Elijah was depressed. Jezebel was threatening to kill him because he had killed the prophets of Baal, the false god she worshipped. Elijah's complaint to God was this; "I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they seek to take my life." (1 Kings 19:10 NKJV)
God answered Elijah's complaint. He told him in verse 11 to go out and stand on the mountain before Him. What happened next is amazing. A strong, powerful wind came by that tore the mountains and broke rocks; but God was not in the wind. Then came an earthquake. But, God wasn't in the earthquake either. Finally came a fire. God wasn't in that either.
There was one more thing that happened however; God spoke in a still small voice; and He was really there!
God doesn't always reveal Himself by awesome works; sometimes it is by the voice like a child. Still-- small-- quiet. One really has to listen to Him to hear it. Ecclesiastes 4:6 says this; "Better a handful with quietness than both hands full together with toil and grasping for the wind." Sometimes trying to listen for something loud and powerful is like grasping for the wind. We have to listen for quietness and a still, small voice.
I think something we need to remember to do is to take time especially to listen for God's voice. No, it is not always easy. We are all busy. But even one minute could help you to have a special revelation; try it some time. And don't give up just because it didn't work the first time. Keep at it. God will reveal something to you; it may be through the Bible, music; it could be anything. Remember, keep your eyes, ears, and mind open; and mouth closed.
SUGGESTED READING-- 1 KINGS 19 (especially 11-13)
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Thursday, October 3, 2013
A Time for Everything
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 tells us there is a specific time for everything to occur. For example, there is a time for people to be born and a time for them to die. There is a time to plant and a time to reap (verse 2). There are times to kill, and times to heal. There are times to break down walls (spiritual, physical, or emotional), and times we need to build them up (verse 3).
Verse 4 tells us there are times to weep and times to laugh; times to mourn and times to dance. The next verse tells us there are times to cast away stones and times to gather stones. {In today's terms, that would mean to prepare things for use and then to use them and let them go.} There are also times to embrace and times to refrain from embracing. The next verse, 6, says that there are times that we will gain and times we will lose. There are times to keep things and times to throw them away.
We have times to tear and times to mend, and times to be silent and times to speak out (verse 7). There are times for love and times for hate. There are times of war and then come times of peace.
This last one makes me think of the time we have on earth and the thing we look forward to; our heavenly home. We have to face the war - life; to gain peace - eternal life.
We don't always like the things we have to face in life; especially mourning and times of breaking down walls. But God is with us even in the darkest moments. He will provide opportunities for us to grow and learn more about Him and the world He has placed us in, even in the darkest times of our lives. Ultimately, He has a plan for each one of us. No matter where you are, no matter what you are facing, He has a plan for you. He will reveal it to you; just listen to His voice! It may not be revealed right away, and it may not be beyond today, but it will be just enough at the time. Keep up the faith, and listen to Him; He loves you and longs for you to love Him too. He wants to be part of your life, and to direct it for you, so you will never have to worry!
Verse 4 tells us there are times to weep and times to laugh; times to mourn and times to dance. The next verse tells us there are times to cast away stones and times to gather stones. {In today's terms, that would mean to prepare things for use and then to use them and let them go.} There are also times to embrace and times to refrain from embracing. The next verse, 6, says that there are times that we will gain and times we will lose. There are times to keep things and times to throw them away.
We have times to tear and times to mend, and times to be silent and times to speak out (verse 7). There are times for love and times for hate. There are times of war and then come times of peace.
This last one makes me think of the time we have on earth and the thing we look forward to; our heavenly home. We have to face the war - life; to gain peace - eternal life.
We don't always like the things we have to face in life; especially mourning and times of breaking down walls. But God is with us even in the darkest moments. He will provide opportunities for us to grow and learn more about Him and the world He has placed us in, even in the darkest times of our lives. Ultimately, He has a plan for each one of us. No matter where you are, no matter what you are facing, He has a plan for you. He will reveal it to you; just listen to His voice! It may not be revealed right away, and it may not be beyond today, but it will be just enough at the time. Keep up the faith, and listen to Him; He loves you and longs for you to love Him too. He wants to be part of your life, and to direct it for you, so you will never have to worry!
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Living for Christ
My mother, Natalie Gidney, preached a sermon last Sunday that really impacted me. Her title was "Pursue the Promised Prize." Philippians 3:12-16 was her main Scripture passage for the sermon. One thing in the passage stuck out to me. It was in verse 16--"let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind."
Paul is speaking about us, Christians. Yes, I know everyone has opinions. But really, do our opinions matter? Shouldn't we pray and allow God to be the One to decide what is to be done and how it is to be done?
I'll be honest. We won't always like what God says; at the time. But eventually, everything will be revealed, and we will see (if we follow what He says) that it was the right thing to do. But, if we are too busy being focused upon our opinions, how can we see any of God's plan? I know that I've asked about specific things and God has said no at that time. Do I like it? No, not at the time! But later I see that it was the best thing to be done at that time. I know that God always has a plan that is bigger and better than my own.
Mum's sermon had three main points; Pass Up (the old self: see Philippians 3:13, 2 Corinthians 5:17) Press On ( 1 Timothy 1:12-15, Philippians 3:12), and finally, Possess the Prize (see 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Revelation 21:1-7).
Look up these passages and read them. They all have great things in them. Basically, once you read them, you'll see how they relate to the topic they follow.
In the end, no one is perfect! Like my Mum said in her sermon, "Stop waiting to be perfected, press on for Him!" And, "It's not about comfort; it's about what God is calling us to."
A song that I really like is "Dangerous" by Group 1 Crew. This song basically explains the whole sermon! Please look it up, listen to it, and apply it. Our world needs us! When would be a better time than now?
NKJV USED
Paul is speaking about us, Christians. Yes, I know everyone has opinions. But really, do our opinions matter? Shouldn't we pray and allow God to be the One to decide what is to be done and how it is to be done?
I'll be honest. We won't always like what God says; at the time. But eventually, everything will be revealed, and we will see (if we follow what He says) that it was the right thing to do. But, if we are too busy being focused upon our opinions, how can we see any of God's plan? I know that I've asked about specific things and God has said no at that time. Do I like it? No, not at the time! But later I see that it was the best thing to be done at that time. I know that God always has a plan that is bigger and better than my own.
Mum's sermon had three main points; Pass Up (the old self: see Philippians 3:13, 2 Corinthians 5:17) Press On ( 1 Timothy 1:12-15, Philippians 3:12), and finally, Possess the Prize (see 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Revelation 21:1-7).
Look up these passages and read them. They all have great things in them. Basically, once you read them, you'll see how they relate to the topic they follow.
