So the total excitement over singing in church was totally diminished thanks to an annoying bout of laryngitis. I was very unhappy with this predicament, and felt bad to leave our music coordinator just one day to replace me in both praise team and choir. Plus, I couldn't even sing regularly from my pew in church. Needless to say, I was wondering, "God...what the heck are ya doin'?!"
Jokes popped into my mind like God is just really sick of hearing my talk and hearing my naive ways of how He should be running things - but this is obviously not true. It's just not what God stands for. So, I was back to square one. I then decided that God just had other plans for me, and singing in church that day.
Needless to say, God is always right. Sometimes I love this, and other times it irritates me. Let's be honest, I'm human, I am prideful, and I have an innate nature to always want to be right. But on days when I sing in church, I am often times much more nervous about how I'll sound rather than focusing on the main purpose of church: the fellowship and the message. God knew that the message we got yesterday was going to impact me, and He knew that I really needed to hear it. My singing in church would have gotten in the way of that.
God wanted me to know that there are other ways to serve in His home rather than just sing. He put it on my heart to help with VBS (Vacation Bible School), and so in a week I will be dealing with energized little kids and trying to help them know God. Now, I have no siblings and have really never babysat kids. I have pretty much had no experience with children. I love children dearly, but I just don't know how to talk to them! God knows this and He wants me to become broken of that hindrance. So it's "hi ho, hi ho, it's off to VBS I go..."
There have been so many other times in my life that I have wanted something that God has denied me because He knows I either cannot handle it or there is something better coming. Another example of this is something that happened to me at college. I have wanted to be an Admissions Ambassador at my college since I visited my sophomore year in high school. I applying, and I thought I rocked it. But I wasn't accepted! Other people whom I thought were not well qualified got it, but I did not. I was CRUSHED. But then, two weeks later, I was nominated to be a part of a leadership team! It was a huge honor, but had I become an AA, I would have had to turn down that leadership opportunity which works so much better for me and my hectic schedule.
God knows what He's doing, and you just have to trust that! "God opposes the proud but favors the humble." James 4:6 However, 'God time' is much, much, much longer than our pitifully short clock, so His plan may unravel in a much longer time frame than we acknowledge. You just have to trust Him.
God Bless!
ChristianKid
Monday, July 25, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
My Everyday Life
So, I have been at a loss for what to write about lately. Hence, the lack of recent posts. But I have an idea! Whether you like it or not, prepare to read about my boring, everyday life as it relates to God. Woo!
Lately, all I ever do is school and work. Blech. Not fun. And I hang out with my boyfriend every chance I get :)
But, sometimes during the day, I really take a moment and think about God. Which is nice for me because I'm a go-go-go kinda gal. Three weeks ago was the fourth of July. I think. Anyway, that Sunday I was asked to do Special Music for my church which I always thoroughly enjoy doing. However, I was asked to play patriotic songs on my trumpet. Not cool! I haven't done a full-blown solo on my trumpet since the sixth grade! But I girded up my loins (also a phrase I learned in church, ironically enough) and decided that I could do it, come what may. Well come what may, it did!
While I was waiting to practice at church, the praise team (group that leads the congregation in song) was practicing some of my favorite songs EVER. Amazing Grace, My Chains are Gone by Chris Tomlin and one other one whose name escapes me - I think it was a hymn. Anyway, they were short one female vocalist - and guess who they asked to do it?! ME!!! AHAHAHA I was sooooo excited! Plus, it helped take the edge of playing my trumpet, which is usually hit or miss with me. It all went fantastically and I had a blast.
Well, now guess what? I got asked to do praise team again! Woohoo! I'm so pumped. I am the only female vocalist this time and have only heard of one out of the four songs we're doing but I am so incredibly pumped :) Plus, I am doing choir this week which means I get to rip out high notes that I wouldn't normally do during a solo or praise team which always makes me happy :) yay being a soprano!
Unfortunately, this is my last summer doing all of the fun things I love to do with my church. Onto a new church! Go BWC! Brookings, SD will become my new permanent home next summer and I'm really excited. I'll miss the old 'burg, but it's time to start my future. My youth group at my new church just got a new pastor, whom my boyfriend and I are really excited to get to know. I might look into doing vocals there, if my school schedule isn't too crazy.
But best news ever: I'm getting baptized! Sometime, lol. I wanted to do it here before I left because that was the church that brought me to Christ, but they require membership. And I feel bad being a member of a church that I no longer go to and contribute money to one church when I go to a different one. And baptism is about renewal in Christ and publicly professing faith, so my new church seems a great place to do that.
I want to wait until I get to know this new pastor there more, though. I don't know why, I just want someone I know and someone who knows me to baptize me. Just seems more meaningful to me that way.
I'm also becoming quite frustrated with my healing prayer list becoming bigger and none of those things moving to my praise prayer list. But, God has a plan and I just have to trust him. I also get irritated that I don't put aside enough time in each day to deeply pray about everything on my list (which doesn't even begin to cover my mental prayer list). Usually I do two or three things well and then scan through the rest...which I do not approve of myself doing. Mental check: do what I want to do how I want to do it, not just breezing through and calling it good enough.
