Living Today

The question of the day - how do we go about our day and do it for the Lord? It is so easy to get side tracked and live for ourselves - even in the little things. We can say our general purpose is Gods agenda... but what does living for God actually look like. It seems to me that everyone kinda just lives their life looking at the other christians that seem to have their life together, wondering how they are so close to God and what their secret is. Jesus is in my life - so what next? It is so easy to get into the habit of saying that when everything is good -- when I have what I need, when the kids are older, when I have more time I want to go out and do what I am supposed to do. What is stopping the general population of Christians from just stepping out daily? I do not know. I know in my own life - I am tempted with worries of what my future is going to look like. How am I going to get there, what do I have to do to make it happen. I get caught up in things that happen. I forget that God is in control and that it is all good. I think that htings will be easier once I am married, done school and have my kids. Once I am settled and have my life 'in line'. But I have since learned that since when is anybodies life going to be in line. It is something that we long for but we will never attain until we learn to be satisfied with today. I want to live for Jesus today and right now. So often I take for granted this day that I am living in. I forget that God can take my life just as quick as he gave it to me. Tomorrow is only wishful thinking.

Today

There is never a moment in my life that nothing is going on.... I can't recall the last time things were normal. Normal meaning I could just be. I know that God calls us to a higher standard and wants us to be everything we can be for him all the time, but sometimes - its hard. It's really cool because I get to experience life and be with people and watch them grow but at the same time it feels like I exist for other people. I love helping people - and I guess now that I think about it - I don't need help at this moment, so I am able. I wish that my heart would always be willing to say - "here I am, send me". God has enabled me to experience things so that I can help others through the same things. I don't mind. Its exhilerating actually. I love how he works through everything and everyone. I feel as though God has made me smart. Like maybe that sounds stupid. I'm not a genius by any means, but I feel wise. I have never acted my age (sometimes I wish I could) But I always seem to have the right answer for people. Why? I do not know. I have not done anything special to deserve this. In fact I usually feel unworthy to be doing work for God - because of the things I have done. I feel like I am missing heart. There are so many factors - I get proud of myself - I think about myself and what I have done - and how everyone likes me.. which is another mystery. haha All of a sudden - people want to be with me. I used to have no friends - and now I am someone that is different from everyone else and they love it? I wish I knew the answer as to what makes me so apparantly different. I have found Jesus. maybe that is it? I finally understand what it means to be a christ follower. I have known for the longest time - and I struggle with it daily, but the struggles are completely worth it. I feel unworthy because I don't take up my cross daily - I am not sure exactly what that means. What is my task in life? I do not know yet. I think right now it is to just be... be in God's presence, be a light?, be a friend, and be real. Right now I feel as if I have lost my very best friend ( I think my thoughts are all over the place right now - even on this page) He can't be my friend - because I don't want more than just to be friends. We shared pretty much everything and now that I am interested in someone else he realises that we are not going to be together. I guess I didn't see it all along - but now he is gone. The cool thing is that Jesus is always there - no matter what happens. I am still not sure how I feel about the whole situation. I think it still has not even clicked in... Even though that is allthat has been going through mymind for the past 5 hours.... I have just lost my best friend.. I have just lost my best friend. I feel like I have broken so many hearts in the past 2 months it is not even funny. Why? I still don't know. I just dont know. It was like I never could get the one I wanted- and now I can get what ever I want. What happened? I have to watch almost every interaction with the male species (haha) because they seem to take it the wrong way - every single time. And no one seems to understand where I am coming from. I don't know. But this last one is almost the worst. Ah - why does everything have to be so complicated.

Guarding My Heart

How does one guard their heart? and against what exactly? The book I am reading about dating is all about the purity and says that God places "keeping our hearts clean" at a top priority. The answers seem so obvious but they are not that easy to do sometimes. I personally have to guard against self-pity, critisism, gossiping, stubborness, and being luke warm. Its not just the big things that get us in trouble. Its the little things that eventually lead to the big things. And I realise that I need to take care of everything that I put into my heart and mind.

"Create in Me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" Psalm 51:10

I don't need that brand new car to get me where I'm going - I need Jesus
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I don't need that comfort ice cream or that Starbucks Latte - I need Jesus
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I don't need that shopping day to fill my closet (and empty my wallet) - I need Jesus, to fill up the corners of my inner most being.
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I want to get rid of those ill - fitting clothes and those boxes of old memorabilia, clean the clutter out of my garage... when what I really need to do is clean myself from the outside - in. To get rid of all the garbage, clutter and death that takes up space in my heart and mind.
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Jesus is here and now - not after I've satisfied myself... He is the one who gets me where I'm going, The one who hits the spot. He is just what I needed.
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Suddenly its a little bit easier to get where I am going.

