A child counts on another child to help her build a sand castle in the sandbox. A mother counts on her husband to pick the children up after school so she can work an extra shift. A classmate counts on his lab partner to help him with a group project. A student counts on the math teacher to help her with some concepts she's been struggling with. These are just some examples of how someone can count on another person. Whether it's counting on someone to cheer you up, give you good advice, or help you with a task, everyone has counted on someone. Merriam Webster defines the word "count" as "to rely or depend on someone or something." When we count on someone, we rely on them. Sometimes, the people we count on may disappoint us. Thankfully, there is one person that we can count on the most: Jesus himself. While the people we count on may disappoint us, he never will. People are like seasons: they are always changing. Some come into your life for a short season of time; others stay for a longer season. People come and go, but when God enters into your life, He stays for good. People will change, but God remains unchanging. As Hebrews 13:8 puts it, He is the "same yesterday and today and forever."
We can count on God, for He keeps His promises. Joshua 21:45 says, "Not one of all the Lord's good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled." What God promises, He always fulfills. What God promises, He keeps. Not once will God ever fail to fulfill what He promises. He breaks our chains, not His promises. When God makes a promise, He fulfills it in His perfect timing, not ours. We can count on God, for He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us, as Hebrews 13:5 reminds us of this beautiful promise. No matter where we go, no matter what we face, He will walk with us every step of the way. We can count on God, for He is so faithful. Moses describes God in Deuteronomy 32:4 as "a faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he." We can place our hope in God, for He is always faithful and does what is right. We can count on God during our bright days and during our bleak days. We can count on God, no matter what circumstances we may face. We can wait for Him, for he is continually faithful and remains true to His promises. When you feel like you have no one to count on these days, remember that you can always count on God.
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The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
-Proverbs 18:21 When I was a child, I remember hearing the phrase, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." This phrase implies that sticks and stones may cause harm, but cruel words won't have any effect on the one who is being told these words. In reality, words can build someone up or tear them down. They can make one smile. They can make one angry. Instead of letting "unwholesome talk come out of your mouth[s]," speak words that would be "helpful for building others up according to their needs," as Ephesians 4:29 points out. Choose to speak words that would, as Ephesian 4:29 says, "benefit those who listen." Sometimes, when we are really emotional, we tend to say things that we may regret later on. We may lash out at someone when we are really angry. Sometimes, we tend to speak before even thinking. When we do that, the words that come out of our mouths may not be beneficial or helpful to those listening. When we speak what is true, what is just, what is right, our words leave a positive influence on not only the person hearing them, but on the person speaking them. When you speak, speak life into the lives of those listening to you. Use your words to inspire. Use your words to encourage. Use your words to break down walls, not build up barriers. Speak positivity over yourself and others. Speak love. Speak hope. The great thing about speaking kind words is that it is not a difficult task. It doesn't require much time or effort. Speaking kind words won't cost you, but unkind words can. Before you speak, think. Thoughts have a huge influence on what comes out of our mouths. As Mahatma Gandhi puts it, "Keep your thoughts positive, because your thoughts become your words." |
AuthorHello there! Welcome to my blog! My name's Johanna. I am a Jesus-loving twenty-year-old who also loves to make people laugh, spend time with family, explore the outdoors, and take photos. I hope my blog inspires and encourages you to draw more closer to God and enjoy life more. Remember that you were created for a purpose. You are wonderful. Archives
June 2017
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