I hope this finds you all well and I would love to hear stories about the little things God is doing in your life now!
God Bless!
ChristianKid
Lately, all I ever do is school and work. Blech. Not fun. And I hang out with my boyfriend every chance I get :)
But, sometimes during the day, I really take a moment and think about God. Which is nice for me because I'm a go-go-go kinda gal. Three weeks ago was the fourth of July. I think. Anyway, that Sunday I was asked to do Special Music for my church which I always thoroughly enjoy doing. However, I was asked to play patriotic songs on my trumpet. Not cool! I haven't done a full-blown solo on my trumpet since the sixth grade! But I girded up my loins (also a phrase I learned in church, ironically enough) and decided that I could do it, come what may. Well come what may, it did!
While I was waiting to practice at church, the praise team (group that leads the congregation in song) was practicing some of my favorite songs EVER. Amazing Grace, My Chains are Gone by Chris Tomlin and one other one whose name escapes me - I think it was a hymn. Anyway, they were short one female vocalist - and guess who they asked to do it?! ME!!! AHAHAHA I was sooooo excited! Plus, it helped take the edge of playing my trumpet, which is usually hit or miss with me. It all went fantastically and I had a blast.
Well, now guess what? I got asked to do praise team again! Woohoo! I'm so pumped. I am the only female vocalist this time and have only heard of one out of the four songs we're doing but I am so incredibly pumped :) Plus, I am doing choir this week which means I get to rip out high notes that I wouldn't normally do during a solo or praise team which always makes me happy :) yay being a soprano!
Unfortunately, this is my last summer doing all of the fun things I love to do with my church. Onto a new church! Go BWC! Brookings, SD will become my new permanent home next summer and I'm really excited. I'll miss the old 'burg, but it's time to start my future. My youth group at my new church just got a new pastor, whom my boyfriend and I are really excited to get to know. I might look into doing vocals there, if my school schedule isn't too crazy.
But best news ever: I'm getting baptized! Sometime, lol. I wanted to do it here before I left because that was the church that brought me to Christ, but they require membership. And I feel bad being a member of a church that I no longer go to and contribute money to one church when I go to a different one. And baptism is about renewal in Christ and publicly professing faith, so my new church seems a great place to do that.
I want to wait until I get to know this new pastor there more, though. I don't know why, I just want someone I know and someone who knows me to baptize me. Just seems more meaningful to me that way.
I'm also becoming quite frustrated with my healing prayer list becoming bigger and none of those things moving to my praise prayer list. But, God has a plan and I just have to trust him. I also get irritated that I don't put aside enough time in each day to deeply pray about everything on my list (which doesn't even begin to cover my mental prayer list). Usually I do two or three things well and then scan through the rest...which I do not approve of myself doing. Mental check: do what I want to do how I want to do it, not just breezing through and calling it good enough.
I hope this finds you all well and I would love to hear stories about the little things God is doing in your life now!
God Bless!
ChristianKid
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
To God be the Glory
At my church, we often do Special Music performances from members of the church before the sermon begins to set the mood for the sermon. I usually sing touching songs or play a number on my trumpet when I perform for this. However, one thing I always found weird about our special music was that no one claps afterwards. At first it was strange, but I began to get used to it and like it. Clapping shows you appreciate it, but saying "amen" afterwards shows you truly touched someone. And clapping puts the focus on you.
I love my God-given talent of singing. It's one of my favorite things to do and I cannot think of a better way to glorify God than to use that talent to touch other people. Because we don't clap and say "amen" instead, it shows that we acknowledge God as the source of such beautiful music and we thank Him for granting someone with such a wonderful gift. We have other members who perform amazing acapella numbers, group harmonies, and other instrumentalists such as flutists and pianists.
When we show other people what wonderful gifts God has blessed us with, we need to make sure we understand where those gifts come from and that those you are performing for understand this as well. In one of my favorite movies, The Greatest Game Ever Played, Shia LaBeouf's character, Francis, comments on an opera singer's voice having produced music sounding like it came from somewhere else and that's how he wants his golf game to be.
Now I play golf and sing, so this really hits home for me. Every once in a while, I will be singing in choir or just in my car and can all of the sudden start singing better than I ever could have imagined. And it sounds like it's coming from somewhere else - not my voice! It's one of the coolest things I have ever had happen to me. And it's happened during golf, too. When I hit that perfect drive or nail that forty foot putt, I know that sort of shot is expertise far beyond my years so it must come from something else. Some people may attribute this to luck, but luck has to come from somewhere too! And coincidences must be attributed to something as well.
These examples illustrate the need to rely on God, as well. We cannot do anything without God. We are not to rely on ourselves. As Matthew 19:26 states: With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. There is nothing in this world you cannot accomplish with God on your side. Whether it is singing with a Godly voice, or making a difficult putt, or David defeating Goliath, as long as we trust in God, we can accomplish anything.
