Fellowship/Life

Living Water at Christianity Oasis

John 7:38  He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said,
out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

Quench your thirsty soul!

The Truth of Alissa Lynne

by Alissa Lynne - Purple Butterfly of Christ

Chapter 10 - Fellowship/Life

Have you ever sat back and thought about your life and wonder if you are headed in the right direction? Have you ever sat back and wondered about the decisions that you have made? Have you ever just said why the heck did I do that? Well, if you have, it is okay to do so but we must let go of the past and move on towards our future. What is our future, our future should be looking towards God and what He would want for our lives. We need to make sure that in all things we are following what God would have us to do. If we look to God and move towards Him and follow His direction, we will not sit around wondering if our life is headed in the right direction, we would not sit around wondering about the decisions that we have made, we would know that we are headed in the right direction and that our lives are on the right track.

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

We should really "Let go and Let God". All we have to do is take the first step and hold our hand out for Him. There will be times when He holds our hands and there will be times that He carries us, but He loves us and will lead us in the right direction at all times. When was the last time you talked to God - just open your heart and allow Him to come in and love you as only God can!

Life is Too Short!

Thinking over my life and the things that have happened to me, I have come to realize that life is too short to be worried about the big and little things. I know that as life throws things at me, nothing comes at me that I cannot handle. Why is that? It is because God never allows things to come at us that we cannot handle. God is always there for us and all we have to do is ask Him to do it. We need to stop and listen to the inner voice inside of us and follow the direction that He leads us in. Many times when I tell people the things that I have been through in my life, some of them due to my own decisions; they wonder how I made it through. I made it because God carried me or held my hand. I am here today to say that all things are possible; all we need is faith and trust in God and in ourselves. I had a self-esteem problem for a very long time, then one day I realized that I was worth it, that I was special, that no matter what life throws at me - I will get through it. When life is at its darkest, God is at His best for us. Just trust and know that through Christ, that all things are possible. We just have to learn to let go and let God.

Helping and Encouraging Others

Romans 15:1-2 King James Version- We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.

New International Version - We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.

Amplified Bible - WE WHO are strong [in our convictions and of robust faith] ought to bear with the failings and the frailties and the tender scruples of the weak; [we ought to help carry the doubts and qualms of others] and not to please ourselves. Let each one of us make it a practice to please (make happy) his neighbor for his good and for his true welfare, to edify him [to strengthen him and build him up spiritually].

As Christians we are to encourage each other save and unsaved. We are to lift each other up with prayer, encouragement, love and support. We should listen to each other, talk to each other with an uplifting spirit and even sometimes giving more than our time but give our money too. Regardless if the person is saved or not, we are to be a light unto this dark world and we are to shine brightly. We are needed in this world; we are needed more than ever. We need to be vocal about the goodness of the Lord in voice and in actions. God blesses us so that we can be a blessing to others. We are to give to others as God gives to us. We need to give, give, and give some more. When I give my time, encouragement, love, money or skills to someone in need, I am blessed in a way like no other. I am blessed with feeling good for through me – God blessed another. Let us uplift one another in love! Let us truly show the world that we are children of God and show the world how good God is. In all things that we do let us give God all the glory, honor and credit for our lives!

Appreciating Those Around Us

We think about all those in our life past and present. There are so many who have come and gone in our lives, each of them have left some kind of mark on our heart. Some experiences have been so enjoyable and pleasant while others have been dreaded and scary. Each experience with the people around us molds us into who we are today and we should appreciate that aspect of those who have touched our lives. We are to take the bad things along with the good things and to smile and not allow the bad to determine our outcome of our life.

Because I was a victim of different kinds of abuse, I have a habit sometimes of hiding within, not trusting people. I thank God for giving me the courage, knowledge, trust, faith, and love to allow people into my life. Those of us who have been victims of abuse know that we have a tendency to put a "mask" on so those that know us do not know what is going on with us. I was blessed to become aware of the fact that my sisters and brothers do not know me as they know each other or as I know them. At first, I was bothered by this but God showed me that it was not my fault, life circumstances made it that way. Since we all grew up in the same household, my sisters and brothers were not aware of what was going on with the abuse that I was getting. My step father of course wanted it hidden and in essences I thought that I was protecting them by not saying anything and saving them from the same pain that I was going through, well to do that I had to distant myself from them. Well even after the abuse, I still was distant because that is all I knew how to be. It was not until after the death of my mother did I allowed anyone to come close to my heart. I sometimes blame myself for my failed marriage because I never really let him into my heart and maybe if I did things would have been different, but God has blessed me despite the choices I have made in my life.

