Working for God April 30, 2009

I firmly believe that all Christians and believers are on Earth for one purpose only–to spread God’s light to anyone and everyone.  I believe that each Christian should make this purpose their life goal.  Now, I think that it is great for you to choose a career (or maybe just stay home and have a family), but I think that that career should only be a pathway for you to use for the greater purpose, the purpose of Jesus.  I even believe that if you even don’t have a career, you can serve God with everything you do.  I’m only in high school, but I can serve God with my volunteering, my work around the house, and my everyday interaction with people outside of home.

I’d like to just give you the verse 1 Cornithians 15:58 from a few different translations.  I think it is very cool to see how different translations word such a great command.

GOD’S WORD Translation
So, then, brothers and sisters, don’t let anyone move you off the foundation [of your faith]. Always excel in the work you do for the Lord. You know that the hard work you do for the Lord is not pointless.

American King James Version
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be you steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Weymouth New Testament
Therefore, my dear brethren, be firm, unmovable, busily occupied at all times in the Lord’s work, knowing that your toil is not fruitless in the Lord.

A Psalm and a Quote April 29, 2009

Psalm 139

¹ O LORD, You have searched me and known me.
² You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
³ You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
⁴ For there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.
⁵ You have hedged me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is high, I cannot attain it.

⁷ Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
⁸ If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
⁹ If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
¹⁰ Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me.
¹¹ If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall^[a] on me,”
Even the night shall be light about me;
¹² Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You,
But the night shines as the day;
The darkness and the light are both alike to You.

¹³ For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;^[b]
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
¹⁶ Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.

¹⁷ How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!
¹⁸ If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;
When I awake, I am still with You.

¹⁹ Oh, that You would slay the wicked, O God!
Depart from me, therefore, you bloodthirsty men.
²⁰ For they speak against You wickedly;
Your enemies take Your name in vain.^[c]
21 Do I not hate them, O LORD, who hate You?
And do I not loathe those who rise up against You?
²² I hate them with perfect hatred;
I count them my enemies.

²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
²⁴ And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.

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This is a quote from “Little Women” (By Louisa May Alcott) that was really helpful to me! I hope it will be for you too!

(Marmee talking to Jo about her faults, and also how Father had helped her along in over coming them) – “…If I don’t seem to need help, it is because I have a better friend, even then father, to comfort and sustain me. My child, the troubles and temptations of your life are beginning, and may be many; but you can overcome and outlive them all if you learn to feel the strength and tenderness of your Heavenly Father as you do that of your earthly one. The more you love and trust Him, the nearer you will feel to Him, and the less you will depend on human power and wisdom. His love and care never tire or change, can never be taken from you, but may become the source of life-long peace, happiness, and strength. Believe this heartiuly, and go to God with all your little cares, and hopes, and sins, and sorrows, as freely and confidingly as you come to your mother.” – Marmee from “Little Women”

Exercise April 28, 2009

                   

Exercise daily.  Walk with the Lord!  ~Author Unknown

I admit it, I laughed when I saw this quote! As alot of you know, I am NOT one for exercise. I hate getting up early, and dragging myself down to the basement to simply ride the exercise bike for half an hour! Talk about lazy! It’s something I struggle with though.

And when I saw this quote, I thought, “Oh, that’s a cute way of saying it.”

But then it struck me, it’s more than “cute”. In fact, it’s not really “cute”, it’s downright, good sense!

We all know, to have a healthy, strong body we all need to exercise daily, and eat right, sleep right, etc. It’s the same with our spiritual life! We need to excercise, eat, and keep AWAKE in our spiritual lives. How many of you are like me in the way that you struggle nearly EVERY single day to spend time with God and His Word? That’s where the exercising comes in! We need to train ourselves in talking to God, obeying Him, learning from Him, and following His will for our lives. And like our physical bodies, we need food. Spiritual food, in this case, though. And where do you get that spiritual food? His word! Every chapter, every book in His word, is our food to eat. And while I, obviously, don’t mean to go chomp on your Bible, everyone should really be chewing on His words. We should study His words, take the time to actually think long and hard about them. Mulling over them until we understand them. Keep them inside us, and love them! They will not only feed us with good things for our spiritual life, but they will strengthen us, the way food strengthens our physical bodies.