Now let me give you an example from the other side of the spectrum: at my college, we read the book Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson. It was a touching story of how a broke mountain climber whose sister died of epilepsy wanted to climb K2 to place her necklace on the mountain as a symbolic thing to him. But he got caught in a storm and almost died but was nursed back to health by village-men and he swore to repay them via their education system. And he set out and built all these schools in the Middle East/K2 region and helping them overcome their constant oppression and lack of education.
It was truly inspirational! While reading this, I felt I could do something like this to. The author, Greg Mortenson, even came to our school to talk about his experiences and what we could do to help. The basketball arena was packed to the brim and then some. I remember thinking, "how awesome would it be if all these 2,000+ people in this stadium saw this great role model and then heard he attributed his success and gifts to God. What a wonderful testimony that would be! Alas, Mortenson was an atheist.
But as if God Himself agreed with me that Mortenson should give God the glory for his successes, Mortenson was discredited on national television! 60 minutes found out that he was a scam who didn't do half of what he said he did. He just took credit for it. He was also found to have been with Al Qaeda, having taken pictures holding machine guns and wearing a turban with them. It pretty much destroyed all Mortenson had made himself to be.
God wants us to be successful in our endeavors, but He does not want us to forget who gave us the ability to be successful. He just wants credit for what He's done. Wouldn't you if you put in all that hard work?
1 Corinthians 10:31 says that "so whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." Do it ALL for the GLORY of God.
Just love God and glorify Him and His name...He is most certainly worth it.
God Bless!
ChristianKid
I love my God-given talent of singing. It's one of my favorite things to do and I cannot think of a better way to glorify God than to use that talent to touch other people. Because we don't clap and say "amen" instead, it shows that we acknowledge God as the source of such beautiful music and we thank Him for granting someone with such a wonderful gift. We have other members who perform amazing acapella numbers, group harmonies, and other instrumentalists such as flutists and pianists.
When we show other people what wonderful gifts God has blessed us with, we need to make sure we understand where those gifts come from and that those you are performing for understand this as well. In one of my favorite movies, The Greatest Game Ever Played, Shia LaBeouf's character, Francis, comments on an opera singer's voice having produced music sounding like it came from somewhere else and that's how he wants his golf game to be.
Now I play golf and sing, so this really hits home for me. Every once in a while, I will be singing in choir or just in my car and can all of the sudden start singing better than I ever could have imagined. And it sounds like it's coming from somewhere else - not my voice! It's one of the coolest things I have ever had happen to me. And it's happened during golf, too. When I hit that perfect drive or nail that forty foot putt, I know that sort of shot is expertise far beyond my years so it must come from something else. Some people may attribute this to luck, but luck has to come from somewhere too! And coincidences must be attributed to something as well.
These examples illustrate the need to rely on God, as well. We cannot do anything without God. We are not to rely on ourselves. As Matthew 19:26 states: With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. There is nothing in this world you cannot accomplish with God on your side. Whether it is singing with a Godly voice, or making a difficult putt, or David defeating Goliath, as long as we trust in God, we can accomplish anything.
Now let me give you an example from the other side of the spectrum: at my college, we read the book Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson. It was a touching story of how a broke mountain climber whose sister died of epilepsy wanted to climb K2 to place her necklace on the mountain as a symbolic thing to him. But he got caught in a storm and almost died but was nursed back to health by village-men and he swore to repay them via their education system. And he set out and built all these schools in the Middle East/K2 region and helping them overcome their constant oppression and lack of education.
It was truly inspirational! While reading this, I felt I could do something like this to. The author, Greg Mortenson, even came to our school to talk about his experiences and what we could do to help. The basketball arena was packed to the brim and then some. I remember thinking, "how awesome would it be if all these 2,000+ people in this stadium saw this great role model and then heard he attributed his success and gifts to God. What a wonderful testimony that would be! Alas, Mortenson was an atheist.
But as if God Himself agreed with me that Mortenson should give God the glory for his successes, Mortenson was discredited on national television! 60 minutes found out that he was a scam who didn't do half of what he said he did. He just took credit for it. He was also found to have been with Al Qaeda, having taken pictures holding machine guns and wearing a turban with them. It pretty much destroyed all Mortenson had made himself to be.
God wants us to be successful in our endeavors, but He does not want us to forget who gave us the ability to be successful. He just wants credit for what He's done. Wouldn't you if you put in all that hard work?
1 Corinthians 10:31 says that "so whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." Do it ALL for the GLORY of God.
Just love God and glorify Him and His name...He is most certainly worth it.
God Bless!
ChristianKid
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Stay in the Word!
As I have mentioned before, I am home on summer break from college. I am blessed to come home to a supportive group of friends and church that many of my friends do not have in their hometowns.
