Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Love

Every other morning, in my worship group, we have been reading a book called 'Finding the Father'. Some of you might be familiar with it. But it has really opened my eyes to the Love that God has for each of His children. This great love has truly compelled me to take action. Yesterday, we were reading about the Love that was shown on the cross for each of us. And it is that same love that each of us must have in our hearts in order to show a clear picture of Christ to the world. Some people out there, call themselves Christians, but don't understand the duty that they have to fulfill once they take that name upon themselves. Because of this, the name "Christian", often carries a negative connotation for by standers. Because what they see in the Christians life, and what they hear from the Christians religion about their God, don't coincide. In fact they often contradict each other.What would this world be like if every Christian truly understood their purpose, and fulfilled their duty in showing Christ's unselfish love to the universe? This world would be a completely different place. Christ's unselfish love, freely forgives, and freely serves. This means that we must do the same. But not just because that is what Jesus does, but because our hearts are filled with the same love that makes up His being. That same love that IS Christ, will fill our beings and become so much apart of us that we too will just naturally freely forgive, and freely serve without a thought of ourselves. I know this is a concept that everyone "knows", but to really know and study is to change. Why gain knowledge, and study something if you are never going to apply those things to your life? If you are really studying God's love, it will become apart of you. Just like if I'm studying Calculus, it becomes apart of my brain. (A pretty big portion is required!) God's great love in coming to this earth, and separating Himself from the One that He had NEVER been separated from before, just so that He could show me His love, and freely forgive me, compels me to not let this sacrifice be made in vain. Not just for myself, but for everyone that I come in contact with. I can help those around me see God's great love for them, by allowing Him to place that same love for them in my heart.


Sunday, February 26, 2012

Life

Life....that word carries a different picture or meaning for each person. Because each persons life is different. This morning, I was having my devotions and I was reflecting on what the word...life...meant for me. As I sat there thinking about the things that I had to face in life, my heart began to get heavier, and heavier, and heavier. "There is no way." I told myself. "I can not face this life on my own." I began to plead with God, to NEVER leave my side, because if He did, I would not have the strength to move on. I then opened my little, and very worn, book Help in Daily Living. I was just skimming through the pages, and quotes that I had underlined previously kept popping out at me. "Day by day and year by year we shall conquer self, and grow into a noble heroism. This is our allotted task; but it cannot be accomplished without help from Jesus, resolute decision, unwavering purpose, continual watchfulness, and unceasing prayer...Those who decline the struggle lose the strength and joy of victory...Instead of thinking of your discouragement's, think of the POWER you can claim in Christ's name...Let your imagination take hold upon things unseen..(heaven)...Let your thoughts be directed to the evidences of the great love of God for you. Faith can endure trial, resist temptation, bear up under disappointment...God will not suffer one of His truehearted workers to be left alone, to struggle against great odds and be overcome...He does not forget us for one brief moment....the sense of His presence will inspire a deep tranquil joy...All experiences and circumstances are God's workmen whereby good is brought to us...We are NEVER alone...Even the thoughts are not to be allowed to run riot. They must be restrained, brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Let them be placed upon holy things. Then, through the grace of Christ, they will be pure and true...The power of self-restraint strengthens by exercise...The Christian life is more then many take it to be....there is need also of courage, force, energy, and perseverance. The path that Christ marks out is a narrow, self-denying path. To enter that path and press on through difficulties and discouragements requires men who are more then weaklings...Those who would win success must be courageous and hopeful." Wow...it was like God was speaking directly to me. "Kalyse, you will gain that noble character that I have promised you, but it won't be easy. You can only do it with My help. But you must have resolute decision, and unwavering purpose, continual watchfulness, and unceasing prayer. You must not decline the struggle, or you will lose the joy of victory. Don't think of how hard and difficult your life may be, but think of the power that I will give you. Think of heaven, your goal, where you will be with Me forever. Whenever you are tempted to think of earthly discouragement's, resist that temptation, and think of Me, and My great love for you. I will NEVER leave you to struggle alone. You are always in my thoughts. You can be strong through My strength. And be forever courageous, and hopeful." I suddenly felt an inner strength, and I felt as though I could conquer the world with Jesus by my side. I could face whatever the devil had in store for me, and I would be able to come out victorious. Friend, this message and encouragement isn't for me alone, but for you as well, and that is why I'm sharing this. Christ longs to give each of us that strength, but we must first realize our weakness. Just as I had that deep tranquil and joy when I felt God's presence, you can have the same peace of mind no matter what you are going through. All you have to do is believe. And now...when I think of the word...life...it carries a whole new meaning. I no longer fear the struggles in my future, but the word...life...gives me joy and excitement, to watch and see how God will work in and through mine.

