squigglyword

[squigglyword]

Not very long ago, I was seriously considering doing something really stupid. God is so good, and so patient and He remained involved throughout the struggle. I never went through with the idea, mostly because I knew it was not His will. But, in addition, there was a fair amount of hesitation because I knew if I did, the true friends in my life, would not stand back. They'd get in front of me and they would be truthful. I need those kinds of people. Everyone does, except you won't know who they are until you're heading over a cliff. In my friendships, I keep this in mind. Some relationships, won't hit that point, but, you know that if it did, they, and hopefully you, would block the path. Obviously, it's not a power struggle where anyone's being manhandled into submission, but it can be  potentially damaging to the friendship and maybe even fatal. A geniune friend will take that risk for the good of the other. But, the reality is that it hurts and this is why some  friendships stay shallow and are actually "friendships". I pray, I'm never that way even if I know it will be painful for both of us. "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." Prov 27:6 It can get intense too because an authentic friend is invested heartwise, so they won't be casual about their concern. "the sweetness of a friend comes from his/her earnest counsel” (Prov. 27:9). The validity of your friendships demands the willingness of each person to be honest and to grow in both the friendship and life.  "You use steel to sharpen steel,     and one friend sharpens another." Prov 27:17 Sharpening an object, like a knife or a pencil, requires the gradual removal of material. For an object, there's no pain, but do that with each other and it will not always be pleasant. That is much of the reason that some friends, stay "friends". Still, the depth and the beauty of true friendship is found in the times of hardship, weakness, fear, suffering AND in the truth. (Sidenote: Prayer, love, discretion, and discernment are imperative in any potentially confrontative situation, esp. in relationships) #friend #friends #truth #behonest #tbh #nolies #beafriend #friendship

[squigglyword]

Usual, ordinary, regular, familiar, routine, go with the flow, don't rock the boat.... those traits are not meant to describe a person who has given their life to God. If you signed up to follow Him, you underwent a revolutionary transformation. This new being that you've become, is guided and prompted by a Love that is elevated and sometimes diametrically opposed to the rules of this world. Here, there is a general acceptance that some degree of hurt and pain are the expected result of life. This is true for life circumstances not initiated by human action/inaction. Yet, behaviour in person to person interaction is our choice. As a Christian, my life is meant to fill in the spaces where hate, unforgiveness, negligence, callousness, gossip, slander, revenge, etc, have created gaps. I'm not saying that now I'm a super human. But, I am capable of deviating from the norm. • In Ezekiel 22, Israel just gave in. There was no expectation of goodness. God is speaking to Ezekiel, the prophet about the state of these people that He loves with great patience and mercy, but they don't respond.  "I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn't have to destroy the land, but I found no one." Ezekiel 22:30 -No one- • Jump 2500+ years, and we're still facing this same threat. This quote captures the thought: "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke We were not recreated to be conformists. Sometimes, though, the world likes our good, then, without notice it'll not be so fashionable.  We don't care. We steadily love regardless of the times. "Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching." 2Tim 4:2 Does this mean you're out blasting everyone? No, your life is also the"preaching" because words are words without action. "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins."1Pet 4:8 Seasons change and Good and Love may not be popular. That's okay, be the exception.  #exception #different #notlikeeveryone #biblestudy #changed

[squigglyword]

@squigglyword on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

[squigglyword]

