Free/Good Deals · Lifestyle · Love and Life

The Greatest Gift- Eternal Life

Today I want to share with you what I believe to be the purpose of our lives here on earth.  I believe that God gave us life so that we can love and glorify Him.

Many people believe that eternal life in Heaven is something that we earn through good works, or something we inherit because our parents are religious, or possibly we can attain it through good intentions.  While all these things sound good, the Bible tells us that eternal life is not something we can earn or buy, but instead, it is a gift.

God’s gift is eternal life with Him.

Romans 6:23 | lookingjoligood.blog

The thing about this gift is that before you can get it, you first have to realize that you need this it. Romans 3:23 tells us that “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

All of us have sinned by breaking God’s rules.  Some of the rules are broken by things that we have been doing, and some of the rules have been broken by things that we haven’t been doing.  We have all sinned in one way or another.Romans 3:23 | lookingjoligood.blog

Romans 6:23 tells us that the price for those broken rules is death.  That death isn’t just talking about our physical body dying, but about our spiritual body as well.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

When our physical body dies, our spiritual body will go to one of two places, either an eternity in Heaven or an eternal death apart from God in Hell.

God doesn’t want to be separated from us! Romans 5:8 says “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” 

Christ died for us | lookingjoligood.blog

The price of our sin is death, but Jesus Christ already paid the price for our sins when he died on the cross.

Jesus came to earth as God in the flesh. He lived a perfect life and voluntarily took our place on the cross, all because He loves us!  He took your place, He took my place, He paid your price with His life. He loves you!

The Bible tells us in 2 Peter 3:9 that “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

2 Peter 3:9 | lookingjoligood.blog

Any time you get a gift you have to accept it in order to own it.  It is no different with the gift of eternal life, you have to turn to Christ and place our full trust in Him alone.

Romans 10:13 tells us that “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Romans 10:13 | lookingjoligood.blog

 

If you have never trusted in Jesus Christ to be your personal savior, you can do it right now! It is as simple as believing in your heart that Christ is the only way to have eternal life in Heaven and saying a prayer that is something like this…

“Dear Lord God,
Thank you for the sacrifice you made in sending your only perfect son to die on the cross for my sins!  It should have been me sentenced to that horrible death, but you Lord, gave Jesus to save me from the punishment that I deserve.  Thank you for this free gift of salvation! Amen!”

Jesus is the greatest gift | lookingjoligood.blog

You will never regret that decision! I know how much this decision has changed my life!  If you have just trusted Christ and received the gift of eternal life, I would love for you to tell me!

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Lifestyle

Glory in the Highest by Meredith Andrews

Hear the quiet of the starry night
Scattered shepherds watch the sky
Suddenly the dark gives way to light
The angel speaks of the Messiah

Be of good courage
See the star hovering above
Today a Savior is born to us

Glory, glory in the highest
We sing glory to His name
Peace on Earth to all who come
To worship Christ the King
We sing, glory in the highest
In the highest

See the God who spoke the earth to be
Take a break as a baby
Look beyond the child and see the King
Come to rescue and redeem

Glory, glory in the highest
We sing glory to His name
Peace on Earth to all who come
To worship Christ the King
We sing, glory in the highest
In the highest

Glory in the Highest Meredith Andrews | lookingjoligood.blog

Gloria, gloria, in excelsis Deo
Gloria, gloria, in excelsis Deo

Glory, glory in the highest
We sing glory to His name
Peace on Earth to all who come
To worship Christ the King
We sing, glory…
Glory, glory in the highest
We sing glory to His name
Peace on Earth to all who come
To worship Christ the King
We sing, glory in the highest
Glory, in the highest
In the highest

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Lifestyle

Bitter Sweet

Bitter Sweet | lookingjoligod.blog

I’ve had times in my life that I have struggled with bitterness.  I can tell you that during those times I was miserable!  There was no sweetness in my life, everything was consumed with that bitterness.

I don’t want to ruin the sweetness of my life with bitterness.