However, it is still a struggle to stay in the word! I mean, come on, it's summer!!! Psht, who wants to sit buried in the Bible taking notes or even just reading a book with such flimsy pages on a beautiful, breezing day? (Not that those have happened yet...grrr...) I know I don't. And even on a gross, windy, rainy day like today I still don't want to sit and read my Bible. Too many video games to play.
So I have decided to make a list of fun things to do to still stay in touch with God throughout the day, even during the busy summer. No telling how long this list will be. I'm just winging it here.
1. Listen to Jesus music!
Seriously, how much time do you spend driving in your car, tanning, sitting on a boat, or just relaxing outside. Or for some of you really crazy people - exercising? All these things you can do with some ear buds in! Instead of putting on the latest Usher or Beyonce, put on some good ole Hillsong or Chris Tomlin. The Christian music community has pretty much got everything covered as far as genres go, so you're sure to find something you like.
2. Watch a Christian movie!
I know one of my friends' and I's favorite thing to do is watch movies late at night. I've done a blog on this subject before, so click here to read the whole thing! But here's a quick sum up - yes, Christian movies can be low budget and sometimes have some terrible acting, but the message is always supreme! Not like some of the porno movies that are considered mainstream. If you want a good, wholesome movie, pop in some of these favorites:
- Facing the Giants
- Soul Surfer
- Fireproof
- Left Behind
- Book of Eli
- Faith Like Potatoes
- The Passion of the Christ
- and a whole lot more!
3. Do a Bible study with friends!
I love getting together with my friends over the summer, but I live in boon dock Iowa so many times we struggle with finding things to do that don't require paying a whole lot for gas. Even just taking a half hour to an hour of your hang out time to go over some Bible material is highly beneficial. And if you don't know what to do or where to start for material and learning, ask your pastor, buy a guide book, or even just share favorite verses with one another or discuss a topic like dating, marriage, or controversial subjects by finding verses from the Bible to back up your point of view. (Google is your best friend.)
4. Read a Christian book!
Sometimes that Bible can be overwhelming, can't it? Many translations still have that old English feel to them, and much of it is confusing without study Bibles or reference books to accompany your reading. Another thing to do is read a book that has Christian themes in it. There are many Christian fiction writers out there with genres to cover every topic imaginable. And I'm sure some are even available on tape to listen to in your car. (Once again, Google is your best friend. And Amazon. You're welcome for the free advertising, by the way.)
5. Volunteer!
Probably most of you cringed at reading this word. That's okay, I did while writing it. I don't know what it is about human nature, but we love to be selfish. We hate donating, especially things like time and money. But there are so many ways to volunteer! You can make food for a church potluck if you like cooking, be a nursery helper if you love little children, serve food at a soup kitchen if you like socializing, visit those in the hospital or nursing homes by talking to them and reading them Bible verses if you like helping the elderly, donate money to shelters, Red Cross, or Christian organizations if that is what the Lord is putting on your heart or donate clothes to Goodwill, church auctions, or missions groups. These are just a few ideas, and I'm sure you have some of your own.
6. Mission trip!!
Many of you might consider this the same thing as volunteering, but I feel it is not. It is similar, but so much more. And yes, I realize most mission trips require some planning (and unfortunately, money) so start planning for next year! Even just planning for something like the can get you psyched to stay in the Word. You can even make it into a family vacation. Frankly, I can't think of a better thing to teach my kids while on vacation. Well, future kids I guess. You can go anywhere you want!! Exotic locations, poverty-stricken locations, or even at home in the heartlands of America. Talk to your pastor about perhaps a church group all going together for support. I know most people feel that the people you set out to serve end up teaching you more than you ever thought you could teach them.
So I think six things are plenty to think about when plotting out your summer. Just keep God at the center of your heart and actions, and you're sure to have fun with Him!
God Bless!
ChristianKid
This post linked to:
Debbiedoo's Newbie Party
Spiritual Sundays
However, it is still a struggle to stay in the word! I mean, come on, it's summer!!! Psht, who wants to sit buried in the Bible taking notes or even just reading a book with such flimsy pages on a beautiful, breezing day? (Not that those have happened yet...grrr...) I know I don't. And even on a gross, windy, rainy day like today I still don't want to sit and read my Bible. Too many video games to play.
So I have decided to make a list of fun things to do to still stay in touch with God throughout the day, even during the busy summer. No telling how long this list will be. I'm just winging it here.
1. Listen to Jesus music!
Seriously, how much time do you spend driving in your car, tanning, sitting on a boat, or just relaxing outside. Or for some of you really crazy people - exercising? All these things you can do with some ear buds in! Instead of putting on the latest Usher or Beyonce, put on some good ole Hillsong or Chris Tomlin. The Christian music community has pretty much got everything covered as far as genres go, so you're sure to find something you like.
2. Watch a Christian movie!
I know one of my friends' and I's favorite thing to do is watch movies late at night. I've done a blog on this subject before, so click here to read the whole thing! But here's a quick sum up - yes, Christian movies can be low budget and sometimes have some terrible acting, but the message is always supreme! Not like some of the porno movies that are considered mainstream. If you want a good, wholesome movie, pop in some of these favorites:
- Facing the Giants
- Soul Surfer
- Fireproof
- Left Behind
- Book of Eli
- Faith Like Potatoes
- The Passion of the Christ
- and a whole lot more!