In the end, no one is perfect! Like my Mum said in her sermon, "Stop waiting to be perfected, press on for Him!" And, "It's not about comfort; it's about what God is calling us to."
A song that I really like is "Dangerous" by Group 1 Crew. This song basically explains the whole sermon! Please look it up, listen to it, and apply it. Our world needs us! When would be a better time than now?
NKJV USED
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Overcoming Sin
Romans 6:6 says, "We are no longer slaves of sin." This means that anyone who is a believer is no longer in bondage to sin. It can be totally overcome through Jesus Christ, because He defeated sin on the cross for us. We who are believers in Christ have this power in Christ. In verse 6, we are told that we have crucified our sins on the cross with Him. So, this being said, we have the ability to say no to temptation and overcome anything that the devil may throw our way.
I just want to point out that teenagers are some of the most likely people to be drawn into temptation. Just think about it for a minute. There are drugs at school, young people having relationships meant for marriage, and so many other hazards that can cause us to stumble. And believe me, these aren't the only things that can cause a teenager to stumble. What happens if you make a bad mark on a test and someone asks how you did? It seems that we try to cover it up with excuses like, "I haven't gotten my mark yet," or "I have to be somewhere right now!" Please realize this is LYING!!!!!
How do we control these urges and desires to do things that are wrong? Verses 12 and 13 say not to let sin control the way we live... but to give ourselves completely to God, since we have been given a new life. Verse 14 tells us that sin is no longer our master, because we are no longer subject to the law, but we are set free by God's grace. I like the NKJV translation. "For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace." Verses 7-10 explain why we can overcome sin. It is because Jesus died to free us from sin. When we accept Jesus into our lives, we (figuratively) die on the cross with Him. (All this phrase means is that we died to our sins when we accepted Jesus into our lives. We put to death sinful things; with Jesus' help, of course!;)
Verse 10 explains that our lives should be lived for God after we die to our sin, and verse 11 tells us to remember that we are dead to sin, but we are alive in Jesus.
In the end, we do have the ability to overcome sin and death through Jesus. Now, knowing this may or may not make it easier to handle sinful desires and temptations. BUT, if you believe it and trust it, through Jesus' power, it will make your life better!
NLT AND NKJV USED THROUGHOUT
I just want to point out that teenagers are some of the most likely people to be drawn into temptation. Just think about it for a minute. There are drugs at school, young people having relationships meant for marriage, and so many other hazards that can cause us to stumble. And believe me, these aren't the only things that can cause a teenager to stumble. What happens if you make a bad mark on a test and someone asks how you did? It seems that we try to cover it up with excuses like, "I haven't gotten my mark yet," or "I have to be somewhere right now!" Please realize this is LYING!!!!!
How do we control these urges and desires to do things that are wrong? Verses 12 and 13 say not to let sin control the way we live... but to give ourselves completely to God, since we have been given a new life. Verse 14 tells us that sin is no longer our master, because we are no longer subject to the law, but we are set free by God's grace. I like the NKJV translation. "For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace." Verses 7-10 explain why we can overcome sin. It is because Jesus died to free us from sin. When we accept Jesus into our lives, we (figuratively) die on the cross with Him. (All this phrase means is that we died to our sins when we accepted Jesus into our lives. We put to death sinful things; with Jesus' help, of course!;)
Verse 10 explains that our lives should be lived for God after we die to our sin, and verse 11 tells us to remember that we are dead to sin, but we are alive in Jesus.
In the end, we do have the ability to overcome sin and death through Jesus. Now, knowing this may or may not make it easier to handle sinful desires and temptations. BUT, if you believe it and trust it, through Jesus' power, it will make your life better!
NLT AND NKJV USED THROUGHOUT
Friday, May 10, 2013
Wise Prayers?...
What have you prayed for lately? If you're at all like me, most of the prayers are for family, friends, missionaries, sponsored kids, etc. But what does God really want us to pray about?
Well, there are many ways that we can pray. God sets us a good guideline in Matthew 6: 5-15. That is the Lord's Prayer. But what I want to talk about is the content of our prayers; all that we pray about. What does God want us to pray about?
Solomon, the son of king David (David killed Goliath, and later on in his life, became king) offered sacrifices to the Lord. The Lord was pleased with Solomon, and asked him, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you" (1 Kings 3:5). Wow! What an amazing opportunity! Anything he asked for, he would be given! What did Solomon do with this opportunity? Ask for death of his enemies? Ask for a bunch of useless stuff? NO!
He asked for something that really pleased God. He asked God for a "discerning heart." (Aka wisdom.)
Now, that seems to be a little bit strange-- especially for someone who could have whatever he asked for! I suggest you read the whole story in 1 Kings 3: 1-15. It is truly a good story-- one that is worth reading! And don't just read it; study it and try to apply it to life. Now, this won't be easy, but who says being a Christian is easy? I am realizing now how hard being a Christian is; trying to balance work, school, chores, and reading and studying my Bible is extremely hard! There are days when I want to just give up; but if I would stop feeling sorry for myself and turn to God for help, my life would be so much easier! So, I'm not saying I'm a person who has this all together-- really, I am learning as I go along! But I ask you to join me and learn with me.
Ultimately, God wants our physical, spiritual and mental lives to line up with His will. And, when you think about it, isn't that the best way to go? After all, He can see the whole picture; we can only see a small part of it! God has an amazing plan for our lives; He wants us to trust that He will see it through! Join me in learning to lean on God. He is the most stable thing in the universe; after all, He created it!;D Come on; what are you waiting for? Pray for wisdom!;D
NIV USED
Well, there are many ways that we can pray. God sets us a good guideline in Matthew 6: 5-15. That is the Lord's Prayer. But what I want to talk about is the content of our prayers; all that we pray about. What does God want us to pray about?
Solomon, the son of king David (David killed Goliath, and later on in his life, became king) offered sacrifices to the Lord. The Lord was pleased with Solomon, and asked him, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you" (1 Kings 3:5). Wow! What an amazing opportunity! Anything he asked for, he would be given! What did Solomon do with this opportunity? Ask for death of his enemies? Ask for a bunch of useless stuff? NO!
He asked for something that really pleased God. He asked God for a "discerning heart." (Aka wisdom.)
Now, that seems to be a little bit strange-- especially for someone who could have whatever he asked for! I suggest you read the whole story in 1 Kings 3: 1-15. It is truly a good story-- one that is worth reading! And don't just read it; study it and try to apply it to life. Now, this won't be easy, but who says being a Christian is easy? I am realizing now how hard being a Christian is; trying to balance work, school, chores, and reading and studying my Bible is extremely hard! There are days when I want to just give up; but if I would stop feeling sorry for myself and turn to God for help, my life would be so much easier! So, I'm not saying I'm a person who has this all together-- really, I am learning as I go along! But I ask you to join me and learn with me.
