First of all, I'd like to apologize for not posting for so long. I am going to strive to post more in the upcoming year.
Now that that is out of the way, let's get to it!
Over the past couple of months, I've been easily distracted by worldly things. And I'm going to work on getting back to where I should be. Last night, as I was going to bed, I looked over on my bedside table. My Bible was lying there, and it's like someone said to my heart/mind to read it. So I picked it up, looked for a topic in my "life choices index" and began reading. Eventually, I got to 2 Timothy 2. Looking at what I've been doing in my life, and knowing it was wrong made me feel terrible when I looked at the titles "A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus" and even worse, "An Approved Worker." But I found that reading this chapter really helped me. There were so many good things in the chapter! I guess I'm learning that sometimes when I don't feel like reading the Bible, or when I'm "too busy" I need to make time. As you read in different spots, you get energized and encouraged. God will point you to what you need to hear. Like last night, when I was going "why am I in this passage?" this came up: "Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts." (2 Timothy 2:22) And it goes on to speak about quarrels and stubborn people. It amazes me that God shows me exactly what I need! And that He puts people in my life to encourage and help me along. I encourage you all to read this whole chapter, and even all of 1-2 Timothy! Neither book is very long, and there is good stuff in there! I'm going to challenge myself to do it!
I say all of this to say this; never underestimate the power of God. And never think that you don't need the Bible. (And don't worry, I'm talking to myself too!) Get into the Bible. Read it. Study it. Apply it. There will be results. Some things we may not like, but they are important to our walk with God.
Happy New Year!
(Used Teen Life Application Study Bible NLT, Tyndale)
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Monday, September 8, 2014
Worldly Expectations vs God's Love
What does the world tell you everyday? I don't know about you, but in my experience, love, sex, power, money, fitness, and material things are important. The world sees these things as things we need-- or we aren't good enough and don't fit in. Everyone seems to be so obsessed with fitting in and conforming to the worlds' standards that we lose our own. Even Christians have this happen to them-- they become so obsessed with the world that they lose sight of God and what He wants for them. I know that I have done it. Many times over.
The world tells us we don't need God. You know what? God loves us so much that He created this world-- however, Adam and Eve's sin is what made it what it is today. The world was a perfect place-- but they fell into Satan's trap telling them there was something better than what God had given them. Check out Genesis. The whole story is in there.
But even in that, God made a way for us to get back to Him. He sent His Only Son, Jesus, to live here, teach us about Him, and die a brutal death for our sins. His story is in any of the gospels-- Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. (Check it out! It's awesome!:)
The world is always telling us we need to change, eat this, have a hot boyfriend/girlfriend, own anything/everything we want. But you know what God tells us?
HE LOVES US (see John 13:34)
HE WANTS US TO COME TO HIM WITH EVERYTHING (Matthew 11:28-30)
HE FORGIVES US OF OUR SINS (Luke 7:48)
HE IS ENOUGH FOR US (Matthew 11:30)
God loves us in a way the world never can. We, as Christians, need to learn to listen to God, not the world. Remember, God is the Only One who can love you unconditionally. He loves you in a way no person ever can. Don't hang on to the things of this world. They won't last. Hang on to God-- HE WILL LAST--FOREVER! And so will His love.
The world tells us we don't need God. You know what? God loves us so much that He created this world-- however, Adam and Eve's sin is what made it what it is today. The world was a perfect place-- but they fell into Satan's trap telling them there was something better than what God had given them. Check out Genesis. The whole story is in there.
But even in that, God made a way for us to get back to Him. He sent His Only Son, Jesus, to live here, teach us about Him, and die a brutal death for our sins. His story is in any of the gospels-- Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. (Check it out! It's awesome!:)
The world is always telling us we need to change, eat this, have a hot boyfriend/girlfriend, own anything/everything we want. But you know what God tells us?