3. Do a Bible study with friends!
I love getting together with my friends over the summer, but I live in boon dock Iowa so many times we struggle with finding things to do that don't require paying a whole lot for gas. Even just taking a half hour to an hour of your hang out time to go over some Bible material is highly beneficial. And if you don't know what to do or where to start for material and learning, ask your pastor, buy a guide book, or even just share favorite verses with one another or discuss a topic like dating, marriage, or controversial subjects by finding verses from the Bible to back up your point of view. (Google is your best friend.)
4. Read a Christian book!
Sometimes that Bible can be overwhelming, can't it? Many translations still have that old English feel to them, and much of it is confusing without study Bibles or reference books to accompany your reading. Another thing to do is read a book that has Christian themes in it. There are many Christian fiction writers out there with genres to cover every topic imaginable. And I'm sure some are even available on tape to listen to in your car. (Once again, Google is your best friend. And Amazon. You're welcome for the free advertising, by the way.)
5. Volunteer!
Probably most of you cringed at reading this word. That's okay, I did while writing it. I don't know what it is about human nature, but we love to be selfish. We hate donating, especially things like time and money. But there are so many ways to volunteer! You can make food for a church potluck if you like cooking, be a nursery helper if you love little children, serve food at a soup kitchen if you like socializing, visit those in the hospital or nursing homes by talking to them and reading them Bible verses if you like helping the elderly, donate money to shelters, Red Cross, or Christian organizations if that is what the Lord is putting on your heart or donate clothes to Goodwill, church auctions, or missions groups. These are just a few ideas, and I'm sure you have some of your own.
6. Mission trip!!
Many of you might consider this the same thing as volunteering, but I feel it is not. It is similar, but so much more. And yes, I realize most mission trips require some planning (and unfortunately, money) so start planning for next year! Even just planning for something like the can get you psyched to stay in the Word. You can even make it into a family vacation. Frankly, I can't think of a better thing to teach my kids while on vacation. Well, future kids I guess. You can go anywhere you want!! Exotic locations, poverty-stricken locations, or even at home in the heartlands of America. Talk to your pastor about perhaps a church group all going together for support. I know most people feel that the people you set out to serve end up teaching you more than you ever thought you could teach them.
So I think six things are plenty to think about when plotting out your summer. Just keep God at the center of your heart and actions, and you're sure to have fun with Him!
God Bless!
ChristianKid
This post linked to:
Debbiedoo's Newbie Party
Spiritual Sundays
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Have no fear, oh ye of little faith
1 Peter 5:9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
There are so many times in our lives when the world just seems terrible - and thanks to sin, it is. Our world endures horrible things such as natural disasters, wars, disease, poverty, pain, and the list goes on and on. Sometimes I catch myself wondering, "God what are you doing?! What good is going to come of this?! This makes no sense!" Sometimes unfortunately for our naive minds, God works in mysterious ways.
But no matter what we all go through, there is always someone out there who is going through the same trials and tribulations that we have. God has made sure that no matter what happens, you can take comfort knowing that you are never alone. You always have Jesus to turn to when things get rough, and as long as you have faith in Him, He will provide for you and take care of you.
Matthew 21:21 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done.
And never think that your problems are insignificant. Many people will look at their problems and then look at those of the world and say to themselves that they can handle it - other people are suffering worse things. Well when you put it in that context every one's problems are insignificant! But you can only ever compare your problems when you are comparing them to your own past. Because you may be able to look back at what you have gotten through before and think, "Look at what I got over back then. That was much worse than how I feel now so I know I can get through this." Your problems weigh on your own heart, and they cannot go ignored! No where in the Bible does it say, "This is what Job suffered through. His problems were worse than yours. Suck it up." It never says anything remotely close to that!
God thinks that each and every problem, insignificant as you may chalk it up to be, is important and needs to be brought to His attention so that He may heal you. For if you let these things dwell inside of you, more sin may corrupt you and your thoughts and actions in the future, and that is not what God wants at all. You cannot think of your problems in comparison with those of the world. Only one person in the history of the world has ever and will ever group the sins of the world and take responsibility for them all: Jesus Christ. And Jesus Christ wants to know what is tugging at your heart and causing you pain in your life so that He may fix that as well.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Another thing I continue to struggle with, as my friends will tell you, is that I care perhaps too much about people and am very protective of those I care about. However, most times I find myself helpless to do anything. Sometimes the problem is out of my hands; sometimes it is something that only someone with specialized training can fix, and sometimes the problem is too geographically far away from me to help with. And I'm sure many of you find these things to be true for you as well. It's frustrating! Trust me, I know. But the Lord says the most powerful thing we can do for those we love is to pray for them.
