We can’t do any of this on our own, nor are we called to become like Christ on our own. Also, when we understand grace fully, the have to disappears because we desperately want to seek God with all of our hearts and learn and pray. He puts the desire inside us.

            This past Sunday, a speaker made me realize a truth that I had never fully known before. God commands us to simply follow Him, and He does the rest.

            Peter and Andrew, Jesus’ first two disciples, were once fishermen. They were professionals. I bet they could sing and the fish would come to them (maybe not, but you get the point). Peter and Andrew knew everything there was to know about catching fish. Casting nets was their life, and one day, a man named Jesus told them to follow Him and become fishers of men instead (ESV, Matt. 4:18-20).

            Let’s look at what Jesus said to them specifically: “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matt. 4:19).

            Jesus didn’t tell Peter and Andrew that they had to learn how to love Him by themselves or interpret scripture on their own without Him. He didn’t tell them that they had to renew their minds or make themselves like Christ, and He certainly didn’t say they had to make anything of themselves.

            They were simply called to follow. Jesus does the rest. He is the potter; we just have to be willing clumps of clay.

            Remember the game Follow the Leader? Everyone would walk behind the leader while mimicking everything the leader did. The followers looked to the leader to know how to act, sound, look, or move. 

            They didn’t make up what to do; they relied on the leader to make them flawless followers.

            The next time you feel overwhelmed, remember that God has called you to follow Him. He shows you what to do.

Living Life Together,

Rebecca Thomas

Surrounded by Lions

            Their eyes were glued to him.

Daniel’s blood pulsed through his veins faster than before as he stared into the hungry eyes of lions. He brushed off the dirt on his skinned-up knees and hands as the last bit of daylight was sucked from the dungeon.

No longer could Daniel see the full body of the beasts. Only their glowing eyes were visible as he gazed into the darkness. The king was punishing Daniel.

And, Daniel had done everything right.

            He prayed to God daily, obeyed His laws, and loved God even when the government told him that doing so would bring death. Three times a day, Daniel knelt and prayed to his God despite the decree issued by the king, and now, Daniel was paying the consequences of following God unashamedly—the lion’s den. (Read Daniel 6 for the full story).

            What amazes me about Daniel’s story is that he wasn’t caught off guard by the consequence of the lion’s den. King Darius didn’t hide the fact that anyone who bowed or prayed to a god other than King Darius himself would be ripped to shreds by the teeth of ravenous lions; Daniel knew the truth, the risk, yet he prayed to the Great I Am just as he had before.

            He was willing to lay everything down for God.

            One day, the risk became a reality as Daniel was arrested and brought to the lion’s den. King Darius ordered him inside and sealed the exit hole so that no one could enter or exit.

            Whether or not Daniel would stay true to God came down to this moment. He could deny God and beg the king for forgiveness or Daniel could trust God and be cast into the lions’ den. Daniel chose the second option despite impending death.

           

           How could Daniel make this brave choice?

            

            Well, Daniel had decided to follow God no matter the cost, and he knew the truth about God: He is our refuge and shield.

Psalm 91 states, “If you say, The Lord is my refuge, and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent” (NIV, Psalm 91:9-13).

Daniel had put his trust in God and knew that God would protect him even in a lion’s den. Nothing could touch Daniel that God didn’t allow. No, the Bible doesn't tell us that Daniel absolutely knew that God would save his life, but that obviously didn’t matter to Daniel; he served God no matter the cost and so should we.

Like Daniel, are you willing to serve God no matter the cost? 

Living Life Together,

Rebecca Thomas

Shining Stars

            Have you ever stopped to look up at the sky on a clear night?

            Growing up, I remember my dad taking us outside to watch shooting stars and famous comets streak across the sky. I always gazed in wonder at the vast, limitless star-filled sky. Tiny white lights were strung everywhere, some in patterns, some not, but all were magnificent.