Ultimately, God wants our physical, spiritual and mental lives to line up with His will. And, when you think about it, isn't that the best way to go? After all, He can see the whole picture; we can only see a small part of it! God has an amazing plan for our lives; He wants us to trust that He will see it through! Join me in learning to lean on God. He is the most stable thing in the universe; after all, He created it!;D Come on; what are you waiting for? Pray for wisdom!;D
NIV USED
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Honesty; The Best Policy!
Who of you has told at least one white lie? I know that I have. Usually it is to protect other people. (Sometimes to protect myself!) Like, when people ask how you are doing. I usually say "good", "okay" or "fine." Do I always mean it? No! But it is easier to say that than to get into a conversation on your whole life; worries, concerns, burdens. But God's Word tells us to be honest with one another, no matter what the cost. No, it may not be easy or fun, but it is what God asks of us.
1 Corinthians 3:9-10 says this; "Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him..." I suggest you read verse 11 too. But I'll leave that to you.
Basically, we are told that lying is not a good thing to do. I have another verse to back me up on what God believes about lying. I rarely read the book of Revelation, because to me, it is somewhat scary! But it was in my references, so I looked it up. Revelation 21:27 says this; "But there shall by no means enter it (heaven) anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life."
Ouch! That seems a little harsh, doesn't it? Well, think about it. Heaven is a perfect place, right? If something is perfect, nothing evil can exist within it, right? So, when you think of it that way, it does make sense!
Now, I'm not saying that God doesn't allow anyone who isn't perfect into heaven. Rather, He wants us all to enter heaven! Titus 1:2 says " in hope of eternal life which God, Who cannot lie, promised before time began..."
So you see, God loves us all and wants us all in His kingdom. He cares so much about us He gave us a way to spend all of our lives with Him; both now and forevermore! That was through Jesus' death and resurrection. That is the only way we can find forgiveness and love; arms open wide to receive us! If you want to find out how to be forgiven from your sins, and how to become a follower of Jesus, I ask you to read some of my past posts. They should explain everything to you!
If you would like to comment, I would appreciate feedback.
Thanks! God bless!
1 Corinthians 3:9-10 says this; "Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him..." I suggest you read verse 11 too. But I'll leave that to you.
Basically, we are told that lying is not a good thing to do. I have another verse to back me up on what God believes about lying. I rarely read the book of Revelation, because to me, it is somewhat scary! But it was in my references, so I looked it up. Revelation 21:27 says this; "But there shall by no means enter it (heaven) anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life."
Ouch! That seems a little harsh, doesn't it? Well, think about it. Heaven is a perfect place, right? If something is perfect, nothing evil can exist within it, right? So, when you think of it that way, it does make sense!
Now, I'm not saying that God doesn't allow anyone who isn't perfect into heaven. Rather, He wants us all to enter heaven! Titus 1:2 says " in hope of eternal life which God, Who cannot lie, promised before time began..."
So you see, God loves us all and wants us all in His kingdom. He cares so much about us He gave us a way to spend all of our lives with Him; both now and forevermore! That was through Jesus' death and resurrection. That is the only way we can find forgiveness and love; arms open wide to receive us! If you want to find out how to be forgiven from your sins, and how to become a follower of Jesus, I ask you to read some of my past posts. They should explain everything to you!
If you would like to comment, I would appreciate feedback.
Thanks! God bless!
Friday, April 12, 2013
Really A Christian?
1 Corinthians 15: 33, 58 (NKJV)
"Do not be deceived: 'Evil company corrupts good habits.' "
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
So, I'm a Christian. But how does the world see me? Am I really what I say I am in the worlds' eyes? Do I live differently and "set apart" from the world? Do I live in, and not "of" the world? I think-- no, I know-- that I am failing in that category!
You may ask, "Does this really matter? After all, we are in busy and weird times! No one notices anything I do!" Let me tell you a secret. IT DOES MATTER!!!!! People are always watching Christians, waiting for them to mess up, it seems. But this concept is more important; Jesus and His Father have Their eyes on us at all times. The only difference is that Jesus and His Father's eyes are loving; the world's; not so much!
Jesus calls us all to be examples to the world; good examples. He doesn't call us to be halfway Christians; Christian on Sunday, while the rest of the week out partying, having fun in sin. Can we, as teenagers, live for Jesus with all of the pressures of the world pressing us on every corner? Not easily. But by the light of God's Word, we can learn how.
Leviticus 11:44 says, "I am the Lord your God. You must... be holy, because I am holy." Hmm... What else does the Bible say?... Amos 5:24 "I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living." God says this! He is speaking these words! I am not making this up!
One of my favorite Bible verses is 1 Timothy 4:12. It is a long verse, but read it thoroughly, and then read it again. "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all the believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity." Wow! Apparently, we can do this. No, it is not easy. In fact, it may not even be fun. But Christianity isn't about fun. I could go on a whole rant about this, but I would be getting off track.
In the end, we need to examine ourselves. Our lives. Our thoughts. Ouch! That hurt me! Thinking about what you need to change is never comfortable and never easy. Whoever tells you it is, is either perfect or completely off their rocker! I see the mark floating somewhere in the distance, and it sometimes seems when I take off to get at it, I fall, or it moves! But, everything is about moving forward. God wants us to always keep moving forward, pushing onward for him. But, it sometimes feels like I'm Captain Hook off of Peter Pan. When the crocodile is seen, he runs the other way. But, really, he should face up to his fears and master them. Will you join me in examining yourself and moving forward and making a difference in this world for God? You know, one random act of kindness can go a long way!
For further study;
Galatians 5:22-23
Romans 12:21
1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 15*
2 Corinthians 5:17
Acts 16:31
Joel 2:32
Psalm 119: 98-99
1 John 4:20
2 John 1:6
Job 17:9
* This chapter may or may not help. Please read it sometime anyway, though!
NLT version used
"Do not be deceived: 'Evil company corrupts good habits.' "
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
So, I'm a Christian. But how does the world see me? Am I really what I say I am in the worlds' eyes? Do I live differently and "set apart" from the world? Do I live in, and not "of" the world? I think-- no, I know-- that I am failing in that category!
You may ask, "Does this really matter? After all, we are in busy and weird times! No one notices anything I do!" Let me tell you a secret. IT DOES MATTER!!!!! People are always watching Christians, waiting for them to mess up, it seems. But this concept is more important; Jesus and His Father have Their eyes on us at all times. The only difference is that Jesus and His Father's eyes are loving; the world's; not so much!