So when you find yourself in a situation that seems overwhelming and out of your control just remember: nothing is overwhelming for the one who created all things, and everything is under God's control. He has a plan, and we just need to trust that it will all work out.
James 5:16 Pray for one another, that you may be healed.
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all with liberty and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
God Bless!
ChristianKid
There are so many times in our lives when the world just seems terrible - and thanks to sin, it is. Our world endures horrible things such as natural disasters, wars, disease, poverty, pain, and the list goes on and on. Sometimes I catch myself wondering, "God what are you doing?! What good is going to come of this?! This makes no sense!" Sometimes unfortunately for our naive minds, God works in mysterious ways.
But no matter what we all go through, there is always someone out there who is going through the same trials and tribulations that we have. God has made sure that no matter what happens, you can take comfort knowing that you are never alone. You always have Jesus to turn to when things get rough, and as long as you have faith in Him, He will provide for you and take care of you.
Matthew 21:21 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done.
And never think that your problems are insignificant. Many people will look at their problems and then look at those of the world and say to themselves that they can handle it - other people are suffering worse things. Well when you put it in that context every one's problems are insignificant! But you can only ever compare your problems when you are comparing them to your own past. Because you may be able to look back at what you have gotten through before and think, "Look at what I got over back then. That was much worse than how I feel now so I know I can get through this." Your problems weigh on your own heart, and they cannot go ignored! No where in the Bible does it say, "This is what Job suffered through. His problems were worse than yours. Suck it up." It never says anything remotely close to that!
God thinks that each and every problem, insignificant as you may chalk it up to be, is important and needs to be brought to His attention so that He may heal you. For if you let these things dwell inside of you, more sin may corrupt you and your thoughts and actions in the future, and that is not what God wants at all. You cannot think of your problems in comparison with those of the world. Only one person in the history of the world has ever and will ever group the sins of the world and take responsibility for them all: Jesus Christ. And Jesus Christ wants to know what is tugging at your heart and causing you pain in your life so that He may fix that as well.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Another thing I continue to struggle with, as my friends will tell you, is that I care perhaps too much about people and am very protective of those I care about. However, most times I find myself helpless to do anything. Sometimes the problem is out of my hands; sometimes it is something that only someone with specialized training can fix, and sometimes the problem is too geographically far away from me to help with. And I'm sure many of you find these things to be true for you as well. It's frustrating! Trust me, I know. But the Lord says the most powerful thing we can do for those we love is to pray for them.
So when you find yourself in a situation that seems overwhelming and out of your control just remember: nothing is overwhelming for the one who created all things, and everything is under God's control. He has a plan, and we just need to trust that it will all work out.
James 5:16 Pray for one another, that you may be healed.
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all with liberty and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
God Bless!
ChristianKid
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Don't Be Left Behind
I always hate it when people get overly serious on me - especially when I'm in a light-hearted mood. So if you're not in the mood for a serious talk, perhaps you can save this one for another day. I promise I won't be offended. :)
I also feel I should address the fact that I am truly sorry if I offend anyone. That is not my intention at all, I promise. These are my opinions, and you are most certainly entitled to your own. In fact, I would love to hear your opinion! I always try to be very open to hearing what everyone has to say.
I've been reading this book series called Left Behind (the first three were made into movies). It helps people understand what could potentially happen after God raptures those who have placed their trust in Him. It follows a very well-written fictional story of people who are all connected but have different convictions about God and what the rapture really was while following a broad interpretation of the book Revelations from the Bible.
It is a very convicting book, even for those who are already what I call true Christians (those who have placed their trust in God and consciously given their lives to God wholeheartedly and yearn for His word). And for those of you who have done so, first of all I congratulate you! And second, you can attest to the fact that those three things listed above all come hand in hand with each other since I'm sure those of you who have not do not fully understand. I know I didn't.
At any rate, I cannot stop thinking about what it would feel like to just be talking to someone and having them disappear right before your very eyes. Think of the confusion that would ensue! In the book it talks about people committing suicide because they fear the worst - or they know everyone was raptured and they missed the boat. My heart aches for the latter even more. Then it got me thinking about who I know that if this happened this very instant, I am not sure they would follow me up to Heaven. I want to be sure!
I am no expert on the subject of Revelations, and I will be the first to admit that this book just plain baffles me. But I will give you the basic rundown of what the 'Rapture' is. Basically the Bible says that sometime in the future, no one will have any inkling when, God will call all of His people, living and dead, up to Heaven so that they will not have to endure the hardship of the trials to come in the days before Jesus comes back to Earth to reign forever in what the book calls the Glorious Reappearing. Those raptured will also serve as a testament to God's glory for those remaining. Those left behind will have to endure seven years of the devil reigning the Earth before God returns for eternity. They have one last shot to redeem themselves and accept God into their hearts and let Him influence their decisions in life.
I not only encourage you to read these books and then seek your own references to understand the book of Revelation, but I encourage you to tell of God's glory now so that perhaps a few less people will have to suffer as those in the books suffer because they missed the boat. Anyone who knows me knows I love my friends very, very dearly. And it's because I love them so much that I wish to ensure that I see them again someday to share the kingdom of Heaven with me and the Almighty Lord!