            Even now as a young woman, I’m amazed and awestruck when I tilt my head towards a clear sky not distorted by city lights. Sometimes, I simply lie in the grass and stare; their beauty is breathtaking.

            God compares Christians to shining stars, but unfortunately, our beauty is shadowed to the world like stars are to those who live in a big city.

            Philippians 2:14-16a states, “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life” (NIV).

            I don’t know about you, but this verse convicts me many days, and I’m not proud of that fact, either. God has blessed me with so many things, yet some days, I find myself complaining more than being thankful. As a Christian, I have been given more than I ever can deserve even if I only received grace.

            Followers of Christ have no reason to complain or argue because we have been given so much. We are children of God. What more do we need?

            Moving along in the scripture in Philippians, the word tells us that if we do not complain or argue, we will “become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation” (Phil. 2:15). Do you know why stars shine brightly? It’s because the sky around them is so different from them. In the same way, when we as Christians are not marked by complaining and arguing, we are vastly different than the rest of the world. Being content with what you have in a world that always wants more is strange to many, but how many people long to be satisfied? All people are looking for satisfaction, and we have that in Christ.

            When we live our lives finding sufficiency in God’s grace and in the knowledge of God’s unfathomable love, we shine like stars. No longer do we need material possessions to make us happy and all that we do have are blessings in which we thank God for. When fully relying on Christ and conforming to His image, no longer do we seek to find what others can give us, but we long to serve so that others may joy in God’s grace as well.

            Today, I challenge you to shine like stars so that others will gaze in wonder and long to know more about God.

Living Life Together,

Rebecca Thomas

            

Steadfast Peace

            Sometimes, life can really stress you out. 

            Maybe tomorrow seems uncertain or a person in your family is sick or some circumstance has you worried. Whatever is going on, the fact is that we all have troubles, even Jesus agreed with that (John 16:33). But when we face these troubles, we have a choice about how we’re going to react and who we’re going to trust. 

            Many times when I face uncertainties or stressful circumstances, I first try to figure out a solution on my own or I pray and then instead of relying on God for the answer, I rack my brain for the much needed wisdom. The problem with that way of fixing a problem is that I’m not equipped to figure things out on my own—I need a Savior. 

            When I realize that I am not fully equipped, my mind starts churning and most nights, I have trouble sleeping. My life is chaotic—the opposite of peaceful. 

            The truth is that when we don’t rely on Jesus, we will stumble and our lives will be full of chaos and uneasiness, but life doesn’t have to be this way; we can have peace. 

            Isaiah 26:3 declares that God “will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in [God]” (NIV). The key to having peace is trusting in God. When storms arise, remind yourself of the truth: God provides (1 Timothy 6:17), we are loved (John 3:16), He is our refuge and shield (Psalm 119:114), we will never be alone (Hebrews 13:5), and He is our strength (Philippians 4:13). Those truths are just a few of the promises God has given us that we can trust God for. I challenge you to mine through God’s Word for yourself and discover that numerable promises God has for us. 

            When we trust in the Lord, He gives us peace, even that is a promise. One of my favorite passages is Isaiah 40:30-31, which reminds us that “even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

            Today, whatever you’re facing, trust our faithful God. Even if you have to say His name over and over or repeat biblical truths in your mind until you remember to trust Him, do so because we desperately need Him.

He is the only one who can give you peace. 

Living Life Together, 

Rebecca Thomas

Where My Feet May Fall

            This time of year is full of beginnings and ends for many people. With my college graduation just around the corner, I’m no different. I’ll be honest. This past week has been extremely hard for me. I’ve had exciting moments, such as turning in my last paper of my undergrad career and walking out of my last exam, but I’ve almost cried more times than I can count.

            I’m leaving behind people who have become like my family. Tears come to my eyes as I think about not seeing them and having no definite time when we’ll reunite. For the first time in my life, I understand what fellowship with other believers means, and I can’t imagine life without those people in my life.