The Journey Ahead

It's been awhile since anything has been published here... mainly because I have been away in a land far away... I have learned so much in the past month, done so much, and just seen so much that I'm ready to move on. I was expecting my trip to be full of close times with God, and growing with my sister spiritually, but I made it quite the opposite. I am back to reality and do not know where I am headed... in the long run that is. Filled with the general questions of life: What am I supposed to be doing, What does God want me to do with my life? and some maybe not so general but completely valid questions. I feel like I am completely unsatisfied with thing. Unsatisfied with Who i am - wanting to be like other people, with what I have - such as a car and house whatever, with my relationships - those special people that are always there to support you and give you that little nudge everyone in a while that you can share anything and everything with, and the boys - wishing that they would like me (at least the ones that I like would even notice me). And even though they are trivial... they sometimes start to consume me and get the best of me. Its so hard to not worry. But even the pastor said - that if you want a hectic and worry filled life - than worry about tomorrow.

Just a little Fun

Oh to be a newspaper editor...and it even has a moral that's pretty funny too.

The pastor entered his donkey in a race and it won. The pastor was so pleased
with the donkey that he entered it in the race again, and it won again.
The local paper read: ...
PASTOR'S ASS OUT FRONT.
The Bishop was so upset with this kind of publicity that he ordered the
pastor not to enter the donkey in another race. The next day, the local paper
headline read:
BISHOP SCRATCHES PASTOR'S ASS.
This was too much for the Bishop, so he ordered the pastor to get rid of the
donkey. The pastor decided to give it to a nun in a nearby convent.
The local paper, hearing of the news, posted the following headline the next
day:
NUN HAS BEST ASS IN TOWN.
The Bishop fainted. He informed the nun that she would have to get rid of the
donkey,so she sold it to a farmer for $10. The next day the paper read:
NUN SELLS ASS FOR $10.
This was too much for the Bishop, so he ordered the nun to buy back the donkey
and lead it to the plains where it could run wild. The next day the headlines
read:
NUN ANNOUNCES HER ASS IS WILD AND FREE.
Alas, the Bishop was buried the next day.
MORAL OF THE STORY?
Being concerned about public opinion can bring you much grief and misery.
Stop worrying about everyone else's ass and you'll live longer and be a lot
happier!

Found - Hillsong United

Amazing love, now what else shall I need? Your name brings life Its's more than the air I breathe. My world has changed when your life you gave for me, My purpose found and all that you want for me. And I've found myself in you. And I've yound myself in you. Take me to a place where I can see you face to face, and all I wanna do, all I wanna do is worship you.

What do we live for?