If you have not taken the time to think about your life and those that have affected you in all ways – take some time to do so. I encourage you to not just to think about those that either hurt/harm you or to think only about those that helped you, but to think of all of them and reflect on how they have helped make you the person that you are today. If there are negative effects from them on your life, ask God to help you change it to positive for all things work together for the good of them that are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) Do not look at the negative things that life has dealt to you in the negative – remember that God is with us at all times. God is good to us at all times and at all times God is good – so take the time to think about where you are and where you are headed – make sure that you are following the directions that God has mapped out for your life.

Matthew 22:36-38 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.

We are to love one another...regardless of the person's ethic background, regardless of the person's lifestyle, regardless of the person's sex, the persons thoughts and doings...we are to love one another. We are to love each other...so many times we walk past those in need and just shake our heads, we should be reaching out to each other in love and assisting each other in the ways that God would have us to assist. We are to feed the hungry, cloth the naked and minister to each other's souls. Christians and non-believers are to love one another. As a Christian, we never know whom we will inspire by being as God has us to be. The light of the Lord in us should draw others to Jesus. If our lights are dim or gone out...then we need to light them again and worship God as He has asked us to do so. We should be praising and thanking God all the time reaching out to each other in our times of sorrow and in the times of joy. We are all one body in Christ and we should help. I just can not say this enough...we should each be helping our fellow human beings and not just those that are saved but to all that are in need of help for that is what Jesus does and we are to be like Him.

Together for Christ

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion, but woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken."

I ran across these verses and thought – Wow that is a lot to think about. When I read that, I think that we should be there for each other and that we should help each other. I am hoping that we can learn to help each other instead of relying on ourselves. We as Christians should help each other and really be there for each other when needed. We should uplift each other and not bring each other down. We should encourage each other's spirit and growth in the Lord.

There are Christians who will hold all the blessings that God has given them to themselves and not share or assistance others and this is not what God would have us to do. We should be there for each other lifting each other and assisting each other. How can we expect Jesus to be there for us in our time of need when our fellow brethren need us and we turn our backs on them? How can we claim to be a Christian never doing as God would have us to do, never helping anyone, and never being there for anyone else. How can we not give the love that Jesus gives us to others, how can we hold that in and never let it go and give it away as He gives it away to us. It feels so good when we let go and love as much as we can. I really believe that the key to it all is the love of Christ and that is what the message of Jesus is – to love one another. If we would do this , there would be so much peace in the world, so much kindness, no hunger, no one would want for anything as we would be there to help each other. I have to say that the section that says, "And a threefold cord is not quickly broken." – that makes me think of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit – a threefold cord. Isn't that wonderful such a great thought!

Guidance for Growing Christians

2 Peter 1:2-11 "Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

For growth as a Christian, we need to surround ourselves with things and people who are in line with Christ. We should have our minds on Christ and to surround ourselves with Christian friends. I am a baby in Christ and I find myself purposely listening to only Gospel music and surround myself with Christian friends, this helps me keep my mind on God. I study the word every day and even write down my thoughts and that helps me so much with keeping God first. In verses 5 and 6, the line up of the different values shows God's perfect way and order of things. "Giving diligence + faith virtue + virtue knowledge + self-control perseverance + perseverance godliness + godliness brotherly kindness + brotherly kindness love" I see that as a progression of a Christian, we need to be diligent and that brings on faith and so forth.

God is really in control, He has perfect order and we should sit back and ask God to input order in our lives. God will order our steps in perfect order! He is so awesome, all we have to do it let go and let Him do His will in our lives. As a newbie in Christ – it is not easy to Let go and Let God, I see "old timers" in Christ struggle with that each day. I am just thankful that I can call on Jesus, He will help me in doing that each day, and when I am weak, He is there for me being strong for me!

Peace and Quiet

Romans 14:18-19 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

I am a single mother of one child; it is my son and me. We have others who interact with us, but it is just him and me for now. I spend a lot of time with my son, talking to him, making sure homework is done and he practices his letters and numbers, just like a "Mean Mommy" does. This also includes playing trucks and whatever he wants to play...I thought sending him outside to play would give me some peace and quiet time...but this is not true as to the fact I have to make sure everything is okay and of course whatever he is doing outside, I have to see because there is no one else who can appreciate the traffic jam he created with his trucks like mommy can, sending him to play in his room is the same thing, I have to be available to compliment him on the successful cleaning of his room and other things that he has done.