Every person in this world is loved by somebody, and above all, God. We as Christians have a higher calling than other people of this world. We are called to share the Word of the Lord because we have been blessed with the knowledge that others lack or just plain refuse to accept. It is up to us to save those people loved so much by God that He sent His only son to die for us so that we are not condemned but have eternal life.
Me personally, I'm a hugger. So after I get that all-awesome hug from God and Jesus Himself, I want to hug my friends and welcome them to Heaven someday. I hope that is not for a long time, but I do pray for that more than anything in this world. And I hope to hug you and welcome you, too. And all of your friends and their friends and their friends!! But it's up to you to make sure your friends will join you in Heaven with the Lord someday. Don't worry, God will help you along the way.
God Bless!
ChristianKid
I also feel I should address the fact that I am truly sorry if I offend anyone. That is not my intention at all, I promise. These are my opinions, and you are most certainly entitled to your own. In fact, I would love to hear your opinion! I always try to be very open to hearing what everyone has to say.
I've been reading this book series called Left Behind (the first three were made into movies). It helps people understand what could potentially happen after God raptures those who have placed their trust in Him. It follows a very well-written fictional story of people who are all connected but have different convictions about God and what the rapture really was while following a broad interpretation of the book Revelations from the Bible.
It is a very convicting book, even for those who are already what I call true Christians (those who have placed their trust in God and consciously given their lives to God wholeheartedly and yearn for His word). And for those of you who have done so, first of all I congratulate you! And second, you can attest to the fact that those three things listed above all come hand in hand with each other since I'm sure those of you who have not do not fully understand. I know I didn't.
At any rate, I cannot stop thinking about what it would feel like to just be talking to someone and having them disappear right before your very eyes. Think of the confusion that would ensue! In the book it talks about people committing suicide because they fear the worst - or they know everyone was raptured and they missed the boat. My heart aches for the latter even more. Then it got me thinking about who I know that if this happened this very instant, I am not sure they would follow me up to Heaven. I want to be sure!
I am no expert on the subject of Revelations, and I will be the first to admit that this book just plain baffles me. But I will give you the basic rundown of what the 'Rapture' is. Basically the Bible says that sometime in the future, no one will have any inkling when, God will call all of His people, living and dead, up to Heaven so that they will not have to endure the hardship of the trials to come in the days before Jesus comes back to Earth to reign forever in what the book calls the Glorious Reappearing. Those raptured will also serve as a testament to God's glory for those remaining. Those left behind will have to endure seven years of the devil reigning the Earth before God returns for eternity. They have one last shot to redeem themselves and accept God into their hearts and let Him influence their decisions in life.
I not only encourage you to read these books and then seek your own references to understand the book of Revelation, but I encourage you to tell of God's glory now so that perhaps a few less people will have to suffer as those in the books suffer because they missed the boat. Anyone who knows me knows I love my friends very, very dearly. And it's because I love them so much that I wish to ensure that I see them again someday to share the kingdom of Heaven with me and the Almighty Lord!
Every person in this world is loved by somebody, and above all, God. We as Christians have a higher calling than other people of this world. We are called to share the Word of the Lord because we have been blessed with the knowledge that others lack or just plain refuse to accept. It is up to us to save those people loved so much by God that He sent His only son to die for us so that we are not condemned but have eternal life.
Me personally, I'm a hugger. So after I get that all-awesome hug from God and Jesus Himself, I want to hug my friends and welcome them to Heaven someday. I hope that is not for a long time, but I do pray for that more than anything in this world. And I hope to hug you and welcome you, too. And all of your friends and their friends and their friends!! But it's up to you to make sure your friends will join you in Heaven with the Lord someday. Don't worry, God will help you along the way.
God Bless!
ChristianKid
I don't need easy. I just need possible.
I do apologize for not blogging in awhile. I am saddened to say that my faith has not been as strong as it once was since summer has begun, just like I was warned it would. But hopefully this blog among other things will keep me a women after God's own heart.
However, a few days ago a friend of mine asked to do a movie night and we ended up going to Soul Surfer. I had heard many good things about this movie but was scared to go see a movie that I knew ended with a girl getting her arm bitten off by a shark. I always hate it when bad things happen to the good guys.
But that was not it at all! The movie is not about getting bit by a shark. It's about how God works in mysterious ways and there is nothing you cannot do through Him. And the movie portrayed this so well! In this day and age, the media is so against Christianity and does everything in its power to give us and God a bad name. But how can you not want to root for a teenage girl with this kind of courage?! I was amazed at how well they made the movie Hollywood-worthy but still gave God all the glory quite obviously.
I did not want this movie to end. But by the time it was done, I was ready to conquer the world. I felt as though I could run a marathon or climb Everest or swim across the entire ocean. I was so on fire for the Lord and I didn't realize how much I had needed it until watching this movie! I cannot WAIT until it comes out on dvd and I highly recommended all of you watch it.
