1 Peter 1:13

1 Peter 1:13 "Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

How do I prepare my mind for action? Simple. I spend time in God's word and also work on memorizing it. Sober-minded. This is no light task. We are in a war. A spiritual war. We need to be at the top of our game. Ready to act at any moment. Ready to take a stand for Him. To be a light shining in this dark world.

At the same time I need to keep my hope fully on the grace that comes through Jesus Christ. When our hope is in Him and the grace He gives us, nothing can prevail against us! They keep is to keep our minds focused on the promises we find in His word.

As my pastor said this past Sunday, "Our circumstances don't change the promises of God."-Scott Reavely.

Hold tight to that in which is true.

1 Peter 1:10-12 "Concerning this salvation the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good new to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look."

The Gospel: it's all about grace and it is something glorious!  As I sat through a planning meeting for our prison ministry today, I was reminded again that its not about me, but rather about serving others. That is exactly what the prophets learned here too. When we have the chance to minister to others we are to do so in service to them.  And what is the best way to serve them? With the Gospel.

The Gospel is glorious and beautiful. Something that the angels long to see. We have such a gift of God's unfathomable grace in the Gospel. The question becomes: am I living out the Gospel every day in all that I do? That should be my goal- to love those around me everyday with the grace of the Gospel. Imagine how our world would change if we all did just that!

1 Peter 1:8-9

1 Peter 1:8-9 "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

When we really think about it, our relationship with Christ is amazing. As these verses state our whole connection with Him is based on faith and not on sight. This is something the world truly struggles with- why so many find it hard to believe- because they don't physically see Him. It's amazing to me the connection we have with Christ. We do love Him. And we have a joy that the world misses out on- all because of Him. It is this child like faith that has not only saved us, but also provided everything we need for the day to day living.

Thank you Jesus for the true love connection with have with You. May we always rejoice in what we have with You for Your glory!

1 Peter 1:6&7

1 Peter 1:6&7 " In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials so that the tested genuineness of your faith- more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire- may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

Am I rejoicing in my trials? Trials only come when it is necessary for them to be present in my life. The purpose is so that the genuineness of my faith will shine for the glory, praise and honor of Jesus Christ. The beauty of that is that I am only put through this if necessary. On top of that there is the blessing of ever drawing closer to my Lord and Savior. Not only will my faith be a testament to those around me, but Jesus Christ will get the praise, glory and honor due His name. Honestly, what could be better than that? It's a win win situation.

These verses also draw me to 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 " 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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."  In my times of weakness I am found strong because of His work in me. I need to allow Him to shine through the trials so that others may see Him at work. One of the best times of testimony we can have for Him. I just need to keep my perspective on Him and not on the circumstances.

1 Peter 1:5

1 Peter 1:5 " who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. "

There is beauty to be found here. We are guarded by God's power. There is nothing greater to be guarded by. This alone should bring about all the peace we could ever need, to be surrounded by His power. something we experience as we place our faith in Him.

As Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Faith isn't always easy as we can't see Him (yet) but we have the assurance that comes along with it. Our faith will help us endure to the very end when all shall be revealed. Until that time, we can rest in our Living Hope: Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:4

1 Peter 1:4 "to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,"

Living hope-that in and of itself would have been enough. Yet He gave us so much more! We have an inheritance that is imperishable (endures forever), undefiled (pure, having no faults, sinless), and unfading (not losing value or effectiveness).

Imagine that. Seriously. Take a moment and wrap your brain around the concept...  In our world today we're surrounded by things that end, are full of faults/sin, and are constantly loosing value. When we get to heaven, we'll have exactly the opposite of all that!

Jesus gave us the living hope to make it through each day, but he also gave us the living hope for what is to come. We have so much to look forward to!

1 Peter 1:3

1 Peter 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,"

We have something the rest of the world doesn't have: a living hope. Hope for each and every day, no matter what we may be facing. And what is that hope? Jesus Christ Himself. He overcame death in order to give us life and a hope that cannot be taken away by anything, ever!

That is true hope! Something the lost are desperately seeking. Something I can share with those who are searching. What a gift we've been given!