Hebrews 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

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Lifestyle

You Are Not Alone

While this is often referred to as the most wonderful time of the year and a season of holly jolliness, for many people it is a very sad time of year. If you or someone you know feels hopeless, you are not alone!  Sometimes sharing your struggle makes a world of difference!
You are Not Alone | lookingjoligood.blog
“Speaking out takes courage, and our mental health is just as important as our physical health. So support those who are open about what they’re going through. It could save a life.”
prevention | lookingjoigood.blog
We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

Call 1-800-273-8255

Call 1-800-273-8255 | lookingjoligood.blog

The CDC states that “Suicide remains a major public health problem, one that occurs throughout the year. It is the 10th leading cause of death for all Americans. Each year, more than 36,000 people take their own lives. In addition, more than 374,000 are treated in emergency departments for self-inflicted injuries.”
Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.
Nehemiah 8:10 | lookingjoligood.blog

Nehemiah 8:10 Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Exodus 15:2 The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him—  my father’s God, and I will exalt him!

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Lifestyle

Counting Every Blessing

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year. Every year during the month of November I try to be even more focused on being grateful.  Gratitude really does turn what we have into enough.

Whenever I find my attitude is sour, if I instead focus on the good and all the blessings that I have, I find that my outlook and attitude changes.  I’ve been blessed beyond all measure!

I found myself humming this song and wanted to share its great message.

Counting Every Blessing | lookingjoligood.blog

Counting Every Blessing

Rend Collective

Songwriters: Gareth Gilkeson / Chris Llewellyn / Bridget Herron / Ali Gilkeson / Will Herron / Steve Mitchell / Patrick Thompson
Ooh, ooh
I was blind, now I’m seeing in color
I was dead, now I’m living forever
I had failed, but you were my redeemer
I’ve been blessed beyond all measure
I was lost, now I’m found by the father
I’ve been changed from a ruin to treasure
I’ve been given a hope and a future
I’ve been blessed beyond all measure
I am counting every blessing, counting every blessing
Letting go and trusting when I cannot see
I am counting every blessing, counting every blessing
Surely every season you are good to me
Oh, you are good to me
Oh, you are good to me
You were there in the valley of shadows
You were there in the depth of my sorrows
You’re my strength, my hope for tomorrow
I’ve been blessed beyond all measure
I am counting every blessing, counting every blessing
Letting go and trusting when I cannot see
I am counting every blessing, counting every blessing
Surely every season you are good to me
Oh, you are good to me
Oh, you are good to me
Surely your goodness pursues me
Surely your heart is still for me
I will remember your mercies all my days
Through every storm and gale
I am counting every blessing, counting every blessing
Letting go and trusting when I cannot see
I am counting every blessing, counting every blessing
Surely every season you are good to me
I am counting every blessing, counting every blessing
Letting go and trusting when I cannot see
I am counting every blessing, I’m counting every blessing
Surely every season you are good to me
Oh, you are good to me
Oh, you are good to me
Oh, you are good to me
Oh, you are good to me
For your goodness, I will ever praise you
Oh, you are good to me
Oh, you are good to me
Sing it out now
Oh, you are good to me
In my hurting
Oh, you are good to me
I’ll sing it loud
Oh, you are good to me
Even in the dark
Oh, you are good to me
Lift your voices
Oh, you are good to me
All the time
Oh, you are good to me

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Lifestyle

Is Her Gain Your Loss?

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Romans 12:15

I mentioned in posts recently that I have been teaching a Bible study at my church from the book by Nicki Koziarz Why Her? 6 Truths You Need to Hear When Measuring Up leaves you Falling Behind.

Spending time preparing for the study, as well as spending time with the ladies that attend the study has made a big impact on my life!

This book has so many great truths in it. One of the truths that Nicki shares is “Her Gain Is Not Your Loss”

“Pride convinces us that if someone else wins, we somehow lose. But God wants us to know that if “she” wins we all win. HIs promises are for everyone, helping us all work together for a greater purpose. A greater purpose than what we could do alone. Pride tells us God NEEDS us, being promise-filled reminds us that God WANTS us.

The more we know others are with us, the more confident we can be in ourselves. That is how we can start to see…
Her gain is MY gain.
Her loss is MY loss.
Her win is MY win.
Her sorrow is MY sorrow

A confident trust in God’s promises will give us perspective to see that if others win, it does not cause us to lose.
When God reveals something to us, it releases a responsibility within us to do something.”

WhyHer Nicki Koziarz | lookingjoligood.blog

Excerpt from Why Her? 6 Truths You Need to Hear When Measuring Up leaves you Falling Behind by Nicki Koziarz

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Romans 12:15

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Lifestyle

Losing Who You Are Trying To Become Someone You Aren’t

In measuring themselves by themselves and comparing themselves to themselves, they lack understanding.
2 Corinthians 10:12

I mentioned in a post recently that I have been teaching a Bible study at my church using the book by Nicki Koziarz Why Her? 6 Truths You Need to Hear When Measuring Up leaves you Falling Behind.