After I made this and framed it,  I thought I'd have a profound and meaningful post to go with it. But, I don't. I can't add any more layers to that snippet of Scripture. I think it pretty much expresses what I want to say without expounding unnecessarily.   At church, the "Praise Project" was announced 3 weeks ago. The church wanted to give anyone the opportunity to express artistically, a verse, thought, prayer, that resonated spiritually with them. The church will then display these pieces on Easter. I debated creating anything. I've had my moments of feeling overwhelmed with all of the things I am compelled to do, generally in life but most importantly, for Him. I wanted to avoid adding this to my plate but I felt a little prompting to make something. This verse isn't even a favorite.  I actually looked for a verse that started with "The". I was more concerned with the layout versus the content. I'm sure I'll get asked what this verse means to me. Up until Tuesday, it didn't mean anything in the sense that I consciously associated it with anything in my life that I could claim gave this verse deep resonance for me. I've probably skimmed over it many times as I've read Psalms. But here it is. So, I read and re-read it. I still don't have anything to add to it's message, LOL. It's perfect, the way it is. Everything that it says, I will say is true for me.  He definitely is my Strength. I could have never made it to this point, without Him. I tried; I have given a lot of my strength to the pursuit of loving God, but, I'm still weak, even in my best moments. During all of it, He was the harmony. My sweet music. Nothing ever sounded better. In the end, He came in and saved me. I tried. I wanted to be His, but I had times that I gave in to my wants and desires. How would I ever inherit salvation if He didn't purposefully swoop in and rescue me? I'd have missed the beauty and the adventure. He never intended for me to forego any of that. So, He will always be my strength, my song and my salvation. #strength #song #salvation #lord #hope

[squigglyword]

Have you really thought about what an enemy is? An enemy is any hostile adversary that actively opposes you. As a human, you already have the supreme Enemy by default. "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1Peter 5:8 Then, as you go through life,  you might acquire some more along the way.  So, why in the world would you assign yourself on the list? It's not like there's a shortage of them!  If you think about what role an enemy plays in your life, you understand that it includes, lies, harm, hate, defeat, hurt, etc. That is not why God created you, so that you would take on that role in any life, much less your own. I'm writing about this because I've been my own enemy. It's  true that I have some legitimate things I need to change, but I've also been extremely destructive to myself at times by being hyper-critical. So, do you think while I'm in that mode, Satan lets up? No! He doesn't say, "oh, well, looks like she's doing a pretty good job. I'll take a break." You just read he prowls around. Listen, God has addressed the enemy subject. Both human and spiritual. Ultimately enemies have a force that is spiritually driven because Satan is behind it. • "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12 • If you read Ephesians from the start, you see that the battle is real but so are the resources He's given us. • But what about the very real human element? "Love your enemies." Matt 5:44 Why? Only because God did and He wants us to? Wrong. It's because if you love, there's the opportunity to turn an enemy into a friend. But either way,  they're your neighbor. "Love your neighbor as yourself. " Mark 12:31 It's required that You love yourself and you can love yourself out of of enemy mode by seeing how God loves you. If you make this shift, it may or may not change someone else into your friend, but it surely can transform you, because you're not the enemy. #enemy #enemies #struggle #force #devil

[squigglyword]

See @squigglyword on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

[squigglyword]

DON'T. There are so many different factors in this life that are more than capable of putting it out. It doesn't even take that much and while it's true that God had provided all these resources to keep you lit: • HIS SPIRIT - 1Cor 3:16 " Spirit of God dwells in you..." • JESUS INTERCEDING - Heb 7:25 "he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them." • GOD'S PROTECTION - 2Thess 3:3 " the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one." • WEAPON - Eph 6:17 "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." • SPIRITUAL FAMILY - Gal 3:26 “You are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus” • ANGELS - Heb 1:14 " Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" Ultimately, it's on you to stoke it. You need it to stay faithful, to serve, love, forgive, fight temptation, stay close to Him and fulfill your purpose. So, whatever you have to do to feed that fire and keep it burning, do that. • 1Thessalonians 5:19 "Do not put out the Spirit's fire."  ISV "Quench not the Spirit."  KJV "Do not extinguish the Spirit." BSB #fire #Spirit #holy #burning #stoke #burnhot #dont #let #it #go #out #keepburning

[squigglyword]