1 Peter 1:1-2

I realized recently that it had been quite a while since I had written anything on here. So much has transpired in the time since I last wrote something, and at the same time, it feels as though nothing has changed! Interesting how life works out like that sometimes. While there are many aspects of my journey that are different, I to write about one of them.

I continue to volunteer in the local woman's prison out here. I love it. So much. One of my ladies was challenged by the Spirit to make sure that she was spending time in God's word every day. So each month we set up a different Bible reading plan. Starting today we're going to be going through the book of 1 Peter. The plan is to read each day until we are pricked by the Spirit with something from the word. I want to share the lessons that I'm learning as I go through the book. Today, I only made it through the first two verses. Here is what the Holy Spirit placed on my heart...

1 Peter 1:1-2 "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you." (ESV)

Sometimes we find ourselves at a point in life where we are exiled. It's not always by choice, but rather sometimes that is where God has placed us. He knew it would happen. Through it we will be sanctified, changed, drawn ever closer to our Lord and Savior. How? If we live our lives in obedience to him. That is where we'll find grace and peace- in Christ alone- no matter what our circumstances.

The question becomes, am I rebelling against where I am in life? Or am I embracing the journey and allowing God to freely work in my life? I have a choice to make. I'm choosing to embrace this point in my life as a gift from God, to allow Him to work in and through me in any way that He chooses. To fall more in love with Him and to hopefully point others to Him at the same time.

Grace and Peace to you my friends.

Labels

Labels. Why do we have them? What is the purpose? Is it really even necessary? I think it depends on the type of label. For a street sign, yes, otherwise we'll not know which direction to go. For medicine, vital, or we could end up taking the wrong thing in the wrong amount to our own demise. For canned food, maybe. It could make for some interesting meals (I urge you to try it if you never have, remove several labels, mix them around and then leave them for a week. Go back and try using one can of whatever you open one night for dinner).  For people, no.

I was reminded of the label that some are giving me since I have been diagnosed as bipolar II. In reality it is a small handful of people that are aware of the label and they are the only ones giving me that label. Truthfully, it hurts. I want you to really think about it. Is there one word that encompasses your entire being in every aspect of who you are? Just one word that sums it all up? Maybe we can narrow it down to two or three words, but one? I don't think so, and I also believe we need to stop placing those labels on ourselves and on others.

Often we are hurt by the labels others put upon us, but I must say I have put several of them on myself. None of the ones I have given myself are flattering. Why do we do this? Focus on the negative aspects of who we are? God created each of us perfectly to be the individuals that we are. That includes the good and not so good parts. There is a purpose for it all. Mostly so that His glory will shine as He does the impossible through us. I love that He GAVE me all the quirks that I have just so that I can be DIFFERENT. Why? Because it is FOR HIM! That is a blessing and a gift. Not something to be ashamed of.

I know that I've said it before, but please embrace your beautiful self for who you are. Ignore the lies of this world. You ARE beautiful. You ARE wonderful. You ARE loved.

Holding Fast,
Teresa

Hiding Place

I have been blessed with some faithful friends and prayer warriors whom God often blesses me with their encouragement. This video came my way this morning from one of them and I loved the words about God being my hiding place while I'm Holding Fast to what I know to be true. As I'm hiding in Him I am never alone. Never. I hope that you enjoy the beautiful lyrics and the pictures this individual put with them. It brings about a calm peace. I know this peace I'm experiencing is by the grace of God. He is our true source of peace. Psalm 29:11 "May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!" Grace and Peace to you through Christ.

Holding Fast in my hiding place in Him,
Teresa

Hold Fast

Have you ever had one of those days that made you just scratch your head and wonder why? That was my day today. Today was by no means fun. I was 'asked' to take a leave of absence from work. Thank you bipolar. Today I hate you. Why God? What good could this possibly be doing in my life? Then I think back to my yesterday. So while I'm currently scratching my head I am trusting none the less. Let me explain.