If we don’t exercise in these areas, we become weak. I have had times where I have not been able to defend my beliefs properly or clearly because I had not studied God’s word, or been excercising my spiritual life! If we don’t exercise, how can we honestly say that we love God? How can we have a healthy relationship and a strong walk with God, if we don’t exercise?

So, how about you? Have you exercised today?

A Little Sunshine April 27, 2009

Seems songs from cartoons are popular for the posts this week!

This VeggieTales song is one of my little brothers’ favorite clips on YouTube (yes, we have him addicted!), but listening to it, I’ve realized that it’s not just good for 2 year olds-it’s good for everyone!

A little sunshine, God’s loving sunshine
It makes us happy when skies are grey
So always know, friend, how much He loves you
Then you can give His sunshine away

It’s so important to remember that God loves us and cares about us, but how often do we think about giving away some of that love to others? This passage in 2 Corinthians chapter 1 explains that when we receive comfort, or ’sunshine’, from God, we can then turn around and give that same ’sunshine’ to others!

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” ~2 Corinthians 1:3&4 NASB

My challenge to you today is to be God’s sunshine to someone! Choose someone (preferably someone in your family, since it’s often harder to be ’sunshine’ to them) and for the whole day do things to brighten up their life. Do a chore for them, put away their socks when they forget to, bring them a snack when they’re working on a project-whatever you can think of, and see what a difference a little sunshine can make. For some people, like shade plants,  it just takes a little sunshine for their whole attitude to be changed for the rest of the day, but some people are like plants that need constant sunshine all day for a long time to really grow, and you have to show them kindness for days, weeks, sometimes even years, before you really start to notice a difference. No matter how people respond to us, if we remain constant, like the sun which shines every single day (even when the clouds block it from our view, it still shines!), it will make a difference.

So, who are you going to show some sunshine to?

Through Heaven’s Eyes April 26, 2009

From The Prince of Egypt

I love this song.  I think that, even though it is from a cartoon for kids, it has a wonderful message that can be applied to anyone.  Just look at some of the lyrics:

So how can you see what your life is worth
Or where your value lies?
You can never see through the eyes of man
You must look at your life
Look at your life through heaven’s eyes

I highlighted that line up there, “You can never see through the eyes of man”.  I think that this is my favorite line in the entire song.  So often we look at our lives or the lives of others through the eyes of the world and not through the “eyes” of our Father.  When we do a small, kind thing, we view it as miniscule and unimportant.  But perhaps God sees that thing as a beautiful, pure act.  And if you remember, love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast–it is not proud or rude, love is not self seeking, it keeps no record of wrong. I believe that God is Love.  God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit has exhibited the greatest sort of love for us.  And when we perform actions and say things out of love, we are doing things that represent the kingdom of Heaven.  So even when you are kind to your siblings, or when you refrain from saying something rude, you are living out love.  And when you live love, you are living the kingdom of Heaven.

So how can we look at our lives through Heaven’s eyes?  For one, do not ever think of yourself as unimportant. God sees you and loves you as you are–beautiful, wonderful, and His child.

A single thread in a tapestry
Through its color brightly shine
Can never see its purpose
In the pattern of the grand design

As humans, we are prone to looking at the world in the present tense.  We very rarely think in “big pictures”.  God has a plan for each and every one of us, and even if it means waiting a few years to start to see that plan take place, we can be assured that it will happen.  We also tend to underestimate how God can use even the weakest, poorest, “dumbest” of believers for His great work.  Just look at so many situations in the Bible!  Poor fishermen ended up being some of the greatest witnesses for Jesus.  A beautiful Jewish girl was chosen to marry the king and save her people from destruction.  A prostitute helped to fulfill God’s promises by merely hiding some Israelites.  These people were not rich or talented or powerful or privileged.  They were ordinary people who God chose to use for His plan.

