sharp tongue

Why is it so difficult to hold your tongue sometimes?
I say this mainly because there is something on my mind that I feel strongly about that I really want to express. My opinion on this matter honestly doesn't really matter (it's not really something that I care about at all--so please tell me why I feel strongly about it?? does that even make sense?, haha) and would probably just start an argument. What is it in me that wants to say this, though? I am convincing myself over and over NOT to just say it. I just gotta walk away for a minute and forget about it. I guess it's pride, that I feel my opinion is the best opinion and the world needs to know it, lol.

Okay, just needed to get that out so I can see how sinful I am and be thankful the Holy Spirit can grant me self-awareness and self-control!!!!

heavy

We say we believe that Jesus is God; we say we believe that He is alive. Why do we ACT like He isn't? He undeservedly died so we could undeservedly have eternity with God in heaven. Why do we keep on picking and choosing what we feel like and leave other parts out? Why do we opt for what we find comfortable (which often lacks truth!)? If we were to see Jesus today, would we seriously try to use those as excuses for our behavior?!
Why do we keep on sinning and ignoring what is written on our hearts?
Not one of us can claim perfection as our own, and self defeat from lack thereof is similarly unproductive. Still, I harbor a deep pain over our choices, as a whole. Ignorance is not an excuse, and thereby inexcusable.  This is not only hurting ourselves, but everyone around us as well. We need to step up to what we're called to do. Jesus IS God and Jesus IS alive, and our lives should reflect that.

The weight of the cross is nothing to be taken lightly.
I'm in deep sorrow and regret over our sin and I'm humbled in gratitude for the free gift Christ has given us! How great He is! There is hope in Him!

Praying for salvation and further, conviction.

"Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." - 1 John 5 1:-5



"The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin."

Romans 5:20-6:7

mrow.

I love the loyalty of my cat.

Whenever I come home, he follows me around until I finally sit down somewhere (anywhere) and he finds a way to come sit right next to me and purr, regardless if I pet him or not. He chats with me when I talk to him (although he also loves starting the conversation) and loves following our daily habits, particularly snuggling up at bed time.

What a wonderful pet. I love him :)

It's not You; it's me.

I'm feeling weird lately. It's a worn down, yet persevering feeling. Praise Him because without the Holy Spirit I don't think I could get anything accomplished or stay on the right track. It's weird how evil tries all these ways to sneak under my skin. I see it, though. The conviction God sets on my heart allows me to see and understand temptation even when it is happening. It provides clear opportunity (and causes me) to turn the other way.  But sometimes, it's hard to run. Sometimes I walk, slowly. It sucks when you understand that you're being tempted. It's such a strange thing. There is no way to fully describe it, but I don't like it. I'm thankful, though, for the Spirit's guidance and strength to overcome.

I'm over this. Today I will survive in victory over these temptations and subsequent sins and subsequent death, because He overwhelms all blemishes with strength and grace.

less of me, more of You