Are You a F.A.T. Christian? I Hope So :)!

“ God is looking for F.A.T. disciples, disciples that are faithful, available, and teachable. We can’t teach others what we don’t know ourselves. ” ~Anonymous

I have seen this acronym (F.A.T.) before in a church's leadership training manual. It's easy to remember and it is true. God does not require us to be capable, beautiful, smart, or famous in order to become useful for His kingdom work. The parable of the talents in Matthew clearly shows that the master was pleased with faithful servants. "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" (Matthew 25:21) "So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." (1 Corinthians 4:1-2) "Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life." (Revelation 2:10b) Are you firmly and totally devoted to God and God alone?

Are you too busy for God? Do you spend plenty of time with Him (prayer, worship, reading His Word, listening to Him)? Have you surrendered all (your life, desires, dreams, time, talents, treasures, etc.) to Him? When God calls you to do something, do you respond immediately or do you hesitate or even refuse, making up all kinds of excuses? We can learn from Samuel and Isaiah. "The Lord came and stood there, calling, as at the other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' Then Samuel said, "Speak, for Your servant is listening." (1 Samuel 3:10) Samuel was available; he didn't say...not now, I'm sleeping. Have you been tempted to say...not now, Lord, I'm comfortable where I am? "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" (Isaiah 6:8) Isaiah was available/willing to do God's will. Are you always ready/available to serve God...to obey Him?

I believe another word for "teachable" is "humble". And "unteachable" would equal "prideful". If we are full of ourselves and think we know it all, there's no room for God's wisdom and teachings. God hates pride! We must be humble...be receptive to being taught by the Holy Spirit, God's Word, other brothers and sisters in Christ whom God use to share His truths with us. "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way." (Psalm 25:9) "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (Matthew 23:12)

The last sentence in the quote above makes sense, too. We cannot impart what we don't have. Timothy is a good example of being teachable. "But as for you (Timothy), continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God- breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:14-17)

Do you want to be used mightily for God's glory and His kingdom? By God's grace, may you and I always be F.A.T. :)!

~ This week, In Other Words, is hosted by Karen on her blog, In Love W.I.T.H. Jesus.
~ Want to learn more about “In Other Words” (what it’s all about, how it works, how it originated)? Click here!
NOTE: Next week, I will be hosting In Other Words. Hope y'all will come back and link up next Tuesday :).

Our Choice Matters

This Tuesday’s In Other Words is hosted by Kathy of In Love W.I.T.H. Jesus.

“Nothing irritates Satan more than us choosing God over our pain and suffering. We can endure everything if we know Jesus is sitting next to us." (Joni Eareckson Tada)

I personally want to always choose to trust God and focus on God's power, faithfulness, and sovereignty over my pain and suffering whether it would irritate satan or not. I believe that when Jesus is our Life, we can endure anything because we no longer live but Christ lives in us (Galatians 2:20). "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:9-10) And we do know that Jesus never leaves us nor forsakes us and we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us.

What then shall we choose when facing pain and suffering? Sadly, some people choose to blame God and turn away from Him. But think about it....which is worse: suffering without God or suffering with God on your side? I know which one I'd choose. Here are other things I also choose:

• Fixing my eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith

"Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:3

• Embracing an eternal perspective

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Romans 8:18

• Praying for God's will

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of Him." 1 John 5:14-15

• Resting in God's Word/promises

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

• Bringing honor and glory to God

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31) "Whatever you/I do" includes how we react to our pain and suffering. May God be glorified through it all!

~ If you'd like to know what "In Other Words" is all about, please visit here.
~ To visit other Spiritual Sunday participants, find the list here. 

God Is Good

Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video.

God is indeed good all the time!  He never changes.  We can always trust Him.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

"God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?"...Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews`3:5b-6, 8

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22

"There is a big difference between nice people and good people.  Nice people are loved by everyone whereas good people get nailed to crosses!  Jesus was not always 'nice' to people but He was always good to them; there is a big difference. God's actions in your lives may not always be pleasant or nice; however, they are always loving and good." (~Sean Nolan, p. 26, To Those Who Suffer)

He's All You Need

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He's All You Need (by Steve Camp)

When you're alone, your heart is torn, He is all you need.
When you're confused, your soul is bruised, He is all you need.
He's the Rock of your soul, He's the Anchor that holds
Through your desperate time.