This post is getting to be quite long.  There is a lot to be learned from one little song.    Most of all, just remember that your life isn’t what it looks like to you through the eyes of the world.  Look at your life through God’s eyes.  Read the Bible and learn what God values in people.  He values commitment to Him, love for others, a serving heart, and so many other attributes that are so much more useful and beautiful than the riches or values of this world!

So how do you judge what a man is worth
By what he builds or buys?
You can never see with your eyes on earth
Look through heaven’s eyes

How green is too green? April 25, 2009

I would like to pose a prompt for a group discussion.  If you’d like to add your thoughts, just comment in a friendly, appropriate manner.  All are welcome to participate. 

~~~

I have noticed a new trend that has been developing recently.  Or perhaps only now have I noticed that everything seems to be about “being green” or “eco friendly”.  Every store, restaurant, company, etc. promotes the idea of being eco friendly and “green.”  And you hear about all of these oil resources that we have in our country, but we won’t drill them because environmentalists want to protect the planet from pollution and waste.  We are commanded by God to take care of our planet.  It is His creation, and as long as we live on it, we should protect it and preserve its beauty.

What do you think?  Are we going too green?  Should we use our fuel resources, even if it means upsetting some of the eco-system?  Is this desire to “be green” overshadowing what we are keeping green–God’s earth?

Side note: This is interesting…

To Be a Princess April 24, 2009

“Listen, O daughter, give attention and incline your ear; Forget your epople and your father’s house;

Then the King will deisre your beauty; Because he is your lord, bow down to Him.

And the daughter of Tyre will come with a gift; The rich among the people will entreat your favor.

The King’s daughter is all glorious within; Her clothing is interwoven with gold.

She will be led to the King in embroidered work; The virgins, her companions who follow her, will be brought to Thee.

They will be led forth with gladness and rejoicing; They will enter into the King’s palace.”

~Psalm 45:10-15

“Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.”

~Proverbs 31:30

Every girl’s fantasy is to become a princess…so why not fulfill that fantasy? Become a princess! Become the best kind of princess there is! Bow to the high and almighty King of all the world and become His adopted daughter. His very own princess. Love Him and serve Him, and your deeds will sparkle more than the most glittering tiara. Put on the fruit of the spirit as a long flowing gown and a tiara. Wear them all the time, and people will see you for who you are: a princess.

Standing Up for What You Believe In April 23, 2009

So this is a little less of a spiritual post and more of a post that deals with standing up for what you believe in.  You may have heard about the recent “scandal” involving Miss America runner-up Carrie Prejean and how she stood up for her belief that marriage should be between a man and a woman.  (I’m not touching on that subject–if you want to read about it, just look up “Carrie Prejean” on Google).  I read about this woman, who gave up “the crown” (Miss America crown) and instead gave a truthful answer about a very touchy topic in our country right now.  And even though she was a beauty pagaent contestant (not usually good role models), I can’t help but admire what she did and said.

I don’t know about the rest of you, but I find it hard sometimes to stand up for my belief.  At dance class girls will use God’s name in vain, and I cringe, but I don’t say anything.  I wear religious t-shirts, but sometimes find that I cover them up with my jacket.  And I ask myself over and over again, “Why is it so hard to stand up for my beliefs?”  Bottom line is, I’m afraid of being made fun of.  It’s a sad truth, but it is the biggest reason.  Putting God before anything else is not mainstream, even among Christian teens.  I’ve been called “Miss Pure” and “perfect” before (and not in endearing ways) because of how I act and what I say and do.  And I’m glad to be known as that sort of person and not as a rebel or improper person, but it can be frustrating to have kids your age see your faith as something that makes you “perfect”, because in reality, our faith doesn’t make us perfect.

The verse that I need to remember when I find it hard to stick up for God is:

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” ~ Matthew 5:10

So even when we are made fun of, or feel embarrassed, we can remember that we will be blessed for that persecution.  Like the Miss America runner-up experience, we can sometimes “lose all” when we put God and our beliefs first.  But suffering for God can be a good thing, even though it is painful here on earth.  If you profess a faith in Jesus Christ, and desire to put Him before all, stand up for your faith–defend it, live it, and desire to put it before your life.