Friday, February 24, 2012

Power of Prayer

"Satan trembles when he sees the weakest Christian on his knees." -William Cowper

"Prayer will make a man cease from sin, or sin will entice a man to cease from prayer." -John Bunyon

"There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God." -Brother Lawrence

"If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me." -Robert Murray McCheyne

"We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties." Oswald Chamber


Thursday, February 23, 2012

My Morning Devotions

Hi Everyone!
Here are some things that I learned in my devotions this morning, and I thought I would share them with you!

I read in HDL p. 43, and this quote really inspired me:
"Be not satisfied with reaching a low standard. We are not what we might be, or what it is God's will that we should be. God has given us reasoning powers, not to remain inactive, or to be perverted to earthly and sordid pursuits, but that they may be developed to the utmost, refined, sanctified, ennobled, and used in advancing the interests of His kingdom."
The trials that come upon us in life, accomplish the purpose of helping us to be 'what it is God's will that we should be'.  They aid us in reaching that high standard that Christ has called us to.

I also read the story about the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-22. And it kind of goes along with one of my previous posts. The one about Abraham. Abraham was willing to make that "sacrifice" for God, and in contrast, the rich young ruler wasn't willing to make that "sacrifice" for God. Look at what each person was "sacrificing". Abraham was giving up his son, his only son. What a treasure! The rich young ruler, was giving up his wealth. Money's value decreases greatly when compared to the value of  relationships, such as Abraham and his son. But the rich young ruler wasn't able to give up his. He couldn't see past this earth. Here he was seeking for eternal life, but the "idol" that kept him from gaining that eternal life, was so trivial. Money? really? He wouldn't trade the money of this world, for eternal life? Pray that we NEVER make that same mistake. We must have the same faith that Abraham did. That whatever God asks us to "give up" in this world, will be worth it when we gain heaven.

Little Things

It is the little things that mean the most, because it takes the most to think of little things.

Week of Prayer- Lesson #2

Our relationship with God must be dynamic....

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

A Lesson from the Life of Abraham

Praise the Lord, for God fearing parents. I was on the phone with my mom the other day, and she was telling me what she had learned in her devotions the other day....very inspiring, so I though I would share it! She had been reading the story of Abraham and Isaac, and how God asked Abraham to go and sacrifice his beloved son. To Abraham this was a shocker! "What? Lord, You just gave him to me? Why do you want me to go and sacrifice him? You want me to give him up? Why? I love him so much Father, I don't know if I can part with him." "Abraham, I know you love him, but do you love Me? I'm asking you to give him up. Trust Me. How much do you love Me? If you love Me, keep My commands." God doesn't ask us to do things like this everyday, God doesn't regularly ask us to give up things that are close to our hearts. But when those things that are close to our hearts, risk coming between us and our God, He may ask us in order to test our loyalty. Are we willing to do absolutely EVERYTHING God asks us to do? Even giving up something that we love? Something that is so close to our hearts that it seems to be apart of us? Isaac was very much apart of Abraham. He was his son. But Abraham trusted God, and if God asked him to do this, then there was a purpose. In the end, God provided a lamb to take the place of the sacrifice. Isaac. But Abraham had to be mentally prepared to give up his son, because God asked him to. Sometimes God asks us to give up things that seem impossible to give up. But that is why God is asking us to give them up, because we must value our relationship with God more then any other relationship here on earth. God might test us to see where our true loyalty's are by asking us to do things, or in a sense...give things up. We must be willing to do whatever God asks us to do....and God will never ask to take something away without a purpose, and without giving us something in return....or in the case of Abraham....giving the same thing back after making sure that He is supreme in our lives.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Week of Prayer- Lesson #1