Jesus calls us all to be examples to the world; good examples. He doesn't call us to be halfway Christians; Christian on Sunday, while the rest of the week out partying, having fun in sin. Can we, as teenagers, live for Jesus with all of the pressures of the world pressing us on every corner? Not easily. But by the light of God's Word, we can learn how.
Leviticus 11:44 says, "I am the Lord your God. You must... be holy, because I am holy." Hmm... What else does the Bible say?... Amos 5:24 "I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living." God says this! He is speaking these words! I am not making this up!
One of my favorite Bible verses is 1 Timothy 4:12. It is a long verse, but read it thoroughly, and then read it again. "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all the believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity." Wow! Apparently, we can do this. No, it is not easy. In fact, it may not even be fun. But Christianity isn't about fun. I could go on a whole rant about this, but I would be getting off track.
In the end, we need to examine ourselves. Our lives. Our thoughts. Ouch! That hurt me! Thinking about what you need to change is never comfortable and never easy. Whoever tells you it is, is either perfect or completely off their rocker! I see the mark floating somewhere in the distance, and it sometimes seems when I take off to get at it, I fall, or it moves! But, everything is about moving forward. God wants us to always keep moving forward, pushing onward for him. But, it sometimes feels like I'm Captain Hook off of Peter Pan. When the crocodile is seen, he runs the other way. But, really, he should face up to his fears and master them. Will you join me in examining yourself and moving forward and making a difference in this world for God? You know, one random act of kindness can go a long way!
For further study;
Galatians 5:22-23
Romans 12:21
1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 15*
2 Corinthians 5:17
Acts 16:31
Joel 2:32
Psalm 119: 98-99
1 John 4:20
2 John 1:6
Job 17:9
* This chapter may or may not help. Please read it sometime anyway, though!
NLT version used
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Jesus' Life
Jesus gave us all a tremendous gift. He gave us His life in order to save us. I am going to give an account of Jesus' betrayal and death since it is Easter weekend. Jesus died on Good Friday and rose again on Easter. Now, I don't want to get too far ahead of myself, so let's start at the beginning.
In John 17, Jesus prays for Himself and His disciples. He prays in verses 4 and 5 this prayer; "I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was." Later on in the chapter, He prays this for His disciples: "I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth." (verses 14-19) As you read on, you read a prayer that Jesus prayed for all the believers now and in the future. This is really cool, I think. He thinks of people who were with Him at the time, and those who would be with Him and working for Him in the future!
After Jesus prayed, He and His disciples went to the garden of Gethsemane. Judas, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, came with a group of troops and officers that the chief priests and Pharisees gave to him. Armed with weapons, lanterns and torches, they answered Jesus' question; "Whom are you seeking?" They replied that they were looking for Jesus of Nazareth. He told them it was He, and they fell to the ground! Jesus asked them a second time, and told them that He was the One they were seeking. He told the soldiers to let His disciples go, to fulfill the saying He spoke. (vs 4-9)
Simon Peter, of course was the one who fought the soldiers. He grabbed his sword, and cut off the high priests servant's ear. Jesus was not happy. He rebuked Peter, and was led away by the soldiers.
Jesus had an audience, if you will, with the high priest, and after that was led to Pilate for judgement. Since it was the time of the Passover, Pilate would release one prisoner to the people. He offered to release Jesus to the people, but they wanted the other prisoner, Barabbas. He then asked what he should do to Jesus, and all of the people cried out, "Crucify Him!" Pilate ordered Jesus to be scourged. Then, He was mocked, and sentenced to be crucified.
Jesus died an excruciating death on the cross, and then was laid to rest in a tomb donated by Joseph of Arimathea. The first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb. What was amazing was that the stone had been rolled away! She ran to tell the other disciples, and they came running to the tomb. They went in and all of Jesus' burial clothes were lying there. He had risen from the dead! He has conquered evil and the devil and all of our sins! He loved us so much that He came and did that for us! No, it wasn't something He wanted to do, but He still did. HE DID THAT FOR EVERY ONE OF US!!!!! HE LOVES YOU AND HE WANTS YOU TO LOVE HIM AND ACCEPT HIM!!!!! PLEASE DO THAT!!!!! HE LOVES YOU JUST AS YOU ARE!!!!! HE CONQUERED SIN AND DEATH SO THAT WE WOULDN'T HAVE TO DO THAT!!!!! LOVE HIM... COME TO HIM.... HE WANTS YOU, FLAWS, BROKENNESS, AND SADNESS. JUST COME BEFORE HIM AND GIVE YOURSELF TO HIM. TELL HIM THAT YOU'RE SORRY AND JUST ASK HIM TO HELP YOU AND TO LOVE YOU AND BE WITH YOU. AND YOU KNOW WHAT? HE WILL!!!!!!!!! LOVE YOU ALL!!! HAPPY EASTER!!: )
In John 17, Jesus prays for Himself and His disciples. He prays in verses 4 and 5 this prayer; "I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was." Later on in the chapter, He prays this for His disciples: "I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth." (verses 14-19) As you read on, you read a prayer that Jesus prayed for all the believers now and in the future. This is really cool, I think. He thinks of people who were with Him at the time, and those who would be with Him and working for Him in the future!
After Jesus prayed, He and His disciples went to the garden of Gethsemane. Judas, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, came with a group of troops and officers that the chief priests and Pharisees gave to him. Armed with weapons, lanterns and torches, they answered Jesus' question; "Whom are you seeking?" They replied that they were looking for Jesus of Nazareth. He told them it was He, and they fell to the ground! Jesus asked them a second time, and told them that He was the One they were seeking. He told the soldiers to let His disciples go, to fulfill the saying He spoke. (vs 4-9)
Simon Peter, of course was the one who fought the soldiers. He grabbed his sword, and cut off the high priests servant's ear. Jesus was not happy. He rebuked Peter, and was led away by the soldiers.
Jesus had an audience, if you will, with the high priest, and after that was led to Pilate for judgement. Since it was the time of the Passover, Pilate would release one prisoner to the people. He offered to release Jesus to the people, but they wanted the other prisoner, Barabbas. He then asked what he should do to Jesus, and all of the people cried out, "Crucify Him!" Pilate ordered Jesus to be scourged. Then, He was mocked, and sentenced to be crucified.
