Lies, All Lies

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 

                           (John 10:10 ESV)

Do you ever feel like you believe lies? I'm talking about statements that you know are not true. But for some reason you have the hardest time not believing them. I've been believing lots of lies the last couple of days. And I know they aren't true. I know that they're actually in direct opposition to the truth. So why do I believe them? Why do I struggle to cling to truth in the midst of them?

I'm convinced that Satan will do anything to steal the joy we have in Christ. He hates me. He hates you. And he wants nothing more than to see us defeated and loathing ourselves. Yet the brain knowledge of these things doesn't always transfer to the heart. I still find myself believing that "I'm not good enough", "I'm not pretty enough", "I'm not worthy of love", "I'm a screwup", "I'm guilty". And the truth is, all these things are true apart from Christ. I have nothing but filthy rags to offer in the face of an infinite, loving, just, and almighty God. Then God looks at me and says, "You're covered by the blood of my Son's sacrifice."

I want to rest in that truth. I want to find peace amidst voices screaming at me to "try harder", "do better". Because apart from Christ, it doesn't matter how hard I try. Or how much "better" I become. It could never be enough. However, in Christ I am a new creation. I am whole. I am deserving. I am valuable. I am loved. And that is enough. Nothing in this world can separate me from the love of Christ. I stand clean and holy before the Father.

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....

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. 

(Romans 8:31-34, 38-39 ESV)

My very first blog...

So I have pondered writing a blog for sometime. Yet, I hadn’t been inspired up to this point to actually do it. Why now, you ask? Well I think I just need to write things out. This could be dangerous as I am notorious for thinking way too much about everything. Or. It could be brilliant. I guess you’ll find out. But we’ll take this one step at a time.

I don’t know exactly what I’ll be writing about, but I have a very strong feeling that the topics will be varied and random and probably seem like they’re coming from more than one person at times. I think I’m complex, but I suppose most people are.

First, a little about me. I’m a student at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC pursuing a degree in International Church Planting. I like school a lot, though not as much as I once did. I really love bright colors. I hope I have the chance to live overseas for an extended period of time. For the very specific purpose of telling people of the hope I have in Jesus Christ and how they can have hope in Him too. One of my favorite things to do is laugh. And sing. Sometimes at the same time. But I strongly dislike karaoke. Except when other people do it. *Sappiness alert* I have an amazing boyfriend who I absolutely love. He loves me too. Even when I think too much about everything. Fall is by far my favorite season. I love coats. I would own one in every color if I could. I love hard. Too hard, maybe. I have no problem standing up for myself. Though I’m more likely to stand up for those I love. I’m a nanny. Which is the coolest job ever. That's it for now.

Thanks for reading. Hopefully I will do this again soon.