This morning, after waking to the alarm clock and wishing that I could sleep just a little bit longer, I remembered that it was week of prayer. I love week of prayer! I always learn so much. Due to sleeping-in past my alarm clock, it was a rush to get ready and make it down to the school building on time. But I made it! Thanks to my roommate, who made sure that I was awake, and helped pull me out the door. :) We quickly found a seat, and were soon opening our Bibles. I learned a hugh life lesson from this mornings meeting. It is called perseverance. This was the example that Nathan Renner, our speaker, used; he loves to go rock climbing, and he wanted to go to this popular rock climbing place in France. But he didn't have the money, and he was terrible at raising money. So, this was his young adult logic; buy the ticket in February, and plan the trip for October. This way, he had the ticket and he was motivated to save money, he was motivated to prepare for the trip, because he WAS going. The ticket had been bought, there was no doubt in his mind that he was going. So he had better prepare. In the same way, we must set our minds on our goals. When we set our minds on goals, and purpose in our heart to accomplish them, and tell ourselves that we WILL win that goal, we will be motivated to prepare. Our mind set will be, "I'm going to accomplish this goal, therefore I better start preparing!"When we set our minds on a goal we are motivated to prepare, thus we will succeed in accomplishing that goal.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for my sister Kami! Thank you for putting her in my life. She has been such an encouragement to me! Every little deed that she has done for me, has meant so much, and reflected your character to me. From calling me to make sure I'm doing all right when I have taken a sick day, to leaving a little note telling me good morning! She is such a special girl, and I have seen you work in her life. I have seen her grow so much! Thank You Father, for those blessings that we often take for granted!



My Dear Child,

You are so loved! You are like a precious stone, and priceless treasure. I value you so much, that I came to this earth and became you....I became a symbol of sin on the cross for you. I gave up my robe and crown so that I could live with you in heaven for eternity. My child, I love you. I see your struggles, and I know your heartache. But all I ask is for you to trust Me. I see the whole picture, I hold every puzzle piece in my nail scared hand. Your life can be in my hand if you surrender it to me, and trust that I will take care of you and lead you. Nothing will come your way that I won't give you the strength to overcome. I have your best interest in mind. I want nothing but the best for you. My child, I want you to be happy. It hurts me to see tears in your eyes. I feel your heartache. It pierces My heart. I want you to know, that I am right by your side. I will NEVER leave you nor forsake you. My child, 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid.' (John 14:27) Remember, to 'glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.' (Romans 5:3-4) My child, 'count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.' (James 1:2-3) And remember to 'thank God, who gives us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ.' (1 Cor 15:57) My child, never forget My great love for you. And when you need Me, I will always be right by your side. Hold on...this world is almost to a close and then you can live with Me in heaven for eternity. I love you My child!

Love Always,
Your Heavenly Father






Sunday, February 19, 2012

May The Lord Walk With You

I Want Jesus to Walk With You

I want Jesus to walk with you
All along your pilgrim journey,
I want Jesus to walk with you.

In your trials, may the Lord walk with you.
When the shades of life are falling,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with you.

In your sorrow may the Lord walk with you,
When your heart is aching,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with you.

In your troubles, may the Lord walk with you,
When your life becomes a burden,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with YOU.



Perfect Peace

Perfect Peace
By Laura Story

Stay close by My side,
Keep your eyes on Me.
Though this life is hard,
I will give you perfect peace.

In this time of trial,
Pain that no one sees.
Trust Me when I say,
I will give you perfect peace.

And you'll never walk alone,
and you'll never be in need.
Though I may not calm the storms around you,
you can hide in Me.

Burdens that you bear,
offer no relief.
Let Me bear your load,
'Cause I will give you perfect peace.

Stay close by My side,
and you'll never walk alone.
Keep your eyes on Me, 
and you'll never be in need.
Though this life is hard,
Know that I will always give you perfect peace.
I will give you perfect peace.

Psalm 61:1-4



Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee,
When my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock 
that is higher then I.
For Thou has been a shelter for me, and 
a strong tower from the enemy.
I will abide in Thy tabernacle forever;
I will trust in the covert of Thy wings. Selah

Friday, February 17, 2012

To My Incredible Friends...

Good friends are hard to find, harder to leave, and impossible to forget.

True Friendship NEVER ends

Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything.

A friend knows the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails.

A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you even when you've forgotten the words.







God has blessed me with the Best Friends this world can offer! Thank you, all my wonderful, God given friends, for making such an impact in my life, and letting God use you to touch my heart in a very special way! I love you all! Keep putting Jesus first, and shining for Him!

We will be friends forever, just you wait and see. -Winnie the Pooh

If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together. There is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger then you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart...I'll always be with you. - Winnie the Pooh










Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Shooting Stars

His Voice
By Kalyse Rose

Where is my God?
I cannot feel, see, touch, or hear.
He seems to be far abroad.
Yet my Bible says He is near.