Jesus died an excruciating death on the cross, and then was laid to rest in a tomb donated by Joseph of Arimathea. The first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb. What was amazing was that the stone had been rolled away! She ran to tell the other disciples, and they came running to the tomb. They went in and all of Jesus' burial clothes were lying there. He had risen from the dead! He has conquered evil and the devil and all of our sins! He loved us so much that He came and did that for us! No, it wasn't something He wanted to do, but He still did. HE DID THAT FOR EVERY ONE OF US!!!!! HE LOVES YOU AND HE WANTS YOU TO LOVE HIM AND ACCEPT HIM!!!!! PLEASE DO THAT!!!!! HE LOVES YOU JUST AS YOU ARE!!!!! HE CONQUERED SIN AND DEATH SO THAT WE WOULDN'T HAVE TO DO THAT!!!!! LOVE HIM... COME TO HIM.... HE WANTS YOU, FLAWS, BROKENNESS, AND SADNESS. JUST COME BEFORE HIM AND GIVE YOURSELF TO HIM. TELL HIM THAT YOU'RE SORRY AND JUST ASK HIM TO HELP YOU AND TO LOVE YOU AND BE WITH YOU. AND YOU KNOW WHAT? HE WILL!!!!!!!!! LOVE YOU ALL!!! HAPPY EASTER!!: )
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Facing the Lions
Most of you have probably at one time or other heard the story of Daniel in the lions den. He had three friends-- Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego who have quite a story too. They loved and served God with all of their heart. The king that ruled at the time was evil; he wanted people to bow down and worship a statue he had made of himself. Daniel's friends, however refused to worship the statue. This was reported to the king, and he called Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego into his presence. He told them, "But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?" (Daniel 3:15)
Shadrach and his friends told the king, "If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. BUT IF NOT let it be known to you, O king, that we DO NOT serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up." (Daniel 3: 17-18, emphasis mine.)
Can you imagine? Picture three people who work for the king rejecting what he wants! Can't you see the king turning redder and redder with rage as these young men spoke to him without fear or repentance? As soon as they were done speaking, he commanded that the furnace be heated SEVEN TIMES HOTTER THAN NORMAL. This was done quickly, of course. Then, Nebuchadnezzar, the king, ordered some of his mighty men to bind the three and put them in the furnace. (Sidenote: Why would Nebuchadnezzar order mighty men to tie up the three? Was it because of the heat, or his fear? Please share your thoughts with me!:) The mighty men took them to the furnace and threw them in. And guess what? The mighty men were killed because of the heat! How did the three friends make out? Well, lets look at verse 24 and 25 to see what happens.
Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, "Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?" They answered and said to the king, "True, O king."
"Look!" he answered, "I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God."
The king could hardly believe his eyes! He went close to the fire to call them out, and told them that a decree would be made that anyone who did not worship their God would die.
In the end, there are a few things we can learn from this story. (1)Standing up for God will result in blessing; whether evident at the moment or not; (2) we need to serve the One True God, and not whatever comes our way; and (3) God will protect and be with those who love Him. These three young men had a lot of faith, trust, and belief in God. They knew that He would be with them no matter whether He showed Himself at the moment or not. Faith goes a long way. Will you trust Him and give Him yours?
Used NKJV version.
Shadrach and his friends told the king, "If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. BUT IF NOT let it be known to you, O king, that we DO NOT serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up." (Daniel 3: 17-18, emphasis mine.)
Can you imagine? Picture three people who work for the king rejecting what he wants! Can't you see the king turning redder and redder with rage as these young men spoke to him without fear or repentance? As soon as they were done speaking, he commanded that the furnace be heated SEVEN TIMES HOTTER THAN NORMAL. This was done quickly, of course. Then, Nebuchadnezzar, the king, ordered some of his mighty men to bind the three and put them in the furnace. (Sidenote: Why would Nebuchadnezzar order mighty men to tie up the three? Was it because of the heat, or his fear? Please share your thoughts with me!:) The mighty men took them to the furnace and threw them in. And guess what? The mighty men were killed because of the heat! How did the three friends make out? Well, lets look at verse 24 and 25 to see what happens.
Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, "Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?" They answered and said to the king, "True, O king."
"Look!" he answered, "I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God."
The king could hardly believe his eyes! He went close to the fire to call them out, and told them that a decree would be made that anyone who did not worship their God would die.
In the end, there are a few things we can learn from this story. (1)Standing up for God will result in blessing; whether evident at the moment or not; (2) we need to serve the One True God, and not whatever comes our way; and (3) God will protect and be with those who love Him. These three young men had a lot of faith, trust, and belief in God. They knew that He would be with them no matter whether He showed Himself at the moment or not. Faith goes a long way. Will you trust Him and give Him yours?
Used NKJV version.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Courage
Courage. There are so many different opinions on what it is! Mark Twain says that "courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear--not absence of fear...Consider the flea! incomparably the bravest of all the creatures--if ignorance of fear were courage."
General Geaorge Patton says this; "Courage is fear holding on a minute longer."
Harold Wilson says that "courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're the only one who knows you're scared to death."
A true showing of courage is presented in the Bible. Esther had true courage. She was a young girl chosen to be taken to Xerxes' palace to become his new wife. (Xerxes' wife had shamed him by being defiant; refusing to come and show her beauty to his guests.) Esther went, underwent beauty treatments, and was taken to the king. He fell in love at first sight, and they were wed.
Now, Esther was a Jew. But Mordecai, her uncle who raised her, told her to not reveal that to anyone. She obeyed his instructions-- that is until she was asked to do otherwise.
Haman, the king's right-hand man, hated Mordecai. Why? Mordecai refused to bow to Haman. Mordecai was doing the right thing of course, but it caused trouble still.
Haman devised a plan to have all the Jews annihilated (or killed). He went to the king and told him that there were people who were a threat to the kingdom, got the king's seal and set the decree in motion.
Mordecai told Esther about the plan, and she had to do something. He told her this; " For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14)
After fasting and praying for three days, she went to the king. Luckily, he welcomed her. She invited him and Haman to dine with her. So, they came. Xerxes asked her what she really wanted; he told her he would give her anything up to half of the kingdom. She asked them to dine with them again the next night. They agreed.
That night, when they were all dining, Xerxes asked her what she really wanted, and told her he would give it to her, up to half of the kingdom. That was the moment of truth--she revealed Haman's plot. The king was so angry that he had to go walk in the garden to cool down. Haman went to the queen, and was so scared he fell on top of her. The king walked in at that moment, and ordered him to be put to death. The proclamation that Haman had put out could not be revoked-- Xerxes fixed that by saying that the Jews could fight to protect themselves when the soldiers came to kill them.
What Esther did took courage. She won because she because she put her faith in God. She could have been killed for what she did! But God protected her and helped her. He does the same for anyone who asks. Ultimately, TRUE COURAGE COMES FROM GOD! NO ONE OR ANYTHING ELSE CAN PROVIDE THAT FOR US!