HE LOVES US (see John 13:34)
HE WANTS US TO COME TO HIM WITH EVERYTHING (Matthew 11:28-30)
HE FORGIVES US OF OUR SINS (Luke 7:48)
HE IS ENOUGH FOR US (Matthew 11:30)
God loves us in a way the world never can. We, as Christians, need to learn to listen to God, not the world. Remember, God is the Only One who can love you unconditionally. He loves you in a way no person ever can. Don't hang on to the things of this world. They won't last. Hang on to God-- HE WILL LAST--FOREVER! And so will His love.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Easter-- What's its meaning?
Today is Easter day. Today is a special day for all Christians. It is the day that Jesus Christ arose from the dead! He defeated sin and Satan by dying on the cross, and rising from the dead on Sunday, completing the job. Have you ever heard the poem "Sunday's a Comin'?" (Search on YouTube) If you haven't, listen to it. It will explain everything!
Jesus' death and resurrection made a way for all people to come to Him and be saved. He is willing to forgive you if you ask. Read the story of His life and death in any of the gospels. Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John have all the stories. They really are fascinating. Mark 14 on to 16 has the story of Jesus's death. Check it out. And while you are reading, really pay close attention. There is a lot of information in there. And I guarantee, if you have never read it, it will make a huge difference!
Check out Keith and Kristyn Getty's song, "Christ Is Risen, He Is Risen Indeed" It is another awesome Easter message!
Jesus' death and resurrection made a way for all people to come to Him and be saved. He is willing to forgive you if you ask. Read the story of His life and death in any of the gospels. Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John have all the stories. They really are fascinating. Mark 14 on to 16 has the story of Jesus's death. Check it out. And while you are reading, really pay close attention. There is a lot of information in there. And I guarantee, if you have never read it, it will make a huge difference!
Check out Keith and Kristyn Getty's song, "Christ Is Risen, He Is Risen Indeed" It is another awesome Easter message!
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Convictions vs Friends
Conviction. Such a small, simple word with such an important meaning. Dictionary.com says it is a "fixed or firm belief." Everyone has convictions of some sort or another. It can be as simple as believing that cats are better than dogs, or can be as big as believing whether dating is right or wrong. A conviction is a conviction.
Are some convictions (such as dating is not right for me to do) easy to stick to? No, of course not! There will always be someone who will try to belittle your convictions, and maybe even make a big deal of it to embarrass you. Are they your real friends? Are they the people that you really trust to respect and help you through life?
Some people say it is too hard to have convictions because of some of the reasons above. But God promises us, as Christians, that we "can do all things through Christ..." (Philippians 4:13 NKJV)
In 1 Samuel 18, David (who would one day be King David) and Jonathan (King Saul's son) became really good friends. The story tells us in verse 1 that "the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David." In other words, they became very close friends very quickly.
Friends like David and Jonathan support each other. If you read through the story, you will see what these friends faced together. They both had convictions, and each respected the other. This is real friendship. They stuck together through the good and bad, and respected each other.
These are the kinds of friends we should seek out. They may not agree with you on everything, but they should respect you and what you believe. Aren't those the kinds of friends you want?
Suggested reading-- 1 Samuel 18-20
God bless!:D
Are some convictions (such as dating is not right for me to do) easy to stick to? No, of course not! There will always be someone who will try to belittle your convictions, and maybe even make a big deal of it to embarrass you. Are they your real friends? Are they the people that you really trust to respect and help you through life?
Some people say it is too hard to have convictions because of some of the reasons above. But God promises us, as Christians, that we "can do all things through Christ..." (Philippians 4:13 NKJV)
In 1 Samuel 18, David (who would one day be King David) and Jonathan (King Saul's son) became really good friends. The story tells us in verse 1 that "the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David." In other words, they became very close friends very quickly.
Friends like David and Jonathan support each other. If you read through the story, you will see what these friends faced together. They both had convictions, and each respected the other. This is real friendship. They stuck together through the good and bad, and respected each other.
These are the kinds of friends we should seek out. They may not agree with you on everything, but they should respect you and what you believe. Aren't those the kinds of friends you want?
Suggested reading-- 1 Samuel 18-20
God bless!:D
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Where Is God?
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)
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)
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)