When your way is unsure, His love will endure...a peace you will find
Through all your years, the joy, the tears, He is all you need
When you give in to that familiar sin, He is all you need
Guilt as you're paralyzed, it slowly eats you alive, He is all you need

He'll be faithful to you though your heart is untrue
And your love's grown cold
His forgiveness is real, it'll comfort and heal your sin-weary soul
Well, God loves you so, He'll never let you go...He is all you need.

He'll be faithful to you though your heart is untrue
And your love's grown cold
His forgiveness is real, to comfort and heal your sin-weary soul
Through all your years, the joy, the tears, He is all you need.

God is all we ever need!  Not Him and house...not Him and career...not Him and family...not Him and ministry.  He alone is all we need!  We are complete in Christ.  He is faithful; He never fails us.  Is God enough for you?

Previous Songs:
- Jesus Paid It All
- Lead Me
- Nothing But the Blood
- Redeemer
- Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
- Faithful One
- Your Love Broke Through
- Until the Whole World Hears
- Take My Life
- In Christ Alone
- Sweetly Broken
- Be Thou My Vision
- God With Us
- Offering- Christmas Version 
- How Many Kings
- Give Thanks
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
- He Knows My Name
- Oh Lord, You're Beautiful!

- What the Lord Has Done in Me

- I Surrender All
- Mighty To Save
- Could I Be Called a Christian?
- Cry Out to Jesus
- Jesus, Be the Center
- God of Justice
- Love That Will Not Let Me Go
- I Will Offer Up My Life
- When It's All Been Said and Done
- Knowing You, Jesus

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video.

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing (written by Robert Robinson, sung by Jadon Lavik)

"From the Lord comes deliverance.  May Your blessing be on Your people." Psalm 3:8
"From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another." John 1:16
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." Ephesians 1:3
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

In 1 Samuel 7, when God made the Philistines get into panic mode and lose to the Israelites, Samuel took a stone and set it up as a remembrance of God's faithfulness and help.  He named the stone, "Ebenezer" which means stone of help.  "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1)
Let us all raise our "Ebenezer" with our praises!


Previous Songs:
- Faithful One
- Your Love Broke Through
- Until the Whole World Hears
- Take My Life
- In Christ Alone
- Sweetly Broken
- Be Thou My Vision
- God With Us
- Offering- Christmas Version 
- How Many Kings
- Give Thanks
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
- He Knows My Name
- Oh Lord, You're Beautiful!
- What the Lord Has Done in Me
- I Surrender All
- Mighty To Save
- Could I Be Called a Christian?
- Cry Out to Jesus
- Jesus, Be the Center
- God of Justice
- Love That Will Not Let Me Go
- I Will Offer Up My Life
- When It's All Been Said and Done
- Knowing You, Jesus

Faithful One

Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the videos.

Faithful One (Written by Brian Doerksen, sung by Robin Mark)


Faithful One (Written by Chris Eaton, performed by Selah)

"Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them--the Lord, who remains faithful forever." Psalm 146:5-6

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken." Psalm 62:5-6

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8
Jesus is my Forever Faithful Friend!  He is full of love, compassion, mercy, and grace.  We can always depend on Him no matter what storms of life we're going through. What a Friend we have in Jesus! He is the Best Friend anyone could ever ask for.