I'm sure we have all come to this point in our lives where we ask ourselves this question... So where do we find the answer. Everyone seems to have their own version or own solution - even if they don't, when you ask them the question and 'force' them to think about it for a minute they come up with an answer... or sorts. But really what do we live for if not for God? I try and think about this with a non bias opinion, which is very difficult being brought up this way my whole life. Every Religion of course says that they have the answer - or the secret solution to how to live great or be happy - whatever. If not why would anyone stick with a religion? I am reading 'god is not great' - and I just can't seem to put my mind around it. Am I naive? or is it the author? I have grown up with Christianity and don't know any different. What kind of conclusions would I come to if I had not been taught anything at all? How would my life be? If there was no such thing as morals, or right and wrong, acceptable and not - where would I be? Surely only God knows the answer to that question. this is all I know, and being Jewish is all a jew really knows, and being muslim is all a muslim knows.... What kind of a conclusion would a person taught none of these opinions come too???? I don't know. I wish I knew these things. But then actually if you think about it, If i knew the answers to these questions then I would know too much. It would take away from the mystery and the beauty of life. But now I am going on a long tangent.... Sometimes- we have to search these things out four ourselves. I fell like I know so much, and yet.... so little at the same time. I know about what is right and wrong (in the eyes of a christian) and I know everything they taught me in highschool. I know what I want to be after school. I know what people are feeling when they dont sometimes. It is not wrong to question things. If we did not question things imagine how naive and blind we would be to everything around us. I can only imagine how much I don't know. Inside of me wants to burst because there is scarcely enough time to even begin to surface all the knowledge in this world. Im not quite sure where I am going with this.. but I will go. I feel like every christian needs to have a sit down in their own walk with God and ask why they believe...... like yeah, you can believe because of your parents - and we all know where that gets you.... absolutely nowhere. Because it is the cool thing to do? ya like thats really the case... well actually I think its pretty cool, but in the general public its not really. I wish I could tap into the brains of people and understand things better. Why is it goood to question what you believe... because if you don't... if oyu are afraid to dig in and get dirty then there is no solidness to it. Maybe its a cry from my own heart saying that I need too search it out. Because I have faith, but faith in what - my emotions? do I go to church just because.... emotions doesnt just inolve how it makes me feel better after the service, but how it feels when my parents look down on me for seeing things different, how my friends think, how I feel when I do things wrong and keep doing them wrong. What is in the sub conscience effects us very much. What am I scared of? What am I avoiding... what am I trying to prove and to whom??? Why am I here right now as opposed to somewhere else? Why am I so concerned with what my fellow graduates are up to? Why do I feel the need to prove anything to them? they don't care about me and what I am up to. and I shouldn't revolve my life around them. God's opinion is the only one that counts. Why do I go through drought seasons where I feel so alone?? and so in doubt about who I am and who God is. I am tired of trying to prove my self to anyone. God you have put me in this place for a reason... what it is -- I do not know right now. you are so real -- so very real that sometimes I fell like I can touch you.. I can feel you and your love surrounds me, and yet other times..... I can say to myself you are real you are the only thing that matters, but deep down you know that I struggle with making sure other people are happy tooo... I have such a hard time. I am tired of trying to prove things to people, to prove it to myself. I fell like everything is a constant struggle a constant pull that never tires. when lord is it going to end? when can I find peace. What do I have to do? I guess my question is what do I live for? Would I go to the ends of the earth for you? or will I cower in a corner when everyone else is against you? What am I defining my life by. This is the main question that I have to ask myself. I dont know where I am going with this. It feelsl ike a small thing maybe that I am just making a big deal out of. I know the world doesnt revolve around me, but its so hard. I wish that sometimes that I could make sense of everything. I know that life is always full of surprises and that Ihave to trust God in everything I do, but it is so hard. Everything is so unsure right now and I feel so mediocre. I can't be luke warm. We are now allowed or supposed to be mediocre - what am i doing"? what am I doing with my life.....

Home

Staring at an empty cup of understanding
Maybe you could fill it up and tell me why you left I don't want to be alone in this ocean Of people passing by rushing toward the end And I can see your soft reflection like a ghost in the mirror And I would do whatever I could for a chance to have you her and be home again Now that you're gone I can see that I was wrong Back in your arms I feel home again Now that you're gone I can see I was wrong Back in your arms again Even as the clouds roll by I swear they mock me Cause every one that fills the sky turns into your face Maybe it was heaven's fault they lost an angel I couldn't hold on and I let her get awayAnd I can see your soft reflection like a ghost in the mirror And I would do whatever it could for a chance to have you here

God be my solution

So I haven't posted anything for awhile. I havent actually written anything for a while. I don't know why. I hate it when life gets busy you tend to neglect the things you love to do the most. Its so silly sometimes. I don't really want to have posts as 'diary entries' but I guess sometimes you can't help it. I mean alot has been going on - and it sort of tends to consume your life. Or atleast they consume my thoughts. Its funny because with everything going on, I tend to forget the most important thing - that God is in control of everything. But it seems like I have been having issues with that aswell. I tell you if its not one thing its another. I dont wnat to be more specific - I am seriously fighting every urge to be more specific but I might just have to because Im sure no one really reads this and cares =). I am sick right now so my emotions might be alittle out of wack. I don't know what I am trying to say. There is so much on my mind and I don't know how to put it down but I wish I could so I could pin point the solution or at least the problem. 1. Boyfriend 2. Smoking 3. Family 4. School 5. Money 6. Busyness of life
Lately I have had an attitude problem because I feel so depressed about somethings and that things are just impossibly chaotic. Oh well. Who am I kidding? a.kjdswhfbalkjreghaLHJ

The Stupid Notion of "Intelligent" Design

It is the same old mumbo jumbo.... Quote on Quote from 'god is not great'

Reading this book makes me want to write some sort of letter to the author. I have mixed emotions towards this book and him. Sometimes I have to laugh because of his complete generalizations, and total lack of research. But then I must say to myself - well have I checked it out? Do I know that what he is saying is wrong? I know because I have been told. But If I were asked to point it out in scripture - would I be able to answer with confidence? Or asked to even point it out in history - would I be able? Somethings maye I think so. Sometimes I feel like writing a book - exact opposite of what he say. Not in a reactionary way but just I don't know.