This week has people all twitterpated or rolling their eyes. The love/hate of Valentine’s Day.  But me, I love it. Not the romance part but the hearts! I love hearts. The actual shape, the ideograph of the heart but also the “heart” that represents our innermost Love and what we care/value. So, if there’s a day that’s sanctioned to celebrate both of those things, I’m happy!!! - Now what? • I was going to give you the history of Valentine’s Day, but it’s so convoluted and unclear, and I’m too lazy to try and cobble together the information. I’m just going to say,  it doesn’t matter how we arrived at this day or that retail is pushing the romantic slant. We have the prerogative to see it as a day like any other or we can utilize it. But, if I’m a Christian, it’s the perfect opportunity to love people with more sentiment and effort. It doesn’t have to be an over the top gesture. Love can be encouragement, compassion/concern, service, etc. I’m not going to tell you what to do. Love is a gift and you can choose who and how to give it.  But this life is going to be used up anyway, may as well maximize it’s capability to love. What else is life anyway?  Jesus demonstrated this concept in the ultimate display of Love.  He took His Life and gave it away, by choice.

“No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again.” John 10:18

All voluntary and all out of love. He’s never asked us to give up anything without receiving something greater in return. In the loss, there’s always a gain, but you get to decide how to love and live.

“…anyone who holds on to life just as it is, destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you’ll have it forever, real and eternal.” John 12:25 TM. • Life can be life, but I think it it’s meant to be better than that. Love can be your life.

(Most of my heart stuff came from my sister or friends. They know I’m obsessed. ❤)

#valentine #valentinesday #red #heart #love #life

[squigglyword]

Why do you replay and/or repeat? Hanging around in the same place? Either re-doing them or remembering them? It’s so destructive that I think it’s why this verse is so harsh:

 "As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.“ Proverbs 26:11

We’re so labile (new word to learn, you’re welcome)  and easily deceived that God had to step in and make a way so we could be free of the destruction. The problem is, even with every resource that he’s provided (rebirth, His Spirit, angels, Jesus intervening, spiritual family, etc.) I’m still a slow learner and frankly, an idiot spiritually. I’m not being hard on myself. It’s the truth. I know exactly why I go back to those mistakes. Sometimes, I  just want to because I like it and I don’t want to have a conviction that it’s wrong. Other times, guilt will trigger some regretful thing I’ve done/said/thought and consequently I’ll get stuck remembering. Both of those scenarios are void of His Forgiveness. Not because He is unwilling, but because I am. God doesn’t stingily dispense forgiveness. He’s so incredibly liberal with it, it’s not even funny. "if we confess our sins, God will forgive us. We can trust God to do this. He always does what is right. He will make us clean from all the wrong things we have done.” 1John 1:9  It’s the whole purpose behind being born again. (Which, by the way, I can tell you how, if you haven’t been) He doesn’t want us to be in a fixed position, repeating the same mistakes, either in memory or action, suffering the effects, anymore than we do. But the key is, this super religious sounding word called repentance which in Greek is Metanoia -  "Literally, it is a Greek word meaning ‘change of mind’. Yet the full meaning is somewhat more. In the New Testament, the word metanoia is often translated as “repentance”. But this kind of repentance is not about regret or guilt or shame; it implies making a decision to turn around, to face a new direction.“ (Courtesy of metanoia.org) So, today, I’m advocating for letting His Forgiveness get you beyond these mistakes -  and moving on.  "But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.” Psalm 130:4 #forgive #mistakes #Jesus #blessed #bible #do #over #forget #change #hope #moveon

[squigglyword]