Spending time preparing for the study, as well as spending time with the ladies that attend the study has made a big impact on my life!  This book has so many great truths in it. One of the first truths that Nicki shares is  “You Need to Be Honest”. Here are a few highlights that made an impression on me.

“Honesty teaches us to stop fearing what we don’t have so we can see what we do.

We often lose who we are while trying to become someone we aren’t.

Honesty can lead us to quiet places where we seek to understand rather than merely react.

You most likely won’t be broadcasting your biggest comparison struggles on Facebook tomorrow. But we all have a place—a place that frequently makes us see ourselves as less-than in comparison to someone else. A place where we feel the most intimidated, perhaps a place that goes back to something deeply rooted in our lives. Something rarely shared because we love to shout our successes but seldom show our secret sorrows.
But the more honest we can become about these areas that threaten our souls the most, the sooner we’ll feel empowered enough to escape this comparison chase. So let’s start by being honest right here, starting with the one verse that uncovered this whole struggle in me. Honesty through the filter of God’s Word brings an understanding that goes beyond our capacity.”WhyHer Nicki Koziarz | lookingjoligood.blog

Excerpt from Why Her? 6 Truths You Need to Hear When Measuring Up leaves you Falling Behind by Nicki Koziarz

2 Corinthians 10:12
In measuring themselves by themselves and comparing themselves to themselves, they lack understanding.

 

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Lifestyle

Turning Off the Noise and Getting Quiet

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalms 46:10

Since around this time last year, I have been teaching a Bible study at my church.  It is one of my favorite things to do to serve in my church.  Spending time preparing for the study, as well as spending time with the ladies that attend the study has made a big impact on my life!

The last few months we have been doing our study from the book by Nicki Koziarz Why Her? 6 Truths You Need to Hear When Measuring Up leaves you Falling Behind.  This book has so many great truths in it.  I have learned so much in preparing for the study each week.  I love it when God uses different ways to give us just what we need to hear.

WhyHer-SS-templates

“I’m amazed at how much our culture resists quiet. Most of our days are spent managing noise—noise from others, noise from our technology, noise from our inner thoughts.

Sometimes it feels like there’s so much going on in my head that I can’t even hear myself think, let alone hear God. When it seems like God is quiet, we need to get quiet.

When my soul is giving me a clue that it’s not well, even just getting quiet and still for a few moments helps me recognize where I’m struggling.

When it seems like God is quiet, we need to get quiet.”

Ps 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Excerpt from Why Her? 6 Truths You Need to Hear When Measuring Up leaves you Falling Behind by Nicki Koziarz

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Lifestyle

What Are Our Bodies Made For?

I love this Facebook post I read by Proverbs 31 Ministries.

You can check out the original post by clicking HERE.

“Do you ever find yourself in a group of women talking about their bodies? Everyone begins sharing what they don’t love or want to change, and it quickly becomes an overwhelming conversation of stirred up negativity.

In moments when we are tempted to feed the temptation to focus on what we don’t like about ourselves, we must remind our minds of truth about the bodies God gave us.

Our bodies are made in the Image of God. (Genesis 1:27)
Our bodies were made to be a living sacrifice. (Romans 12:1)
Our bodies were made for worship. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Proverbs 31 | lookingjoligood.blog

Our bodies were not made for the approval of man, but for the glorification of God.

Has this ever been an area in your life that you have struggled with, or may be struggling with now? We would love to pray for you!”

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Lifestyle

Thy Will by Hillary Scott

I love the word to the song The Will by Hillary Scott! One of my favorite lines is “It’s hard to count it all joy distracted by the noise

Too often I let the noise of what is happening around me take away my joy.

Thy Will by Hillary Scott | lookingjoligood.blog

Thy Will by Hillary Scott

I’m so confused
I know I heard you loud and clear
So I’ll follow through
Somehow I ended up here

I don’t wanna think
I may never understand
That my broken heart is a part of your plan
When I try to pray
All I got is hurt
And these four words
Thy will be done
Thy will be done
Thy will be done

I know you’re good
But this don’t feel good right now
And I know you think
Of things I could never think about

It’s hard to count it all joy
Distracted by the noise
Just trying to make sense of all your promises
Sometimes I gotta stop
Remember that you’re God
And I am not

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