General Geaorge Patton says this; "Courage is fear holding on a minute longer."
Harold Wilson says that "courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're the only one who knows you're scared to death."
A true showing of courage is presented in the Bible. Esther had true courage. She was a young girl chosen to be taken to Xerxes' palace to become his new wife. (Xerxes' wife had shamed him by being defiant; refusing to come and show her beauty to his guests.) Esther went, underwent beauty treatments, and was taken to the king. He fell in love at first sight, and they were wed.
Now, Esther was a Jew. But Mordecai, her uncle who raised her, told her to not reveal that to anyone. She obeyed his instructions-- that is until she was asked to do otherwise.
Haman, the king's right-hand man, hated Mordecai. Why? Mordecai refused to bow to Haman. Mordecai was doing the right thing of course, but it caused trouble still.
Haman devised a plan to have all the Jews annihilated (or killed). He went to the king and told him that there were people who were a threat to the kingdom, got the king's seal and set the decree in motion.
Mordecai told Esther about the plan, and she had to do something. He told her this; " For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14)
After fasting and praying for three days, she went to the king. Luckily, he welcomed her. She invited him and Haman to dine with her. So, they came. Xerxes asked her what she really wanted; he told her he would give her anything up to half of the kingdom. She asked them to dine with them again the next night. They agreed.
That night, when they were all dining, Xerxes asked her what she really wanted, and told her he would give it to her, up to half of the kingdom. That was the moment of truth--she revealed Haman's plot. The king was so angry that he had to go walk in the garden to cool down. Haman went to the queen, and was so scared he fell on top of her. The king walked in at that moment, and ordered him to be put to death. The proclamation that Haman had put out could not be revoked-- Xerxes fixed that by saying that the Jews could fight to protect themselves when the soldiers came to kill them.
What Esther did took courage. She won because she because she put her faith in God. She could have been killed for what she did! But God protected her and helped her. He does the same for anyone who asks. Ultimately, TRUE COURAGE COMES FROM GOD! NO ONE OR ANYTHING ELSE CAN PROVIDE THAT FOR US!
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Big giants
Have you ever felt stared down by something that you don't really know how to handle? I am facing that lately, so I do know exactly how it feels!
I watched "Touched by an Angel" last night. I really enjoy watching it because it deals with things that really do happen in people's lives.
Last night, there was a young man on the show who was in the drug dealing business. He had run away from home years ago because people accused him of killing someone. He was found to be not guilty, but he left town just the same. About seven years later, he shows up with his son. His son asked him to read a story to him, and he read him their favorite story; David and Goliath. Both of them felt their were giants in the world, and they didn't really know how to face them. At one point, he calls up his buddies in the business, because he wanted to make money. He took drugs himself which made it easier for him to be in the middle of the business. He didn't realize that he was setting himself up to be caught by the police. He went to the park with his seven year old son, and did the business while his son wasn't looking. It turned out that the so called "drug dealers" were the police. He ran away, and his mother got shot because of him. An angel appeared to him as he was deciding whether to commit suicide or not. After the angel talked to him, he got off the train tracks, and went to the hospital to turn himself in. He told his son that there were Goliaths out there, and he had to face them.
In the end, we all have to face the giants. David did. The Bible tells us in 1 Samuel 17 that David, a young boy, faced a giant named Goliath during battle. How was a young boy able to defeat a giant? He put his faith in God, that's how.
David told Saul, the king, not to worry because he would defeat the Philistine. (Then David said to Saul, "Let no man's heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine." <verse 32>)
Now picture this; a young boy talking to the king and basically saying, "Don't worry; I've got your back!" That would be like a four year old saying they'll protect the eleven year old from the bullies at school! It is a funny picture!
Saul tried to arm David with his armour in order to protect him. After all, his brothers were all fighting in the war, and they wouldn't even go and fight the Philistine! But it didn't fit David. Instead of putting his faith in armour, David put in in God; after all, he knew God was in control of everything anyway! So he decided to use his slingshot; the tool he worked best with. He then went to a river, got five smooth stones for his slingshot, and went to fight the Philistine. David told the giant he would defeat him, and the giant,of course, didn't believe him; he wanted things done the hard way. One shot from David's sling, and BAM! The giant was killed when it hit his forehead. The giant was down!
What I am trying to say in all of this is that it doesn't matter how big or how small you are; all that matters is whether you have faith that God will help you overcome the giants in your life. Because if you have faith, He will help you overcome them; just wait and see!
A little side note; David became a king later on. He didn't always make good choices, no. But God loved him likes He loves you and me. David is even in the genealogy of Jesus! That is pretty cool, I think!
For further study on what we need to have courage, refer to the following:
Psalm 27:14
Psalm 30:5
Isaiah 43:2
I Peter 4:12-13
Romans 8:38-39
Isaiah 41:10
Philippians 4:13
There are plenty more verses on the subject--if you want references, just leave a comment, and I'll put them on for you. God bless!;D
I watched "Touched by an Angel" last night. I really enjoy watching it because it deals with things that really do happen in people's lives.
Last night, there was a young man on the show who was in the drug dealing business. He had run away from home years ago because people accused him of killing someone. He was found to be not guilty, but he left town just the same. About seven years later, he shows up with his son. His son asked him to read a story to him, and he read him their favorite story; David and Goliath. Both of them felt their were giants in the world, and they didn't really know how to face them. At one point, he calls up his buddies in the business, because he wanted to make money. He took drugs himself which made it easier for him to be in the middle of the business. He didn't realize that he was setting himself up to be caught by the police. He went to the park with his seven year old son, and did the business while his son wasn't looking. It turned out that the so called "drug dealers" were the police. He ran away, and his mother got shot because of him. An angel appeared to him as he was deciding whether to commit suicide or not. After the angel talked to him, he got off the train tracks, and went to the hospital to turn himself in. He told his son that there were Goliaths out there, and he had to face them.
In the end, we all have to face the giants. David did. The Bible tells us in 1 Samuel 17 that David, a young boy, faced a giant named Goliath during battle. How was a young boy able to defeat a giant? He put his faith in God, that's how.
David told Saul, the king, not to worry because he would defeat the Philistine. (Then David said to Saul, "Let no man's heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine." <verse 32>)
Now picture this; a young boy talking to the king and basically saying, "Don't worry; I've got your back!" That would be like a four year old saying they'll protect the eleven year old from the bullies at school! It is a funny picture!