Peace in the Midst

* 1 Corinthians 13:12
Does suffering prove that there is no God? - Judges 6:12

Two people quoting:
Templeton - If there is a God, why is there so much evil?
Augustine - If there is no God, why is there any good?

A Christian's answer/ explanation for suffering.

There are three reasons for suffering.
1. We live in a broken world.
God gave us freedom, a world without freedom is essentially a world without love. Real love means making a choice. God gave us the freedom for us to even thumb our noses at him.
The cosmos was invaded by evil. God warned Adam and Eve they would die the day they sinned. Life is not a right we deserve, it is a gift from God everyday.
Why am I still Alive, not why did that person die? is what we should be asking.
Evil things do not define the character of God - he didn't intend them in the first place.

2. Suffering can be caused by others - the result of greed and selfishness of others.

3. We bring it upon ourselves. - God gets the blame for the negligence of ourselves. Yet we demand our freedom, still wanting him to step in and prevent certain choices.
God isn't our enemy -> He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. - Take him out of the picture.
So - How do we find peace in the midst of suffering?
- Peace in the valley means to be still and rest
we fall apart in despair because we believe that this life is all there is. We would have a reason to be cynical. There is so much more than just this life - and that will change your whole perspective.
The purpose life is to be Godly and prepare for eternity.

2. Trust God's character.
Psalm 46:10 - " and know that I am God. when you trust someone you have to know them and their character first.
Colossians 1:17. The sun doesn't stop shining because there is a cloud covering it. the same when we are suffering that God isn't just looking the other way.
Matthew 28:20 and Proverbs 18:24
His presence becomes more real in the valleys of life.
John 19: 10, 11: "Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.
see Romans 8:28

3. Just keep praying anyways.- He is our present help and refuge. Prayer makes a difference - it may not change your circumstance but it may change you. Alot of times we don't persevere in prayer. We need to trust. Do not feel inadequate or unworthy.

God sometimes just says no. Other times he just delays for reasons unknown to us at the time. Don't over analyse your prayers.

We may feel unworthy or inadequate or struggle with doubt, or better ways to say things , but just pray anyways. Just pray anyways because it changes and it makes a difference. God wants us to enjoy a relationship with him.

4. Refuse to give up on God. - Choose to believe. God is God and I am man. don't ask for an explanation. Despair or trust in God - those are your only two choices really. So Trust in him anyways.

Why should I believe in the Church

A. Jesus established the church. Matthew 16:18
If we are true believers we are part of the international faith.

B. It is the only place dealing with the eternal answers of life.
- It challenges us to number our days

C. It is God's vehicle to bring peace and healing
- Pope innocent III taught that if you faught in the crusades you would earn your salvation
- ephesians 2:8-9
-> Do not worship the church because it is made up of fallible people and leaders
-> When authentic Christianity is lived out it actually attracts people rather than deter
-> It is the conditions of the human hearts, not the faith and the scriptures.
*Matthew 15:18

Change in the World begins with one changed heart. The deepest part of who we are.
Change your heart you change a family. Change a family and you will change a community. Change the community you can change the world. And when you change a country you change the world.

1. Christianity brings value to human life ~ starting with children. Jesus blessed them and now we cherish them as vaulable life.
-> We brought an end to slavery and cannibalism (through people who had a change of heart)
Galatians 3:28

Each person matters to God
2. Ministers to the the needs of the poor. - a world with out Christ is a world with out Charities.
3. High value to education.
4. Cares for the physical needs of the people
- Despite the faliures, the church has taught that people are valuable. It has laid foundations

D. True community of love.
- We are sinners saved by grace who know they need one another.
Acts 2:44-47 They met regularly to spur one another on in love.
Relationships are built upon the authority and word of God
the church is there to support, encourage, restore people that are stuggling.
We are a family - drawing our strength from God.
The church has changed lives
Jesus is in the business of changing lives **luke 19

My White Flag

Tonight - we sang a song saying "I surrender all". How many times do we catch ourselves just singing and not taking in the words? I don't want it to be another song. I was praying - let it not be just another prayer God

I surrender all

• my life


• my steps


• my future


• my family


• my pride


• my work


• my music


• my writing


• my actions, choices


• my thoughts, decisions


• my desires


• my way of doing things


• my trust


• my relationships


• my wants and needs


• my faults

It's so easy to say I surrender all, but what does that mean actually. Its a loaded phrase that shouldn't be thrown around. I need help from the almighty to make that decision daily. Every last single thing -- even my life....

