Even If

What if all color was removed from the world (excluding the debatable B&W)? Would the core beauty of creation still remain? My response is this: it would still be beautiful even if color was nonexistent.

Let me explain … The same concept mentioned above can be drawn into the context of a follower of Christ … When you think of the words “what if” what comes to mind? Often times, the fear of the unknown accompany “what if” thoughts. Most everyone has likely encountered these types of thoughts. In fact, you've probably had some come to mind today. 

I’ve begun asking myself, if the worse case scenario were to play out in my life, where would God be? I’ve realized that God would still be there even if I hit rock bottom. He loves me the same. Having worked through this question, I have been able to move past my fear of the "what if."  My faith should by no means be solely placed in people, places, or things. My faith will always remain in God who is there regardless of what I do and calls me His friend.

So, even if all color is removed from your world, even if the worst thing possible happens to you, God will still be right beside you, helping you see the beauty that remains. Let’s tell fear who’s boss and let’s place our faith in God! 

"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." ~2 Timothy 1:6-7 

God Of Mercy And Justice

Hello Friends, 

If you don't already know this about me, I greatly enjoy listening to music. I find pleasure in the diversity that exits within music itself. I enjoy that it has the capacity to inspire, motivate, and create certain emotions. Lately there's one song in particular i've really been enjoying. You can check it out HERE (it's worth it!). I want to take a moment to share my thoughts on the message within this song ... Its lyrics focus on mercy/judgment and how it pertains to God. This has me thinking about how God manages to be both a God of mercy and justice. I've started to ask myself the following questions and have decided to share with you what I have discovered and believe to be true. 

1.What is mercy? Mercy is not getting what you deserve. God's word teaches us that God owes the human race nothing but judgment because of our disobedience (sin) toward Him. Many have the misconception that God is so extremely merciful that He does not need to be just or that He will put away His righteous judgment because of His mercy. God's righteous judgment on us is not something that can be put aside, it must be executed. In order to save us from the due penalty for our sin, God choose to send His perfect son Jesus to pay the penalty (which is death) for our sin. When Jesus hung on the cross, the justice of God did not pass over Him. He was the perfect Lamb who “bore our sins in His body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24). The judgment of God fell on Jesus for the sins of His people. Thus, God showed us mercy by sending Jesus to experience the judgment that we deserve.

2. How Does God uphold His justice and still show His mercy? In the death of Christ, God is “just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Rom. 3:26). Men have either been judged at Calvary or they will be judged for all eternity. Through his infinite wisdom, God made a way for us to experience His great mercy. God's mercy on me became possible through His righteous judgment on Jesus.

3. How do I live in God's mercy instead of God's judgment for now and all eternity? “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). I can safely say, “the believer may demand eternal life, because it has been entitled to them by Christ … that justice that seemed to require man’s destruction, now requires his salvation.”

In closing thought ... God made a way for us to experience His great mercy. You and I have the amazing opportunity to receive that mercy that was made possible through the cross. He delights in showing mercy.

~Micah 7:18 "Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy."

~James 2:13 "mercy triumphs over judgment." This verse means that the mercy of God triumphs over God’s wrath because those who believe in Him are covered by the blood of Christ. The wrath of God has been canceled out by His mercy.

Thanks for reading! 

Much Love,

Lydia

Life Status

To: Family and Friends,
I want to begin by saying that I am so thankful for you and the interest you have shown in my life/ blog. I hope to encourage you through the things I encounter, the moments I capture, and the lessons I am learning. I share with you so that you may be encouraged. The content of this blog is always shifting but always pertaining to the same goal.

Quick fill in: Recently, life for me has gone a little something like this... finish outreach, graduate DTS (Discipleship Training School), return home, process, rest, spend time with God, spend time with family, spend time with friends, pray for direction, trust God. This is the simplest picture I can paint of my life in the past two months. Thankfully its been somewhat of an easy transition for me. Though I will say that adjusting to a 13 hour time zone difference was not the most wonderful thing to encounter. 

So, What is life like after a crazy adventure across the Pacific? Surprisingly, life is still a crazy adventure. I don't see that changing any time soon. I've chosen to look at my situation as an opportunity for God to guide me into bigger things. Recently I've realized that life is how YOU choose to look at it. It's much easier if you learn to trust God with your life. Even though my life is still crazy (a little crazy is always good), I know that I can always rely on God to bring the solidity that I need. He is my one thing. David, a psalmist, puts this idea into words well:

“Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”- Psalm 62:2

“As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.” -Psalm 18:30

My point in saying all of this is that when you learn to trust God, life becomes more meaningful and powerful.You are made in the image of a big God! It just makes sense that you should pray big prayers, dream big dreams, and live life as it was meant to be lived... as an adventure. Life is meant to be lived, don't let anything keep you from living life to the fullest. He has plans for you.

Bottom line; You are loved by a big God. Its time to live like it, think like it, dream like it (its real).

Anyway, It's time for me to go, I've got my favorite coffee shop to stop in at!
Lydia

This is a photo taken in a posh little coffe shop in northern Taiwan. 

In case you were wondering... 

  

What did I gain from my five month training? There are two answers that Question. One, I would say that from DTS I gained the ability trust God more fully. Two, I would say that God taught me the privilege of laying down my rights and submitting to his will. I was challenged time after time to give myself fully to God and to lay down my own desires. Through this I was able to better understand how to express my love to God through obedience. All in all I'm so thankful for the opportunity that God gave me to live out this dream of mine. I hope to take what I've learned, and continue to apply it to my life. 

Be Blessed!