aarongabriel

Some of us think that we’re just one person out of the nearly 7 billion people out there in this world and because of that we believe, “What am I? I am so small, I am nothing. I can’t make a difference in the world.”

The thing is, that is not true. Praising God, worshipping and honouring His kingdom is not just in the direct ways such as praying, meditating in His word, singing songs for him, but it is also in the little things like the way you meet someone, shake someones hand, buying someone a cup of coffee, smiling at them etc etc and the list goes on and on. If you’ve ever heard of the butterfly effect, it is the same concept in which, one small act can have a ripple effect.

You may “only” have given that man some extra spare change because he didn’t have enough money for his groceries, but as simple and as tiny as an act like that, it may turn into something much bigger and much deeper.
Meaning, because he felt God’s love and God’s presence in you, he may be inspired and encouraged to do good deeds and do similar acts as you have done. Although you may not have mentioned God, the bible etc. That does not mean God’s presence is not working in you and the other person you are helping out.

Like the butterfly, ripple effect, by doing such a kind deed for someone, that same person may do the same for another and then that person does another and to more people. It is like the quote ”Miracles happen everyday. Just because we do not see them, does not mean that they do not exist.”

Yes, the opposite is true. Hurting someone, sinning against someone may cause them to do the same to others, but that is where we have to be still, be calm and turn every negative into a positive

I probably have a lot more to say than this, but I’ll leave it here. Just know that you are special and that you can make a difference. Although you may not see it, have the faith and belief that together, we can make the world a better place, one person at a time.

-aaronG

We all make mistakes, trip up and mess up at times. It is a part of being human and being imperfect. Even the best may stumble at times, but it is when you choose to get back up which is what’s important and makes us better.
It’s hard, yes, difficult, yes, but do not sulk down and make no action to find the positive in every negative in every situation. Forgiveness usually goes to those that are undeserving which makes it even more difficult to forgive, but it is all the more worth it to forgive because of God’s grace. He forgave a people undeserving.  Ask for forgiveness if you are truly and sincerely sorry for what you have done and the rest is in God’s hands to work with the other person.

The way the heart and the mind operates can be complicated and very difficult to deal with.

The mind is a gateway into your heart and it says in proverbs 4:23 to guard your heart with all diligence for from it flows the issues of life. So this means that we have to be careful about what we think about. If you dwell on negative thoughts, you give those negative thoughts power and it will reach into your heart and eventually come out in a destructive non-helpful way. Focus on positive things and you magnify and give power to those positive things and it will come out of your heart enhancing your character, furthermore growing towards being the person God has planned for you to be.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Isaiah 55:8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

If you were to look at this word and analyze its meaning. Over the years, it has lost it’s meaning and has been twisted many times. How I like to look at it is, if you were to take out the word “Christ” in “Christian”. What are you left with? You are left with IAN. What is IAN? I.A.N stands for I Am Nothing. In short, without Christ, I Am Nothing.

It means that, whatever trials and persecutions we go through and will go through, we aren’t strong enough to do it alone. But it is through Christ that I can do all things who gives me strength - Phillippians 4:13

If you were to also analyze the word usage in the bible. It is always “single” or “individual” meaning that it is relevant to you as an individual. “I” can do all things through Christ who gives “me” strength. This means that it’s ultimately up to you and God. Only you and God.

Again, without Christ, I Am Nothing. ChristIAN

Hope this helps :) - aaronG

April 25/13

If you’ve heard my previous audio post, Forgiveness by Mathew West, he sings on the topic of forgiveness and I found it very compelling.

Pretty much what I want to talk about is forgiveness. Forgiving goes really deep and truly expands the potential of having a great, enjoyable and happy future. “When you forgive, you don’t just help the person you are forgiving, but you also free yourself from the past pains, hurts, sorrows and anguish that person has given to you. You free yourself.”
Yes, when you choose to forgive someone and to let go of all the problems in the past, they may still hurt you, hate you, etc etc and more. But at the end of the day, God will know that you have done your part and that you have honoured Him if you truly and sincerely do forgive the person who has hurt you. If the other person does not want to do their part, that’s on them and is no longer your responsibility and you’ve done your part in honouring God. Forgiving and letting go isn’t always easy, in fact it’s usually very difficult, but you should know that it isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. It’s worth it because at that point of forgiveness, you start to build a more positive character and you begin to move forward. In short, you’re growing. Growing is good.


I read this quote somewhere on tumblr and I found it quite inspiring, “Forgiveness does not and cannot change the past, but it can enlarge the future.”

So pretty much, next time somebody hurts you, instantly forgive them.
Forgive as He forgave, love as He loved, Accept as He has accepted.
Keep LAF-ing, keep smiling and although life is hard and will get hard, you have the choice to rise above it. :)

#Love #Accept #Forgive #LAF