“Live your beliefs and you can turn the world around.” Henry David Thoreau

Peace and Joy April 22, 2009

“For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” – Isaiah 55:12

“…for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 14:17

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” Romans 15:13

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” Galatians 5:22a

“Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,  But counselors of peace have joy.” – Proverbs 12:20

Peace and joy – two things that I have been struggling with, and yet two of the things I want the most! These two things are included in several of the same verses in the Bible (as you can see ), and we are instructed many other times to have peace and joy.

One way we can do this is to give thanksgiving to God! We don’t have to FEEL thankful, to BE thankful! Sometimes when I’ll be making a list of things that I’m upset about, or that are going wrong, then I’ll make another list of all the good things in my life, and often it out weighs the bad stuff! And it puts things in perspective!, and leaves me feeling a bit better!

I’m a pretty practical person, and love practical ideas that I know I can do (like the thankful list), and the other day my dear friend gave me some very helpful and practical ideas for doing when you are feeling depressed and stressed! They really helped me, so I thought I’d share some with some thoughts about them!

1. Stop for a moment and breathe – just taking a deep breathe can help relieve stress! (Just make sure it’s not an annoyed sounding sigh! ).

2. Say a prayer – tell God how you are feeling, and ask Him to help you through the day!

3 – Be kind to those around you! – I can’t tell you how many times when I am feeling down, if I work hard on being really kind to people, and doing kind things to them, how it helps me feel so much better!

4 – Sing and be as joyful as you can!! – This can be SO hard sometimes! Especially when you feel like crying! But if you can manage to force yourself to start a song (a praise song, or Bible song is the best! ), often after a little while your “blues” will go away!

5 – Smile! – Sometimes this is forced too, but after a little while, it’ll come naturally!!

6 – Say the fruits of the Spirit over to yourself again and again (or sing them if you know a song! ), and practice doing them with your family!!! Remember what the fruits of the Spirit are??? “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control…” – Galatians 5:22-23a Even just choosing one of these fruits and working on it the whole day is a big help! (And it gets your focus somewhere other then yourself and your depression and stress! ).

7 – Take one step at a time! – Just do one thing at a time, and don’t let that list overwhelm you!

Well, I hope this was helpful!!! It was for me!!!

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

Amen and amen!

Go to Jesus April 21, 2009

The day is dark and gray

Even though the sun is shining

And the rain always seems to stay

No clouds with silver linings.

 

You long for comfort and peace

To have all things just work out

You want all these troubles to cease

You no longer want the doubts.

 

And when you reach the breaking point

You reach out in despair

Not wanting to disappoint

You grapple with every care.

 

Go to Jesus

Your troubles He will carry

Go to Jesus

Your past He will bury

Go to Jesus

He holds you up when you are down

Go to Jesus

So He can wipe away your frown

Go to Jesus

For His love is soothing

Go to Jesus

When your path needs smoothing

Go to Jesus

Looking to Him above

Go to Jesus

For His immense love.

So, go to Jesus…

 

I’ve mentioned several times in my latest posts how I’ve been struggling with some stuff lately…well, I have been. And if it weren’t for Jesus, I know I would not be able to get throught this time. Because without Jesus I feel like my life is nothing…a waste of time.

When I’ve felt angry, upset, or emotional, I always turned to my friends to complain and rant…or I kept it within myself, having a regular pity-party. I never realized just how good a listener Jesus is! I’ve been practicing going to Jesus lately whenever I feel horrible or just downright blue. I talk and I talk to Him until I feel like I’ve run out of anger or disappointment or jealousy. Talking to Jesus soothes me when I need soothing. Yes, it is nice to talk to friends about your problems sometimes, and to receive their sympathy, but I also felt a sense of guilt whenever I loaded my worries down on my friends. Jesus is so incredible that He takes all my worries on Himself. Everything. Jesus takes everything off of me and puts them on His shoulders. The only thing I need to do is to go to Him and give them up. Jesus loves me so much that He takes everything from me to carry…He replaces my worries with such peace and such love that makes me feel so close to Him…the most beautiful feeling in the world. Go to Jesus!