            The future seems so uncertain and scary.

            This past Sunday at church, we sang the song “Oceans: Where My Feet May Fall” by Hillsong United. The song talks about how God calls us out on the waves, where we may fall, stumble, or mess up. But, it also reminds us that God’s sovereign hand will guide us. He will never leave us.

            Throughout this song, all I could think about was Peter. The disciples, including Peter, were on the Sea of Galilee, which was exactly where Jesus had told them to be. Then, they see someone who looks like a ghost, but thankfully, it turns out to be Jesus. All of the disciples had to even more realize the deity of Christ as He walked on water in the midst of a storm. Then, Peter says “Lord, if it’s you, [. . .] tell me to come to on the water,” and then, Jesus does (Matt. 14:28).

            Next, Peter does what we as Christians long to do, he obeys and follows Christ despite the obvious risk of drowning. Think about it. Monstrous waves are billowing up around Peter, causing the boat to rock back and forth, but Peter steps out in faith because Jesus is there.

            I was reminded that the future may be filled with storms, but Jesus is out there walking above the waves. If I follow Jesus, I may be placed in the middle of a storm, but He’ll keep me safe and guide me, and if I fail, His love will break my fall and pick me back up when I reach my hand towards Him, just like Jesus rescued Peter after he took his eyes off Jesus.

            Therefore, I may be leaving people I love (but I always can keep in touch), but Jesus is out on the waves waiting for me. I may not know what lies beneath the surface of the waves, but Christ does and will not intentionally take me into harm.

            I don’t know what kind of uncertainty you’re facing or what Jesus is calling you to do, but I do know that He will be with you; He will guide you; He will catch you when you fall.

            Therefore, don’t worry about the future. I’m not.

Living Life Together, 

Rebecca Thomas

By the Renewal of Your Mind

            The other week, my friend and I were talking about the lack of passion in our lives. We felt stale and out of touch with the Creator. Somehow, we’d become distant over the past days. I had let the busyness of life keep me away from much needed time with my Savior—and my mind and heart were lacking as a result.

            The other week, I wrote a blog on negative self-images and how anti-God they are. Well, every time I fail to spend time with God for a while in prayer and in His word, the truth isn’t poured into me like it normally is, and it becomes harder for me to fight those insecurities. Then, I find it harder to love people well because I become self-absorbed and only want me time. Instead of following the Spirit’s leading, I would begin to follow the flesh’s wishes, which always ends in mistakes and despair. In addition to all of this, I start believing that I’m not good enough or that God will not want me anymore because I’ve made too many mistakes.

            There’s one problem with all of these beliefs: they are lies. But, if I do not fill myself with the word of God, how can I combat those twisted thoughts and sins?

            Ephesians 6:17 states that “the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God” (NIV). Therefore, if we are to fight sin and wrong beliefs, we need to be filled with the Word of God. That means, I have to spend time with Him.

            If we want to be someone who is marked as being guided by the Spirit, then we need to learn His language. If you ever want to rid yourself of evil thoughts or behaviors or anything else, then you will need to learn how to walk similar to Jesus.

            Becoming like God and no longer conforming to the world is possible if we constantly renew our minds with the Word (Romans 12:1-2).

            Defeating sin, self-pity, laziness, and whatever else you are struggling with can be done with the power of the Holy Spirit and by the learning of God’s Words.

            Have you spent time with God today? What spiritual battles in your life need to be fought with the sword of the Spirit? 

Living Life Together,

Rebecca Thomas 

Rainbow Promises

            Over forty days and nights had passed since the door of the ark was sealed shut.

 Where dry ground used to be, roaring water now resided. All life on the earth was gone. Only Noah, his family, and the select animals survived. Noah and his family were sick of the stench from the animals and ready to breathe fresh air again, but the possibility of that happening any time soon seemed impossible.

