Ceaseless Decision.

It's funny that humans respond so perfectly to definite incentives. For example, if you were told that if you study exactly this much, you would score exactly this high. You work your job because you know for certain that you receive payment for the exact hours of work completed. Then when your manager tells you you'll receive a bonus for this amount of work and no more, you'll stop at that amount of work and not go beyond. Very few would work at a job that 'might' pay them.

By the same standard we Christians have been given a definite incentive. If you believe in Christ, you will receive eternal life- no added works will save you, and no matter how much you love God, he will return to you love that is unchanging and the same set of grace between all mankind. So you can believe in Christ, but not do what he says - as it seems we all do - and heaven is still in our inheritance. That's easy. But let me ask you bluntly then: do you believe? Is there full confirmation in your veins to say that there is but one true God and you believe in the great resurrection following a insurmountable sacrifice for the world? If so, congratulations you're saved!

Or is there more to it? It never said that we would have to be Jesus' disciples to be saved did it? Perhaps we missed some fine print. Undeniable is the fact that we can never earn our salvation by works. Yet Jesus seems to ask a lot out of us. Believing seems to entail more than simple trust and thoughts. Believing in Christ is not just believing that he died for you, but in what he says. If you are able to be apathetic after belief in regards to what Christ has suffered for you, I'm not sure whether you are to be pitied or admired. Because to ignore such a love offering calls for a great arrogance or a belief that you never needed it. I ask again then. Do you believe?

It seems so that we all too often execute actions that relay the contrary of belief. We act as if we own the world; we defy our God to commit the very sins that nailed His son on the cross; we live our own way as if there were no other. To truly believe is to follow. Not once, but a perpetual commitment unless we stop believing. I see people that just pick up their cross to follow Christ once, but then they put it back down to think that they've done enough to earn their salvation. That's exactly it, they think that this bare minimum is all that is required to earn their eternal key. I tell you Jesus said otherwise. He said he wouldn't even recognise you. I thought all we had to do was believe!

That belief isn't a one time thing but a never-ending choice.  Every day we choose to believe. Every day when we belief we are called to act. Jesus said to take up your cross daily to follow him, not to watch him hang there. That is what true salvation is. Not your life, but to save your soul.

Season Change

So.. I just quit my job. I was feeling quite down because I felt that I really failed to be a light for God in my workplace. I've had some "spiritual conversations" and everyone knows I'm a Christian but I never really managed to impact. Amongst other reasons, I thought resigning would give me a fresh chance in a new place.
However, today, when it spread that I was leaving, I managed to witness to almost every team member about Christ, my plans for mission and in return I heard many of their stories about their encounters with Christianity and spiritual life! In fact one of them is a missionary!!
God really shined through in my failures, and He can use our weakness to further His kingdom. Just wanted to encourage you all to stand firm in Christ no matter what. Things may go downhill but that doesn't mean it is to the detriment of God's kingdom. Persevere knowing that nothing on earth happens without God's consent. Don't be afraid to be bold though
In addition, though we are told to persevere through our trials and rejoice in our oppressions, as Christians we simply cannot simply stand by as injustice occurs to others. I had to say some pretty hard words today to the proprietor, because truth cannot be left unspoken. Speak up about it, stand up for others in the name of Jesus and most importantly always do what is right and trust God with the result!

6 Months

I've finally understood what overcoming addiction is like.

Today marks the day of 6 months free and I cannot believe I have made it this far. I dare not say it is of my own merit but only from God's push. It's no coincidence that me taking my relationship with Him more seriously has changed my life and that's His power at work.

It's not over yet, I know, but such a burden has lifted to know that God can empower me to overcome a problem that sometimes seemed way too difficult to conquer. Ultimately it is a battle with myself, and I am my most challenging enemy. One can never beat themselves, they will need help to overcome. I never wanted to hit rock bottom, but I think I realise that the inability to recover and giving in is rock bottom.

I'm on the rise now: today is a day for celebration. God's love has saved me and I'm leaving another sin behind, as it dies in me and I live in Christ.

All praise to Him forever and ever. Amen.

Almost

Wow it has been a tumultuous week. I'm still not to sure if I have come out triumphant or not. I am seeking to but God at the top of my life, and usually I either fail or succeed but this time I'm not sure which choice is the one that glorifies Him. I almost wanted to quit my job because I was pushed to my wit's end but I chose to stay the day after. I'm not sure if this choice is the one that is the persevering choice like in James 1, where I take on my troubles head on. On the other hand I could also flee from temptation. I think I've failed to be a light in my workplace. With university finished, I feel like the first half of the year catalysed massive growth, then it consolidated and now I've hit another plateau. I am constantly searching for ways to grow but now my direction seems a bit broken. That being said, I have not been seeking my Lord's direction as much as I should.

One thing I could trust in my decision today: God will keep me wherever I go. Whatever I choose, though sometimes it may be the right choice, the path I am meant to follow will never be too far off. As long as I keep God in my decision and in the foremost in my mind I believe I will succeed. I thought my "honour God and God will honour you" phrase was just for my Year 12 but now it is applying more than ever. In my exams, in my life, in my work, and one that I struggle with surrendering- my relationships, God is supposed to be above them all.

Oh yeah, to add on I have literally been thinking of this certain girl almost every 15 minutes. It is ridiculous. I've haven't felt this way in a long time, not since you know who.. Which is weird because I don't know this girl that well; this has made me very afraid, but I'm not quite sure what has overcome me. I really want to commit that to God, I really do. However, the heart always wants what the heart wants and really I'm going to want it until God changes me otherwise, which is really difficult. Whilst it's in His will not mine, I am really struggling to be patient. I'm trying, but it just keeps coming back and really there is no use thinking about it but so it keeps coming over and over.

That's the week in a nutshell. A beloved friend will be coming back soon so I am excited to spend time with her :) she is the sister I never had and I can't wait.