At one point in the movie, Bethany realizes that through God she can accomplish anything and wants to surf again but has to go from a beginner's surf board to a professional competitor's board in very little time. She tells her father, "I don't need easy. I just need possible." This has become my new life motto. Life is not easy. God did not intend it that way. Note that Matthew 19:26 says, "with men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." It does not say that all things are easy - it just says they are possible. Whatever you hope to accomplish in life, it will not be easy. But if you put your trust in the Lord, there is nothing you can't accomplish.
And do not be discouraged when things take an ugly turn. The Lord works in mysterious ways. At one point in Soul Surfer, Bethany says, "How can this be God's plan for me?" And you may think just what she thought - how can a girl tragically and traumatically losing her arm be God's plan for her? How can that be working towards her goal of being a professional surfer?
Well God had a different plan for her - one that included a tremendous part of Him and allowing her to reach millions with His word. Bethany Hamiliton is now a professional surfer, living the dream she always wanted, and was given the opportunity to reach millions, if not hundreds of millions, of people to show them that God is truly great. She wouldn't have this opportunity if she hadn't lost her arm. And I will wager to guess that her faith is so much stronger because of this experience.
Never despair. God is great, and if you trust in Him alone and not men, He will give you the world. He loves you, and He loves me, and He wants nothing but the best for us.
God Bless!
ChristianKid
PS - I love movies! Here are some great Christian movies listed in no particular order:
- Fireproof (great story on a prideful person finding God, famous in Christian movie world)
- Facing the Giants (incredibly inspirational story of a football team placing their team in the hands of God)
- Faith Like Potatoes (true story!)
- Left Behind series (based on the books explaining the end times through a fantastic fictional story. Only three movies ever made, however)
- Book of Eli (actually a mainstream movie, very symbolistic of Biblical main themes)
- Chronicles of Narnia (based on the books, so much symbolism of the Bible it's ridiculous - but awesome)
There are, of course, many more but these are the ones I have seen and feel very confident recommending.
However, a few days ago a friend of mine asked to do a movie night and we ended up going to Soul Surfer. I had heard many good things about this movie but was scared to go see a movie that I knew ended with a girl getting her arm bitten off by a shark. I always hate it when bad things happen to the good guys.
But that was not it at all! The movie is not about getting bit by a shark. It's about how God works in mysterious ways and there is nothing you cannot do through Him. And the movie portrayed this so well! In this day and age, the media is so against Christianity and does everything in its power to give us and God a bad name. But how can you not want to root for a teenage girl with this kind of courage?! I was amazed at how well they made the movie Hollywood-worthy but still gave God all the glory quite obviously.
I did not want this movie to end. But by the time it was done, I was ready to conquer the world. I felt as though I could run a marathon or climb Everest or swim across the entire ocean. I was so on fire for the Lord and I didn't realize how much I had needed it until watching this movie! I cannot WAIT until it comes out on dvd and I highly recommended all of you watch it.
At one point in the movie, Bethany realizes that through God she can accomplish anything and wants to surf again but has to go from a beginner's surf board to a professional competitor's board in very little time. She tells her father, "I don't need easy. I just need possible." This has become my new life motto. Life is not easy. God did not intend it that way. Note that Matthew 19:26 says, "with men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." It does not say that all things are easy - it just says they are possible. Whatever you hope to accomplish in life, it will not be easy. But if you put your trust in the Lord, there is nothing you can't accomplish.
And do not be discouraged when things take an ugly turn. The Lord works in mysterious ways. At one point in Soul Surfer, Bethany says, "How can this be God's plan for me?" And you may think just what she thought - how can a girl tragically and traumatically losing her arm be God's plan for her? How can that be working towards her goal of being a professional surfer?
Well God had a different plan for her - one that included a tremendous part of Him and allowing her to reach millions with His word. Bethany Hamiliton is now a professional surfer, living the dream she always wanted, and was given the opportunity to reach millions, if not hundreds of millions, of people to show them that God is truly great. She wouldn't have this opportunity if she hadn't lost her arm. And I will wager to guess that her faith is so much stronger because of this experience.
Never despair. God is great, and if you trust in Him alone and not men, He will give you the world. He loves you, and He loves me, and He wants nothing but the best for us.
God Bless!
ChristianKid
PS - I love movies! Here are some great Christian movies listed in no particular order:
- Fireproof (great story on a prideful person finding God, famous in Christian movie world)
- Facing the Giants (incredibly inspirational story of a football team placing their team in the hands of God)
- Faith Like Potatoes (true story!)
- Left Behind series (based on the books explaining the end times through a fantastic fictional story. Only three movies ever made, however)
- Book of Eli (actually a mainstream movie, very symbolistic of Biblical main themes)
- Chronicles of Narnia (based on the books, so much symbolism of the Bible it's ridiculous - but awesome)
There are, of course, many more but these are the ones I have seen and feel very confident recommending.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)