2 Corinthians 3:2-5

You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. - 2 corinthians 3: 2-5

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It's funny, or maybe amazing is the better word - but I was reading in my teen bible and there was a letter from a girl who was very lonely and the respone from Sam was 2 corinthians 1 verse 3 -4 which praises God for being all comfort. Not that I am lonely, but I liked the sound of the verse and went to read it. Being silly me I went tot he facing page automatically andl ooked for verses 3 - 4 not even checking the chapter. Anyhow - Read chapter 3 instead and how much more did I need to hear that. Almost like " don't feel sorry for yourself Erin. thats not your problem right now. You need to trust in me, put your coinfidence in your God, not yourself. You can't do it on your own. I am here for help, to be right by your side. Draw near to me and I will take care of you. I want you to takethat step Erin - take that step and let go ofyourself. I know you don't feel worthy to ask for help but you have to put your confidence in me and my way of doing things."

I know the verses don't quite refer to that - but that is exactly what went through my brain as I read those verses - as well as this doesn't sound like anything about comfort. But in actual fact it was more comfort.

A Familiar Stranger

This is something I don't want to forget - yet I'm sure that anyone reading this will not have the same appreciation as I did.
I was in the elevator with my co-worker Irene and an elderly man. Let me get you into the mood here. Usually downtown elevators become sullen and awkwardly silent when two perfectly strange parties enter the same cramped quarters. Today though, This man was smiling away to himself. Irene broke the silence asking " did you win the lottery? your so happy today!"
"what that?" He replies with a bright smile -- pauses for not even a quarter of a second "the rain is stopped, how's that? - gotta savour the little things you know"
He was the cheeriest and lively old man I've seen. And it was so cute!
Maybe that is my inner girl coming out - but it rang so true. It seriously made my day. I will never see him again, and he will never see me again. He will probably not even remember my face - so oblivious to the fact that He made my day. Two perfect strangers, collide for not even a minute. How many times do we tend to forget that the little things are good too.
I get so busy with life sometimes that - what is it? - I forget to stop and smell the roses.
Stop - must have time to enjoy that little bird, or that special flower in the garden.. or that person who did something nice today - or do something small but spontaneous for another.
. How often is it that we can stop and just be happy for the sake of being happy. ?

Do you know any people like that - or have they crossed your path?

I want to be that person - I'll never know if they care or not.

But I want to be that familiar stranger that you possibly pass by

and remember that funny thought, that good thought.

Or that little gesture

Love Life.

Live It.

Heart Full of Sky

Quite Possibly - I feel like I am sort of getting older. wow that was an interesting sentence. We all are getting older moment by moment... and what are we doing with ourselves?
. I was remembering back to a time when I made a website about parrots in grade seven. I then ventured to ponder the thought that high school years were definitely short lived. Thankfully but still short. It makes me sad, here I am yes I know I'm not yet 20 but I have been out of school for two years now and the past two years have flown by. Probably the most eventful years of my life. And without a doubt the two hardest years of my life so far. I want to rant and rave about them, explain them, share them, make sense of them. But that will take to long. I guess really I feel the need to explain them to myself. I am not mad about them, nor do I totally regret them. I mean I can't do anything about the past because it is already done.
It is actually quite freeing to think about the fact that there is nothing you can do about the past - like ya maybe it sucked, maybe it was difficult but what good does that do for today - and even tomorrow. Are we going to let yesterdays mistake become tomorrow's disaster?
. Don't get me wrong - I'm not saying to learn from past experiences... because they are indubitably valuable to making wise decisions here and now - but to dwell on things that can't be changed gets us absolutely no where - at least I speak for myself. I mean look at the bright side - there are endless possibilities... we just have to switch our train of thought onto the right track.
I feel like I don't even know where to start. My life definately feels like it can't possibly get more confusing. I'm sure there is worse situations than mine - and I don't want to sound self centered. But I think its just me that makes things confusing. I try and convince myself of things - when they don't really need convincing at all. It's beenhard - to say the least - to think for myself. Well, think for God more like. or no that doesnt sound right... Think about things in the same light that God would. although it is impossible to even fathom the knowledge of God.

someone just asked me if you could be remember after you died what do you want people to remember you by? - I would be remembered hopefully by my personality, and how much I tried to be like Christ... I'm not very good at it - and I actually hate this question because I start thinking and then I feel inadequate. I feel like I want to be something Im not. I want people to remember me for my kindness - but am I really kind? I want people to remember me for being Godly - but am I really Godly? I want to be friendly and outgoing - and never a downer for any one - and I want to beknown for my encouragement - but am I really an encouraging person?


and this if you could accomplish one thing before you die, what would it be and why? To strive to be all of the above...