Previous Songs:
- Your Love Broke Through
- Until the Whole World Hears
- Take My Life
- In Christ Alone
- Sweetly Broken
- Be Thou My Vision
- God With Us
- Offering- Christmas Version 
- How Many Kings
- Give Thanks
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
- He Knows My Name
- Oh Lord, You're Beautiful!
- What the Lord Has Done in Me
- I Surrender All
- Mighty To Save
- Could I Be Called a Christian?
- Cry Out to Jesus
- Jesus, Be the Center
- God of Justice
- Love That Will Not Let Me Go
- I Will Offer Up My Life
- When It's All Been Said and Done
- Knowing You, Jesus

Thankful Thursday #16

 
This week...
1. I am thankful that "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)  It is very comforting to me that His mercies, compassions, and faithfulness never fail...never cease.  "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." (Psalm 23:6)  I am glad that I don't have to wake up to the same day everyday like the main character in the movie, "Groundhog Day" :).  If I fail today or make mistakes or today is an unpleasant day (filled with troubles and sorrow, etc.), tomorrow is a brand new day...God's mercy, compassion, and faithfulness already waiting there for me.

2. I am thankful for solitude and silence.  Just me and God alone!  It's a precious time when all is well with my soul.  You might find it funny but I enjoy ironing my husband's clothes.  I spend that ironing time to think and pray.  God often brings to my mind the Scriptures I need and/or the people I should pray for.  "Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10a

3. I am thankful for tears.  I usually feel much better after I cry.  "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.  He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him." (Psalm 126:5-6)  I think it's wonderful that God created us with the ability to shed tears and thus release emotional tension.  I cry easily...happy cries, sad cries, overwhelmed-by-God's love-for-me cries, cries over touching movies or songs, etc. 

4. I am thankful for my beloved husband who is very loving, understanding, caring, and supportive.  He is the greatest listener, counselor, peacemaker, encourager, and prayer partner.

5. I am thankful for my youngest son, Isaiah (8) who is a remarkable boy.  He is such a joy and a blessing.  He is obedient, respectful, polite, diligent, hard-working, kind, compassionate, patient, and cheerful.

P.S. I am hosting a book giveaway on my HSB blog.  You can win a copy of The One Day Way: Today Is All the Time You Need to Lose All the Weight You Want by Chantel Hobbs.  Please click here to enter.  The deadline is January 15th.

Another Year of Living for God

"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

Happy New Year, everyone!  It is so comforting and refreshing to know that God’s compassions are new every morning on any day of any year.  Let’s get bundled up in His great love and rest assured in His faithfulness.  Let’s make each day count for the Lord’s glory.

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us." Ralph Waldo Emerson

I started this blog, "Living for God" on July 28, 2009.  I truly appreciate all the comments and visits from everyone.  I would like to share here my top twelve (my favorite number) posts of 2009 just in case you may find something that interests you :).

1. Eternal Perspective
2. Don't Waste Your Life
3. Complete in Christ
4. Have We Committed a Crime?
5. Could I Be Called a Christian?
6. Taming the Tongue
7. Brainwashed?
8. More Than Conquerors
9. Home Sweet Home
10.Kindness
11.Christmas According to Scrooge
12.Filled Up with Powerful Fuel

~Please visit here for the links to other Spiritual Sundays posts. Thanks so much to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays every week. Have a blessed year, everyone!

It Is Good

"It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night.  For You, Lord, have made me glad through Your work; I will triumph in the works of Your hands.  O Lord, how great are Your works!  Your thoughts are very deep." Psalm 92:1-2, 4-5

Indeed, it is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing praises to His name.  I hope and pray that I'll always have a thankful heart and the attitude of gratitude.  "Simple gratitude helps us experience God at work in every moment of every day."(Harriet Crosby)  Day and night...I shall declare God's lovingkindness and faithfulness.  Let's make everyday a day of Thanksgiving!

"Thanks be to God!  He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57

P.S. I'm having two giveaways on this blog: Rolled Canvas and Poster Print (to be made from one of your digital photos).  I'm also hosting another giveaway (4 free movie tickets) on my HSB blog.  Hope you will stop by and enter :)!

Previous WFW:
- Worship

- Whatever You Do

- More Blessed

- My Soul Pants for You

- Without Excuse

- Plentiful Harvest

- Brotherly Love

- Fruit Bearer

- More Than Conquerors

- Where Does My Help Come From?

- Jubilant, Joy, and Judge

- Rooted in Love

- Who Daily Bears Our Burdens?

- Reflecting the Lord's Glory

- The Rock Eternal

- His Eye Is On The Sparrow