Finally, God gave Noah the command to send out a bird to find dry ground, but no grass was found. So, he sent out another. After many grueling days and hours of waiting, dry land was finally found.

As Noah and his family stepped out of the ark, a rainbow of beautiful colors stretched across the vibrant sky. God had fulfilled His promise to save Noah and his family, and now, He was making another—to never cause a flood like that again, and God kept that promise.

(**Read Genesis 9**)

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            I imagine Noah and his family kissed the ground as they stepped off that ark. Before they went into the ark, they had never seen water fall from the sky, and then, all of a sudden, rain comes pouring down and their world as they know it drastically changes. I bet some days Noah and his family wondered if the rain would ever stop, if God would keep His promises. However, in the end, God did keep His promises and restored the earth again.

Then, God promised never to cause a flood like that again, and to remind Noah of that promise, He painted a rainbow in the sky. Even now, when we see the rainbow, we can be reminded of that promise God made to Noah all those years ago, and not only that, but we can also be reminded that God keeps His promises, even today.

Maybe you’re going through a tough time in life or your future seems uncertain. Maybe your financial situation is bleak or you’re enemies are coming against you and you can’t stand any longer. I want you to be reminded today that God keeps His promises. The rainbow reminds us of that.

God has promised to provide all of your needs (Philippians 4:19). He has promised to have a good plan for you (Jeremiah 29:11). God has promised to work all things for the good of those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:29). He has promised that we may be persecuted, but we will not be abandoned (2 Corinthians 4:9). Not only has He made all of these promises, but He has made so many more. Search the Bible; it’s full of great promises.

If today, you’ve lost hope and are wondering if God will come through, remember the rainbow. Thousands of years after God made the promise to Noah never to destroy the earth again by flood, God is still keeping that promise and proving to us He remembers.

Every time you see a rainbow, remember God keeps His promises, so you don’t have to fret.

Living Life Together, 

Rebecca Thomas

Your Sin Is My Sin

             Imagine the last time you stumped your toe, and it bled.

What did your body do? Did your brain ignore the pain being inflicted on that part of your body? Did your platelets (cells that clot the blood to help heal a wound) decide to take a break and let your blood just spill out of your body?

No, your body would never ignore the pain in your toe. Every part of you ignites into action when even the smallest part of you is harmed. I know for me, I’ll grab my toe as it throbs, telling my body that it needs help.

If our physical body reacts to every pain, why doesn’t the body of Christ?

1 Corinthians 12:1 says, “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ” (NIV). If we are the body of Christ as Christians, then we need to work together. Later in 1Corinthians 12:26, Paul writes, “If one part [of the body] suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it” (NIV). Notice this verse doesn’t just say we only rejoice with our brothers and sisters in the good times, but we also suffer with them when they suffer.

How many times have we said something along the lines of “Oh, did you hear what Jane Doe did last night? I can’t believe she committed that sin,” or “Jane Doe is struggling with this sin, let’s pray she will be redeemed from that and stop sinning”? I know I’ve at least thought it and said those words, all the while thinking in individualistic terms and never as a community of believers who are struggling with sin together.

            The other night at my community group we all confessed our sins to God by writing them on strips of paper, then crumbling those pieces of paper up and throwing them away. We didn’t put our names on the pieces of paper; we simply and honestly confessed.

            Last night, one person read to us 1 Corinthians 12:1-26 (I encourage you to read all of it), and then, opened up a piece of paper covered in OUR sins. I was amazed at how many sins we all had personally in common, but I was reminded of the struggle WE are going through and the battle that is raging around me.

            Their sin is my sin. Their triumphs are my triumphs.

            If only we as a collective body of Christ realized that more, that when you struggle, I struggle, then maybe we’d be more apt to spur one another on in love and good works. Remember, we weren't made to live in a bubble; we were made to live together-in everything. 

            Until we struggle together, we’ll never be able to have victories together.

Living Life Together,

Rebecca Thomas