God has revealed Himself to those in ancient past.
But what about me?
Have I been bypassed?
Or am I missing the key?

In the starry, cloudless sky,
A speck shoots across it's moonlit route, 
And God's existence I can not deny,
For I was filled with doubt.

But to me He speaks,
Not with thunder or lightning,
For it is my love he seeks.
But with silent dazzling.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Prayer

Last night, I decided to sleep outside. Oddly, it was peaceful. Even with the noise of traffic and the dim light from the street lights. Sleeping on the soft bark chips of the playground was ironically more comfortable then the carpeted floors of the Sabbath School rooms. As I was brushing the bark chips off my socks and getting ready to crawl into my warm sleeping bag, I heard my name whispered. "Kalyse. Do you want to pray with me?" And I looked up into the face of my good friend Amaris. She had also made the decision to sleep outside. "Yes! I would love to pray with you!" We sat and chatted briefly about our day, and mentioned several praises and prayer requests. Then we lifted our thoughts and voices to our heavenly Father. This was such a perfect end to my day. It was like a breath of fresh air when one feels as if they are suffocating. Prayer. What a gift. I want to challenge you to pray with at least one person today. You will gain a blessing, and so will your partner. Thank you Amaris!


Thursday, February 9, 2012


Valley of Fire

Today, we went to this place called the Valley of Fire. It was very much like Arches National Park. All the big red rocks that just call to those adventurous climbers to experience the thrill of standing on top of the world. As me, and three of my friends were standing on one of these rocks, high above the rest of the world, we were nearly overcome with the urge to spread our wings and fly off the edge. So, instead of actually experiencing this, we ended up talking about people who accidentally had experienced this thrill. Yet for some of them, it was not a thrill. One story, in particular, was told of a young girl who jumped out of an airplane. This girl was well equipped with her parachute, and had been told which cord to pull. But when she actually felt herself free falling through the air, she forgot which side of her shoulders the cord was on. This poor girl, now desperate, kept grasping and clutching for the cord at her right shoulder,when all along the cord was sitting on her left. This young girl crashed to her death moments later. As I was listening to this tragic story, the first thought that came to mind, was, "What an incredible spiritual application." Like this young girl, many in life are struggling. They feel as though the cant find the cord that will make their landing in life one of ease. What these people might not realize, is that the cord (Jesus Christ's gift of salvation) is there, and has been there all along. They have just been looking in the wrong place.







Wednesday, February 8, 2012

A couple days ago, I read Matthew 14:22-33. It is the story about Peter walking on water. Now, you may wonder why I say Peter walking on water. Most of the time we say Jesus walking on water. But just wait! You will see! :)

Peter and all the disciples were in a boat on the stormy water, when all of a sudden, they saw Jesus...they saw someone...walking on the water? Was it really Jesus? They couldn't tell....It was way too stormy to see clearly. But they heard the gentle words of the Master saying, "It is I. Do not be afraid." Then Peter asked Jesus, "Lord, if it is really You, bid me come to You, walking on the water." So Jesus simply said, "Come." Then, in the next instant, Peter was on the water. Not only was he on the water, but he was walking! And not only was he walking on the water, but he was walking on the water, in the storm. Jesus had bid Peter come to Him, walking on the water in the storm, in answer to Peter request. But it didn't take Peter long to realize what he had asked, and his attention was quickly captured by the wind and waves around him. He gaze was taken off of Christ, and he began to sink. The things that stole his attention were the things that began to drown him. He desperately called out to Christ, "Lord! Save me!" And Jesus reached out his hand, and lifted him from the waves and wind that were causing Peter to sink. Then Jesus said, "O thou of little faith. Wherefore didst thou doubt?" As I read this story, I felt the leading of the Holy Spirit. I knew there was a deep meaning that was perfectly applicable to my life in the story. But it took a few days to fully sink in. I'm Peter. And how many times do I ask God to grow my character, and turn my life upside down for him. Yet when it comes time, and I step out of the boat, all to quickly I find myself loosing my gaze on Jesus. And the very things that I asked God to allow in my life to grow me, I find myself becoming overwhelmed with, and begging him to take them away because I'm sinking. Yet right beside me, my Savior has His hand outstretched and ready to answer my call for help. And when He pulls me to safety, gentle inquires, "O thou of little faith. Wherefore didst thou doubt?"