Saul tried to arm David with his armour in order to protect him. After all, his brothers were all fighting in the war, and they wouldn't even go and fight the Philistine! But it didn't fit David. Instead of putting his faith in armour, David put in in God; after all, he knew God was in control of everything anyway! So he decided to use his slingshot; the tool he worked best with. He then went to a river, got five smooth stones for his slingshot, and went to fight the Philistine. David told the giant he would defeat him, and the giant,of course, didn't believe him; he wanted things done the hard way. One shot from David's sling, and BAM! The giant was killed when it hit his forehead. The giant was down!
What I am trying to say in all of this is that it doesn't matter how big or how small you are; all that matters is whether you have faith that God will help you overcome the giants in your life. Because if you have faith, He will help you overcome them; just wait and see!
A little side note; David became a king later on. He didn't always make good choices, no. But God loved him likes He loves you and me. David is even in the genealogy of Jesus! That is pretty cool, I think!
For further study on what we need to have courage, refer to the following:
Psalm 27:14
Psalm 30:5
Isaiah 43:2
I Peter 4:12-13
Romans 8:38-39
Isaiah 41:10
Philippians 4:13
There are plenty more verses on the subject--if you want references, just leave a comment, and I'll put them on for you. God bless!;D
Monday, February 25, 2013
Jealousy
Jealousy. We all experience it at some time or other. I figured out the other day; well, a few weeks ago now I guess, that the suffix of the word jealousy is lousy. Strange, huh? Could whoever have come up with this word been on to something?
How does jealousy make you feel? I know how it makes me feel-- angry, hurt, unjust. So, why do I let it get to me? The answer lies in that I am human, just as much as you are. We allow our sinful desires and actions to get the best of us. It doesn't make sense why we allow it, because we see what it does to other people. It is much harder to see faults in others than ourselves. That is just a fact of life, sadly.
What does the Bible say about jealousy? Well, James 3:16 says this: "Whenever people are jealous or selfish, they cause trouble and do all sorts of cruel things." (CEV version)
I don't know what this leads you to think, but it leads me to this; jealousy is selfishness in disguise. Now, that may or may not be a big revelation to you, but it may be too. I don't know; Jesus does though.
Think about it this way; selfishness, obviously, causes jealousy. We are upset because someone has what we don't. So we become jealous and envious of them, which won't help us in the long run; it could damage our relationship with God and with close friends and family members. If we don't take control of it, it could grow from covetousness to resentment of a person or thing-- or worse, even God!!
God commands us in Exodus 20: 17 to not want anthing that belongs to someone else-- not to covet what they have. Proverbs 3:31 has another great saying. I'll type it out for you: "Don't be jealous of men who who use violence. And don't choose to be like them."
There are stories in the Bible about people who were jealous and where it led them. Haman, in the book of Esther, is one example. Satan was cast out of heaven because of his hate and jealousy. That story is in Ezekiel 28, in case you want to check it out.
In the end, we need to learn to be content with what we have, material wise. Wanting to grow spiritually is something everyone should have an innate desire for. I have other verses posted below that you can look up and read for yourself. Have a great evening, and may God bless you this week.
Proverbs 23:17
1 Corinthians 13
How does jealousy make you feel? I know how it makes me feel-- angry, hurt, unjust. So, why do I let it get to me? The answer lies in that I am human, just as much as you are. We allow our sinful desires and actions to get the best of us. It doesn't make sense why we allow it, because we see what it does to other people. It is much harder to see faults in others than ourselves. That is just a fact of life, sadly.
What does the Bible say about jealousy? Well, James 3:16 says this: "Whenever people are jealous or selfish, they cause trouble and do all sorts of cruel things." (CEV version)
I don't know what this leads you to think, but it leads me to this; jealousy is selfishness in disguise. Now, that may or may not be a big revelation to you, but it may be too. I don't know; Jesus does though.
Think about it this way; selfishness, obviously, causes jealousy. We are upset because someone has what we don't. So we become jealous and envious of them, which won't help us in the long run; it could damage our relationship with God and with close friends and family members. If we don't take control of it, it could grow from covetousness to resentment of a person or thing-- or worse, even God!!
God commands us in Exodus 20: 17 to not want anthing that belongs to someone else-- not to covet what they have. Proverbs 3:31 has another great saying. I'll type it out for you: "Don't be jealous of men who who use violence. And don't choose to be like them."
There are stories in the Bible about people who were jealous and where it led them. Haman, in the book of Esther, is one example. Satan was cast out of heaven because of his hate and jealousy. That story is in Ezekiel 28, in case you want to check it out.
In the end, we need to learn to be content with what we have, material wise. Wanting to grow spiritually is something everyone should have an innate desire for. I have other verses posted below that you can look up and read for yourself. Have a great evening, and may God bless you this week.
Proverbs 23:17
1 Corinthians 13
Thursday, February 21, 2013
What to do when Loneliness strikes
Loneliness. Everybody faces it at some time in their life. We are abandoned by a trusted friend, wronged by someone close to us; forgotten. But you know what? We are never alone or forgotten--there is always Someone watching us!
Psalm 9:10 gives a promise to God's children; "Those who know the Lord trust Him. He will not leave those who come to Him." Hebrews 13:5, stated in the Message version, says this; "God assured us, 'I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you." Great promises, aren't they?
I think that Hebrews 13:5 is a verse that we, as Christian youth, should remember. There is power in that verse! People will fail us, leave us, and let us down. But Jesus never will! He will always be with us-- no matter what! Claiming these promises will help us feel safe and secure and happy-- and content.
Jesus shouldn't be just another friend. He should be everything to us! Now, I'll admit, I don't always live by that rule. But, it is my own fault. I let life get the best of me, and I become lonely, angry, and stubborn. Even through that Jesus loves me. Amazing, isn't it?
I want to encourage you to memorize Hebrews 13:5. I know that this is a big feat to some, but I think you should try. You can do it. Don't worry about how long it takes--just try and do your best! With some training and practice it will come naturally!
The main thing I want you to remember is that God is "with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)
"The eternal God is our hiding place; He carries us in His arms." ~Deuteronomy 33:27 (CEV)
"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
~Romans 8:37-39 (NKJV)
Psalm 9:10 gives a promise to God's children; "Those who know the Lord trust Him. He will not leave those who come to Him." Hebrews 13:5, stated in the Message version, says this; "God assured us, 'I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you." Great promises, aren't they?
I think that Hebrews 13:5 is a verse that we, as Christian youth, should remember. There is power in that verse! People will fail us, leave us, and let us down. But Jesus never will! He will always be with us-- no matter what! Claiming these promises will help us feel safe and secure and happy-- and content.