I possess both an ego & a soul. My soul is my life spirit. Ego is defined as my mind’s value of me, or pride. Of the two, only one is capable of being satisfied. The other is a fathomless hole. Based on the quote, you know which one is which. Neither one is perfect but at least soul knows better. It knows that in order to be filled, it needs a convergence of spirit to spirit. Yet even human to human connection is not enough to fulfill completely. That only occurs when my soul is joined with His Spirit. "he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things." Psalm 107:9 ESV  Ego, though, moves forward looking to acquire in order to build self worth. It does it through a false need for more of something. Anything. It prevents me from ever being satisfied because it is skewed due to the influence and perception of a misinformed world. In fact, ego's search for satisfaction is fatal. It will deceive me and cause me to forfeit my soul. “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? Matthew 16:26 The only hope to ever be content is to disable ego. That's where humility comes in. "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."James 4:10 This lifting up, is the fulfillment of my soul because He is all I need. Therefore, I can be at rest and not have to pursue anything.  "...be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, "I will never fail you. I will never abandon you." Heb 13:5  I know it’s why He longs for me to love him with my soul.  Matt 22:37 This is the essence behind His message to join with His Being. He’s saying, "Secure yourself to me. Let me love you and I will help you love me and it will happen soulfully. You will lack nothing." But ego will only cause me to forgo the Love and destroy me. "Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul." 1Peter 2:11 TM #ego #soul #quality #quantity #worship #God

[squigglyword]

This statement is inaccurate. If you want to know the truth, sometimes I'll letter a quote just to draw people in. So, to clarify, I believe the best teacher is God. He teaches in many ways, but His Word is unparalleled instruction. -"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right." 2Timothy 3:16 NLT- • His Word is dynamic and completely relevant for all, regardless of who we are or where we are in life. It is not static text; it is actually alive. -"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12- • But if I'm a Christian and I've been given living truth, and now I'm new, why do I need to be instructed? Well, if I haven't been taken up to heaven, I still have to live here and I'm still very much a human. I'm empowered by His Spirit "the Spirit of God dwells in you..." 1Cor 3:16 but  God has not revoked my free will. I can make good or bad choices. Not one person though,  is immune from making mistakes. "For we all stumble in many ways." James 3:2 • Every day that I remain on earth, I desperately need guidance. The only teacher that can help me is the one who teaches prior to any decision and then afterwards. Even in mistakes, the back lesson is beautifully instructive.  -"the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age," 1 Titus 2: 11-12- • In my new life, I've been given direction but there are moments I've wanted what I desired more and so disregarded the knowledge he's given me. Then, I've had to rely on the follow-up lesson of Grace. To be candid, I currently have areas in my character that even Grace hasn't affected change because I am not learning the lesson. But I believe, if I stay faithful, I can change. His Love/Grace ignites repentance and He will not let me fail. "The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand." Psalm 27:23-26 • My destiny is not to live a repetitive curriculim. I am meant to retain what I've been taught, but continue to progress in learning as I move forward. -"... I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind (mistakes) and straining toward what is ahead," Philippians 3:13- #mistake #best #teacher #penmanshipporn #calligraphy

[squigglyword]

It is, Lord. 💖💖💖💖

@squigglyword on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

#penmanshipporn #wordporn #words #calligraphy

[squigglyword]

What is the point of Christianity? What do we understand and believe about it's purpose? Is it religion or a relationship? An individual lifestyle or a church living corporately? Some or all of those things? Those questions are all wrong. If you want to understand "Christianity" you'll have to research the Creator, the Lord, the God, that is found in the Torah and in the New Testament that makes up the Bible. If you do, it will become very evident that there is one linear truth from beginning to end. He has made us to love and live together with Him. To be connected heart to heart. Christianity as a practice or belief without heart is not the culmination of His Plan. The word isn't even in the Word. "Christian" or "Christians" shows up 3 times, but it is used as a synonym for disciple. (Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, I Peter 4:16) In it's most basic form, the Bible tells the story of the Lord of Heaven creating humans, then things going sideways, because humans caused a divide due to our lack of love for Him. Ever since, He's done everything to bring us back to Him. He loves what He's made, especially us. That Love is what created the solution to bring imperfect humans back to a perfect God. He longs to connect with us in mutual Love and then live through us to Love others. The Cross is His Love Overture. He's always hoping we respond. He waits, ready to act at any time if we just look. But - it isn't a one time thing. He keeps wanting us to seek Him whether we're a believer or not. "Starting from scratch, he made the entire human race and made the earth hospitable, with plenty of time and space for living so we could seek after God, and not just grope around in the dark but actually find him. He doesn’t play hide-and-seek with us. He’s not remote; he’s near. We live and move in him, can’t get away from him! " Acts 17: 24-28 The Message. (A repost) Please see @squigglyword on Instagram and Squigglyword on Twitter.😊 #christianity #christian #disciple #wordporn #penmanshipporn

