It has been a difficult past week, very painful, very unpleasant. But one thing I do know now is that I am actually glad I went through this past week... as God has disciplined me in a way I never have experienced... and if He's pruning my tree, I know He's leading me on the right path.

In any case, it's April! Time flies. And I'm heading into the 6th week of my second year in uni now... with many interesting times ahead. It's exciting if you truly think about it. There's so many little things happening that lead up to huge ones that God is planning. Anyway:

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I have been meditating on James 3 and 4 a lot in the past few days.. and it contains a lot of wise advice that we can take and relate to. Know that whatever you do or whatever you face, humility and dependance on God is the most important. Yes, we all know God will only help those who help themselves... but the problem is that we help ourselves... and keep helping ourselves... and then we make things all about US, and forget GOD. God is the one who helps us to do our own part in the first place. We think that a lot of things we do daily, we can do it on our own. No, I don't believe that. I believe that everyday, it is God who helps us do what we do - work, read, play, sleep - don't forget that in the first place, we exist because of HIM. We were created BECAUSE of Him. 

That is why I decided to post that verse - as a reminder that we should never be proud. Pride is the greatest downfall - Satan turned away from God because of pride. I like also how in verse 7, it continues with advice; that we should submit to God... and that includes His authority, His plans. And what I find amazing is that it then says "Resist the devil and he will flee from you". That's because James knew that the devil's plan would be to make us proud, and thus not submissive to God. And that is why he includes this sentence right after his advice to submit to God. We need to resist the devil! A lot of you may ask, how will I even know when the devil is making me proud? Well, reflect. When you end your day, think about your actions towards people, your conversations, your thoughts, your behaviour. Is it all self-centered? Is it not? Do you often want credit for the things you do? Do you want God's plans for your life, or your own? Ask yourself these questions, and then reflect and evaluate yourself honestly. And if you realize that you are, repent. Tell God you have recognized your sin and repent - be sincere, ask God for forgiveness and ask Him to cleanse you with His blood. And then voila - you are forgiven! Then thank God for His kindness, mercy and grace. 

Oops I went a bit off track there - because when James says "resist", that would mean, to defend yourself. Fight. Be more aware and alert when you behave, or talk. Be aware of what you're saying to people and how you act. That's how you fight or resist - you set yourself according to Kingdom principles, and follow God's ways. Whenever some odd thought creeps into your mind that is NOT right, rebuke it with the name of the Lord Jesus Christ - and say it out loud. Do that especially if you recognize that it is a thought not from yourself, but from the enemy. That's also a way of resisting.

And guess what - the devil will flee! :)

So anyway I thought I'd leave you with all that... I didn't mean to be so long-winded in the end, but I couldn't help myself, haha. I was going to introduce to you guys some of the really awesome creative food and photography and DIY blogs that I've found, but I'll do that another time (I'm very into creative knick-knacks... and yes that includes food!). 

God bless you all!