Reason no. 25...

Today I've been trying to get through some of my Psychology notes...it's been slow, but some of it has been interesting! Part of my reading was all about memories! As I read about it - it's truly amazing to think that our brains have such an incredible ability to remember sooooo much. From objects, to words, to people, to experiences - the list is endless. To think that so much is stored with our tiny little brains that could be held in our hands - how fascinating! What an awesome design feature for God's creation! Reason no. 25 :)

Reason. no. 24...

I wrote this poem last year: http://beautywordsgod.blogspot.co.uk/2013_02_01_archive.html Buuuut, the amazing thing is: it still remains true today!

 

Victory!

Victorious. Triumphant. Conquering.

You have defeated darkness, sin and death.

In You, I am raised up and strengthened,

I am equipped against the enemy.

The armour of God is mine for the taking:

truth, righteousness, faith,

the gospel of peace and salvation.

 

On the side of the undefeated Champion,

How could I ever lose?

You are greater. You are stronger.

No-one compares to You.

Even in the depths of the valleys,

Never have I been abandoned,

Every step taken, You are by my side.

 

Struggles, disappointments, hard times,

Through it all, I'll cling to You,

For You are faithful and the rock unshakeable,

You are a solid foundation,

Whom I can trust at all times,

You are the God who never changes,

Who sees me through all circumstances.

Because of You, I'll claim the victory!

 

Reason no. 24 :)

 

 

 

Reason no. 23...

The bible most certainly has to be a reason! In Hebrews 4:12, it says:

'For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.'

The bible has power! It's the Word of God and that means it's not merely words on a page, but the very words spoken by God that are still relevant today! This past week I've started looking at the book of 1 Samuel again and just reading about the ark of God is fascinating! To think that the presence of God dwelled in there and the incredible power that it contained is mind blowing. When people touched the ark they died. Yet, now, I can now draw near to God and the Spirit of God now lives in me. When Jesus died a shifting took place! My access to God has been totally transformed. I no longer stand as someone condemned and unclean, rather someone 'IN CHRIST' meaning I'm righteous and justified and pure! Reason no. 23 :)

Reason no. 22...

One awesome day with my family! I finally made it to London. I was meant to head over there on Monday, but due to the storm my trains got suspended/ cancelled etc. It was the first time since moving to Manchester that I saw them, plus it was just after my birthday - so that meant PRESENTS! We went out for a meal, headed over to Covent Gardens and wondered around Hyde Park - it was lovely! And, the weather stayed dry too - added bonus! One of the funniest things to watch today was: a squirrel sneaking up behind a girl and climbing up her leg...it didn't just happen to one girl, but another girl too! So, if you're going to Hyde Park: beware of the squirrels!! One lovely day = reason no. 22 :)

Reason no. 21...

God's timing is great! Just as I begin thinking about whether or not it's a good idea to go out with a few friends on Halloween - I read the article below. In my uncertainty God speaks and provides the perfect peace. It's so interesting being surrounded by an entirely new bunch of people as it definitely makes you think about why you do, or rather in this case, don't do certain things! Being challenged about beliefs is a good thing...even if at the time we really dislike it! Reason no. 21 :)

http://godandpoliticsuk.org/2013/10/09/halloween-harmless-or-harmful/

Reason no. 20...

The lyrics of this song, sum it up pretty well! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38EVco7eba0

 

This most certainly is another reason! To stand forgiven, debt free with not a single accusation stand against me is overwhelmingly amazing!!! The extent that God went to so that I could stand justified before Him is beyond understanding. The fact that He valued me enough to allow His son take a punishment that He did not deserve - I will never grasp.  As I think about the position I stood in before and compare it to where I now stand...the what-would-have-been-deemed-impossible happened! Not because of anything I did, but all because of JESUS!! Reason no. 20 :)

Reason no.19...

'God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.'

John piper

 

 

I love this! This is one of the key things I'll take away from my Impact year. The way God is most glorified, or most worshiped in my life, is ultimately by me enjoying and being happy in God. It is not through me seeing worship to God as a duty or something I strive to do...no, no, no!!! The example Andrew Wilson gave in a talk was about going on a date with his wife. Does he glorify her  more by saying: 'I want to, there's nothing I'd rather do' or 'it's my duty, so don't mention it!'? It can be so easy to allow worship to become part of a routine or part of another meeting. But, that's not what God wants from us. God would much rather we truly know what it means to find our joy and our satisfaction in Him! I love that, that's what God wants from me...Reason no. 19 :)