CHRIST DIARIES 003: UNRAVELED CHANGES ❤️

 

*This is a story from a trusted friend of mine*

Proverbs 3:5-6

5 | Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 

6 | In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

For me, this experience highlights the importance of releasing all control and trusting wholeheartedly in the Lord. I need to let go of my past traumas, hoping and fearing that they won't repeat. I must relinquish control over my dreams and future aspirations, despite the fear that they may not turn out as I desire. I also need to release my fear of myself and the possibility that I might never live up to God’s expectations due to the distractions I allow.

For instance, today is July 6, 2024, and I skipped a day of writing in Christ Diaries. To me, that’s not okay, yet I still allowed it to happen. Without consistency and self-discipline, I will never be able to develop a closer relationship with God. I recognize there is much more I need to do to get there, but this is a great place to continue my journey. Yesterday, I was distracted by watching TV. It's summer, and I want to relax and enjoy my time off. However, spending time with God should not become a task we feel forced to do out of fear going to hell after we did or because we want to receive what we desire in life.

I am willing to sacrifice my screen time for God. I trust with all my heart that in the future, I will have ample time to watch TV. I must not lean on my own understanding or continue delaying, thinking I have all the time in the world to catch up with Jesus. Delaying is a form of death, but it is also the fear of confronting change and leaving behind comfortable boundaries. 

Through this realization, I am committed to prioritizing my relationship with God, knowing that true fulfillment and peace come from Him. Trusting in God's plan and letting go of my need for control will ultimately lead me to a deeper, more meaningful spiritual journey.

In all my ways, I will acknowledge Jesus. This morning, as I was waking up, I found myself reciting Psalm 23 in my head. I kept repeating, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want,” while listing all the things I desire and telling myself I don't need them. I invited God into my thoughts to help calm my mind and release control. "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters." I imagined myself strolling beside the still waters, feeling an overwhelming sense of peace filled with God’s love and presence.

Acknowledging His presence is pivotal to understanding that we are living for Him. Even though He provided us with entertainment and relaxation, such as TV, it is essential to recognize that He did so for our enjoyment. However, we must balance these gifts with our spiritual responsibilities.

Bringing God into our daily lives, even in small moments, helps us remain focused on His purpose for us. By imagining His peaceful presence, we can find solace and strength, knowing that He is guiding us. Acknowledging God in everything we do allows us to live more fully for Him, integrating His love and guidance into every aspect of our lives. This practice not only calms our minds but also deepens our relationship with Him, reminding us that we are never alone on our journey.

Releasing all control can be challenging and even painful, as it leaves my mind unoccupied and makes me feel unsettled. However, giving everything to Jesus wholeheartedly means surrendering control and the fear associated with it, trusting Him to guide my path.

Letting go of control allows me to truly embrace Jesus's direction and wisdom. It means acknowledging that I don't have to bear the weight of every decision and worry alone. Instead, I can find peace in knowing that He is in charge and will lead me where I need to go.

Although this surrender can be daunting, it is also liberating. By entrusting my life to Jesus, I am freed from the constant anxiety and pressure of trying to manage everything myself. He knows the best path for me, and by giving Him control, I open myself up to His guidance and love.

This act of faith requires courage and commitment, but it ultimately leads to a deeper sense of peace and fulfillment. Trusting Jesus to take control reassures me that I am on the right path, supported by His strength and wisdom. In this surrender, I find comfort and clarity, knowing that He will direct my steps and provide for me in ways I cannot imagine.

Proverbs 3:12

12 | For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; 

I learned something yesterday. For some time, when I prayed, I asked God to reveal His presence in a way that I could tangibly know He is real. Instead of stepping into the unknown with faith in His power, I demanded signs. I told myself that if He loved me, He would reveal my dad to me in a dream, but He didn't. I believed that if He loved me, He would find a way to get ACS off my family's back, providing an easier way out, but that didn't happen either. By making these demands, I convinced myself that Jesus didn't love me enough because He didn't fulfill my requests.

The Bible says, "Ask and you shall receive, knock and the door shall open." My faith in God and His power decreased, not because of my requests, but because of my demands and ultimatums. I was tempting Christ, deliberately testing or provoking Jesus in a way that questioned His authority, power, and identity, as well as my own belief in who He is. This showed a lack of faith and respect for His nature.