I used to think before children, two or more children gives the children someone to play with and the parents more free time...that was until my niece and nephews came over to play with Jonathan. The good thing was Jonathan had someone to play with that was not me, but the other side was I had someone coming to me every few minutes telling me...he hit me...or she won't share and so forth...so there goes the peace and quiet.

My son is in the process of learning what mommy means by "Peace and Quiet" – I remember my mom saying how she wanted "Peace and Quiet" in our house, but there was four of us and I know that she did not get it often – for one of us was always home.

I have learned "Peace & Quiet" for me is going into prayer – lying still at night or in the morning – meditating on Jesus. I love the "Peace & Quiet" in the morning, when I first open my eyes in the morning and I do not need to move, that is the ultimate time for me to talk to Jesus for that is my "Peace & Quiet". I hear Him so clear; my thoughts are pure, loving, and appreciative at that time of the day. What a blessing to wake up that way, when you beat the alarm clock even if it is only by ten minutes, use those minutes to talk to Jesus, once you start you will not get out the bed without doing it. There is my "Peace and Quiet" I wonder if my mom ever figured it out...

Light of the World

Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

We are children of God, we are the light of the world, and the world should see the love of Christ within us. They should see His light shine through us. We should boldly speak of Christ and His goodness to us. We should walk as He would have us. We are to be an example of His love so that others want what we have. We should show calmness, peace, joy, love, and understanding during trials and tribulations, singing His praises and being satisfied that He is handling it.

When I saw someone do that before I accepted Christ in my life, it intrigued me to know how they remained so calm. This in turn had me seeking God's love when I had pain and turmoil all around me. I saw His light shine in someone else and wanted that peace for me that reminds me be careful of what we say and do, as we never know who maybe called to God or hindered because of us! We are to be reflections of Christ so that others see Him in us. If we say we are Christians and in the club on Saturday night, or even as simple as gossiping about our fellow co-worker what light does that show of Christ, it is sure is not a positive one.

Oh one more thing on my heart, do not serve God ½ way. So many times, I have run into Christians, well people who say they are saved and sanctified Christians, they do not attend church services, they are doing bootie calls or have friends with benefits, my heart aches for these Christians, I pray God will convict them, they know God and have chosen to ride the fence or are considered "lukewarm".

Revelation 3:15-21 "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'–and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked–I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne."

I have a lot of friends who are this way, my thoughts can only convict me, but I know I am seeking God's favor and I may stumble and I may fall but I am still seeking His favor and getting back up.

Forget That Man – Praise God Instead

Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Praise God in all things. We are so busy worried about what that man is doing, the man we are dating, the man we are married to, the man we are waiting God to bring to us. We are so busy doing all of that instead of praising God in all things that we do. We are so busy doing whatever we can for every one else but not praising God as we go. We need to praise the Lord when we do not understand, we need to praise God when he did not come home, we need to praise God when we are lying alone and so scared. We need to praise God in all things and stop sitting around feeling sorry for ourselves.

When we praise God the wonders of the Lord comes through. He makes the entire situation all right; He makes things just so wonderful and so great. God is just so awesome. It is not by chance that praising God makes you feel better. Praising God makes you feel better because you are not thinking of you. Whenever we get the concentration off us and place our minds on the Lord, the wonders of God released in our lives. You will see that it does not matter that it was 4 AM and that husband of yours came home. You will not even care for you know that God is handling it. It will not matter that the man you thought God sent you has now walked away from you because some other sister in church cooks better. You will not care for God has changed your heart about the situation anyhow. When we praise God and stop trying to handle things, we in line with the word of God and our will becomes His will for our lives. We are blessed to be able to call on the Lord in all things that we do. We need to let the Lord move in our lives and let His direction be the only direction of our lives.

So when we are faced with things that are not so pleasant, praise your way out, if you cannot praise God, call someone and talk to them until you can praise God.

There are times that I have allowed the enemy so deep into my thoughts that I cannot get praise out. I will be on the phone with a friend and just cannot praise God, but they start to praise Him and I might not even respond then but there is something about the way Jesus is and how just mentioning His name can start to break me down. I may not praise right that second but by the end of that day, I start to praise the Lord for all that He does! God is too good not to praise Him in all things.

I leave you with this – there is nothing in the world that can separate us from the love of God. God loves us and His love is the only way.

God Bless my sister and Praise Him and forget that man!

Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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