The Wise Man According to Proverbs pt. 2

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight"
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So easy to read and say that this is a beautiful verse. But when it comes down to the grind - its always easier said than done.
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My study bible refers to Caleb, following God wholeheartedly. (Numbers 14:24) - I think that it is referring to when the Israelites sent the spies into the promised land and all of them were afraid of the Canaanites - they all doubted what God could do except Caleb and Joshua. At least I think that's the story. I am not familiar with the story, but If that is correct, then I'm assuming that he was probably scared too, but he trusted God to deliver the enemy. So far as interpretation of the actual verse goes -- it's pretty straight forward. But what about the second part of that? "in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight"

OK - acknowledge him. Study bible says = be ever mindful of God and serve him with a willing heart and a faithful heart.

1 Chronicles 28:9 " And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you..."

So I thought that this verse was really powerful - not so much in regards to Proverbs - but the second part of the verse - "for the Lord searches" It kind of prompted me to do two things.

1. to look at my own motives for everything I do

2. not to worry about why others choose to do things differently.

why? because God, who knows everything, understands the reasons and in the end what does it truly benefit me to worry about others? - So actually I guess it does tie in with proverbs. When you are leaning on God's understanding then your motives would have to be in the right place anyways.

"He will make my path straight.... meaning?

the bible note says " he will remove obstacles from your pathway - and bring you to your appointed goal. Do I agree with that? I don't know. I guess the first question I would ask is what exactly is meant by obstacles? - well let's check out the verse references given to us. (This is going to jump around for a bit)

Proverbs 11:5 - skipping ahead a little bit " The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness" ok - that doesnt really make sense? the note says 'enables them to reach their goals" see verse 3 and 10:9 Proverbs 11:3 " The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity" - right--- no what? note! see the actions of Joseph in Genesis 39: 6-12. I had a reveltaion but I couldn't write fast enough and now its gone. But we had a sermon about Joseph earlier. It makes perfect sense. So after that lovely tangent I have come to a conclusion that obstacles? they are not meant to be removed and not meant here as every day difficulties. But God will not make it impossible and he will keep us going in the right direction. There will still be 'bumps in the road' - like Joseph had - but if we wholeheartedly trust and completely let ourselves go - our pride and our finite knowledge - cling to the understanding of God - then our paths will go to the right destination. We might still go around a few trees or bumps, but we will get there. I wish I had a hebrew bible and greek - because I'll bet straight has a different meaning. How do we follow our path with God as our lamp. And besides, If God knows my plan - shouldn't that be good enough for me?

The Wise Man According to Proverbs

Chapter One verse Seven
" The fear to the Lord is the beginning of knowledge"
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--> How do I fear God?
- by truly trusting and believing God, honoring and Glorifying Him in everything I do. Such and easy answer to say but what does it really mean? Somehow I think there is way more to it.
My study bible says: " A loving reverence for God that includes submission to His lordship and to the commandments of his word. (see Ecc. 12:13)
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Ecclesiastes 12:13 " Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of Man."

What are Gods commandments? Exodus 20:6 " but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments"

The ten commandments:

1. No other Gods

2. Do not make Idols

3. Do not misuse God's name

4. Remember the sabbath

5. Honor your father and mother

6. No murdering

7. No adultry

8. No stealing

9. No lying

10. No coveting

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Note in my bible: " in the treaty language of the ancient Near East the 'love' owed to the great king was a conventional term for total allegiance and implicit trust expressing itself in obedient service.".

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Mark 12: 28-34

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." "Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

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Micah 6:8

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

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Chapter two: " we will inderstand the fear of the Lord when we accept his words and obey his commands."

"Search for wisdom like you would silver and hidden treasure."

Job 28:20 and 23

"Where then does wisdom come from? Where does understanding dwell? It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing, even from the birds of the air. God understands the way to it and He alone knows where it dwells"

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*Fearing God also involves a personal relationship with him.

Philippians 3:10 - " I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings" note: this knowledge is not only factual but includes the experience of the power of his resurrection.