Through this realization, I understood that my approach was flawed. Faith isn't about making demands or expecting immediate results; it's about trusting in God's timing and wisdom, even when His answers aren't what we expect. It's about walking into the unknown with confidence in His power and love, knowing that He will guide us in His own perfect way.

This lesson has humbled me and strengthened my resolve to trust in Jesus more deeply. I now strive to approach Him with a heart full of faith and reverence, recognizing that His ways are higher than mine. By surrendering my demands and embracing true faith, I can better appreciate the profound and sometimes mysterious ways God works in my life.

I discovered that one way a person might tempt Christ is by demanding a sign or miracle from Him to prove His divinity or power. In Matthew 4:7, Jesus says, "It is written again, thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." For the longest time, I unknowingly tempted Christ by seeking such signs.

This realization has been eye-opening. In my moments of doubt and uncertainty, I sought tangible evidence of His presence and power, demanding miracles to validate my faith. By doing so, I was not truly trusting in His divine nature but instead challenging it, putting Him to the test rather than surrendering to His will.

Understanding this has been humbling. It has shown me the importance of faith without demands, of trusting in God's plan without needing constant reassurance. My relationship with Jesus should be built on unwavering faith and trust, not on conditions and tests of His power.

Moving forward, I am committed to deepening my faith in Christ, acknowledging His presence and power without requiring signs. This shift in perspective allows me to truly honor His divinity and strengthens my spiritual journey. Through this, I aim to develop a more profound and genuine relationship with Jesus, one that is rooted in trust and reverence.

This is a lesson learned. Reading your Bible daily is crucial to cultivating a better relationship with Christ. It isn't just about gaining knowledge and wisdom, but also about strengthening your faith. Without regular reading and understanding of the Bible, your faith in Christ may weaken due to a lack of knowledge and comprehension. Although the Bible says, "Ask and you shall receive," I leaned on my own understanding, believing that whatever I asked or demanded of Jesus, I would get. But that is not entirely the case.

With great power comes great responsibility. The great power we hold is in knowing God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is our responsibility to do what needs to be done to honor, respect, praise, glorify, and love the Lord wholeheartedly.

This understanding calls for a shift in perspective. It's about moving from a transactional relationship with God to one rooted in deep, unwavering faith and reverence. By consistently reading the Bible and seeking to understand His word, we honor our responsibility to grow spiritually and strengthen our bond with Christ. This daily commitment not only enriches our knowledge but also fortifies our faith, allowing us to live more fully in alignment with God's will.

Unraveled A Love Letter to those finding their way by Deanna Lorea 

Rating : 5/5⭐️

Beautiful book. Love it. Even though it is talking a long time for me to finish it 

We are on Chapter 22, “Belief of Breakthrough.” It's ironic how this chapter represents my own form of breaking through. Sometimes, I wonder why it takes so much hesitation for me to pick up this book. Perhaps it’s because there is always a moment when it is particularly needed. Opening up this book tonight aligns directly with Christ Diaries 003.

This chapter signifies more than just a breakthrough in the story; it mirrors my personal journey of overcoming doubts and hesitations. Each time I pick up this book, it seems to be at the perfect moment, offering insights and revelations that resonate deeply with my own experiences. 

Aligning this reading with Christ Diaries 003 emphasizes the interconnectedness of my spiritual journey. It’s a reminder that breakthroughs often come when we are most open to receiving them, even if it requires overcoming initial resistance. By continuing to explore and reflect through both the book and my Christ Diaries, I find the strength and clarity needed to move forward in faith and understanding.  Page 134 states “ I am encouraging your faith. I am bringing forward a deep desire to see my hand move in new ways. Do not become fearful or desperate. Do not try to get everyone to believe the same things you see. I have shown them to you for a reason.” 

This is a beautiful chapter. Through my experiences, my faith in God has fluctuated. Yet miraculously, even in the midst of my wavering faith, there remains a part of me that believes in God's plan for the world through me, shaped by the image He created of me. This chapter beautifully illustrates that belief. Everything written in this book is intended for those fortunate enough to read it, and for those willing to take steps toward increasing their faith and relationship with God.

Trusting in God wholeheartedly encourages our faith in Him. Through other believers gifted and blessed with the purpose to deliver His message, this trust becomes even more profound. Despite the creative ideas and dreams I want to accomplish in life, I often fear the unseen. However, this chapter reminds me that for my dreams to materialize, I must rely solely on what is unseen—my faith.