[squigglyword]

We have passive dreams, like in our sleep and then, visionary dreams from the hopes/desires of our mind and heart. The second kind are the only ones we can actively pursue while awake. Don't fall asleep on those dreams. Put them before God regardless of their scope. Can any dream exceed His capability? Not if He is able to create from nothing. "By faith, we see the world called into existence by God’s word, what we see created by what we don’t see." Hebrews 11:3. Creation was physically unseen because it did not exist. A dream is exactly like that. So, how can its non-existence have limits? I can dream whatever I want. Yet dreams and desires are only possible and perfect with Him. If I align my heart to His, I can dream as far out as I can imagine and He works with me according to His Love Plan. The thing is, I don't know His whole plan. But - I do  know His Love. So, my part is to dream and ask and trust His Will. "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." 1John 5:14 He wants me to dream. He dreams with me. "In the last days,' God says, 'I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams." Acts 2:17. That verse is a quote from Joel 2:28 written at least 400 years before Acts. It is pertaining to you, if you follow Jesus. Prophecies and visions and dreams are ways He gives us His Plan and they work in conjunction with ours. "Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4  Can I have every one of my dreams granted? No, because they're imperfect. This is why He helps guide me in every way, even in my desires. "for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." Phil 2:13. His concern is only for my best interest. "I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." Jeremiah 29:11 The Message Since all of this is true, I'm planning on taking my dreams to the limit in prayer and then waiting in trust. Dreams are limitless in Him, so, stay awake and keep dreaming. "So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake..." 1Thess 5:6 #dream #dreams #awake #dreaming #wordporn

[squigglyword]

Being a Christian is kind of a crazy thing. You walk a super fine line between acknowledgement of sin & the understanding of Grace. The spiritually healthy believer balances well between the two. The people that exploit grace don’t really understand it and that’s a different study. But, today, I’m addressing those of us who lean heavily into sin acknowledgement because guilt is a weight that draws you down into a myopic view of who you are. Now, I am not advocating against recognition of sin or minimizing the seriousness of it. All you have to do is read Galatians 5:19 and that will sober you up. In fact, these days, talking about sin is so unfashionable and religious sounding that it’s taken on new & more palatable labels. Still, it’s sin. Yet as important as it is to see and admit our sin, it cannot be more dominant then the power of justification. I’m justified. Do you even know what that word means? I’m going to tell you. From the original Greek: δικαιόω “I make righteous, defend the cause of, plead for the righteousness (innocence) of, acquit, justify; hence: I regard as righteous."  How do you become justified? You don’t do anything.  He has already acquitted you at the Cross. All that is required is faith. "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1 If I forget this,  I become a person who keeps track of my failings and while I’m occupied with that, I lose sight of His Love and I’m unable to let Him forgive me, He can’t love or live through me & I disregard Jesus’ Sacrifice. I don’t want to do that. “Is it not clear to you that to go back to that old rule-keeping, peer-pleasing religion would be an abandonment of everything personal and free in my relationship with God? I refuse to do that, to repudiate God’s grace. If a living relationship with God could come by rule-keeping, then Christ died unnecessarily.” Gal 2:21 So, I encourage you to love Him with your life, utilizing His Spirit and when you mess up, don’t stare at the mess. Do what you have to do to change and/or rectify things, but know that even now, you’re justified. #justified #Christ #Jesus

[squigglyword]

SEE @squigglyword on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

[squigglyword]

Breezing | Hanson Mao