Yesterday morning I sat through a great church service that reminded me to Hold Fast to the Gospel and what I know to be true. To know it so deeply that I wouldn't ever think of letting go. This is found in Hebrews 10:23 "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." God has promised us so much that founded on the Gospel. My thoughts are racing a million miles per hour so let me try and get this out right. Romans 8:32 states "He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" God withheld nothing by sending his only Son to die for us and allow us the opportunity to have a relationship with Him. If He withheld nothing to provide us with the Gospel, why would He now withhold something? He wouldn't. He won't. He doesn't. So I just need to hold fast.

Last night there was another amazing lesson, this time focused on the hard stuff in life. I thought that what I was going through last night was tough. Today was worse, but my perspective was different. Why? Because of what is in James 1: 2-11. Three things that were talked about piggy back on the concept of Holding Fast perfectly. God cares about our suffering, He gave us his word here to explain how we're to cope with it. The first things He tells us is that we need to ask for Wisdom. (v.5) "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." It's ok for me to ask God why? Why am I going through this now? What is the purpose? What am I supposed to be learning? What am I supposed to do?

Next thing that I need is faith. (v.6) "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting..." I need to have faith in what God is doing. Remember the Romans 8:32 verse from above? Why would I doubt anything when God has already given everything? I shouldn't. Not if I'm Holding Fast to the truth of the Gospel and the peace that it brings through faith.

The last thing we need is perspective (v.9&10) "Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away." Our ways are most definitely not God's ways. So my perspective is not going to be God's perspective on the situation. I have to change my way of looking at things to align with His way.

So now that I've vented, I don't feel like I'm scratching my head quite as much. I'm more or less spent and ready for a nap. I'm ready to Hold Fast as I seek Wisdom by Faith and accept a change in Perspective. So whatever your journey may be, Hold Fast dear friend, Hold Fast.

Never Alone

Do you ever have that feeling like you're alone? That no one understands what you're going through? Or that they are avoiding you simply b/c the weight of your problem is too much for them? That's how I've been feeling a lot lately. As though I was alone. Drowning in the silence of my life that is actually screaming from all directions. That my bipolar has pushed people away b/c I'm exhausting to be around. This couldn't be further from the truth.

As my roommate and I were watching Kung Fu Panda 1 & 2 last night my thoughts went racing (which is completely normal for bipolar II). One of the many lessons to be found in the movie is that of believing in yourself. That you are special. You are special b/c God created you just the way you are. My identity is not found in being bipolar, my identity is in Christ. And with Him, I am never alone. Heb. 13:5 "...I will never leave you nor forsake you."

It's important too to remember that you are not a burden. Sometimes your life may feel overwhelming, but Jesus is not overwhelmed. Most friends are not overwhelmed. In reality they just need to know how to pray for you. And if you need to dump all the junk your feeling on someone, try Christ. He is right there waiting for you. Matthew 11:28-30 " Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle adn lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Remember that you are special and that you always have someone waiting and willing to listen and share in the burden of what you're feeling in Christ. It's as simple as that. Truly. I often forget, but it truly is that simple. I also wanted to share a song with you. It's by Matt Redman called Never Once. The words have been like a salve to my soul lately as I try to remember the simple truth that I'm not alone in all this.

Bipolar

I want to apologize for the absence of posting on here. I had to wait until I went home to see my family so that I could talk with them before I posted anything online.

In early October I was diagnosed with Bipolar II. My life has been a roller coaster ever since. I have debated left and right which way to go with this. Well, I decided that my blog with be the beginnings of my being open and honest about what is going on. I feel that too often in the Christian circle we gloss over the hard parts of life and don't talk about them, or just pretend they don't exist. My being bipolar makes no difference to my faith. If anything, my faith in what God is doing is growing even stronger.

So I would like to invite you to join me on the journey through the ups and downs. The silly times and the hard struggles. To invite you to join me in real life. The foundational verses that I am clinging to during this journey are Psalm 73:26, " My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." When things get tough I know He is holding me up, Psalm 54:4, "Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life." This means isall good. Once again I'm given this promise in Romans 8:28-39,"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,“For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." And one way He upholds my life is by equipping me with what I need, Ephesians 6:12-19, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints"

These are the verses I will come back to time and again as we go through this journey. I hope you are touched and encouraged as you read through this. No matter what we go through, isall good and we are not alone. Don't be afraid to be the person you were created to be, even if it doesn't follow the norm. :)