Jesus shouldn't be just another friend. He should be everything to us! Now, I'll admit, I don't always live by that rule. But, it is my own fault. I let life get the best of me, and I become lonely, angry, and stubborn. Even through that Jesus loves me. Amazing, isn't it?
I want to encourage you to memorize Hebrews 13:5. I know that this is a big feat to some, but I think you should try. You can do it. Don't worry about how long it takes--just try and do your best! With some training and practice it will come naturally!
The main thing I want you to remember is that God is "with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)
"The eternal God is our hiding place; He carries us in His arms." ~Deuteronomy 33:27 (CEV)
"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
~Romans 8:37-39 (NKJV)
Thursday, February 14, 2013
God's love and Salvation
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." God loves us. He cares about us. He wants us to reach out for Him. Why else would He have created the earth and all that is in it; including you?
Psalm 91:14-16 declares this: "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, And show him my salvation."
Just think about that for a moment; reflect upon it. "I will deliver him; I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him; I will satisfy him." Aren't these amazing promises for us to hold on to? GOD LOVES US!! He always does, no matter what we do-- so long as we turn back to Him. That is what He desires; for us to come to Him-- each and every one of the people on the face of the earth. 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
Jesus came, lived and died to save us. He loves us, just like His Father does. His story of life, death, and resurrection are found in the Gospels-- Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. I want to quote a verse from John 3:16. It says this: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." Amazing, isn't it? The Holy One who created the universe-- Who existed before the world began-- Who sent His Son to die because He loves us so much-- how is it possible to reject Jesus and His Father and the Holy Spirit? Yes, it may be scary and intimidating at first, but He is the best thing that can and will ever happen to you. Giving your life for something bigger is scary, but He is with you through it all!
If you want to accept Jesus as your personal Savior, all that you have to do is follow the few easy steps: A- admit that you are a sinner
B- believe that Jesus loves you and that He came, lived, and died and ressurected from the dead
C- confess your sins, and allow Jesus to work in your heart and mind.
This is all He wants. Will you accept Him? Will you love him and trust Him with your life? I encourage you to do so. It will be the most important decision you will ever make, but it will be the best one!
If you do not make this choice, remember this-- Jesus loves you and He will never give up on you. He will continue to love and care about you anyway, and will keep fighting for you. He does not force or push, but He will be ever-present in your life. He loves you, and that is the reason why He will do this. But remember, you have a limited amount of time. Everyone does! The longer you push Him away, the longer you harden your heart. He can wait forever-- you can't!! He doesn't want to be pushed away forever. But, he knows you, and cares about you. He wants what's best for you-- please remember that.
If you did take this step tonight, I commend you. You have just made the most important decision of your life. Remember, the road will not be easy. The world doesn't really like Christians. But, there will always be God. He will love you and be your ever-present help in times of trouble. May God bless you tonight and always.
Psalm 91:14-16 declares this: "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, And show him my salvation."
Just think about that for a moment; reflect upon it. "I will deliver him; I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him; I will satisfy him." Aren't these amazing promises for us to hold on to? GOD LOVES US!! He always does, no matter what we do-- so long as we turn back to Him. That is what He desires; for us to come to Him-- each and every one of the people on the face of the earth. 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
Jesus came, lived and died to save us. He loves us, just like His Father does. His story of life, death, and resurrection are found in the Gospels-- Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. I want to quote a verse from John 3:16. It says this: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." Amazing, isn't it? The Holy One who created the universe-- Who existed before the world began-- Who sent His Son to die because He loves us so much-- how is it possible to reject Jesus and His Father and the Holy Spirit? Yes, it may be scary and intimidating at first, but He is the best thing that can and will ever happen to you. Giving your life for something bigger is scary, but He is with you through it all!
If you want to accept Jesus as your personal Savior, all that you have to do is follow the few easy steps: A- admit that you are a sinner
B- believe that Jesus loves you and that He came, lived, and died and ressurected from the dead
C- confess your sins, and allow Jesus to work in your heart and mind.
This is all He wants. Will you accept Him? Will you love him and trust Him with your life? I encourage you to do so. It will be the most important decision you will ever make, but it will be the best one!
If you do not make this choice, remember this-- Jesus loves you and He will never give up on you. He will continue to love and care about you anyway, and will keep fighting for you. He does not force or push, but He will be ever-present in your life. He loves you, and that is the reason why He will do this. But remember, you have a limited amount of time. Everyone does! The longer you push Him away, the longer you harden your heart. He can wait forever-- you can't!! He doesn't want to be pushed away forever. But, he knows you, and cares about you. He wants what's best for you-- please remember that.
If you did take this step tonight, I commend you. You have just made the most important decision of your life. Remember, the road will not be easy. The world doesn't really like Christians. But, there will always be God. He will love you and be your ever-present help in times of trouble. May God bless you tonight and always.
Monday, February 11, 2013
The Purpose
God loves you! He is with you! I'm here to tell you that. My name is Augustine Gidney and I am a Christian teenager. I live in Weymouth, a really small village in Nova Scotia.
Anyway, I want to share the Good News about Jesus and His love to all who will listen. I especially want to reach teens in my generation who are looking for the truth. We are on our way to destruction if we stay on our current path. But, why can't we change? No, it is not an easy journey, but it is well worthwile!
It would be an amazing thing to see a revelation of teens taking a stand against the evil ways of the world and pressing on for the truth. But, this is a decision on your part. Will you take the challenge of standing up for Jesus Christ? Or, will you loathe and do nothing? I admit, I am not the greatest person to be saying something like this. I am probably the worst person to say this! I really don't deserve to say this! But, I am asking you to take the challenge with me and stand up against the devil and stand up for Jesus Christ. No, the road will not be easy. In fact, it will be the hardest thing that you will ever have to face! The world does not like Christians! But, with Jesus' help, you will be able to do it. Will you join me?
Anyway, I want to share the Good News about Jesus and His love to all who will listen. I especially want to reach teens in my generation who are looking for the truth. We are on our way to destruction if we stay on our current path. But, why can't we change? No, it is not an easy journey, but it is well worthwile!
It would be an amazing thing to see a revelation of teens taking a stand against the evil ways of the world and pressing on for the truth. But, this is a decision on your part. Will you take the challenge of standing up for Jesus Christ? Or, will you loathe and do nothing? I admit, I am not the greatest person to be saying something like this. I am probably the worst person to say this! I really don't deserve to say this! But, I am asking you to take the challenge with me and stand up against the devil and stand up for Jesus Christ. No, the road will not be easy. In fact, it will be the hardest thing that you will ever have to face! The world does not like Christians! But, with Jesus' help, you will be able to do it. Will you join me?
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