What I believe may not resonate with everyone else, but working through these beliefs in solidarity with God is more meaningful than seeking validation from a world often lacking positivity and the reinforcement of the Holy Spirit. I took a risk by sharing some of my plans openly, yet I have not intricately revealed the ideas God and I have developed over years. With all that I want to accomplish in life overall, to me they came in forms of creative ideas and dreams of what it could do for the world. Many individuals my age might assume I hastily conceived these dreams and rushed to gain acknowledgment and praise. However, these dreams have been nurtured over years, and I've learned to discern the right timing with God's guidance. He often tells me, "It's not time yet. You're not ready, and they are not ready."

While I rarely reveal my dreams and goals, not even to my family, I am willing to take risks if they can inspire others to have faith and hope in their own dreams. I live not only for myself but also for everyone around me. Everyone should encounter Jesus Christ, as He can move mountains to make dreams come true.

This chapter reminds me of the importance of patience, faith, and trust in God's timing. It's a journey of embracing what is unseen, trusting in His plan, and finding purpose in living out His will.

Below will be Bible methods and the tools you need to pursue a closer relationship with Christ : 

Ways to consistently study, understand and gain more knowledge of the Bible 

(Which days, week, how, strategies)

⭐️Days of the Week that would Work 

Sundays 

Mondays 

Fridays 

Saturdays 

⭐Apps to Use

• Bible ; New King James Version 
• Bible Project 
• YouVersion Bible 
• Bible GateWay
• Blue Letter Bible 
• Logos Bible Software 
• Bible Chat 

(⭐Get a notebook) 

R.E.A.P. Bible Study Method #1 

READ : Read and reread the passage with an open heart, asking the Holy Spirit to speak to you. As you read ask: ⬇️

• What is happening in this passage? What things are emphasized, repeated, related?
• What do you see about God? What is God doing in this passage?
• What do you see about man?

EXAMINE : Spend some time reflecting. Ask yourself these questions, and write down your thoughts: ⬇️

• What is going on in the passage?
• Who is writing and who is he writing to?
• When was the author writing?
• What are the circumstances the author is addressing?
• Does the writer mention anything that might indicate his purpose or intent?
• How do you think the author wants his audience to respond?

APPLY : Meditate on what God is saying to you and how it affects your life. Ask yourself these questions: ⬇️

• Is there a truth to believe? Sin to repent of? A promise to claim? A command to follow?
• What things need to change in light of this text?
• How will I live differently and be different because of what I just read?

PRAY : Pray through the passage and your application, asking God to change your heart and to change your life based on the time you've spent in God's Word.

S.O.A.P Bible Study Method #2 

1. Scripture

WRITE DOWN ONE BIBLE VERSE THAT WAS VERY MEANINGFUL TO YOU.

2. Observation

WHAT STOOD OUT FOR YOU THE MOST? DID GOD SPEAK TO YOU IN THE VERSE? DID YOU LEARN ANYTHING NEW?

3. Application

HOW CAN YOU APPLY WHAT YOU LEARNED IN YOUR LIFE?

CAN YOU FORM A NEW HABIT FROM IT OR MAKE A CHANGE IN YOUR LIFE?

4. Prayer

ANY PETITION? CAN YOU THINK OF A PRAYER USING THIS SCRIPTURE? ASK GOD TO SHOW YOU HOW YOU CAN USE THIS IN YOUR LIFE.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

SOUL Bible Study Method #3 

SEARCH : Search the Scriptures.

Start with a verse, passage, or chapter of the Bible. Read it several times. Try reading it in different translations.

OBSERVE : Observe the context.

Look closely again, noting specific words, people, and places. 

• To whom is the author speaking?
• Are there any instructions or promises? What does this passage say about God? Use a study Bible to cross-reference related verses or look up words in the original Hebrew or Greek. 

USE : Use what you learn

Apply the truth revealed in God's Word to your life. 

• What attitudes need improvement?
• How can you take specific action? 
• Can you form a new habit or make a positive change?

LEAN : Lean into the Spirit.

Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how you can meditate on these scriptures and allow them to transform your life with his guidance and power.

*This is Chapter 18*

Christ Diaries 004 : Release Control